The Pros and Cons of Hot Tub Ownership
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 30 апр 2021
- Sandy describes her experience buying, installing and maintaining her Santa Cruz Island Spa. She lists the pros and cons of hot tub ownership. Her hot tub holds 225 gallons of water and has 33 jets. The brochure says it seats 3 but it really seats 2. She also lists all the expenses involved. Things that nobody talks about that you should know before buying a hot tub.
Links:
Facebook: / sandyover70
This IS the review that I was looking for. Someone unbiased who gave an honest opinion. I'm questioning whether to build a sauna instead, now...
I am glad it was helpful for you!
This is exactly what kind of info people are looking for! It's a great video and very detailed! Thank you for sharing your experience!
You're so welcome!
Sorry to hear about your problems that you were having. I've owned 2 hot tubs over the past 17 years. Replaced the 1st one after 15 years of use. Cabinet was falling apart. I've been doing mechanic work all my life, I'm almost 60 years old, it is a relief for body aches and pains. It does take some getting use to for maintaining. You appeared to have dealt with salespeople, not experts in their fields. Research is a plus, balance of chemicals is in your own water testing. And last, even your own hygiene is important. Being fairly clean before getting in. And yes, your clothing effects the water quality. Too much soap. I let rain water keep my bathing suit free from soap. Dry and ready for the next time. After you wash it, let mother nature dilute the soaps. My wife and I drain and refill it every 3 months. Clean it while it's empty of course. Even rain water deteriorates the quality of the water. We use a floating chemical ball to help maintain it. Water samples every week. It's not a plug and play tub. Our benefits drastically outweigh the maintenance.
Thanks for the detailed breakdown. Exactly the kind of unfiltered info I was looking for. I hope works fine from here on out and you are able to enjoy in the coming years!
Yes. It is much easier now! Best of luck to you.
Get a frog floater it has silver chemicals in it. You just replace when it turns over. After every use I throw a capful of shock to it. It eliminates oils etc from skin. Mine is on a flat porch. I just drop a hose into it and run the hose into the back of my yard to drain it. You can RUclips the drop method. Then I get into the tub after it is empty with a bucket of vinegar water and wipe it down. Hose out your filter once a month. I’ve had mine for 4 years now and I’m your age. I love it. It’s heavenly.
Thank you for your genuine and personal insight into hot tub value/cost.
I love your videos Sandy!!! So clear and candid about your experiences. You're also easy to listen to. Thank you!!!
Thank you so much!
Great Video, I too had a harrowing story of getting my tub up and running, just the other day. Glad to hear that all the persistence was worth it!
Best of luck to you. Enjoy!
Interesting and enlightening. I also like the style of the video, with a clear and eloquent voiceover.
Thank you very much!
Just got out of my tub and it made me appreciate it that much more!
Glad you are enjoying it!
@@SandyOver70 I'm a bit scared of my pool that the house came with. So much to do I haven't got around to figuring that out. Wish me luck!
@@sandyb.5014 I recommend a pool service! Best of luck to you!
Thanks. I'm a newbie and enjoy sitting out in the hot tub but I didn't get a whole lot of instruction when I got the tub as the installer was very quick to tell me what I need to do. I'm just winging it now. It was delivered at the end of June and the whole month of July has been 90+ temps. Can't wait for the cooler temps so I can hopefully enjoy it a little more.
Yes. You will definitely enjoy it in the cooler weather. The colder the better!
hello, great breakdown on timeline and expenses. thanks for sharing your experience..
Thanks!
Great video
Best review EVER. I'm in Spain and trying to decide whether to bother buying one....you are the BEST!
Thanks! You made my day!
Thanks for your honest review. I am saving every penny to get one because they help with my back. I know its alot of work going in and in hawaii they are not cheap but I cant wait until I can afford it.
Glad I could help, Joseph. I am sure you will love it and get relief for your back.
