ProwlerOnline, Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler Discussion Forum
Off Topic
any hot tub/spa experts out there.... (Page 2)
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone!
profile | register | preferences | faq | search
|
|
ProwlerOnline, Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler Discussion Forum
Off Topic
any hot tub/spa experts out there.... (Page 2)
profile | register | preferences | faq | search
|
| This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 This topic was originally posted in this forum: Tires, Rims Discusssion |
| Author | Topic: any hot tub/spa experts out there.... |
|
tangled up in BLUE Prowler Junkie Posts: 11086 |
posted 12-14-2004 09:00 PM
...during remodeling, we are planning to ad one to a bedroom/bath..... ....local brand names include CalSpa...Carefree Spa....Royal Spa...I don't even know if these are national names or not..... ....upkeep, are they a pain in the a$$.... ...the room is 18x40, space is not a problem in the plans.... .....thanx.....the "Spa Dummie" This message has been edited by tangled up in BLUE on 12-14-2004 at 09:01 PM |
|
meancat Prowler Junkie Posts: 3635 |
posted 12-14-2004 09:17 PM
The best spot for one is outside the moisture wont ruin anything,And it feels good in the cold.Calspa is a name brand.I had one for three years I found it was to much maintain.And it would break down once a year.And I would have to wait for 2 weeks to get it fixed.We didn't use it in the summer as it was to hot.But we had a lot of fun and party's in it.As long as your not talking about the bath tub type. ------------------ |
|
RPL Prowler Junkie Posts: 3448 |
posted 12-14-2004 09:23 PM
We've had a Cal Spa for a dozen years. Follow the directions regarding chemicals. Switched from chloride to bromine very early on. It's easier to manage. If you're indoors, figure out how to handle the humidity as you're remodeling the room. You will have it from the 102 degree water. Plan up front to manage it. Keep the spa covered when not in use. You'll save money on energy and have less humidity to deal with. Purchase a full set of chemicals and test strips from the same chemical company. Buy a couple of extra filters so that you can rotate them when you clean the unit. Saves time and makes the filters last longer. Hope this helps. call if you have any questions. We chose Cal Spa because our friends out West had one for about ten years before we purchased one. |
|
Ray unregistered Posts: 3448 |
posted 12-14-2004 09:56 PM
Has one for 10 years. Also I ran mine on 220v verus 110v for the overall cost savings and efficiency of quick heat up etc. Indoors does present many ventilation problems, as well as the noise .. best spot, outdoors on a deck or patio ... GREAT from now through May ... then, as has been stated, still enjoyable, but not as stimulating with the warmer air of spring and summer. Will suits be optional? Let me know when done so I can plan my next visit accordingly =) |
|
SirReal Prowler Junkie Posts: 3332 |
posted 12-14-2004 10:16 PM
Mmmm Hot Tub Oh How I Miss My Hot Tub! First of all I agree with Meancat as far as being outside. There is nothing like laying back looking at the stars in a hot tub! I had a two person Jacuzzi tub in the house, but outside it was an eight person hot tub. It was used year round, while it was snowing during winter and actually used an air raft to float and tan during the summer. There are a lot of nice interior colors but I chose white because the colored underwater lights really looked awesome on white. The model that I had, had a foot volcano in the middle of the tub. The pump for it had its own rheostat. Now for the kicker, I cut a piece of PVC pipe that fit inside the volcano and it was about an inch below the water line. This little trick made an incredible fountain that shot up as high as six feet. I took some mighty fine naps falling asleep to the sound of my own fountain. Here's another tip if installing outside on a deck. My neighbor to the right simply put their tub right on the deck and they had to use steps to climb up. My neighbor to the left sunk theirs flush with the deck. I decided it would be easier to get in and out if it was sunken halfway down (top of the tub was about bath tub height) That way you could comfortably sit on the edge and then spin around and gracefully slide into the tub. As far as upkeep, I never minded it because of the enjoyment the tub offered. |
|
ed monahan Prowler Junkie Posts: 33595 |
posted 12-14-2004 10:37 PM
