Hot Tubs - Do like the Luvahs do….Lamb shanks anyone? (1 Viewer)

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I like a jacuzzi, but a Sauna is where its at.  This thread inspired me to look around again and I found this one that looks like a great option for me.  Plugs into a regular wall outlet.  I have a back porch that's half covered and I think it would be a perfect fit.  

It says indoor use only, but a few people in the reviews said they have it outside. Outside and covered seems like a good option?  

My wife and I go to one of those Hot Sauna gyms.  She goes a lot more than I do.  I usually just go sit and stretch.  Would love to do this one the back porch.  

So let me get this straight, you guys get into a sweatbox for relaxation? I would be cussing and throwing fits, #####ing and moaning the entire time ..".OMG its sooo ####### hoooooooowt!" over and over until I jump out, slammed the door and tipped the damn thing over in a fit of rage. 

Doesn't sound therapeutic to me. 

 

[flapgreen]

So let me get this straight, you guys get into a sweatbox for relaxation? I would be cussing and throwing fits, #####ing and moaning the entire time ..".OMG its sooo ####### hoooooooowt!" over and over until I jump out, slammed the door and tipped the damn thing over in a fit of rage. 

Doesn't sound therapeutic to me. 

Exactly 

 

[SwampDawg]

We've had two so I'll give you my take.

Determine how big you want it and do you want one that requires a separate 220 line or one that can run off a standard 30amp 110 connection. As I said we are on our second one, both have been the type that run off a standard 110 connection. First one I honestly don't remember the brand we had for 11 years, it was a 5 person with lights and pretty basic otherwise. Biggest issue was that it used the pumps to actually heat the water instead of having a heating element. This caused a lot more wear on the pumps and was ultimately it's down fall a few years ago. The pumps died and it was going to be $1000 in parts plus labor to replace them. We got it just before the kids and used it a ton when they were little, we'd put them to bed and go out for a soak and a glass of wine. As they got older and had busier schedules we didn't use it as much so when it died we went without one.  Enter the pandemic and my wife mentions she sort of misses it, my younger son is also now playing more competitive travel and high school soccer and has some soreness so we decided to use our stimulus checks and get a new one. At first I was going to bite the bullet and get the connection rewired to 220 because I didn't want to deal with the pump issue again. But after talking to the local pool place I found out the newer ones that run on a standard 110 connection have separate heating elements. So we got a Freeflow Excursion (https://www.freeflowspas.com/), it is a 5 person with lights and waterfall (they pretty much all have them) but other then that a basic hot tub. We got it in April and have been thrilled with it, can't wait for the first snowfall because that is one of my favorite things to sit there while it is snowing around you. My son will use it when he feels sore after a tough weekend of games. The new one also heats up much quicker. I generally leave it at 100 degrees (during the cold months, cooler in the summer) and if I know we are going to use it will turn it up a couple degrees a few hours before. I normally like about 102, I find 104 is too hot unless it is really cold out and we know we are going to sit out there awhile with friends or something because they do cool off a little when you have the jets on full for awhile. I believe they all cap you at 104 degrees now.

On the sauna topic I don't see how yo people find that enjoyable, have tried them at different resorts we have been at and sitting there just sweating for the sake of sweating is not for me.

 

[Zow]

I think the bigger issue is why are the dudes you invite to your house pulling their horns and dropping deuces in your tub? 

Otis needs better friends. 

Agreed. 
 

Terrible take. Hot tubs are amazing. Bought one this past summer and my wife and I use the heck out of it (note: I can promise no other men’s semen get near it). It gets cleaned regularly. 
 

This past weekend I got in my first session with snow falling down around me. Hard to beat. 
 

Also, you do get what you paid for. I’m glad I didn’t skimp. Good point above too about the foot well. 

 

[Zow]

Saunas are great, too. 

 

[SwampDawg]

I think the bigger issue is why are the dudes you your wife invites to your house pulling their horns and dropping deuces in your tub? 

Otis needs better friends. 

Fixed

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

@flapgreen and @Zow which brand did you buy? What would you have done diffferently? 
 

We can’t seem to find prices for most of them that aren’t on wayfair. We have to visit a dealer? 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

We've had two so I'll give you my take.