Love the honesty. I hope you can fully enjoy it now.
Thanks. We did enjoy it until we sold the house in March. Now another couple is thrilled to have gotten a hot tub with their new house.
@@SandyOver70 I’m looking at getting a swim spa for my family but I’m not sure now
@@roberthutchinson1409 Interesting concept. I just looked it up as I had not heard of a swim spa.
😅Thank you for your honest opinion. I was looking into the inflatable or hard shell. After your video and costs, I am conveniently going with the inflatable one. I hope you continue to get pleased with your purchase.
Wise choice. I sold the house and no longer have a hot tub but I did enjoy it while I had it.
Many thanks for the info Sandy. This is type of first hand account of all the little trials and tribulations is worth it's weight in gold. I'm in the process of buying a home that has a hot tub and after negotiations the sellers are actually going to end up taking it. It's 12 years old and I was worried it would start leaking or some other headache soon. I did like the idea of it though. I think it's going to be less hassle just skipping it... Glad you are enjoying yours now that you have it figured out though.
I am glad I was helpful to you!
Great information as a new Hot Tub owner.
I'm glad it was helpful.
Excellent video!
Thank you very much!
This is a lovely breakdown, you made it extremely clear and helped me make a decision.
I am glad I was able to be of help!
@@SandyOver70 By the way, it's really neat to see your recent videos of North Carolina, that's my home state and I love seeing people enjoy it. It has a lot to offer, not to say you just need to know where to look, but you'll get far (as you did) if you just try.
@@doggiedogood So glad you are enjoying my NC videos. I have lived here over 20 years and love this state, especially Western NC.
@@SandyOver70 What a coincidence, I love Boone, the college is amazing. Black and gold all day.
Wow VERY DETAILED video on pro/cons Hot tub!!!
That store that sold you HT should have KNOWN it was most likely water NOT allergies bc you had already been in it no prob
I hope it was helpful.
Excellent and thorough. I appreciate
I am glad it was helpful.
I was actually thinking about getting one but you actually made me change my mind.
It is good to know what you are getting into beforehand. Still, once I am in the tub, I absolutely love it. It is much easier now.
There's easier ways. Its easy to drain if you have issues with a regular hose. There's simple chemical kits.
@@carmenfried6876 Thank you.
It's been a dream of mine for years & finally this coming weekend I get to pick up my new second hand hot tub spa! I've seen it working, heating & was very quiet running. I intend to use this all year round in Australia, hot or cold. I hope I'll get the chemical issues right quickly.
Thanks for your informative video. ❤😃🖐🇦🇺
Enjoy!
If I were you I would purge my 2nd hand hot tub with a product by the name of"Ahh-Some"I implore you to do research, this Ahh-Some product is used throughout the world for sanitizing births in hospitals. I did not buy my hot tub brand new either & Paid the price with a Nasty rash which took 2 months to heal there are still scars on the back of my leg from Scratching constantly,, it was a nightmare I tell you! In fact it was so bad that I almost gave up hot tubbing altogether. My last resort was to try this product Ahh-Some. I used it and it worked and I will never go without . I'm not a paid spokesperson. I was not given this product for free, I spent my hard earned money on this Miracle!
@Bayside thank you for that info & suggestion. I've looked it up & can buy from eBay. What do you use for general everyday treatment in your hot tub?
I have bought 2 different bromine tablets from someone who highly recommended their use as opposed to chlorine, yet the spa technician recommends chlorine.
I don't like nasty chemicals at the best of times, never mind speaking in them.
So I'm really not sure what to use.
❤️😊🇦🇺
@Bayside Also i found out that the plug was 15amp. The spa technician said I need a dedicated 15amp power point that goes from that side of the house, thru roof to outside power box on other side of house. I've been quoted Au$450!
