Hot Tubs

Inflatable and portable hot tubs

Inflatable hot tubs are generally made of vinyl, nylon or plastic, and they are the most portable and least expensive spas available, retailing for $500 to $2000. They might be a good choice for those not ready to spend $4,000 or more on a more on an acrylic hot tub. Rising in popularity in recent years, these spas are manufactured by a number of companies, including Comfort Line, Sun Pleasure, DreamMaker, SportStuff, InstaSPA and Softub.

Advantages of this type of hot tub include easy installation -- most weigh less than 100 pounds and can be installed on pretty much any flat surface, indoors or out. Portable spas require no special plumbing -- you can just fill them with a hose. Many models also either fold up or snap apart, allowing them to be moved to new homes, or even to a friend's house for a party. Nearly all portable hot tubs can be plugged into a standard 110-volt wall outlet.

While convenient and less expensive, inflatable spas have quite a few drawbacks. They are not highly durable, and most come with limited or nonexistent warranties. In order to create the 'whirlpool' effect, portable space use blowers rather than water jets to create the bubbles. While this can feel nice, owners complain that the blowers are noisy.

The most consistent complaint about inflatable spas is that tub temperature drops fast when using the blower. By contrast, acrylic spas use hot-water jets, so water temperature is maintained. With a portable hot tub, owners say the tub temperature can drop four or five degrees in less than 30 minutes. It can also take hours for the hot tub's heater to bring the temperature up again. Other consumers complain of leaking or puncture after only a few uses. In addition, seating can be an issue, as these spas are confined to floor seating or very basic bench-type seating. For these reasons, portable hot tubs are usually best for one or two people who prefer short dips of 15 to 30 minutes rather than long soaks.

Energy costs can be tough to predict since it depends on your usage -- how often you run the heater and blower. We did read one review by an owner who kept the heater on full-time and used his inflatable tub for 15 minutes each day for a month. His resulting electric bill had tripled.

The Comfort Line Spa-2-Go (*est. $800) is a representative of this type of hot tub. This model seats four in a simple, round inflatable tub with no bench. About 125 air jets provide the bubbles. The hot tub is inflated using the same blower that later powers the air jets. We found very few owner-written reviews for any hot tubs, but about 15 owners have rated this model at Amazon.com. Most say it's nice for the low price. The complaints noted are common for this type of tub in general -- that it loses heat quickly when using the air blower. A few say that the blower is loud and that the eight-foot power cord is too short (it plugs into a 110-volt outlet and has a ground-fault circuit interrupter (CGFI) for safety).

A step-up model is the Comfort Line Spa-N-A-Box (*est. $1,200) . This inflatable hot tubs works the same way as the cheaper Spa-2-Go, but the pricier version comes with a frame made of wood-look panels that slide together. You then insert the plastic liner. The panels give this tub a somewhat better look. Both models will heat water up to 105° Fahrenheit.

One crossover manufacturer among portable hot tubs is the DreamMaker Escape (*est. $2,000), a portable tub that isn't inflatable. It's made of molded plastic with basic jets, instead of a blower system, which makes it a bit more luxurious than an inflatable spa. It's also more expensive, but still cheaper than an acrylic hot tub.

As with any hot tub, you'll need to maintain the water in an inflatable or portable tub with chemicals to inhibit bacterial growth.

Above-ground acrylic spas

Standard above-ground acrylic hot tubs are, by far, the most popular type of spa; they are what most people envision when thinking of hot tubs. Like inflatable spas, they are considered portable, but it takes much more effort and equipment to move them. They require a firm, permanent surface, such as a concrete pad, for proper installation. Some above-ground spas also require a 220-volt outlet, in contrast to the basic 110-volt standard outlet used by most inflatable and portable hot tubs.

Standard above-ground spas are constructed with an acrylic or OAS (olefin acrylonitrile-styrene) shell attached to a fiberglass or foam understructure. Acrylic spas are more expensive and have a better luster and aesthetic appearance than OAS shells, but they are more susceptible to bubbling and cracking with exposure to excessive sunlight or extreme temperatures. Above-ground spas also have all spa components built into the spa unit, including the heater and filtration system, which are then surrounded by a wood or synthetic cabinet.

Seating arrangements vary from two-person lounger styles to 10-person models with multiple seating configurations. Options also abound, ranging from massage seats to colored lighting, swim-up refrigerated bars to integrated TV/DVD and/or audio systems, and more. Jets on these spas also vary in number and type, including standard jets, massaging jets, whirlpool jets and even jets built into inflatable pillows.

Despite all the options, the relaxation benefits and the ability to take a standard above-ground spa with you when you move, there is a downside to owning this type of spa. It represents a major initial investment, ranging from $3,000 for a small basic hot tub to over $30,000 for a fully customized spa with all the available amenities. These spas can also be costly on a monthly basis, increasing electric bills by $10 to $50 per month (based on region and spa usage) and requiring regular cleaning and weekly chemical treatments.