Determine how big you want it and do you want one that requires a separate 220 line or one that can run off a standard 30amp 110 connection. As I said we are on our second one, both have been the type that run off a standard 110 connection. First one I honestly don't remember the brand we had for 11 years, it was a 5 person with lights and pretty basic otherwise. Biggest issue was that it used the pumps to actually heat the water instead of having a heating element. This caused a lot more wear on the pumps and was ultimately it's down fall a few years ago. The pumps died and it was going to be $1000 in parts plus labor to replace them. We got it just before the kids and used it a ton when they were little, we'd put them to bed and go out for a soak and a glass of wine. As they got older and had busier schedules we didn't use it as much so when it died we went without one.  Enter the pandemic and my wife mentions she sort of misses it, my younger son is also now playing more competitive travel and high school soccer and has some soreness so we decided to use our stimulus checks and get a new one. At first I was going to bite the bullet and get the connection rewired to 220 because I didn't want to deal with the pump issue again. But after talking to the local pool place I found out the newer ones that run on a standard 110 connection have separate heating elements. So we got a Freeflow Excursion (https://www.freeflowspas.com/), it is a 5 person with lights and waterfall (they pretty much all have them) but other then that a basic hot tub. We got it in April and have been thrilled with it, can't wait for the first snowfall because that is one of my favorite things to sit there while it is snowing around you. My son will use it when he feels sore after a tough weekend of games. The new one also heats up much quicker. I generally leave it at 100 degrees (during the cold months, cooler in the summer) and if I know we are going to use it will turn it up a couple degrees a few hours before. I normally like about 102, I find 104 is too hot unless it is really cold out and we know we are going to sit out there awhile with friends or something because they do cool off a little when you have the jets on full for awhile. I believe they all cap you at 104 degrees now.

On the sauna topic I don't see how yo people find that enjoyable, have tried them at different resorts we have been at and sitting there just sweating for the sake of sweating is not for me.

Would you still they that hot tub style if you already had a dedicated 240? 

 

[flapgreen]

@flapgreen and @Zow which brand did you buy? What would you have done diffferently? 
 

We can’t seem to find prices for most of them that aren’t on wayfair. We have to visit a dealer? 

Had a couple brands in mind.  Jacuzzi. Hot springs. I think maybe a couple others. I'm also a frugal spender and didn't want to drop 10k on one either. Found a Jacuzzi 4 person hot tub on marketplace that was about a year old. People who owned it said they never used it. Ended up getting it for 1k. Used it almost every day for 2 years. Would still have it but had to move out of state due to work and ended up selling it to my brother-in-law. Now, he uses it just as much. Was home for the holidays and had Christmas at his house. Better believe I got in it, too. Still runs as smoothly as ever. 

I know there are far nicer and bigger ones than what we bought, but it was mainly just for the four of us, with the occasional use when we had pool parties. I was interested in getting a reliable brand for a good price. Awesome investment. Nothing better than rolling in from work or the gym in the wintertime and hopping in, or getting in right before bed. 

 

[Zow]

@flapgreen and @Zow which brand did you buy? What would you have done diffferently? 
 

We can’t seem to find prices for most of them that aren’t on wayfair. We have to visit a dealer? 

Whirlpool 

 

[tonydead]

@flapgreen and @Zow which brand did you buy? What would you have done diffferently? 
 

We can’t seem to find prices for most of them that aren’t on wayfair. We have to visit a dealer? 

It's like buying a car, except without any sticker prices, and every weekend they are on a one time only sale.  You just have to figure on 10K and barter with them the best you can.  I'd stick to 220v as anything that runs on 110v isn't going to be powerful enough or heat quick enough.

Sounds like you have a dedicated 220v so all you have to do is put in a GFCI hot-tub breaker box not too close, yet not to far away from the tub(by code).  You can get those from Home Depot for $60.   If you need an electrician it can get expensive if they have to go back to your house breaker.   I wired all of mine myself and then had an electrician from work come over and check my work.  GFIC and breaker at main panel should both be 50Amp and then make sure you have a big enough wire size for how long you got to go (by code).

 

[SwampDawg]

Would you still they that hot tub style if you already had a dedicated 240? 

If I already had the higher amp setup I’d certainly look at all the options.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

We’re gonna hit a dealer this week. We’ve concluded we can’t drop $6k-$10k sight unseen based on wayfair and other reviews. 
 

