Discussion
Vandenberg said:
bayleaf said:
Genuine question - what's the appeal of sitting in a warm bath of chemicals?
The appeal for me is that a dip in a hot tub gives the wife the raging horn. On topic, we’ve a Canadian Spa, Oakanagan. Great little tub & works off of 13amp outside socket.
Good timing this thread coming up! I have just started preparing for arrival in the next 3 weeks for our tub which we brought from a local firm back in January. It’s going on an existing concrete base, but I’m having to level this out due to it being quite rough. Plan on starting the electrical install this weekend and will post up some pictures.
Rampant Golf said:
Have you considered a wood-burning hot tub?
We bought one last summer and we love it - we refill it every week which takes about an hour and it only takes 2-3 hours to get the water up to temperature (mid 30's) from a standing start.
We use a chlorine tablet to keep the water fresh as there are no filters but as we empty it once a week it's not a problem.
The hot tub has led lights and an air pump so it only needs 13amp plug rather than a 32amp dedicated supply.
We bought one of these - https://www.auldtonstoves.co.uk/product/deluxe-woo...
How much wood do they take to keep running and how often do you use it given the long start up time? We're tempted to get one. I was thinking I may add an outside hot tap to fill it with hot water from the boiler as a head start to make it a bit more convenient for regular use.We bought one last summer and we love it - we refill it every week which takes about an hour and it only takes 2-3 hours to get the water up to temperature (mid 30's) from a standing start.
We use a chlorine tablet to keep the water fresh as there are no filters but as we empty it once a week it's not a problem.
The hot tub has led lights and an air pump so it only needs 13amp plug rather than a 32amp dedicated supply.
We bought one of these - https://www.auldtonstoves.co.uk/product/deluxe-woo...
eliot said:
5hp pumps seem massive for a hot tub. I agree the cheapo ones with a single pump that runs slow for circ and fast for jets is poverty spec.
Normal spec would be a small 24hr circ pump then two or three dedicated pumps for features. I think my feature pumps aren’t much over 1hp iirc
5Hp is mental. We have a 3.5hp and the output from that is so much that it gets quite uncomfortable in front of the jets. These are 1/2" diameter jets and there are 16 of them.Normal spec would be a small 24hr circ pump then two or three dedicated pumps for features. I think my feature pumps aren’t much over 1hp iirc
TTmonkey said:
Yes the smaller ones are delivered vertically on a trolly. They should fit through a standard sized gate opening. However, through a door? Doubtful. Too high. Measure twice before buying, remember the trolley has to go through too unless you have a local rugby team available to man handle it.. supplier will send two people and they probably won’t want to break their backs because of your access issues.....
I pulled out a fence panel to get mine in.
Larger ones usually require a crane if access to the site is limited or complex. But you said a four position one? Ours was 4 seated + 1 lying on about 7 foot square. Look up the weight... probably in the region of 300 kilos for a small one.
Very heavy, you can just about move it a few inches on your own before it’s set up. But to get it to location you will likely need four strong guys if the trolley cannot access.
One side will need access to the access panel. Don’t know how people do ‘sunken’ tubs.
Dedicated power supply is a must, three pin plug supply is only suitable for blow up tubs.
On that subject, if you are unsure about purchase, buy the four hundred quid blow up ones first for a year use. You might find the novelty wears off fast.
Disposal of old tubs is a nightmare. House move nightmare.
Getting ours in was interesting I pulled out a fence panel to get mine in.
Larger ones usually require a crane if access to the site is limited or complex. But you said a four position one? Ours was 4 seated + 1 lying on about 7 foot square. Look up the weight... probably in the region of 300 kilos for a small one.
Very heavy, you can just about move it a few inches on your own before it’s set up. But to get it to location you will likely need four strong guys if the trolley cannot access.
One side will need access to the access panel. Don’t know how people do ‘sunken’ tubs.
Dedicated power supply is a must, three pin plug supply is only suitable for blow up tubs.
On that subject, if you are unsure about purchase, buy the four hundred quid blow up ones first for a year use. You might find the novelty wears off fast.
Disposal of old tubs is a nightmare. House move nightmare.
I had to raise the roof of our lean to by a few inches. I said the only it's coming out again is in pieces. 
Moving it was a lot easier than thought, we bought ours off Facebook so the garden wasn't quite ready for it but once the new base was ready we moved it about 5m. Took me and the missus about 5 mins to slide it on a makeshift track, removing the panels lightened it a bit but it was still best part of 300kg.
Thanks all for the comments since the Bump.
We are using the rental for the odd dip on a night - and despite the connotations find a good place to catch up a deux, rather than plonk on the sofa in front of the TV. We are very lucky to have an amazing view and not overlooked....
Missus had her morning coffee in it this morning over the frost outlook..
We have found a 32amp fuse on the board that is connected to an unterminated cable outside too - so could be a winner for an easy install.