Then the technician quoted Au$350 to service the spa after I first fill, put in cleaning agents, then he'll come & show me how to work it all properly. Big costs for me atm, hence spa still sitting empty & unused. Sad. 😢
Great little video Sandy, certainly gives me something to think about. On the plus side, if it keeps the missus happy then it may be worth the hassle 😂😂😂
What a good husband!
Thanks for your story!!!
You’re welcome!
Wow that's alot of money but well worth it I got an intex inflatable hot tub pure spa plus I haven't set it up yet Because it's winter here in Ontario Canada but once spring comes I will be for sure thank you for sharing God bless you always have a beautiful day
I didn't even know they made inflatable hot tubs until recently. Sounds like a good alternative. Good luck with it!
@@SandyOver70 I didn't know either until 2 years ago thank you so much God bless you always
Such a lovely vidio, and great perspective. I am also thinking a hot tub is just what I need for my aching body. I have an advantage..we have a in ground pool that I do all the water balancing! I swim all summer but now that its fall I would love a hot tub! Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!
VERY helpful.. thanks for sharing
You are very welcome!
Thanks for the details
You bet
You are a blessing.
Thanks!
Good video. One thing I would of suggested to Sandy is... when you buy a Hot Tub the first load of water is the worst one and the hardest to balance due to the manufacturing residual chemicals that will get into the water. You should heat up that first load of water to104, get a flush kit and drain it. Then your good to go with a fresh load of water. Yeah that's a bit of a pain but absorbing and breathing in chemicals is not good for us so the less the better. Also the chemicals and extra time you will need to balance and maintian that first load of water adds up. Minerals and Bromine are the best option for Hot Tubs, especially if you go away for a week or 2 on a regular bases. Chlorine evaporates, Bromine does not, Bromine and minerals works better in hot water.
Thank you for the tips!
That tip you gave is really useful Thx
Great Video, debating on getting a hot tub or just soaking in my bath tub! I assume after 15 Minutes in either you are ready to get out. I guess the down side to bath tub is you have to wait to fill it every time and it cools off a little quicker.
Yes and yes
If you keep it around body temperature you can stay in there for about 30 minutes
Very good detail insight information. THANK YOU 2022.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for sharing
You're welcome.
Execellent Review. Gives me a lot to think about!
Glad I could be of help!
I didn't thought of the chemical maintenance as well as the electricity costs. I have also the same size as in the video. Luckily, the spa store is just about 5 miles away, helpful, they give empty bottle and give it to them for water analysis for free. Since I cannot turn it off, I just lower the temp to the lowest setting after I use it, probably using it again 4 days later but see to it that I increase it the day before. It also helps to move to a cheaper state so electrical costs are cheaper and I have solar. (move from CA). Always cover it and put chlorine after using it to kill the bacteria/algae. Winterize it by draining and it will save you more in wintertime when you don't intend to use it. Draining is done every 6 months which it is also a ritual to do. I plan to drain them on a rain barrel to water the plants.. Chemicals are around $13 each although the shock costs $25 and I think those bottles lasts 6 months. I find test strips sometimes a guessing game to read so I like the bottle container tests.
I believe you are being victimized by salesmen and handyman since it looks like you are doing it alone at your age. I just call customer service of the spa (not home depot where i bought it) . Allergies are determined by a doctor. There are now gadgets that lower the consumption of chlorine. 2023- Spa is $2.5 K(sale from $4.5), Elect -$100, Cement -like free since included when I had a cement installed in the gazebo . The more bells and whistles (size, economy, sleep, quiet mode, etc. , the more expensive it will be. Mine has waterfall and multi lights.
Overall, I think it adds to the value of the house. But read more about using the SPA to be more safe - as like what happened to Matthew Perry.. These are things they won't tell you.
Hi ma'am, I myself work in the hot tub industry and I would just like to clear a couple of things up. First and foremost I truly do apologize for your experience and it should be noted that not all experiences are like this. Unfortunately, it seems as if this is more to speak on the company you bought from rather than the hot tub itself. A good hot tub usually lays about the 9-15 thousand range. While not all cheaper hot tubs have these issues with their hot tub company. Typically people see problems in their service rather than their tub. I clarify this to make sure people do their research into the company just as much as the tub itself as it is often an overlooked factor! Thank you for sharing your experience!!!
