What's involved in getting a hot tub?  Like I mean does it need a concrete pad?  Electrical work?  What's a typical cost for a tub that seats 4-6 people?

Quoted from pinsRfun

What's involved in getting a hot tub?  Like I mean does it need a concrete pad?  Electrical work?  What's a typical cost for a tub that seats 4-6 people?

as long as its flat for your size its fine...bottom has to be flat to support the weight with the water evenly distributed (level) to prevent the tub from cracking / splitting.(excluding soft tubs, obviously)  for the critics.....AKA Wayne

electrical needs a GFI .


cost depends on size and quality of tub with number of jets and size of 1 or more pumps



hope this helps for what i know or can contribute

And I know hardkor is the hot tub guy on maaca.  I wanted buyer's input before I get a seller's input.

The big mistake people make is spending way too much. Use it a few months and then never touch it. Buy used put it on a gravel pad. Upgrade later if you find out that its something that is being used. If thats not your cup of tea go to costco and buy . The only company that will take their tub back if its a lemon. But stay away from fully foam tubs. Its a nightmare to have the leaks fixed. I hope this helps any questions just ask.



btw i trade used tubs for pins

One thing people sometimes fail to consider when planning to use one on a deck is the weight.  A decent sized tub (5-6 person) can hold 3000 pounds of water.  This is more weight than most structures are designed to hold per square foot.

If installing on ground, a concrete pad is certainly the best way to go.

Most tubs with pumps and heaters operate on 220, some "Portable" style tubs - most notably SofTubs run on 110.  These have a pump/heater combo.  They're naturally easier to install and have an integral GFI, but do not have the ability to keep up with the heat demands if you are having a party, or using the tub for extended periods, and will lose heat faster than can be recovered.

It seems the SofTubs hold their value somewhat more than a standard permanent style tub, but are relatively expensive to purchase new, and lack the extreme number of jets and other features available on the permanent versions - something to consider if you ever decide to sell.

Hope this helps...

i use to rent hot tubs. STAY AWAY from soft tubs, good for camping. but they are junk. save your money, go to your bathroom and  have a bath.  sorry marktoo no offence.

soft tubs have no heater just a coil that goes around the pump. this is how the tub heats

I just got an Arctic Spa last September. They are a Canadian company, so they're built with Canadian winters in mind. They have a composite floor called "Forever Floor", which the tub is built around, so all you need is a level area to place the tub on. I used tailings which we compacted and leveled. So far no shifting or movement. These tubs are very efficient with power consumption because the insulation is blown on the cabinet, not the tub. This means that all the heat generated by the pumps is used to heat the tub, and not lost through the cabinet. Also keeps the plumbing very accessable because there is no insulation blown over any of the pipes or fittings. They have one of the best covers in the industry too. Very thick and strong, keeping the heat in the tub when not in use. I actually stand right on top of it to shovel the snow off, with no flex or sagging at all.

Oh yeah, the useage. We use it about 3 to 4 times a week, and still enjoy it very much.

They are on the pricey side, but I always believed that you get what you pay for.

Arctic are pricey i use to do service for the company here in Calgary. A few things here in Calgary are wait time for service are long, check valves blow apart(only if you have more then one pump)which will blow your seal out of pump 2 ,the jets always break and pop out. The covers are heavy and will hurt you if they flip on you in the wind. The Arctic tubs do hold heat well....but once again go to costco get one for half the price. Costco will take it back if its a lemon.

Well so far so good. No problems with valves, o-rings or jets, but it is still pretty new. I think Arctic may have suffered some growing pains a while back, but the quality seems to be pretty good to me. Of course I'm not a technician for tubs, so I'm looking at it from a layman's point of view. It had one loose hose clamp initially, but I tightened it myself.

I have a cover lifter on this thing, just so we can actually open the tub with one person. It is a heavy bugger. Trust me, if it's windy enough to blow this baby over, I'm not going to be sitting in it  

you are right the quality is good, the shell seems to never crack and good resell

hardkor,

are you familiar with the Eco 1 products, for sanitization?

I've owned two tubs.

