Foam walled hot tubs

[Frankychops]

I think the time has come where we're going to get a hot tub. Some joint surgery coming up as helped force the decision.

Aside from STD's, has anyone got any views on the foam walled hot tubs, ie lay Z spa or waves? Circa £900 ish.

[ozzuk]

My parents had one, never used it myself, they built decking around it and loved it. Not a touch on a 'proper' one but they enjoyed it, depends what you are used to/budget. I've a 'proper' one, cost around 3.5k IIRC second hand delivered, its a big one (5 person) with much larger water capacity (1600L) and we love it. Doesn't seem to cost that much to run and its used all year round (under cover). Not sure if the lazy spa type ones are much good in Winter.

Personally, if you know you like them I'd stump up for a proper one, otherwise you'll likely end up spending £900 only to want to upgrade later.

Delivery was fun, they delivered to rear garden on a sled type thing, I then had to go all ancient egypt and push it on rollers down a step, across a lawn and up three steps. I think it was supposed to be 260 kilos empty but 4 people struggled to lift it even with ropes. 1.5 tonnes when full so need a good base!

We had the extra insulated lid, if you do go big get one with lid lifter, they are heavy!

[boyse7en]

What he said ^^^

I've had a Marquis Spa in my garden for 20 years and it is still going strong. Only use it in the summer as i haven't got it in a building/gazebo and while sitting in a hot bath on a crisp clear night is a great pleasure, most winter nights are wet and windy so it didn't get used.

You can pick up secondhand spas cheap because they are a bugger to move. If you have access to plenty of mates, some ropes, and a flatbed with a tail lift you would be able to get one for about the same price as a foam one, and it will last you far longer.

[Frankychops]

I'll have to move it at some point, so foam sided appeals for that

[ozzuk]

Frankychops said:

I'll have to move it at some point, so foam sided appeals for that

They do slide, depends what kind of terrain of course, thinking about it I only had square posts not round, I just slid it along them. I managed minor adjustments on my own. One other negative though is the need for dedicated electric, at least if you go for the 32 amp version (otherwise they won't heat and blow at same time).

[Frankychops]

I think for now, foam sided ones makes the most sense, I can also pack it away if needed.

money no object, i'd have a skargards wood fired one

[RotorRambler]

We used to have one, gave it always after a few years.
Whatever the sales pitch, they do double your electric bill. If that matters.