I just put one in. I did the electric myself. After i filled it and warmed it up the company came out and showed us how to keep the water right. Not to hard. You do have to stay after it. Twice a week you have to check it.
Nice video.Artesians are great spas.. Its really not that difficult to balance your water. I don't use test strips for alkalinity and PH. I use a liquid test kit. Much more accurate and easier to read. The most important thing to do is get your alkalinity within the recommended range, then balance your PH. Next is calcium hardness. That usually is a one time thing when filling you tub with new water. That's about it. You should only have to adjust every couple of weeks. As for chlorine, that should be tested every couple of days with a strip. Add a little as needed and once a week you should use a non- chlorine shock. If going on vacation, you should add extra chlorine before leaving and then shock when you come backm It helps to have a hot tub with either a salt system or ionizer. I have a Hot Springs Highlife series with a salt system and maintenance is almost automatic. If on a tight budget, Hot Springs also has entry level tubs that use Frog Ease sanitation systems that are easy and effective. Your spa should have come with an ozonator and Frog Ease option as well...well worth it.. I hope your maintenance people don't charge you too much because it really is easy. Good luck.
Thanks!
I take head rests out after each use. Sorry you had so many issues. I have had them since age 23 and I am 60 now! I love hot tubs
I never would have thought to remove the headrests. At least the second set did not peel.
Best video ever
Thank you!
I’m so glad I watch this! We just had the electrician come and tell us how much it was going to be, and had not ordered the tub yet. Thanks to you I will not be ordering one 😂 did not know there was so much that it entailed in regards to maintenance and everything else. Thank you so much for making this video. I appreciate you ❤
It's always better to know beforehand what you are getting into!
I’m a first time hot tub owner and my experience was nothing like yours. Sorry you had so much trouble. Mine was easy and have No trouble with balance of chemicals. I have it down to a science and have not had it a year. My hot tub was a great purchase. I enjoy maintaining it and cleaning it. My patio is large so no trouble there. My 220 was 800.00. Well worth it.
I am so glad you had such a positive experience. I have my chemicals down to a science now as well. Everything was much easier after that first year!
Where did you get yours? What brand was it?
@@amberbiscette9632 Minus the ecospa and it’s a three seater one lounger two seats but honestly you can fit four people in there and I got it from the heart to place on Parker Road in Aurora Colorado if you want to know exactly where I got it let me know and I’ll look it up for you I just can’t think of the name at the moment
Ohh nice! Yes i would love to know where and if they have an online store or something.
I had stinky contaminated water after just 3 days use. Been doing the chemicals myself no problem. I just have Coleman Atlantis, $425 inflateable tub. With PH, if it reads high I add 1 TBS into my 250 gallon tub, wait 20 minutes and test again. On the other hand, if PH is low when I first check it I add 1/2 TBS alkalinity increaser. I pretty much do this every day as I use my tub for 2+ hours every night.
Thank you for the detailed information. Would you mind sharing the model and make of your hot tub ? You mentioned you bought it at islander pools
I bought it at The Great Backyard Place. The brand is Island Spa and the model is Santa Cruz. It is 225 gallons and has 3 seats.
Also, whenever you have plans to be away, drain and clean it. Say you have to go into the hospital for surgery or even a vacay, drain it. Clean it and when you get back start over. Sometimes a break away for a couple months is good. Never get into a cloudy tub.
Thanks. This is good information. My husband and I are looking to get one. What are y'alls thoughts on a 110 in the winter?
Not sure I know what you mean by a 110 in the winter.
@@SandyOver70 Sorry. I meant 110 volt. I've decided on the 220 volt. Thanks!
