So a guy down the street from me moved, and doesn't want his hot tub. Offered it to me for free.<br /><br />Never owned one, so what all is involved in keeping them going good?
I have one (had it about 5 years). Mine is a 4 person tub. I had to install a GFIC circuit to run it.<br /><br />I use all non-chlorine chemicals (no chlorine smell)called baquacil which I check weekly.<br /><br />Upkeep is easy. Over the past 5 years I have changed a few jets, replace the filters (yearly) and change the water. Mine takes about 275 gallons and I leave mine at 104 degrees. With the cover in place it retains the heat just fine. My electric bill is about $25-30 per month higher when I have it running. I shut it down and drain it from May-September and when I drain it I scrub it out and use a shop vac tto get what does not drain.<br /><br />They are much easier than a pool to keep up. If I was offered a free one I would take it.
The biggest problem you will have is moving the dang thing.<br /><br />They are heavy so be prepared. Take it easy when moving it and don't make any sudden jars against anything. Lots of stuff in them don't like sudden stops.
Clean it, Clean it, Clean it, Clean it, if you take it. You can't imagine the disgusting things that can be in the lines, filters, pumps, etc. If you knew what I knew you would never go in a hot tub at a hotel. <br /><br />I think hot tubs are like boats. Some people buy them and use them all the time, others (like maybe your friend) get them and just don't get the enjoyment so they don't use them. The price sounds right, dig in.<br /><br />My brother got one on a similiar deal about a year ago and uses it almost everyday. I want one but I own a boat so I therefore have no money.
One item I'd like to mention is if you plan on ever having yougsters in the tub that you insure that the water return fittings are equipped with grids or safety strainers to prevent a small child from being held under.I've heard some horror stories about accidental child drownings as a result of this very item.Jack Nicklaus' grandson comes to mind.Anyway ,the part is cheap and something you might want to look into.
had one, it came with the house when we bought it. up keep is not bad but the novelty wore off quick. sold afer 2 years. i figure i take that 2 grand off the price of the house,
I have one. It is a HUGE pain in the butt. Its a 1992 JAcuzzi Quatam 4. It is a piece of junk. I've owned it for 6 years. Over the years I've spent:<br /><br />2000- Bought house. Hot tub cover was spent $400<br />2001- Heater relay $100 +$85 service call<br />2002- Second heater relay $100 +$85 service call<br />2003- Timer $100<br />2004- Heater $350 +$85 service call<br />2005- Overheat cutout $85<br />2006- Flow switch (bypassed) $85<br /><br />as of 6/2006 it needs all the jets rebuilt, and both intakes leak. The jets just don't make bubbles, so I'll let that go, but both intakes leak, and I'll have to fix that by winter. Thats a $500 repair.<br /><br />The turd costs about $30 in the summer to keep warm and twice that in the winter. <br /><br />It is nice when it works, but I wish I didn't have it.
i just had the pleasure of moving one. a friend tipped me off to using 6 long sections of pvc, 4" diameter works better than smaller. lay the pvc sections down the long way, like rails. 2 will support it at a time but 3's better. the tub will slide right down the rails. before you hit the end of the pvc, move more into place. <br /><br />it took 4 people to move from the patio to the grass where we could lay the pvc down. from there, 2 people could easily slide it wherever.<br /><br />i got my freebie home but haven't set it up yet. not too excited about building a deck in 100 degree heat. i might just set it up on blocks and use it that way until things cool down a bit. it's just sitting there now anyway.
<br />Lysol shower for me today!