Hot Tub

ponokareefer · #1 03-13-2011, 07:28 PM

So it sounds like Arctic Spa gives you the ability to enhance later on. That's good to know. I had no idea that you could do that with a hot tub.

Has anyone ever heard of/dealt with Sun Ray Spas? Seems like an Edmonton based company.

bkelly · #2 03-13-2011, 07:57 PM

if your looking at used take off a few jets they come out, if the person had bad water quality the jets will show it-pH, alk not adjusted right or excessive Chlorine etc. the inners of the jets will help tell that (thell look really worn) and bad water can really be hard on plumbing. definitely get an insulated tub, the other thing is comfort sit in it make sure it feels good for you. I got a Coast Spa its a BC company and very happy with it. i heard bad things about COSTCO tubs.

RedCoralOnlineStore · #3 03-13-2011, 09:07 PM

Shootingstar is bang on accurate about the Arctic SPa! We purchased ours used actually and it worked put very well for us! Exceptional quality! Fantastic through the winters, incredible insulation and cover. Used all winter, no problems! Only costs us $30 a month to run as well! Would highly recommend salt (aquafinesse) over chlorine or bromine.
I would never look at another brand! These tubs are meant for Alberta winters! You would not be disappointed! Do not buy Costco tubs! We have a friend bought one because it was such a great price... Pump died and acrylic cracked in the first month of cold weather!
Best of luck! We love our Arctic Spa!

Duffer2 · #4 03-13-2011, 10:09 PM

Agree with the artic Spa's comment.

The initial investment is worth increasing as what you are really paying for is insulation. Try to get a 6" cover as opposed to a 3". Spray on insulation of a least 4". Panel insulation in hottubs can be okay, but you may loose significant heat if the fits aren't perfect.

In our experience, those who buy cheaper tubs pay way way more in the long run in operating costs. It really can mean $60-$70 more in cool months in electrical costs if you get a poorly insulated tub. That can quickly add up to $400-$500 a year in running costs x life of a hottub. Really makes the extra money up front worth spending.

Some newer tubs actually state the R value's and it's shocking the disparity between the low end and high end tubs.

My advice: Lot's of spray insulation, 6" cover, get a tub with 1 motor, skip the bubble maker, skip the water fall features, skip the extra jet package stuff.

ponokareefer · #5 03-13-2011, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ponokareefer

Has anyone ever heard of/dealt with Sun Ray Spas? Seems like an Edmonton based company.

Seems like some of dealers in Alberta are:

Home Resorts, Airdrie

Maple Bay Maintenance Ltd., Red Deer

R & R Mechanical, Sylvan Lake, AB

Has anyone ever dealt with any of these?

Sounds like a lot of happy Arctic Spa customers!

phi delt reefer · #6 03-13-2011, 11:42 PM

i was contemplating a hot tub but the electrical costs are too scary. Have you ever seen those guys in teh summer with tents that sell them? One of those companies actually setup a legit shop here in London Ontario. They have models from $2500 to $12,000 - they also have those fancy gazebos.

since electrical costs are going to continue to climb what about doing something like this. Get a hot tub and have a plumber plumb it inline with a natural gas tankless heater (about $800 for a decent one). Get a good pump to keep the pump recirculating the water through the hot tub then back into the tankless heater. Natural gas is cheaper than electricity. Its just a concept in my head - i am sure someone can point out the flaws and crush my personal hot tub owner ship dreams, lol.

blacknife · #7 03-14-2011, 12:49 AM

I have heard good things about arctic spas too, they are built between leduc and calmar. not sure where the dealers are.

My house came with an add-on with a hot tub in it. old from the early 80s, everything works but you really realize when you go to a public pool or something that it could use some more power. I really like that i can still use my tub when its -30 and not have my face freeze off i just close the windows a little more. they are left open for ventilation most of the time.

oh the point I'm trying to make don't settle for cheap if your going to take the expense get something that you will enjoy for years

Ross · #8 03-14-2011, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phi delt reefer

Since electrical costs are going to continue to climb what about doing something like this. Get a hot tub and have a plumber plumb it inline with a natural gas tankless heater (about $800 for a decent one). Get a good pump to keep the pump recirculating the water through the hot tub then back into the tankless heater. Natural gas is cheaper than electricity. Its just a concept in my head - i am sure someone can point out the flaws and crush my personal hot tub owner ship dreams, lol.

My brothers house had just that.
From what he was told by the previous owner was that the system worked great, but killed the heater after a few years.
The clorine, bromine or salt corroded the units out.

I have a used 1998 Beachcomber hot tub. It was a spray foam filled unit.
It developed several leaks over the years prior to us getting it.
I was quoted $1000 to re spray foam the bottom.
I replumbed alot of the fittings and lines as the glued joints were desintagrating with age.
What a lot of the Spa forums are saying is to use roxul insulation as it retains it's R value even when wet. So this is how i reinsulated it.

That being said, my electrical bill this winter (our first one with the tub) was alot higher than we we were expecting.
Approximatly $50-$75 a month more than last year.

If you buy used I would expect to have to toss at least a grand into it unless its only a few years old.
IE a 2 speed 3.0 hp pump with motor $500, a pump wet end $150, control module ($500), A cover $400+...

Next year, I'm getting a 5" cover to try to keep that heat in.

Does anyone here use the floating blankets inside there spa?

muck · #9 03-14-2011, 11:20 PM

Helped a friend move a hot tub he picked up off Kijiji. Never again.
It was stoopid heavy. Do yourself a favour if you go that route and hire some movers.

frizzo1983 · #10 03-14-2011, 11:27 PM

We have had a Beachcomber for about 4 years fully insulated made in Canada for the climate, and have not had any troubles at all Knock on wood. Keep in mind that it is the new model with the full 1 piece bottom and made out of the trex deck material. great tub love it and would not give it up. I also have had 2 other friends own the same tub and never had any issues. I did alot of research for about a year and found this to be the best option due to all the pumps being under the steps was a great feature IMO. A true fully insulated Hot Tub. Stay away from Costco brands.