Best small hot tub for $$$

[MBHfromNH]

Hi

I am new to the Forum and looking at small hot tubs for purchase.  Pretty confusing out there.  I was looking at Hot Spring Hot Spot SX or TX.  Also looked at Bullfrog.  I want to put this on my deck and use for personal relaxation and hydrotherapy.  I was drawn to Hot Spring because it seems to use less chemicals - claim of salt water, etc.  Any recommendations.  Even the small tubs are really pricey.  Don't want to make a mistake.

thanks so much for any help!

[johnha]

Wet test any tub you are considering.

I don't have a Hot Spring, but my brother has one on a roof deck 3 blocks from the Atlantic Ocean in New Jersey.  It is over 20 years old and has operated well during that time.  I recently replaced the circulating pump for them, and have re-stained the cedar skirt a couple of times, but considering where it sits that's no big deal.

I can't comment on 'less chemicals' as that is relative.  If you used the tub more, you'll likely use more chemicals, and vice-versa.  I find that people that spend less time on care usually spend more on chemicals trying to fix things that would not become a problem with just a little more attention.

[north_of_boston]

Three comments.

1) Salt systems.   I paid extra for one on an Arctic Spa.   We love the spa (otherwise) but the price for the sanitizing cells went to $75 and the warranty on them was reduced to 90 days.  They never lasted over seven months but they were waranteed for a year.   When they reduced the warranty for the Onzen system,  we gave up on it and went to chemicals.

We've saved money.    In the last two years we've spent under $60 on chemicals.   Once a week a small scoop of chlorinating concentrate and PH Increaser.    After a party or large group - we use enhanced spa shock.    Not often.    Just the two of us usually - no swimsuits ever allowed in the tub regardless of who we invite,   the water stays clean.

 

2) Like anything - YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.     johnha had a suggestion - which is good - wet test any tub.     A better,  major brand tub with a good warranty -- from a dealer -- dealer support is critical -- may be worth the extra money.    The Zig Ziglar philosophy holds true with hot tubs.     The hot tub cover is also critical for energy savings.    We have the original cover from Arctic - which is so good,  no water leakage or saturation - and Arctic now is in the after-market cover business.    As are others.

 

3) There are many variables involved in a hot tub.   Indoors or outside?   Will you have to prep a site for it?   How about electrical,  as most tubs should be on their own 220v dedicated line and breaker.   Privacy - will you need to do what we did (a 3 meter fence)???  Analyze that in the total cost of ownership (TCO).    Do you need one that seats four?   Or six?   Or ten?   Remember,  if it's you and the missus/whatever most of the time,  you don't need a tub that holds 12 people.    Ours holds six.    Most of the time it's two of us.   Sometimes four.    Once a year or so,  more.     Ours is fine for our use.

 

There are also some other things to consider - foam-packed cabinet vs,  insulated / rising heat....   stereo system ( I say NO..as will many dealers,  privately,  get a boom box from WalMart for $40).   

And so forth.   You have come to the right place.