Availability does seem to drive this decision for us though. I can see if we 'cant have asap' - we'll be bored an look at something else as spring comes to life.....
We are using the rental for the odd dip on a night - and despite the connotations find a good place to catch up a deux, rather than plonk on the sofa in front of the TV. We are very lucky to have an amazing view and not overlooked....
Missus had her morning coffee in it this morning over the frost outlook..
We have found a 32amp fuse on the board that is connected to an unterminated cable outside too - so could be a winner for an easy install.
Availability does seem to drive this decision for us though. I can see if we 'cant have asap' - we'll be bored an look at something else as spring comes to life.....
fuzzyyo said:
Rampant Golf said:
Have you considered a wood-burning hot tub?
We bought one last summer and we love it - we refill it every week which takes about an hour and it only takes 2-3 hours to get the water up to temperature (mid 30's) from a standing start.
We use a chlorine tablet to keep the water fresh as there are no filters but as we empty it once a week it's not a problem.
The hot tub has led lights and an air pump so it only needs 13amp plug rather than a 32amp dedicated supply.
We bought one of these - https://www.auldtonstoves.co.uk/product/deluxe-woo...
How much wood do they take to keep running and how often do you use it given the long start up time? We're tempted to get one. I was thinking I may add an outside hot tap to fill it with hot water from the boiler as a head start to make it a bit more convenient for regular use.We bought one last summer and we love it - we refill it every week which takes about an hour and it only takes 2-3 hours to get the water up to temperature (mid 30's) from a standing start.
We use a chlorine tablet to keep the water fresh as there are no filters but as we empty it once a week it's not a problem.
The hot tub has led lights and an air pump so it only needs 13amp plug rather than a 32amp dedicated supply.
We bought one of these - https://www.auldtonstoves.co.uk/product/deluxe-woo...
I have a thermal lid to keep the temperature up after use so we use it on and off during the week maybe 2 or 3 times a week. I would say that a start up time of 4 hours from a standing start of an empty tub is pretty good! When compared to an electric tub which can take 24 hours plus to heat up it is very efficient.
Adding an outdoor tap would certainly speed the process up for you, you just need to weigh up the cost of heating 800litres of water with your boiler vs heating it up in the tub.
TTmonkey said:
Wow raising the roof was a big move. Did you realise before you bought it or was it an ‘oh fek’ moment....? 
Agreed sliding it is doable. Depends on the surface. I could move mine because it was on paving.
I measured it and we decided it would fit with a few mm clearance, what i failed to take into account wad the fact the floor of the lean to is about 2 inches lower than the driveway so it was only getting it under the roof at the front that was the issue. Lifting it wasn't an issue, it was only screwed onto the top of the wall albeit with big ass coach bolts but once they were cut through it was easy. Agreed sliding it is doable. Depends on the surface. I could move mine because it was on paving.
PushedDover said:
Hello all again
A quick Q after a succesful month of sitting in the outside bath.......
We got Bromine in the Jacuzzi starter Pack. Yet a pal with a Jacuzzi swears i need to dump and switch to Chlorine.
Pro's vs Cons ?
Not sure on pros & cons but we’ve always used chlorine. It’s available everywhere, come to think of it I’ve never seen bromine for sale, & if it’s good enough for swimming pools...A quick Q after a succesful month of sitting in the outside bath.......
We got Bromine in the Jacuzzi starter Pack. Yet a pal with a Jacuzzi swears i need to dump and switch to Chlorine.
Pro's vs Cons ?
Have used bromine for 6 years. Spa Frog + top ups. Aqua finesse chemicals mainly.
Happy hot tubs or castle hot tubs online for chemicals tend to be the best value (if anyone else has another supplier they recommend ?).
Bromine is less harsh & also less smelly...but does the job. I think it comes down to personal preference in the end.
On another note, longer term the covers need replacing (or at least the inserts). Ours lasted about 6 years so decided to replace the whole lot (cover and inserts).
I use a pump to empty simply for speed and ease. I pump over our garden fence and into the road drain and can drain the 1500l tub in 15-20 mins. It would take 3 or 4 times that to drain from the “tap”. Takes over an hour to fill from hose (depending on water pressure).
Happy hot tubs or castle hot tubs online for chemicals tend to be the best value (if anyone else has another supplier they recommend ?).
Bromine is less harsh & also less smelly...but does the job. I think it comes down to personal preference in the end.
On another note, longer term the covers need replacing (or at least the inserts). Ours lasted about 6 years so decided to replace the whole lot (cover and inserts).
I use a pump to empty simply for speed and ease. I pump over our garden fence and into the road drain and can drain the 1500l tub in 15-20 mins. It would take 3 or 4 times that to drain from the “tap”. Takes over an hour to fill from hose (depending on water pressure).