Larry, I shouldn't give you any help since you insulted Karen Carpenter (lol) BUT I bought a spa last Dec. It was supposed to be a surprise for Sandy for Christmas but they delivered it and set it in the driveway when no one was home so it was somewhat of a surprise for me, too, when I got home. Anyway, I can't offer much info on brand names. I screwed up the chemicals early on but once you get the drift of it, it is pretty simple. I use bromine instead of chlorine. Supposedly easier on the skin, also. I really do not know. I would highly suggest putting it outside, also. It is really nice to sit outside and look at the stars, shooting stars and the locust. lol. Think about how an indoor pool usually smells after all that moisture soaks into all surrounding surfaces. Once you get your body temp up, it is no big deal to get out of the tub when the temp is hovering around zero. You can't use it in the rain outside, but that is about the only drawback, in my opinion. If you wear suits or any clothing in the spa, you will wind up with soap in it. You can buy anti-foam chemicals. We do not wear any clothing in the spa and have not had a problem with chemicals since the first few weeks when I experimented a little too much. I did not buy a huge spa. I think it is rated 5 person. That is big enough for the two of us. The more gadgets you get on it, the higher the potential for repairs, of course. We use ours virtually every night. I sometimes get in it by myself in the middle of the night. I love it. |
|
weteyes Prowler Junkie Posts: 169 |
posted 12-14-2004 11:12 PM
i had one.....indoors..it was a pain....i used chlorine..instead of bromide..cause i found out i was allergic to the salt for some reason....finally after five years i got rid of it...had a pool built outside...and finally almost enclosed that....much better...id rather be cool in the summer and swim than hot in the winter and sitting in my own soup....but thats my opinion.... |
|
CJ Prowler Junkie Posts: 18860 |
posted 12-15-2004 12:07 AM
Bob forgot to mention that we totally drain and clean the spa twice a year. In the Spring and in the Fall. In between, the chemicals keep it maintained. I love the spa. I use it in the summer and the winter. It's great for my back problems....which was one of the main reasons we got it. Ours is in an enclosure outside on our deck.
|
|
WildCat Prowler Junkie Posts: 6862 |
posted 12-15-2004 01:47 AM
Larry, having inside has it's advantages, just make sure that they install an exhaust fan large enough to remove the moisture when you are using it, when you are not using it have it covered. The ad's for Royal spa sounds like they are the best in the area. Wait a little bit and go to the Home show at the fair grounds and see all that are available in the Indy area |
|
CJ Prowler Junkie Posts: 18860 |
posted 12-15-2004 06:40 AM
Larry's right........check out prices at the Home shows. When Bob and I were transferred in February (by Chrysler) back up here from Cincy, we bought a new home. We really wanted a spa so we went to a big Home show here. CalSpa had a display (and we knew about them through our friends) so we looked at those in addition to a great many others. We decided on the Cal Spa and they made us a great deal. We got the Spa and the enclosure for what the cost of spa was if we'd gone to their showroom (which we had checked out) and bought it. Not only that, but since it was February we didn't have our deck built yet. They gave us up to a year to take delivery on it!!! In the Spring, they came and installed it while the deck was in progress and the deck railing was finished around it. It was a super deal for us... |
|
KenG Prowler Junkie Posts: 641 |
posted 12-15-2004 07:28 AM
I have had a Paradise Spa now for about 5 years. It has been virtually trouble free. I replaced the low speed pump once about 2 years ago. My low speed pumps runs 24/7 to keep the water circulating. I also change the water 2-3 times a year. One thing no one has mentioned is an ozoneator. I have one on mine and have not had to use chemicals for 4 years. The Ozoneator make the water surgically clean. I have checked the water with the test strips and it never changes. I would highly recommend this option if you are looking for a new spa. |
|
Randy Cobb Prowler Junkie Posts: 4070 |
posted 12-15-2004 07:33 AM