Infinity - ( Maxx - built in Ontario, Canada ) it was good, but they had inital issues, all which were rectified under warranty. Everything on this tub failed within the first 2 years ( spa pack, multiple heater elements, circulation pumps, and main pumps ). This was a newer design when I bought it, I guess they worked the issues out as they went, it was a nice looking spa. I wouldn't purchase another one.

Artic Spa - ( Canadian built, not sure where ) they are super reliable, mine is now 7 years old and all I've ever done is change out one heater element which I understand is very common.

Of the two, I'd recommend the Artic Spa, it seems way better built. I also have two close friends, who I've know for years, who work in the spa/pool industry. They think that the Costo ( Savanna is the brand name ) tubs are not very good, although the build quality has gotten better over the years, they are known for issues and also the inefficiency/power consumption issues. They are not insulated that well. My one friend, who does service calls, loves Costco for originally putting these spas out and keeping him employed. Note to self. A spa is not really like taking a toaster back to the store, it's pretty involved, even if Costco will take it back with no questions.

Ultimately, a spa can be like a car, there are lemons and there are ones that run with no problems for years. A BMW is not built the same as a Kia. Also note to self, I think you get what you pay for, up to certain point. I would not buy a Hotsprings Spa as your first tub ( these are known as the industry leader ). They are overpriced for the first time spa owner. You should make sure that a spa will be apart of your lifestyle, then buy accordingly, my opinion only. It's also good to try a friends out before you buy, make sure to ask questions, and make sure it's something you WANT for sure.

Hope this helps!

We have a Beachcomber, does the job.  Couple things to think about.  1. Get a cover lift.  2. Get a quote on the electrical first.  Depending on where your panel is, it can be costly to run the line (check the price of 6 gauge wire), plus you'll also need a 60A GFIC panel, another $250.

eco 1 does work but i use the old floater. then i know my water is clean.


bally boy the savanna tubs are junk, sorrry i was thinking of the hydro spa with the tv built in the shell. moving tubs are easy you just need my company to do it.

Sam, In Hot Water in Airdie, the ladies are honest and great to deal with. They can help you with most of your questions.

Thanks for all the info from everyone so far.  Gives us something to discuss as a starting point.  This is great.

Yup hooking it up is an expense for sure. Our supplier built it into the price of the tub.

hardkor, nice tub-dollie! we could have used that for sure. They slid ours in on a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Pulled a bit of grass out but no biggie.

I've hoisted many hot tubs in the GTA over the past few years, if anyone is looking for a solution I can offer crane service. Also can pickup a hot tub and deliver it.

Here they manufacture these in my town

http://www.canadahottuboutlet.com/eng/index.php

Don't know if they are good or not but it is a place to look at options.

take care

Hey Sam,

I would have to disagree with the comments about "don't spend too much on a tub as you will use it for awhile and then it will just sit in your yard".  If you spend the money and get a really nice tub it becomes an awesome family event!  My parents have a "boring" outdoor tub.  20 jets, no lights, no music, no waterfalls.  zzzzzzz.  Yeah you can get one of those for 6000-8000 brand new.

However we decided to get something we could use in our yard all the time.  Check out some of the cool tubs from Dyansty Spas...  

55 jets, CD player with awesome 6 speaker sound system, 3 LED lit cascading waterfalls, LED lights illuminating all jets and all controls.

http://www.dynastyspas.com/Spa.....xmid/57/Default.aspx

We have owned it for over 2 years and we still use it a minimum of 3 times a week.  The kids love the waterfalls.  I love the large, lay down seat.  And it is a nice, controlled family environment where you can talk, play or just relax.  Hell out where you live you should be able to even see the stars above you !!!  

Also their warranty is awesome.  I have had a few things needed here and there.  After two years, my top control panel got water in it and messed it up.  They came and replaced it within a week or so of my call.  5 year warranty on most of the pumps and stuff.  Much longer warranty on the tub shell itself.

Like anything I think you get what you pay for with hot tubs.  For us, the LED lights, many jets, music and waterfalls really make the tub the fun that it is.  Most of the cheap tubs will not have all of those features and many will have none of them.  