Most people buy acrylic hot tubs from a dealer who represents a small number of brands. Dealers will let serious buyers do a "wet test" -- actually get into the floor sample for a trial soak. Experts agree that this is the only real way you'll know if the seating configuration and jet locations suit you. During a wet test, you'll also want to consider noise, along with ease of entry. Ask yourself how easy it is to reach the controls and to adjust jets. Check location of cup holders. Ask the dealer about ongoing maintenance costs and warranty. You're bound to have questions and need the occasional service call down the road. Make sure the dealer is easy to reach and responsive to your questions. Ask for references and check with friends and neighbors for recommendations on dealers.

We found sporadic reviews here and there for many brands and spa models, but almost no spa gets more than one or two reviews -- not nearly enough to draw sweeping conclusions. Representative brands include Hot Springs, Dimension One, Coleman, Caldera, Master Spas, Sundance and Marquis Spas.

Many acrylic spa owners report that their electricity costs are between $20 and $40 more per month than before having a spa. Many of the latest models do use better insulation to help retain heat and minimize energy expense. Some now also recycle wasted heat from their pumps and use more efficient LED lights instead of incandescent lighting. Spas require regular maintenance with chemicals, and most should be drained and refilled about every three months. A few new models use special filter systems that allow for twice-yearly drain and refill cycles.

Amenities are a completely different topic. Marquis Spas claims to be the leader in clean water technology, manufacturing low-maintenance and energy-efficient systems. Barefoot Spas incorporates interchangeable jets and offers computer-controlled cleaning cycles. Dimension One Spas offers a line of incorporated and add-on aquatic fitness tools. Coast Spas and Master Spas both make models with integrated sound and video systems. All of these special extras add to cost, of course.

It should be noted that in May 2007, Coast Spas recalled over 8000 above-ground spas made between January 2002 and October 2004. These spas have a specific type of motor manufactured by Franklin Electric Company. It has been discovered that the motor on these spas can overheat and cause a fire, damaging the spa and its surroundings, as well as posing a risk to spa users. These motors can be retrofitted to correct the overheating problem. For more information on this recall, see the CPSC website.

Wooden hot tubs

The third type of hot tub is the traditional wooden hot tub, a throwback to the early wine-barrel tubs. Generally made of cedar, teak, or redwood -- and often hand-crafted -- these tubs boast natural aromatherapy benefits due to the fragrant woods from which the tubs are constructed. Priced similarly to mid-range above-ground spas, these hot tubs are harder to find and require greater care on a regular basis to keep the wood in optimum condition.

Like standard above-ground spas, wooden hot tubs require a concrete pad or other permanent, firm surface for installation. They tend to be simple in style, offering basic bench seating with no frills. They are also deeper than standard spas, often up to 41 inches deep. Many lack jets and other hydrotherapy tools, as wooden tubs are primarily designed for simple soaking.

One element that sets wooden hot tubs apart from all other types is the heating system. Heaters on wooden hot tubs are disconnected from the actual tub, unlike standard above-ground spas, and may be fueled in a variety of different ways. Several manufacturers offer electric heaters, gas-powered heaters, gas/electric hybrid heaters and old-fashioned wood-fired heaters. Using a gas or wood-fired heater can allow wooden hot tubs to be installed in more remote locations without any electrical work.

Because wooden hot tubs require a great deal of care, including wood treatments and periodic draining and drying so that the wood can be re-stained and sealed, they are certainly not right for everyone. Because of their quiet, natural ambience, wooden hot tubs are popular with nature-lovers and those who want their hot tub to fit into a larger landscaping plan. They are harder to find, but are available through several specialty retailers, primarily on the West Coast. In addition, wooden hot tubs may be built from kits or schematics/plans available from specialty retailers and hobby shops.

Brands include Roberts Hot Tubs, Callaway Woodworks and Snorkel Stove Company.

In-ground spas

The last type of hot tub comprises all types of in-ground spas, including those installed as part of a pool-spa combo. This is the most expensive type of hot tub, not so much because of the price of the actual spa equipment, but due to the installation requirements. Installation of an in-ground spa requires excavation, as well as fairly extensive plumbing and electrical work. It must be done by a professional contractor and is considered by most municipalities as a building project, requiring a permit and approval by city hall. On the other hand, this is the only type of spa practically guaranteed to raise the property value of a home.

In-ground hot tubs are generally constructed of gunite (pneumatically applied concrete) or standard concrete, sometimes with a decorative tile overlay. They have limited seating options, primarily offering bench or step-type seating. They are also often larger than above-ground spas, seating up to 16 people. However, they have fewer jets, with limited types and configuration options.

Although in-ground spas cost more to operate than above-ground spas, they do tend to heat faster and maintain their temperature better, and they are considered more aesthetically pleasing. Because the heating and filtration elements on in-ground spas are not attached to the spa itself, heating can be accomplished with either gas or electric systems. While electric is cheaper initially, propane or natural gas heaters are the most economical long-term choice.

Installing an in-ground spa is a major decision, because of both cost and permanence, and should be well-researched. Careful selection of location and finding a good contractor are essential to making an in-ground spa work for you. Although they carry a hefty price tag, the increase in property value, as well as the enjoyment you will derive from your spa, may well justify the investment. You'll want to ask around and interview neighbors about pool and spa contractors.