We bought a new (existing) home last fall and it had a pool and spa there when we bought it. The spa is a Jacuzzi 8 person and is located outside between the house and pool beside the patio. Last winter I drained it and reopened it in March. This year we are leaving it open all year. We love it. We even use it in the summer. We used the spa in the summer more than the pool. Kids in it a lot in the summer. The only problem I have with it is walking in the winter outside in the cold, but with slipper and a robe it's not too bad. I would not use chorline. It burns the kids eyes and discolors swimsuits. I used Bromine for the first few months and then switched to a more natural group of chemicals (can't think of the name of it now) this summer. I simply take a water sample by the pool/spa store once every two weeks (the store is very near my office) to see what I need. Usually it takes the standard maintainance dosage. Like CJ, we drain and replace the water once every 6 months. In the fall and spring. From my limited experience I would vote for outside installation near the house and get the best unit available with an automatic themostat and follow the recommendations of your local spa sore for chemicals. From my experience and from talking to friends/neighbors who have spas, it costs about $15 to $20 a month during the winter in electrical cost to run the spa. This depends of course on your climate and the temperature of the themo. |
|
TFischer Prowler Junkie Posts: 4913 |
posted 12-15-2004 08:25 AM
We had a spa for years and like CJ we had an enclosure and drained it twice a year. Was very easy to maintain. We have friends that have one inside. They needed to provide extra ventilation in the room it is in because of the chemicals and moisture. They haven't had any problems because they planned ahead before installation. It's basically in a "sun" room. T. |
|
Tom Santella Prowler Junkie Posts: 1484 |
posted 12-15-2004 08:34 AM
Tangled, You gotta go for it. Pools and spas are my buisness, although I do custom gunite projects almost exclusively. Most clients that I convince to add a spa to their pool projects say that it is the best decision that they made on the whole project. The good times can be limitless. The newer models can have every bell and whistle that you can imagine, and are alot more reliable than even a few years ago. You won't be sorry. ------------------ |
|
BuckNekkid Prowler Junkie Posts: 652 |
posted 12-15-2004 08:45 AM
I'm a self proclaimed expert on this particular subject. Just ask me  :I put a Hot Springs spa in our last house. Looked at pretty much every brand out there before buying and concluded these were inarguably the best spas made. Two 2.5 horse pumps, fully insulated for efficiency, lots of really cool features (moto-massage, water features,LED lighting, music system, etc.) The fact that they have a 7 year warranty didn't hurt either. If I'm not mistaken they are hands down the best selling spas on the market. I absolutely loved mine. The one thing I would suggest no matter what spa you choose is that you use Baquacil instead of "regular" chemicals. Much easier to maintain your spa, and much nicer to live with than chlorine or other similar products. Very gentle, doesn't dry out your skin or bleach you hair. I can't recommend it highly enough. Here's the spa site: Here's the model I had (click on color choices - I had the jade unit): Here's a link to the Baquacil products I was talking about as well : Enjoy |
|
Bob Goetz Prowler Junkie Posts: 2895 |
posted 12-15-2004 10:07 AM
Hot Tub maintenance!!!!! I have had one for about 10 years, I am on my second tub itself a Calderea and if I had to do it again I would buy a Bull Frog. As far as keeping it clean & clear I have used about everything but when I put the new tub in 3 years ago I switched and it made my life so much easier. I use a product called Natures Way it cost about $90 and need s to be added when you have filled the tub, then after each time you use the tub add a very small amount of Non Chlorine Shock, also I call it a toilet paper roll holder has to be in tub at all times and needs to be changed out about every 3 months they run about $20. If you stay on top of things it is very easy to keep up. A few things to make your life easier. 1. When you buy your tub make sure it has a ozone generator installed. I drain mine once a year and before I drain it I run a de scalier in it, and and then I attach the hose to the drain and back flush it. GOOD LUCK! You will enjoy it. ------------------ |
|
Randy Cobb Prowler Junkie Posts: 4070 |
posted 12-16-2004 08:08 AM
Tangled - The treatment system I couldn't remember the name of was the same as BuckNekkid suggested, Baquacil. I agree with him, that this is superior to clorine or bromine. Good luck with your decision! |
| This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 All times are CT (US) | This is an ARCHIVED topic. You may not reply to it! |
All material contained herein, Copyright 2000 - 2012 ProwlerOnline.com
Powered by Infopop www.infopop.com © 2000
E-Innovations, LP
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c
