I thought this post might help others who are thinking about getting a hot tub. We bought ours locally, which seems to be the way to go. I had a friend really recommend the Sundance brand, as he has had his for 20 years, and is sold on the quality/value of the brand. The shop we bought from has an interesting business model. Auto repair in the back (the bread and butter of the biz) sporting goods store in the middle, and the Sundance tubs are right in the front as you walk in. I was looking for a 2 person small tub, and the Dover model seemed to fit the bill. As luck would have it, the floor Dover model was last years, and he was discounting it by about 1500 dollars. We bought it. The owners of the business plus one of the owner's sons delivered it themselves, hooked it up and we turned it on and filled it up. A year later, we are thrilled with the purchase, and I wonder how I got along without it all these years.
The good:
I use it every day, twice a day (morning and evening)
We save on water, because I don't take baths anymore.
We save on heating gas, as when I'm cold, I jump in the tub and get my core warm
It adds 25 dollars per month to our electric bill-not too bad
Less maintenance than I thought (no clothes policy-keeps the tub cleaner.
Great for a sore lower back-the jets hit right there, so great hydrotherapy
Foot massage as well-for after those long hikes.
Small tub means less water use (240 gallons)
Height is short enough no step is needed. I just swing my leg over and get in.
If for some reason I need maintenance done, the shop where I bought can work on it themselves-they'll just put it up on the rack like they would a car!
Great warranties on the shell, etc. Compares favorably with other top brands.
The bad:
Still requires attention even though maintenance is low. You have to keep the chemistry balanced. I have had to add calcium twice in 12 months, and baking soda (to raise PH) a couple of times as well. Other than that, just chlorine and shock a couple time a week. But all in all, not too bad.
Recommendations:
Site the tub near your bedroom door if you can-having to trek long distance to and fro in the dead of winter can be drafty!
Site it where you have a view of the sky-watching birds, clouds and Venus, the moon, contellations, etc is wonderful.
Site it where you have a view of your garden if you can. I can watch the hummingbirds sip from my flowers-delightful!
Site it with a partial overhang if you get rainy winters-that way, you have the option to stay "dry"
I think that's about it! Any questions, let me know. Would love to hear others experiences as well.
The good:
I use it every day, twice a day (morning and evening)
We save on water, because I don't take baths anymore.
We save on heating gas, as when I'm cold, I jump in the tub and get my core warm
It adds 25 dollars per month to our electric bill-not too bad
Less maintenance than I thought (no clothes policy-keeps the tub cleaner.
Great for a sore lower back-the jets hit right there, so great hydrotherapy
Foot massage as well-for after those long hikes.
Small tub means less water use (240 gallons)
Height is short enough no step is needed. I just swing my leg over and get in.
If for some reason I need maintenance done, the shop where I bought can work on it themselves-they'll just put it up on the rack like they would a car!
Great warranties on the shell, etc. Compares favorably with other top brands.
The bad:
Still requires attention even though maintenance is low. You have to keep the chemistry balanced. I have had to add calcium twice in 12 months, and baking soda (to raise PH) a couple of times as well. Other than that, just chlorine and shock a couple time a week. But all in all, not too bad.
Recommendations:
Site the tub near your bedroom door if you can-having to trek long distance to and fro in the dead of winter can be drafty!
Site it where you have a view of the sky-watching birds, clouds and Venus, the moon, contellations, etc is wonderful.
Site it where you have a view of your garden if you can. I can watch the hummingbirds sip from my flowers-delightful!
Site it with a partial overhang if you get rainy winters-that way, you have the option to stay "dry"
I think that's about it! Any questions, let me know. Would love to hear others experiences as well.