If we see something we like we’re just going to haggle a bit and walk if they don’t come down significantly. 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

If I already had the higher amp setup I’d certainly look at all the options.

We don’t but the panel is super close to where the hot tub is going and the A/C lines run out the same area so I may not even need to drill a new hole through the brick. 

We’re gonna hit a dealer this week. We’ve concluded we can’t drop $6k-$10k sight unseen based on wayfair and other reviews. 

If we see something we like we’re just going to haggle a bit and walk if they don’t come down significantly. 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Hot tub arrived today! I attempted to pay the delivery guys $50 each just to drive the truck into the backyard but they balked and asked for $150 each. 

After they left it at the end of the driveway I laid it down on my custom cart I build for it and filled it into the backyard and rolled it into place using pvc pipes. Pretty excited! 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Any advice on chemicals? My electrician recommended “the frog”. The wife is in charge of all that so anything to make it easier so it doesn’t fall on me. 

 

[Ron Swanson]

Any advice on chemicals? My electrician recommended “the frog”. The wife is in charge of all that so anything to make it easier so it doesn’t fall on me. 

That depends. Do you want to keep the water clear, or sanitary?  Or both?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

That depends. Do you want to keep the water clear, or sanitary?  Or both?

Both would be ideal but since I’ve never owned a pool or spa I’m privy to whatever you’re alluding to. 

 

[SwampDawg]

Both of mine came with starter treatment kits. After that I just use the test strips and HTH spa chemicals from the local Ace hardware. I put chlorine in after we use it or once a week if we haven't used it. I'm not precise, just a shake while the jets are on to mix it in. Never had any issues. 

 

[flapgreen]

Chlorine every 5 days. Shock after every use. Easy. I drained mine about every 3 months 

 

[Ron Swanson]

Both would be ideal but since I’ve never owned a pool or spa I’m privy to whatever you’re alluding to. 

I would stick with a simple chlorine or maybe bromine based treatment.  Frog still requires chlorine anyway.

That means hand dosing or using a floater or other feeder.  Just get a good test kit and keep the water sanitary.

An easier system would be something like this.  Dumber similar systems are available for less.

https://controlomatic.ecwid.com/SmarterSpa-Hot-Tub-and-Spa-Saltwater-Chlorine-Generator-with-Chlorine-Detection-p67339932

 

[-fish-]

In October I had a couple people over and we went in the hot tub.   A PVC connector to the drain line failed and all of the water emptied out...directly onto the motherboard.   It took 6 weeks to get someone to come look at it, who confirmed the motherboard was fried.   Just got a call that the part finally arrived and I have an appointment for them to install it next Tuesday.   

Was just about to give up and buy a new one.   

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Chlorine every 5 days. Shock after every use. Easy. I drained mine about every 3 months 

So if we use it every night we shock it every single night? Seems pretty extreme  

I have no idea what I’m talking about so  

 

[-fish-]

So if we use it every night we shock it every single night? Seems pretty extreme  

I have no idea what I’m talking about so  

yeah that's unnecessary

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

In October I had a couple people over and we went in the hot tub.   A PVC connector to the drain line failed and all of the water emptied out...directly onto the motherboard.   It took 6 weeks to get someone to come look at it, who confirmed the motherboard was fried.   Just got a call that the part finally arrived and I have an appointment for them to install it next Tuesday.   

Was just about to give up and buy a new one.   

Hmm. Maybe a good idea for me to cover the motherboard with plastic or some type of flashing. 
 

We have it all in place and I will say that getting to the drain/service panel was petty tedious. 8 screws and difficult to get the insulation board out without damaging it. I created an access panel on the insulation board and used HVAC tape on the edges to keep it weathertight and to prevent the styrofoam from falling apart. 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Other than the shell, these things are not very complicated to produce. They make a fortune on them. 

 

[flapgreen]

yeah that's unnecessary

That's what all of the surrounding pool stores told us. Worked good for 2 years we had it. Small spoon of shock after each use. 

 

[SwampDawg]

So if we use it every night we shock it every single night? Seems pretty extreme  

I have no idea what I’m talking about so  

Depends if you are just in for a quick soak or   lol.

