Hot Tub Owners Feedback
When buying any product is is sometimes difficult to make sense of the 'sales pitch' from manufacturers brochures and from the sales person. We have found the best source of independent advice comes from existing owners who have real experience and knowledge of both the buying process and long term ownership.
So we have interviewed a couple based in Dorset who have owned a hot tub for 3 years, they are in the late 30's and have a young daughter.
What made you get a hot tub?
Our friends bought one 6 months before we did and we loved it, really good fun and very social. We had a bonus from work and decided a hot tub was for us.
Do you use it regularly?
Yes, one of the reasons for purchase is that we always have friends and family visiting and they all use the hot tub, no one arrives at our house now without their swimming costumes. We are surprised that as a family we use the hot tub more in the winter than summer, as there is nothing like relaxing in the hot spa after a stressful day at work on a crisp cold evening, although it is a bit chilly when you get out. Hot tubs are expensive so make sure you use it.
How did you buy it?
We actually first looked at the Southampton Boat Show and nearly bought a show spacial model, however in the end we purchased online after completing more research and probably made a better decision as a result. We went for a 6 model seat which we feel is perfect for us.
Any tips on the buying process?
Get to know the product. We looked at a few dealers at the boat show and decided what we wanted and then got the best deal we could. Make sure you have budgeted for installation as it is expensive to do properly and a lot of people we know cut corners in this area. We decided to go for a very good installation rather than extras such as a dvd etc (we have a wireless speaker by the spa which runs of our home stereo and this works great). We upgraded from a 1kw heater to a 2.5kw heater and we think that was a good decision as spa holds it temperature well even in the winter with the jets on and also means you can increase temperature before use much faster.
How was the installation?
We had no problems, we wanted the tub sunk into the ground as we feel it looks much better so we hired a small digger and dug out the hole prior to the installation team arriving. James also put in a drainage pipe that feeds into our main drain which makes emptying the hot tub much easier. The company we purchased from delivered the spa and completed the electrical work than needs to been done professionally. Make sure you have an installation plan, and all costs for the work prior to purchasing, just in the same way you would if you purchased a kitchen.
What are running costs?
We have always kept a close eye on running costs for electricity and cleaning chemicals. We leave our tub on constant at 30 degrees and boost when we need to use and follow the recommended process for adding cleaning chemicals. Are costs are around £75 - £100 per quarter, which feel feel is not to bad.
How do you find maintenance?
We empty the water every 4-6 weeks depending on usage and test water for quality regularly with a test kit and add appropriate chemicals, its very straight forward. The filter cartridges must be cleaned out periodically with special cleaning fluid. Our spa runs a self cleaning cycle twice a day (you can hear it cut in) and ensures pumps and motors are activated even when left for an extended period. We have also recently reapplied wood stain to the wood cladding as it had faded slightly.
Any other tips or hints?
We have recently added a good quality cover as it offers much better insulation and easy folding, check what comes as standard with your chosen hot tub.
