Outdoor Hot tub/Spa

[verizonbear]

Considering gettting a 110V "plug and play" Spa for my patio , I actually saw an inflatable model for about 500.00 that I am considering because I could store it during the winter or maybe set it up in my basement. I know that the 110 models will only be able to maintain a temp of 90 degrees or so and I am ok with that. Does anyone on the site have experience with the 110 portable models ?

 

[philcoford]

Hot Tubs

Hi,
I am not familiar with any inflatables, but do remember a tub called the soft tub that was plug and play that heated the water from the heat generated by the filter pump. Pretty neat system, was really insulated well (the cover is the most critical) It could easily get around the 102 temp range when used indoors. It was not very deep, and not too comfortable as you were like sitting on the floor, but cheap and easy to install. I like more the wood hot tubs, you have a nice bench to sit on and the water can flow all around you which feels awesome.

 

[wayupnorth]

Soft Tub

Some neighbors had one and it lasted about 2 years and died. Was not that warm and far as I could see was junk. I would not recomend it.

 

[rp2813]

Portable is fine; inflatable is not.  You'd be better off committing to a plug & play that stays put once installed.  We had one at our first house that fit four comfortably.  It was going on 25 years old when we left it behind.  It ran 24/7/365, which I maintain is why it lasted so long. 

 

We have a smaller round model now and it's 220, which has its conveniences but 110 was fine for us all those years.  You just have to wait 16 or more hours for it to heat up.  That's why we kept ours running all the time.  It was probably costing us $30 a month by the time we moved.  Your rates are likely lower.  Our current tub has an economy setting that we're able to work with, so you might look for that feature.

 

Unless you're planning to entertain, the smaller the tub, the less it's going to cost you up front and over time.  Do not sacrifice comfort though.  That is the whole reason to be in there.  Naked, I might add, and as a rule.  Unless you like basting in laundry detergent residue.