Hot tubs

[Lightning CycleQueen]

I wish I had the money to install and maintain a swimming pool. Unfortunately, they are so expensive, plus you can only use it in the summer in the UK.

So, I'm thinking of getting the next best thing - a hot tub instead. I'm not getting a big one due to money but a smaller one to relax the joints. Still researching for a good deal.

Does anyone else have a hot tub?

If so, would you highly recommend it?

 

[fossyant]

We've had one a number of years. It's an Intex inflatable one - seem better made than others as the 'tub' section is a stiffer plastic that you can sit on. Over the years we've had a pump fail and the impeller shaft go, but there are lots of spare parts and they aren't difficult to fix. The thing cost £500, but it's been good.

You must keep on top of treating the water - a half teaspoon of chlorine in it every so often (depends upon use) and regular changes of flters - you can 60c wash them in the washer. Make sure you don't enter it with any 'body' products on - e.g. makeup/moisturiser etc. otherwise this ends up in the water and the filter and you need to change the water more often (1000 litres). Water changes depends on use.

If you've used it a bit, the water will get a bit bubbly - you can use anti-foam, but I've found just rubbing a bar of simple soap between your hands and rinsing in the tub water is enough to stop the bubbles - and you aren't using more chemicals - I suspect defoamer is liquid soap TBH.

You do need to run them constantly - i.e. turn the heat down but leave the pump on.

Right, the biggy. They are not cheap to run. Whilst 'heating' they consume almost 2kw. In winter, maintaining heat will use at least 15 Kwh a day, sometimes more, so £4 - £6 PER DAY. So £100 a month or more on your electricity bill.

You can reduce this a bit by running it at say 25c, then turn it up on the morning of the day you want to use it. Takes all day to go from 25c to 39c.

 

[fossyant]

We have a permanent gazebo for it - It sits on the side of the garage and is made of wood and perspex. One side is open. This effectively keeps the wind off you and protects the tub from the elements. There is loads of airflow and we have an opening window to let the steam flow out. It helps keep costs down. I also place a big sheet of "cut to size" kingspan insulation on top of the lid to try and reduce heat loss.

 

[wakemalcolm]

We got sucked into the hot tub craze during lockdown so our Lay Z Spa is in it's 6th winter. During that time we've had to replace the defunct heating pump unit and it's an annual job to try and track down the punctures before use.

Part of the reason for going inflatable was that we only use it during the winter. Can't beat the feeling of climbing into 40 degree water on a sub zero clear skies night enjoying the stars over the hills.

Everything @fossyant says about the wild electricity consumption is spot on.

 

[fossyant]

PS - we don't fold ours away, as this caused a puncture. What happens is the plastic can get brittle at low temperatures, so folding when 'cold' isn't advised. We've not had any holes since the first time we put it away.

 

[fossyant]

Our set up.

 

[slowmotion]

Being a lover of very hot baths, I'm afraid hot tubs come as a bit of a disappointment. They're tepid.

 

[fossyant]

Well, ours is about to go to the tip. Just replaced the impeller but there appears to be an issue now with the heater as it's tripped a few times, with finally tripping the whole house. Going to save me a fortune in electricity. Plus side, is MrsF's 'cold' tub will be popped into the gazebo instead ! That doesn't need electric.