I'm looking to get a small (2 person) model that is inexpensive to operate...any suggestions? I'd especially like to know if anyone here has a Smartub brand.

Thanks to all.

 

I have a Jacuzzi and their customer service is in my top 5 ever.

 

my parents have a 3-4 person sweetwater, its awesome. My freind has a smaller 110v plastic molded one that def. beats not having a hottub, but doesnt provide a place to lay down. I'm not sure of the brand, but think it was around 2500

here's the exact model he has. http://www.shopthegreatescape.com/pr...1511b1ff8d35f7

 

We have an older CalSpa - 8 person hottub.

It's cost a bundle to keep it running over the last two years.
We finally pulled the plug and drained it.

I'm trying to decide whether to have someone come and haul it away, or, break out the Sawzall and doing the job, myself.


I must say. . . there's nothing like climbing into that hottub when it's 17 degrees outside and snow covering everything in sight.

Two fingers of Jameson's and my wife beside me.

Relaxing.

 

very true, Toss an ad on CL for free, it'l be gone

 

Can you explain. We've thought about buying one. Was it problems with the tub or power cost, or what?

Mike

 

I have some friends that have had a Smartub for a couple of years that use it all of the time and love it. It requires less maintenance and is cheaper to operate than their last spa, though I understand that the liner is expected to need replacement after about 5 years.

 

Most likely power cost. My buddy has a hot tub, and tried an experiment for a couple months. He used it for one month, then powered it off the next. Price for electricity was not prohibitive, but more than noticeable. Add it up over the years, it's not cheap.

 

We had a very nice 6 person with cedar surround.
The up keep and the power it used was way to expensive , we drained it and gave it away.
Our water is bad here and I had to haul water or buy it from a water truck.
The chemicials were expensive and fussy to get just right.
The lid always waterlogged and new ones are expensive.
It used alot of powewr.
We enjoyed it , but life is cheaper and easier without it!

 

I completelty understand everyone that "pulled the plug" to save money...that's why I want to make sure I get a small, efficient model.

From what I've been told, the Softub brand is the cheapest to operate. Very well insulated, & they don't even have a heater; the water is heated by circulating it around the pump motor, so it takes quite a while to warm up but then can maintain temp. However, like the Smartub, these use a vinyl liner that can wear out or get damaged.

 

We prolly have the same model.

We rarely use it, the electricity to run the thing cost a bundle, so it's unplugged.

 

We 'pulled the plug' because of the following:
New 'high limit' thermostat/switch. $$$
New 'heating element'. $$$
New pump. $$$
New cover. BIG $$$.
New head cushions. $$$
The straw that broke the camel's back was a leak. I kept noticing water seeping from under the hottub.
So, I thought it was one of the lines/hoses. Nope. The fiberglass is cracked. Hairline crack, almost 6 inches long.
I was told that it could be fixed, but, it would be 'unsightly' and may not last long.

This is an OLDER CalSpa. The parts are getting harder to find, and they have to come from California. The last time we ordered parts, CalSpa took forever to ship. (I don't need the headaches.)

Ultimate bottom line. . . . It has been drained and cleaned and the circuit breaker is off, and locked.

 

What's expensive? My 8 person tub uses 43 cents of electricity per day to run (on average). I drop two bromine tablets in per week and 32 oz of muriatic when I change out the water.

 

Beachcomber Hot Tubs and Hot Tub Accessories

The best You can get. Just ask any other manufacturer if they'll give You a 100% lifetime structural guarantee. They won't.

I used to repair Hot Tubs/pools. Beachcomber treats their customers better than any other company on the market. Plus their quality is top notch.

 

I always say:
Only thing better than having a hot tub is having a buddy/relative/neighbor that has a hot tub (and all the associated expenses).

Although I will admit it would be darn nice to have one at home, I just don't see myself taking the time to use it enough to make it worthwhile.

But that's just me. I know plenty of folks that have that kind of stuff (sauna's too) and they use them all the time. So who knows? Maybe if I had one I would use it.