I will tell you this, bathing suits do tend to hold onto soap from being washed and cause bubbles and other contamination. So if you are going in every night don't use a fresh suit each night.  We generally rinse ours ahead of time if we think about it and then we will hang them up when we come in and wear them multiple time before washing again. Now back when the kids were little and we would go in after they were put to bed we usually just went without a suit but that's not practical anymore with teenagers.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Depends if you are just in for a quick soak or   lol.

I will tell you this, bathing suits do tend to hold onto soap from being washed and cause bubbles and other contamination. So if you are going in every night don't use a fresh suit each night.  We generally rinse ours ahead of time if we think about it and then we will hang them up when we come in and wear them multiple time before washing again. Now back when the kids were little and we would go in after they were put to bed we usually just went without a suit but that's not practical anymore with teenagers.

Funny you say that. The wife was just telling me about how detergents mess up the water. Her sisters friend says to be sure not to mix different detergents - as in if you have a guest over - they may use a different detergent than we do and it can have a great impact. 

 

[SwampDawg]

Funny you say that. The wife was just telling me about how detergents mess up the water. Her sisters friend says to be sure not to mix different detergents - as in if you have a guest over - they may use a different detergent than we do and it can have a great impact. 

With guest you should definitely forgo the suits then...lol...I can't say as I've heard that and not really sure it is practical to tell friends make sure you wash your suit with brand X before coming over. If you just monitor and keep  things balanced you should be fine. I do agree with @flapgreendraining every so often is a good idea. I usually do spring, mid summer and fall, I don't do the winter because it is too cold here and I shut my spigots off and put my hoses in the shed. Also make sure you change or clean your filter. Mine uses a cartridge filter and I can pull it out and rinse it good in between replacements to keep it working well.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Any tips for the initial fill? We have a filter for the hose but weird that we’re not flushing out the anti freeze (which I think is just window de-icer)  The dude at the hot tub store said it’s not toxic and after you fill it with 400 gallons it’s a non issue. I think I’m still going to try and rinse it out but it’s tricky cause it’s below freezing here. We’re using the basement utility sink with a hose connection so the water will initially be cold and then slightly ramp it up to warmer but even then that’s only 70 gallons worth of hot water.

Just to think- tonight my wife and I will experience the HA-Tub Like Roger and Virginia Klarvin do!

 

[Ron Swanson]

Funny you say that. The wife was just telling me about how detergents mess up the water. Her sisters friend says to be sure not to mix different detergents - as in if you have a guest over - they may use a different detergent than we do and it can have a great impact. 

 

[Ron Swanson]

Any tips for the initial fill? We have a filter for the hose but weird that we’re not flushing out the anti freeze (which I think is just window de-icer)  The dude at the hot tub store said it’s not toxic and after you fill it with 400 gallons it’s a non issue. I think I’m still going to try and rinse it out but it’s tricky cause it’s below freezing here. We’re using the basement utility sink with a hose connection so the water will initially be cold and then slightly ramp it up to warmer but even then that’s only 70 gallons worth of hot water.

Just to think- tonight my wife and I will experience the HA-Tub Like Roger and Virginia Klarvin do!

Not much to worry about with filling an acrylic tub as long as you don't have any high metals like iron.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

That’s what we were all saying. The lady sounds

 

[jwb]

That’s what we were all saying. The lady sounds

Non-issue. When we had ours (we had it for ten years until we moved), we had friends over, and "whatever" with the suits/detergents. Was never even a thought, really.

No matter what, when you get near your water change time (like 3 months), the water will probably be soapy. They make foam dispersers that work really well so you can use it without it being like a bubble bath.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

27 degrees outside right now.

105 degrees in da tub.



One of the best purchase we’ve ever made. I think I like it more than the kids and I was hesitant. I’ll do a little write up with some links for things and suggestions. so far it’s pretty easy to maintain. 
 

OK, I guess I’ll get out of the tub and go to work. 

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Just bought a house in Syracuse with a hot tub. Looking forward to living the lifestyle when I move in June. 
 

 

[flapgreen]

27 degrees outside right now.

105 degrees in da tub.



One of the best purchase we’ve ever made. I think I like it more than the kids and I was hesitant. I’ll do a little write up with some links for things and suggestions. so far it’s pretty easy to maintain. 
 

OK, I guess I’ll get out of the tub and go to work. 

They're awesome. Getting another one as soon as we move back home.