I NEED INFO ON....

[nhbuoy]

...HOT-TUBS/JACUZZI tubs...I want to purchase one for my place to be used outdoors...I haven't done any research yet so I figured there are probably a whole bunch of experts on this site...I want a 6+ person unit...Are they 220 volts only, or are there gas-fired units...In other words, what kind of hook-up(s) will I need...What is the approximate dollar-per-month cost (I am in New England)...What brand is "best" quality-wise...What should I look for...What should I look out for...What kind of maintenance am I looking at...Do "sexual releases" do any "damage" or extra work?...How hot is too hot...Any help would be appreciated...

[Powerquestboy]

nhbuoy, I have a Coleman above ground unit and I love it. Almost no Maintinance other than adding Bromine (clorine) tablets. It doesnt require a 220 outlet, its electric not gas. Gas heats up way faster, but I found its cheaper and easier to leave mine hot all the time. If the heater kicks on for a few minutes 3 times a day its cheaper than having it run for hours at a time to heat it up when I want to use it. It doesnt affect our electric bill much, not enough to even notice. 104 is HOT most of the ones built now wont go hotter due to legal reasons. 102 -103 is perfect!

[TCHB]

I have a electric above ground and keep it hot all the time. It has been very reliable for a long time. I would get one with seats only and stay away from the lounges. Do not get one with wood on the outside it will wear to the ugly side.

[JetBoatRich]

nhbuoy:
......Do "sexual releases" do any "damage" or extra work?...... LMAO :D
I want to say something wink but it\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

[ROZ]

Not being too familiar with above ground Spas I don't have much info to offer, but I'd look into getting either a Jacuzzi, Caldera, or Dimension one spa. All three companies have been around a quite a while and have good parts and service.
The debate between gas or electric heating is good to a point. When you first get a spa you use it all the time. The novelty wears off then it will probably get used much less. Over time, gas is the cheaper more effecient way to go. Depending base temp of water and how large the gas heater is, a 10 person spa will heat up to 104 within about 15 min. My electric heater takes about 2 hours to heat to the same temp. If you end up with gas, I'd let the spa cycle daily for an hour for filtration, and heat that sucka up when necessary. You may go months without using it therefore useless to keep it heated 24/7.
About temps...I know that in San Diego County the maximum spa temp allowed per city ordinance for commercial pool/spa is 104. Like PowerQuestBoy said, it's probably due to legal reasons, but 104 is more than adequate for most people. Personally, 102 is perfect for the wife and I, but we keep i around 100 101 so the little one can spend time in there with us.
Like TCHB said, lounges take up seating space and aren't used all that often. Most have a couple deep seats that have jets that hit all parts of the body.
Sexual releases don't present a problem unless they aren't your own eek!
Good luck.
Chris
P.S. Don't forget to put in a mini bar as well as a tv/dvd combo out there for the porn. :D

[nhbuoy]

Thanx for all the info...I can go "shopping" & not look like an idiot...BTW ROZ...I have heard good things about CALDERA & DIMENSION...This will be above-ground & I like the looks of the cedar...Can it be sealed or treated to prevent the "uglies"?...It will be covered when not in use & I would think I could get a cover that covers the sides?...Thanx for the input....

[ROZ]

nhbuoy:
Thanx for all the info...I can go "shopping" & not look like an idiot...BTW ROZ...I have heard good things about CALDERA & DIMENSION...This will be above-ground & I like the looks of the cedar...Can it be sealed or treated to prevent the "uglies"?...It will be covered when not in use & I would think I could get a cover that covers the sides?...Thanx for the input.... Dimension One make great product. Not only are they a client of ours, and my friend's fiance works sales there, but they are right down the street from me. Let me know if you need any other info regarding their product. I can certainly get a name and number for you.
The wood cabinets come "treated" and/or stained from the factory. The wood's surface at some point will need to be refurbished.
A complete cover would certainly help with "the uglies".

[Thunderbutt]

Where I am LOTO the electric cost about $35.00 a month to keep it at 104, of which is as high as it will go. Yes you can treat the cedar, with a clear sealer. I have a Jacuzzi, They have been around the longest,and have the best pumps.

