re: Talk to me about a hot tub

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Do you leave it on or just turn on before you want to get in?

Do you just step over the inside to get in? Doesn't look that tall.

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I leave it on for weeks at a time. And I'll turn it off when I go on vacation or know I'm not going to use it for a few weeks. It heats up 2-3F an hour. Figure I save electricity keeping it hot than turning it on and off when I plan to use it.

It's about 2' tall so I can just step over to get in.

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I leave it on for weeks at a time. And I'll turn it off when I go on vacation or know I'm not going to use it for a few weeks. It heats up 2-3F an hour. Figure I save electricity keeping it hot than turning it on and off when I plan to use it.

It's about 2' tall so I can just step over to get in.

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Thanks.

I had a hesitation about getting one of these because I thought they would just be cheap crap that would quickly break.

One more question. How long can you stay in it with the jets running before it gets too cool and you need to switch it over to the heat?

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New Orleans would seem to have too much hot and warm weather to get full enjoyment out of a hot tub.

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I shared your same stance before we go ours couple years ago. We still use ours year round. In the summer I turn the heater off. Believe it or not, its quite relaxing in the evenings with the jets on while sippin a cold beer.

I have a Hot Springs Vanguard (400 gallons) and its been a great unit. It has seating for 6 but you could pile 8 in there if you really wanted. Its nice to be able to stretch out tho when its just me and the wife.

Whatever brand you decide, make sure it is a 220v. You will pay a bit more but you will not regret it later. The bigger tubs are easier to maintain and tend to have a longer life when it comes to pumps and whatnot. Also these have a continuous 24/7 recirculating pump. This IS something you want in a hot tub. I know most of the smaller units 115v plug in tubs do not. Or the pump runs on a timer. Hot tubs are all about how clean the water is on a continuous basis so an always on pump is a key to keeping the water properly maintained.

As for maintenance, ours is really low. Once you have the water adjusted to the proper specifications, I usually only add 1 tablespoon of chlorine per week if its not getting used. After every other use, I will add another tablespoon of chlorine. Ours also has an Ozonator that runs 24/7 and that helps a lot with keeping the water sanitized and crystal clear. It gives the water a nice sweet smell also so you don't have a chemical smell.