Also, I know the owner of Dynasty Spas quite well now - since I purchased the hot tub, he has become a client of mine.  I can definately get you a kick a** deal - still you should be prepared to spend at least $12,000 for a kick a** tub!  Honestly, worth every penny.

If you want to come over and check out my tub let me know.  I'd be glad to give you a tour of it and show you how the install, wiring, etc works as well.   Also let me know if you'd like me to hook you up with the owner - that will save you the sales commissions and at least 15-20% off the regular sales prices Good Luck!

Quoted from mark

I've hoisted many hot tubs in the GTA over the past few years, if anyone is looking for a solution I can offer crane service. Also can pickup a hot tub and deliver it.

Hey! You can prolly help me crane one of those pre-fab on/in ground pools...too.  hmmm my wife was talking about getting one of those...you guys have back yard bobcat service too?  

Quoted from b1buwg97

Hey! You can prolly help me crane one of those pre-fab on/in ground pools...too.  hmmm my wife was talking about getting one of those...you guys have back yard bobcat service too?  

Its possible to hoist a bobcat into the back yard, you'd need to rent one from a rental place. We just opened a new branch in London too.

wow $12,000 for a hot tub . i paid $4500 but then again i would never pay $10,000 for a pin

Quoted from hardkor

wow $12,000 for a hot tub . i paid $4500 but then again i would never pay $10,000 for a pin

Whoa.........that's some serious jet action there!

if you can't body surf in your hot tub whats the point of having one. plus it unties clothing

agreed!

Quoted from hardkor

if you can't body surf in your hot tub whats the point of having one. plus it unties clothing

Thanks sinpin, I may do that.  Wife is itching for one.  

So now I'm curious, what's the difference between the 12k tub and the 4.5k tub?  If I was to get a hot tub, I want a good quality tub.  As for features, chances are that there will be different models with various amounts of features.  I would agree that it makes sense to get one with good number of features to make it a fun event.

I'm leaning towards the one shot deal.  Do it right the first time.  Don't want to upgrade tubs later on.  They're not like pins. lol.

Sam

at $12,000 take some lube with you.


$12,000 cash!!! on credit = $19,000

Quoted from hardkor

plus it unties clothing

Heh.. that's always a bonus!

Hot tub + gin = WIN!

I don't wanna spend more than I have to for sure.  I still have no idea of the price curve on hot tubs.  What should I be expected to spend on a good quality tub (criteria being that it isn't gonna leak/break down once or more every year or two) with installation (flooring and electrical)?  

installation is the big one, it keeps cost down in the cold months


flooring, if you have a good pad it won't matter as long the tub has good installation. plus most tubs made have the plastic flooring now days

electrical you have to pull a permit in airdie. you can't get around the cost. its pricey but it has to be safe. 5 homes burnt down in edmonton because of poor electrical on a hot tub. talk to macgyver_31 (maaca member) he did some work for me and he is a master. great guy and his price is within reason.

all tubs break down and leaks happen it doesn't matter what company you go with

Fair enough with the maintenance part.  Just want to know what's the difference between an expected amount of maintenance and a lemon.  Right now, I have no pad.  I don't imagine I can put the tub under my deck (walkout basement).  So what are some of your tubs like and cost?  How do they measure up to the other brands mentioned so far?

To install one is trivial.  Two guys and a floor dolly is all you need (provided you have easy access).  It should be thrown in on the cost of the tub, for an extra $200 or so they should be able to crane it over your house if required.

As mentioned, the electrical would probably be $250 for the panel, $100-$200 labour, plus material.  We put ours in about 4 years ago when copper was expensive, $5/ft comes to mind.  All of that is also provided your main panel can take the load.  Have someone in before you buy.

What to spend extra on?  
A good cover. - Saves on heating costs
Sound system - With the jets on, you can't hear crap going on out of the tub.

What I would do without?
Fancy lights - Lights are good to see what's going on at night if you need them, but then only a strong clear light is needed.  Most times at night you want it dark, else the neighbours get a free show....

