How does one choose a hot tub?

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I want to have a hot tub installed in our not-yet-built deck. I want the hot tub edge flush with the deck surface - ie sunken. I want enough space for 7 - 8 adults and I don't want a noisy system. I can't enjoy the outdoors when I hear motors whirring!
What should I know to choose a good hot tub and to have it installed flush with the deck surface? Thanks in advance for your tips/experiences.



Comments

  1. Jamellia L says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    try looking in magazines oh yea a bit of advice………you might just want to FINISH BUILDING YOUR DECK FIRST!!!

  2. norman7774 says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    The BEST way is to:
    a) Consult the consumer's Digest(that is where I get a lot of my information for comparing, etc
    b) SHOP and SHOP and ask questions at different shops until YOU ares satisfied with what you want.. NOT what the salesperson wants you to get

  3. NANCY K says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    Ask several people who you know what they do not like about theirs.

    Ask the sales people sincere questions, and you will get sincere answers.

    Here's something I can't figure out about people and their hot tubs……..Why do they always place them on TOP of the surface?

    As long as you are building something, why not build it so you don't have to CLIMB into the tub- up a ladder-down into the tub.

    It always reminds me of the cartoons of the missionaries sitting in the boiling pot to see how people place their hot tubs.

    Place the hot tub where you can just step down into the water – like a sunken tub. Then it wouldn't be such an 'eyesore' when you are just looking out over the deck.

    Not to mention the convenience/ease of entering and exiting. Of course you would have the cover, so it would be safe, too.

  4. gabriele_narburgh says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    I don't know anything about having it installed flush with your deck – mine is above ground – my only advice is to get the largest and deepest you can afford .
    There are 3 of us and we tried the ones designed for 3 – 4 people which was ok.
    Then we tried the Grand Canyon designed for 7 people and that was pure bliss – plenty of room to stretch without touching legs etc unless of course you choose to – plus if we have visitors we just squish up a bit which is ok – but occaisionaly. have fun !!!!

  5. Seth says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    Good questions. First off… don't follow the advice of the girl that said to build the deck first… that would certainly limit your options in what would fit where you are going to place the tub.

    Anyway, there are many hot tubs out there that should suit your needs thoroughly. Most well-built hot tubs will be for seating 6+ adults… so you'll be picking out something that is slightly higher priced than a six seater, but that's alright.

    I would stay away from places like home depot and lowes for selecting a jacuzzi. Get out and shop some specialt shops… places that sell pools and hot-tubs, specifically. Visit several of these shops and make phone calls to dealers if necessary. You want to inform them on your specifications (seats 7-8 adults, low noise… and I suggest plenty of adjustable jets). Keep thorough notes among each place you visit or talk with so that you can compare the information different retailers / dealers have given you. This is really going to be your best bet.

    As for the noise… anymore this should be quite limited except when the jets are running. Typically however, you don't hear the motor that is running the jets but rather the water… which I'm sure you know is quite a healthy and inspirational sound… very relaxing.

    As for installation… hire a good contractor. You want to search a contractor by references, skills, and years in business. Don't hire a contractor for this porch and hot tub installation by shopping for the best price. If you're going to spend some money; higher-end hot tub and top of the line decking materials… then consider hiring a contracting consultant to manage the job for you. By doing this you are putting someone who knows the business in charge of hiring and overseeing the work that is to be done. If a contractor isn't working out… no worries on your end, it's the consultants job to replace this person.

    Obviously, hiring a consultant for any home imporovement is going to cost you more money, but many times (I've seen it hundreds of times) it saves you money in the long run by preventing having someone come in and fix your project later. Decks and hot-tubs are expensive, and they need to be put in right the first time.

    let me know if you have any questions

  6. ihavetriedseveralnamesnow says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    Have never seen a hot tub in a sunken installation. Having repaired several units I can tell you what I believe to be the best and quietest spas on the market.
    Without a doubt….Hot Springs hot tubs.

    To get the quality of one of these tubs built in I would guess you would be looking at the very least……double the cost of the tub.

    What may be best would be to build the deck so that it is about 7" below the installed height of a standard hot tub/spa. This configuration would allow you to have the best of both concepts.
    There is a deck designer on Hot Springs Web Site.
    Look here:
    http://www.hotspring.com/Spa_Notes_Hot_Tub/backyard_spa_deck_designer.html

    You will have to register and login but you will not be disappointed.

    Good Luck and Enjoy!

  7. champ_ferguson_martyr says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    I was all set to answer and then I read some of the answers that already have been posted. I really like the poster's information that provided the links for you to look at. I clicked on both of them and I was impressed.

    Good Luck with your project..

  8. Terry says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    There's lots of dealers with many different models with many different functions and features. My advice is to not buy on a whim. Visit lots of dealers. Kick the tires and drive 'em around the block. Spending the extra time will pay dividends.

    I equate buying a hot tub to buying, or building, a house. After you have it for a period of time, you wish you had done things a little differently. For instance, seating configurations, number jets, jet style and placement, and frills like integrated sound systems and video monitors.

    Consider the number of people (and their size) that will be using it at any given time. Do you require integrated cup holders? What about integrated lighting?

    A word of advice… we've had tubs that use chlorine and we've also had tubs that use bromine. There's no difference in the tubs themselves, only in the chemicals. And I will tell you from experience that bromine is much more gentle on the skin.

    One other piece of advice… it pays great dividends to study up on water chemistry. There are quite a lot of web sites that explain water chemistry and the function of all of the neccessary chemicals. By the way, besides bromine (or chlorine), you will likely need to follow a regular regimen of these chemicals: chlorine shock additive, anti-foam additive, water clarifier additive, and possibly water stabilizers such as PHup or PHdown and/or AlkalinityUp or AlkalinityDown.

    Expect to change water every 3 months. Also expect to spend about $20 per month for the additional electricity (pump and heater).

    This will get you started. Good luck!

  9. the_cheeze_cop says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    WOW…a lot of good answers. They have covered it. Good luck with your choice.

  10. Sandy says:
    May 22, 2009 at 2:19 am

    We just purchased one this summer, and our best advice is TRY EVERY TUB OUT! We had our hearts set on one brand of hot tub, but when we wet-tested it (got in a water-filled demo at the dealer with swimsuits on,) we continually floated out of the seats and couldn't stay in place. Our second choice, another brand, burned our legs when we tried it out! The hot water came out of a particular jet that you couldn't maneuver around. Our third choice was the one we ended up buying. The first choice, the one with the best "quality" pitch, our neighbors purchased, untested. The wife floats in it, and now hardly ever uses it. So, our best advice is: WET TEST THEM IN BATHING SUITS BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION!

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