Edited by Steve Campbell on Tuesday 6th April 22:01
We had a Hotspring Envoy that we bought new in 2011 and have now just replaced. At that time Hotspring were top end in terms of brand. However, replacement parts are extremely expensive. Most of the internals are Watkins components, so with a bit of Googling armed with part numbers savings can be had, rather buying from Hotspring or their outlets. These days, I am not so sure Hotspring are at the top of their game.
Ours eventually started developing issues with the “dog bone” control panel, which is no longer available as a replacement part. The electronics side of Hotspring are very difficult to get parts for if it is out of warranty and some years old.
We replaced it with Palm Spas Spritz 6 person (5+Lounger) tub. Excellent value and built in Portugal. They have American Balboa internals, which is widely supported and parts are not expensive relative to many. They can be plug and play 13 amp or hard wired, as ours is, to a 32amp supply for better performance.
General rule of thumb is avoid anything made in China or with Chinese internals. For the best support and parts availability Tubs with American Balboa or Canadian Gecko controls are best. You’ll find more Service Engineers support these, Thant the likes of Hotspring.
You can spend stupendous amounts on these and in my opinion you absolutely don’t need to. My Envoy was £12000 in 2011, so expensive. The Palm Pas Spritz (which actually has 1 extra place than the Envoy) was a shade over £4000 delivered with steps, cover, cover lifter etc. Seeing it in the flesh, it is good quality build and a nice tub, as I said with good “running gear”.
Tubs in general cost less to run than you think. Do not switch them off when not in use. Most of the energy cost is heating the water up in the first place. Let them tick over all the time, far more cost effective to maintain temp than having to keep heating it up time and again.
Ours eventually started developing issues with the “dog bone” control panel, which is no longer available as a replacement part. The electronics side of Hotspring are very difficult to get parts for if it is out of warranty and some years old.
We replaced it with Palm Spas Spritz 6 person (5+Lounger) tub. Excellent value and built in Portugal. They have American Balboa internals, which is widely supported and parts are not expensive relative to many. They can be plug and play 13 amp or hard wired, as ours is, to a 32amp supply for better performance.
General rule of thumb is avoid anything made in China or with Chinese internals. For the best support and parts availability Tubs with American Balboa or Canadian Gecko controls are best. You’ll find more Service Engineers support these, Thant the likes of Hotspring.
You can spend stupendous amounts on these and in my opinion you absolutely don’t need to. My Envoy was £12000 in 2011, so expensive. The Palm Pas Spritz (which actually has 1 extra place than the Envoy) was a shade over £4000 delivered with steps, cover, cover lifter etc. Seeing it in the flesh, it is good quality build and a nice tub, as I said with good “running gear”.
Tubs in general cost less to run than you think. Do not switch them off when not in use. Most of the energy cost is heating the water up in the first place. Let them tick over all the time, far more cost effective to maintain temp than having to keep heating it up time and again.
Thanks All.
Our new tub with e ray clear etc is bromine and easily gets a slight tinge of milky - that I am told wont happen with chlorine
A Spa Frog has been recommended for sure.
Also chap in the village sells the Cedar Hot tubs, and guru.
He reckons Active Oxygen is the answer,....... ?
Our new tub with e ray clear etc is bromine and easily gets a slight tinge of milky - that I am told wont happen with chlorine
A Spa Frog has been recommended for sure.
Also chap in the village sells the Cedar Hot tubs, and guru.
He reckons Active Oxygen is the answer,....... ?
Superleg48 said:
Tubs in general cost less to run than you think. Do not switch them off when not in use. Most of the energy cost is heating the water up in the first place. Let them tick over all the time, far more cost effective to maintain temp than having to keep heating it up time and again.
The laws of physics don’t really support this argument, it might depend how often you’re heating it up, but heat loss is proportional to the temperature difference between the water and ambient, the hotter the water the greater the loss. We found turning ours down to a standby temp reduced the electricity needed to maintain it and would only take an hour or so to get up to temp when we wanted to use it,We also switched to bromine as chlorine caused some mild skin irritation, it seems to be just preference really.
Heres Johnny said:
The laws of physics don’t really support this argument, it might depend how often you’re heating it up, but heat loss is proportional to the temperature difference between the water and ambient, the hotter the water the greater the loss. We found turning ours down to a standby temp reduced the electricity needed to maintain it and would only take an hour or so to get up to temp when we wanted to use it,
We also switched to bromine as chlorine caused some mild skin irritation, it seems to be just preference really.
The laws of physics as you put it absolutely do support the argument that if you let a tub go cold and reheat to say 38 degrees On a cyclical basis each time you want to use it, you will use more energy than setting the temp at 38 degrees and leaving it there. If you are found a little time between uses, then yes, reducing the temp to say 30 degrees will reduce energy consumption slightly too, until you want it to go back to 38 degrees and voila, more energy required for that process. The tub is extremely well insulated (if it is a decent one) so maintaining the temp steady is not so affected by ambient temps as you might think. We also switched to bromine as chlorine caused some mild skin irritation, it seems to be just preference really.
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