As for features, waterfall, lights, jets are nice.  Not too crazy on sound or video.  I already have outdoor speakers.  I would however lean towards some privacy screens though.

i'am a service company. i sell used, people that freeze their tubs or people that buy homes and don't want the hot tub.

if i was to buy a tub i would buy used. there is  alot of great deals out on the net. auctions are great too. i bought new never used for $2500 at able aution. i seen a sweet lazyboy go for $1600 plus tax and fees. who cares if you have to pay some service fees its way cheaper then mark up. people spend $10,000 and up. realize that they don't use it and get rid of it for half.
to be honest i don't know what tub i going to buy next but i know i would NEVER pay more than $5000. i just sold a dynasty with the tv that popped out for $4500 so the deals are out there.
when you find something just ask i will tell you if its junk or not. one of the best tubs i had has been a hot springs

if you can fix a pinball then a hot tub is a cake walk

Quoted from hardkor

i just sold a dynasty with the tv that popped out for $4500

DO YOU DELIVER TO ONTARIO????    

what do you use to fix the tubing going to the jets,  the previous owners of my house froze the sucker and one of the pipes cracked and went. I was thinking of using pressure fittings,  I only have to run about 5 inches of tubing between the two.

I would never go without the LED lights we have in our tub.  If you get the waterfalls, LED lights and jets you pretty much get the stereo as well.  You are looking at a deluxe tub that has all those features.  People might say "what do you need the light for" but when you see the 50 jets underwater lit with LED lights and all the controls and waterfalls glowing around the outside of the tub it is definately an "EXPERIENCE".

I never like buying someone else's used and abused stuff.  For me, warranty and peace of mind is worth a lot.  Sure you can buy an auction tub that has whatever features and whatever quality but it will definatly not have a company standing behind it.  Retail and used, as always, is a huge difference in price.  I like the idea of being able to make a phone call and having someone come to my house and fix my tub with no additional costs to me.  They replaced my hot tub cover when it cracked over the first winter (would have cost me $250).  They replaced my top side controls which would have cost me hundred for the part and then installation.  If a pump goes, they fix it.  If the tub leaks, they fix it.  At least I am guaranteed with 5 years full warranty.

I know this is shocking but the retail on my tub is $16000!!  I guess you have to go in it at night with the lights on, the jets going and the music playing to truly appreciate what it is.  I get bored of things easily - novelties do not last long with me and that is why I went with this tub.  As mentioned before, I still use it every other day.  I can't see that ever changing.

Of course Hardkor wants you to buy a used tub - his business is going to people's houses and fixing their broken down tubs.  AND from his cell phone ringing I would say business is good - right Hardkor??   hehe - just buggin'.  But definately there is service to be done on a used tub.

scbadboy send a picture if you can. so i can get a clear idea what you are trying to do. but try to use plastic pvc and pvc glue replace the jet if needed.


sinpin i couldn't care less if pinsrfun buys new or used. if he buys new he eats alot of money. sure there is warranty if the company stays in business but what happens if that company goes under? ask your good friend at dynasty why he changed his company's name. wasn't he polar spa? but becarefull he might tell you to f*** off like he did to so many on his cash back scam( which was in the news). he is lucky, he is not in jail on fraud. its companies like that keep me busy because he left alot of people hanging. yes my phone never does stop ringing and business is great.

if pinsrfun buys used he can get a great deal for around $5000 he could have a nice tub. save thousands of coarse for pinball. fixing hot tubs is easy i'am sure sam wouldn't have a problem doing so. i sold a tub to one of sam's friends over a year ago(funny enough a dynasty).for %70 less then what you paid. i have never herd from him except that a speaker was no good. i have one for him but he never picked it up. i guess it was cheaper for him to buy one then travel across the city.

sure buying used is a bit more of a gamble but not so much if you can see the tub working(at $5000 or less, you better) . its a gamble that i would take instead of throwing money out the window. but thats just me just like i would never buy a new car.

Quoted from hardkor

ask your good friend at dynasty why he changed his company's name. wasn't he polar spa? but becarefull he might tell you to f*** off like he did to so many on his cash back scam( which was in the news). he is lucky, he is not in jail on fraud. its companies like that keep me busy because he left alot of people hanging. yes my phone never does stop ringing and business is great.