Indoor installation

Most, if not all, of the above types of hot tubs can be installed indoors as well as outdoors, but several considerations need to be made. Before placing a hot tub indoors, the following things should be considered:

Measurements of the hot tub -- Make sure the hot tub will fit in the space provided with adequate access for entering and exiting the tub safely and performing any cleaning, routine maintenance or repairs. Make sure, as well, that the hot tub will fit through any necessary doorways.

Strength of the installation surface -- Make sure the foundation of the room in which the hot tub will be placed is strong enough to support the immense weight of a filled hot tub. You may need to consult a contractor and/or check city building codes before installation. Also consider installing non-slip surface covers to prevent falls.

Ventilation of the installation room -- Hot tubs create a great deal of heat and moisture that must be vented to prevent the growth of mold and mildew and to prevent disintegration or rotting of walls and floorboards. A nearby window or ventilation system should provide adequate dissipation of moisture and heat.

Maintaining a hot tub

While hot tubs provide a great deal of enjoyment and relaxation, they also require frequent maintenance to maintain optimal function and performance. At the most basic level, they should be installed in a location where debris from trees, bushes and other sources is not likely to fall into the water. Hot tubs should be covered when not in use and should be emptied, cleaned and refilled every three months (unless otherwise specified) and whenever the water is cloudy or smelly.

To prevent bacterial growth, disinfectants must be used regularly to maintain a proper pH and chlorination level. The pH of a hot tub should be between 7.4 and 7.6, and the Free Available Chlorine (FAC) should be kept at the recommended levels. All levels should be tested with test strips when the spa is filled and twice each week thereafter. Chemicals should be added as needed. It is also important to note that a chlorine smell is not a sufficient indicator of chlorine levels, as it may actually mean that the chlorine levels are low. All necessary chemicals and test strips are available through most hot tub retailers and some mass-market retail stores.

An optional element that may reduce chlorine consumption in most hot tubs is an ozonator, which introduces ozone (a disinfectant) into the hot tub. The two types of ozonators are ultraviolet lamp ozonators and corona discharge ozonators. Ultraviolet lamp ozonators are less expensive, running about $600, but they require more frequent replacement. Corona discharge ozonators cost about $1000 initially, but they last far longer than ultraviolet lamp versions. It is important to keep in mind, however, that hot tubs can run well without an ozonator of any type, so installing one is purely a matter of preference.

Important Features: Hot tubs

It is important to consider each of the following features when shopping for a hot tub:

• Shell and understructure. Make sure that the shell of the hot tub has no cracks, bubbles or flaws. Verify that it has a high level of UV resistance and temperature fluctuation testing, especially if you live in an extreme climate. Also, make sure that the understructure is solid foam or fiberglass for proper support and insulation. Ask to see a cross section of the spa to check on this.

• Cabinetry. Above-ground hot tubs should have a cabinet made of wood or a wood-type synthetic. Make sure the cabinet is aesthetically pleasing and as low-maintenance as possible. Synthetic cabinets tend to be easier to care for than real wood. The walls of the cabinet should also be removable for easy servicing, and the spa should have an adequate 2x4 or metal interior frame construction.

• Heater. Heaters range in power from 1.5 KW to 11.5 KW, and the best heaters have elements that wrap around the water pipes to avoid actual exposure to the water. The more powerful the heater, the faster the spa will heat up, but more powerful heaters also use more energy.

• Pump and filter. Most spas use cartridge-type filters that should be hosed off every three to four weeks. Consider not only the type of filter used, but also the location on the spa for ease of cleaning. The pump should also be easily accessible in case of necessary servicing. The noise level of the pump should be checked before purchase to make sure it is at least tolerable.

• Insulation. Proper insulation for any type of hot tub consists of completely filling the base around the understructure. This may be done with a solid layer of rigid foam (most common), which reduces noise well but can make servicing difficult. The other option is layered insulation, which also reduces pump noise, but it does make servicing much easier.

• Seating. Check the number, configuration and type of seats. Actually sit in the spa to check depth and leg room. Many experts now recommend a "soak test" (actually using the hot tub in the showroom) prior to purchase. Make sure that there is adequate seating for everyone who plans to use the spa and that controls are easily accessible from within the spa.

• Jets. Spas today can have anywhere from a single jet (or none at all) up to 160 jets, and there are more than a dozen different types of jets available. Sit in the spa in the various seats to check the placement of jets. You may also want to find out how adjustable each jet is, what each type does, and whether the jet operation can be programmed or controlled using the spa controls.

• Other amenities. Spas can be equipped with nearly every amenity you can think of, including aerobic workout equipment, massage chairs and pillows, stereo and TV/DVD systems, a variety of plain and colored lights, and even waterfalls. Determine what will enhance your spa experience and fit your personal budget.

• Cover. Never purchase a spa without a cover. A hard, securely locking cover offers the best protection for both your spa and any children or pets that may play around the spa. Experts also recommend investing in a cover lifter, as most spa covers weigh between 150 and 200 pounds and can be very cumbersome to lift without help.

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