I think if you want a easy to set up,and light hot tub, get the clever spa we got a 6 person one for 480.00€ because it inflated itself,and it’s light so we don’t have to get our whole house done up for it.
Edit: it comes with its own filter and LED lights.
Sounds interesting.
Thank you Sandy. My wife and I are 3 days in to a hot tub romance. We rationalized it same as you, and already we're thinking this little inflateable for $500 might be enough.
If I were you, I would stick with the inflatable. I didn't even know there were inflatables when I bought mine.
Dang! Your experience sounds like mine. I bought a house with a beautiful 23K gallon pool 4 years ago. Well, today, I dread opening it, maintaining it, and paying all the $$$ for it. I am HIGHLY considering draining it.
I understand completely! You wouldn't be the first person to do that. I've also heard of people who bury their pool but I would not recommend that!
I went 2 years not going to the chiropractor because of using my hot tub. The cost of chemicals and filters started getting to expensive and I wasn't using as often after awhile.
When you turn the blower on for the bubbles in the hot tub does it cool the water down significantly
No. Not at all.
Yes It does, I’m in Texas and it’s hot, I keep the temp set at 80 degrees. The hot tub store I use said if I want to keep it from getting so hot, turn temp down and just use the blower, the jets pressure/ friction in the lines creates its own heat. So yes when we get in, I turn the blower on and you can feel cold water coming out from the blower outlets. I can usually keep the temp about 15 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature outside.
So sorry 4 all of the 😱 headaches👉 Thank you So much for sharing your video Sandy. After hearing this story I don't think we will be purchasing a hot tub.🤔Sorry Sister Penny ..👉 mucho problemos🤯
It could work out better for you. This is just my story. Still, it is better to be forewarned.
Thanks
You're welcome!
i loved this video.. you are adorable!
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Oh you're too Funny, we are heading to Spa Store in October, any suggestions?
All I can say is that you have to really want it. Good luck!
Aqua spa inexpensive
Order on line with free shipping too
I so pleased with my aqua spa
What is the difference between a hot tube and a hot bath? 🤔
godbless you
Thank you.
This video is evidence as to why you “must”buy the right spa brand and from a dealer who is reputable and not just assume that all spas are the same ..the first problem is the dealer selling her all the chemicals that are totally not needed ..second they did not properly educate her on sanitation ( this is so common on cheap brand dealers who just want to sell things and don’t care about user experience) the other factor is the filtration of the brand as it does not filter 100% of the water because it has bypasses to keep the big pump from overheating with dirty filters ...I could go on and on but if you are going to purchase a spa buy a top brand that cost more for a reason and do your research because the ones that do love their tubs and use them daily for years and years with no hassles , I can honestly tell you the ones who do not buy a top brand end up with yard junk after a few years of no use and were tired of the hassle of maintenance etc. I know because I have serviced spas for over 40 years
Any brands that you recommend?? I am just starting my 1st hot tub shopping journey.
😲😲😲😲😲
Hydrogen Peroxide is amazing and good for you and so easy! I use Peroxysan.
Interesting.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the hot tub. I have a hot tub that came with a house we bought. We were happy to have it first. But every summer we open it, it gives us many issues and problems. I was thinking of selling it and getting a new one. But after watching your video, I decided not to. It is not worth it. Take care,
I understand!
What a nightmare thanks for sharing.
Yes it was
It's a shame your hot tub store Screwed you from the original sale which was way overpriced for that tub. And then they loaded you up on a bunch of chemicals and three filters? That's just crazy. I feel bad they did this.
Also if anyone is thinking of buying hot tub maybe start w inflatable one first!!!
I didn't know there were inflatable ones when I bought mine.
@@SandyOver70 I just wanted put out there bc I'm sure ALOT of ppl don't know about them ntm cost like $400+ smallest (4ppl) and go all way up to 8 ppl
Get Oxy Spa.