Just to clear up that mis-information.  Polar Spa's did not just change their name.  My contact took over the company about 4 years ago after all the bull mess was going on.  Dynasty is associated with the manufacturer out of the USA.  They have 3 stores in Alberta and 1 store in Saskatchewan.  They deal with honesty and integrity.  I would not deal with them or recommend them if they didn't.  A few of my other clients have been happy with their Dynasty spas.  They are high quality, luxury spas.  I am not at all regretting my "new" purchase even if i could have saved $5000 buying used.  They delivered, provided chemicals and training, etc, etc.  Plus I know for sure that some dirty drunk guy with scabs and warts all over his body did not sit in my tub and throw up on himself.  haha.  Now there is a pretty picture for ya!

Sam - if you'd like to come have a look perhaps I could twist your arm into checking out why the audio on my LOTR crackles sometimes.  Would be a win, win situation    Definately bring your swimming trunks...

dynasty owner was part owner of polar spas.  they still use the old polar bear on their sign on the front of their store.    every service tec knows about dynasty and their integrity.   how is using tin foil for installation high quality

noticed the thread and thought I would mention a couple things. I own an Arctic Spa tub I bought used 2 years ago and it is 9 years old. We have enjoyed it and had only one problem so far. There was a leak by the spa pack and it thru the GFI while we were in it. Fixed the leak and it was up and running again. Very pleased with purchase. I met a guy last summer that did some work on my new house and he purchased a Dynasty Spa in 08 and had bad luck with it. He said It had leaks when it was brand new. The company came out and fixed some but couldn't get to one side as it was up against his deck so it had to be moved out first and there was a post blocking the other end that had to be taken out. He had the tub moved out and called them to come out and fix it but they wanted travel time costs and he refused to pay. Another thing he told me was that they gave him the wrong cover for the tub and promised him a new one he never got. After doing some research he found out they were previously polar spas and had warranty issues as well. I did go out and help him with some leaks last fall by the light bar so I know that much is fact . He told me he paid around $15,000 for the tub and was totally surprised he didn't get better service. I will agree his tub is beautiful and has really cool toys but for my family we just like to go sit in a warm tub with jets and look at the stars. Good luck with whatever you decide Sam, I think your family will really enjoy it.

Oh, I just talked to him and his speakers are no longer working. I am sure if they come out and remedy these things his opinions would change of their service. He just gave up from the aggravation of getting nowhere with them.

I guess like everything there are going to always be good stories and bad stories.  I'm sure there are no "used" tub bad stories around    yeah right.

Anyways Dynasty sells a lot of high end tubs to a lot of people.  At the home show in Calgary (couple weeks ago I think) they sold over 30 tubs including a $37,000 swim spa.  You should get one of those Sam.  It has a regular 8 foot hot tub on one end and then a divider with a 10 foot swim spa on the other end.  The swim spa actually sends enough jet power that you can swim in the middle of it and get one hell of a workout.  You can keep each side a different temperature.  check this out:  

http://www.dynastyspas.com/Home/AquexSwimSpas/AquEX18Platinum/tabid/127/Default.aspx

My experience has been great with Dynasty - this is not second hand information - he said, she said, someone told me - blah, blah, blah.

They have a local service guy who does all the warranty work.  They just send the bill to the manufacturer once the repair has been authorized and the manufacturer pays.  Speakers only have a 90 day or one year warranty (can't remember) but that is the only thing with a short warranty.  Everything else is 5 years minimum.

If you just want hot water I say just get a jetted tub and put it in your bathroom.  If you want a real entertaining hot tub - these are the way to go...  I should have taken a picture with me in the middle but no one wants to see that - trust me!  Oh yeah - the LED's go to at least 10 different colors too.

Darren.

I agree with sinpin, there are a lot of used hot tub horror stories as well just like anything else. Unfortunately I don't have a skylight in my bathroom so I have to look at the stars from outside. I think the toys would be awesome but going from $2,000 to $15,000 I couldn't justify for my needs. Sinpin, I am sure if you can line up a tech that will service his tub under warranty and replace the incorrect cover as promised he would be very happy. Let me know and I will forward you his number. Thanks