[nhbuoy]

Thanx ROZ...DIMENSION ONE is a definite contender...I live in MASS so maybe you can get me info on where I could find a dealer/distributor in the north shore area of MASS as long as it's not a pain in th A$$...HEY THUNDERBUTT...How are you?...I thought you were a little pissed at me for giving you a hard time on the pedastal thread...All is forgiven my son...LOL...Is the JACUZZI that much better?...Does JACUZZI sell to "other" companies?...This is starting to get "complicated"!!!!....

[nhbuoy]

HEY ROZ...FYI...I went to DIM ONE's web site last night & got a little edumacated...I liked the SARENA BAY unit...VERRY NICE!!!...Found out the distributor is about 2 miles away...Called just to see what kind of $$$$ we were talking...Are you sitting down???...The RETAIL price for that unit is $17,995!!!$$$...I can get it for A LOT less than that, but I almost fainted when she told me!!!...The "REAL" price is not that bad for the quality/size(7 people)10x8/ 82 jets/3 pumps, 2 circulators/warranty/delivered & set-up & ready to go...Thanx for pointing me in the right direction...DIM ONE is head & shoulders above the competition!!!...If you're ever at LOON MTN/Lincoln, N.H. let me know & I'll let ya test-drive it....Bring your own babe tho...LATAPOTATA>>>

[ROZ]

Nhbuoy,
Dude that price is outrageous! eek! My whole pool/spa is going to cost less than that, but I won't have near the complexity regarding the spa propultion.
They make a superoir product. Good Luck!

[nhbuoy]

HEY ROZ...The next one down (CHAIRMAN 2) lists for $12,500$...I can get a deep discount on that as well....The LIST/RETAIL price for the SARENA BAY unit IS outrageous, but with the discount I don't think it's out of line compared to others...LATAPOTATA>>>>

[XLGPP]

I have a "Hot Springs Spa" Landmark seats 6-8, Best built tub I could find. and easiest to maintain and most efficient. I keep it at 104 degrees 365 days/yr. cost is less than $10/mo. Retail on the tub was aprox $12,000 but one of my friends was the manager of the store and I got it for $5200.00. If you are looking for one I can prolly get you a good deal (if its possible to have it shipped to where you are at)

[nhbuoy]

HEY XLGPP...I'll have to check that out too...Thanx>>>>

[River Ric]

I had a Jacuzzi brand for about 5 years. It was one of the small portables. It was electric, but didn't cost too much to run. I kept it hot most of the time. As far as the above ground type, that is what I had. It had the nice redwood skirt. If you just use Man-O-War varnish twice a year, it will stay real nice. When I moved and had no room so I sold it. The guy couldn't belive that it was 5 years old. I gave him the half a can I had left and got almost what I had paid for the spa. The best place to get these are at the Fairs or the Home Shows. This is where these guys are trying to make big deals. Good luck. Let us know. :cool: :cool: :cool:

[Thunderbutt]

nhbuoy:
Thanx ROZ...DIMENSION ONE is a definite contender...I live in MASS so maybe you can get me info on where I could find a dealer/distributor in the north shore area of MASS as long as it's not a pain in th A$$...HEY THUNDERBUTT...How are you?...I thought you were a little pissed at me for giving you a hard time on the pedastal thread...All is forgiven my son...LOL...Is the JACUZZI that much better?...Does JACUZZI sell to "other" companies?...This is starting to get "complicated"!!!!.... No I'm not pissed. I know that every one on ***boat are good people. I've had two hot tubs the first was a Cal-spa and it took a shit on me. I've had the Jacuzzi for three years and so for it is ok. I'm not an expert on hot tubs. I only know they are fun. Research is the name of the game.

[Thunderbutt]

I forgot to mention that after our little disagreement on the pedestal seat I checked mine and they did wiggle a little bit. Hey, all conversation is productive.

[XLGPP]

NHBUOY, here's a link.
hotsprings.com (http://www.hotspring.com/)

[XLGPP]

heres mine.
http://www.hotspring.com/Virtual/jpgs/pht_showroom_landmark.jpg