That's all you'll ever need for the most part. It's sold at Spa Depot.
Subscribe to this women
Everyone should try an inflatable hot tub first, super cheap, does it's job and is a temporary purchase.
I never thought of that but sounds like a good idea!
Late to this party, but I heartily disagree with the idea of buying an inflatable with the idea that it will work. They are just so awful, I can't understand why people keep tossing money out with nasty water. I had two of them, and yes, I was naive about how bad they really are. These products are made with chemicals, in particular polyurethane vinyl chloride, that forms the walls and floor. This material is exactly the same stuff that kids wading pools are made from, they have absolutely no resistance to biological contaminants, so they become stinky, slimy, and greasy after about a week. They don't bear up to frequent use, as the seams tend to dissolve after about 9-10 months, and the leaking begins. First, it's just air pressure, then it's water. Everywhere. Water, water, everywhere. I found out the hard way that skin, hair, and eye problems are the most common issues people have with these big balloons with luke warm water that only goes up to your elbows. If you like sitting in about 12 inches of tepid water, scratching and with burning eyes, then go ahead and waste your money. I'd rather wash dishes in a sink full of cold water, than get into one of these money pits again. Just IMO and I am the voice of my own experience.
@@flapkatt6094 ????? I literally have had my inflatable for 2 years. Not slimy, not smelly. Water is crystal clear and the hot tub still works great. Maybe you should take care of your water correctly.
Sorry to hear how expensive your tub was. A hot tub should be easy and doesn't have to be expensive. Mine is two person spa, about 280 gallons. It is all plastic so nothing can rot. I use bromine tablets. We got into the habit of using it one week every month. This keeps it fun. The rest of the month it sits empty. I have a short piece of old garden hose, maybe ten feet. You fill the hose with water and drop one end outside the tub, creating a siphon. When the tub water is still everything settles to the bottom, so you can vacuum any little dirt in the bottom, or let the siphon empty the tub. Cleaning the tub takes maybe twenty minutes. I scrub it with a sponge and dish soap and spray the filter clean with the hose. My tub fills in about twenty-five minutes and takes overnight to get hot. I have owned five hot tubs at different locations over the years. I paid $300. for mine and it was two years old. It works on a normal outlet (110) with GFI. 220 power would be better in cold climates but I live in Florida. I used brick pavers to make a pad for the tub. If you watch craigslist you see hot tubs priced generally from $500-$1000. I really prefer the smaller tub and new as possible. If my water gets out of wack at all it is easy to change the water. The smaller tub is also easier to move. Sometimes my wife and granddaughter put an ounce of Dawn dish soap in it. The tub makes a ton of bubble. It makes for great picture. Also the pool store told me that doing this every so often cleans the lines. One other important item. A kindle paperwhite, the newer models are waterproof. I totally enjoy relaxing in the hot tub.!!!
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing all this information.
If your allergic to chlorine I think you would've found out about it decades ago. No offense
All your hot tub problems was because of the first part of your video. You chose a store that only wanted to sell you a hot tub and no service. As someone else said they should have GAVE you a Frog Ease system which is simple to use (monthly change a cartridge) or something similar. Then you check it weekly. The store should have explained in detail how to maintain the tub. I did a lot of research before I bought mine and found a store that pushed service. They sell more than anyone around because of it and word of mouth keeps customers coming back. I’m sorry you chose a bad one.
Keep the lid locked or rats and skunks and other critters will use it too😮
No
Diet, diet, diet!
Good Lord you paid way to much just to fix that ....
I agree!
What you said doesn’t make any sense. Why don’t you just change the water? Your tub is the smallest one and just by changing water periodically should keep its quality and you might not need to spend so much money on chemicals
Great video
Thanks!
Our motherboard went out so we had a digital replacement. You can never turn it off unless you turn off the breaker. It is meant to keep filtering at the lowest temp. Almost $1,000 for the part and service call. And no instruction manual.