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Hot Tub/Jacuzzi Advice?

Laurie S.

Laurie S.

Well-Known Member
Staff member
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I've always wanted a hot tub or jacuzzi in my yard and now have decided to move ahead with the project. What exactly is the difference between a hot tub and a jacuzzi? I'm looking for something that could have cooler water in the summer so I could use it like a mini-pool and hotter water when I want the spa effect.

I am going to go to some stores here in town, but if anyone here could offer me some advice, that would be great. It's only for me (and maybe a friend from time to time) and I'm looking for low maintenance.
 
Daughter had a hot tub for several years....used it a few times......sold it cheap. That is what I hear so many times. Upkeep is like a pool or very close. Hers was covered but still had to be cleaned and treated. If not used over a period of time she had to clean and such to use it. Amazing what can get under even the best of covers.

The times she used it, it was great.

As I have heard many times when we were looking at them when in Az,,,,the day you buy it and the day you sell it....two of the happiest days you will have.

Talk to local owners too........
 
We've had ours for about 5 years and love it! I forgot what brand but we use it all the time. It also keeps the kids coming over and visiting their parents! LOL
Stan
 
I'm looking for low maintenance.
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Maintenance will vary, but I'm not sure if it will ever be considered "low".

Our hot tub has sat dormant for the last 3-4 years. It's working fine, but I just don't have the time/energy to keep the chemicals in balance all year long for only occasional use.

The absolute BEST hot tub/Jacuzzi belongs to someone else.
 
I've had a Jacuzzi brand 3 person spa for 5+ years and really like it. It is a 10 y/o model. No fancy lights or stereo, just the basics. We bought it second-hand. Cheap. We has to pay to have a 220 line extended to the back of the house. SWMBO uses it almost daily. It helps her unwind after work.

Maintenance has not been a problem. During constant use, the cartridge filters should be removed, soaked, and hosed every week or so. They are soaked is 5 gallon buckets overnight. No big deal.

We change the water every few months. I run a garden hose from the drain tube in the spa to a clean out pipe next to my house. SWMBO uses non-chlorine chemicals from Baqua Spa: http://www.archchemicals.com/Fed/BAQSPA/Products/ . We get great results. Once you get the hang if it, balancing the water is not a big deal. You can always hire a pool service to handle the maintenance.

I learned to never let the spa remain empty for long periods of time. Two problems can develop: The o-rings and gaskets can dry out, causing leakage. And/or air bubbles can develop in the lines causing the pump not to work. I had a problem with the latter. I had to remove the wood siding of the spa and purge the water lines: PIA.

In the summer months, because it does not get much use, I turn the heater off and put the spa in economy mode. I think it's a great idea to use it as a Summer soaker; my aunt and uncle use theirs as one.
 
Laurie:

"Jacuzzi" is a brand and a spa is a generic name. These days most Jacuzzi's I've seen are bath tubs with jets. About 15 years ago or so I bought a Sundance spa that seated 8 (It stayed with the house when I sold it). As posted previously, a 220 line needed to be run from the service box to the spa. If you read the manuals and documentation that come with the spa you might come to think that you will need hazardous materials permit to just have all the chemicals needed on hand. To the contrary, the spa salesman advised me to use 3 chemicals and test the spa's ph regularly. IIRC those chemicals were bromine tablets, a green liquid (Can't remember what it was!!) and a white powder called "shock' something or another. Periodically, the filter cartridge needed to be cleaned out (Formula 409 and a good rinse) and a fresh fill once per year. At any rate, I considered the maintenance minimal. Overall, it was very nice year round and a real treat in the winter. From what I remember Sundance and Hot Springs were the high end spas back then, not sure what the pecking order might be these days.
 
Much like a pool, maintenance varies widely by climate - I've had them in RI & SC. In SC, a TON more maintenance than in RI. Chemicals last longer, less algae problems, etc in RI. So, talk to local owners about maintenence.
 
Thanks guys, this helps. After I get back from the Oklahoma show, I'll see about getting going on this. Gives me lots of time to check out local dealers and Costco.
 
"Midlife" said:
OK...I'm getting pretty jealous...who's the new beau?
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Didn't you see it....she is looking for low maintenance......of which she must think you are not.......
 
"apollard" said:
I've had them in RI & SC. In SC, a TON more maintenance than in RI.
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SC?? Could have been the neighbor's stringer of fish, as they tried out the new pond...
 
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