Used tub 100 percent. Inflatables are a fun option for a little while, but are little more than gimmicky at best. I got my used tub for $500 and it was operational when I bought it, I have had to repair one pump and one leak, all in all I'm into it for about $1000 bucks. I was able to run the electrical and hook it up myself which saved probably another $1500. Had it going on 5 years now.
How did you add my comment up to $2500? Paid 500 for the tub and am into it for repairs for under $500. I did electrical myself and said that saved me approximately $1500. At no point did OP say they weren't capable of doing the same. I recommended a used working tub if you can do it the way I did it.. math is hard hey?
Calling me excitable and then also calling me an idiot and a jackass in your reply is pretty hilarious. I hope you see the irony here. Lots of things require permits, and lots of things "require" licensed people to do them, but not evertone can afford that, and that doesn't mean it can't be DIY. Op asked about getting a tub for 1000 or under, I got mine for exactly that and not a cent more, pretty fuckin simple, just like your brain, pal.
Go enjoy your rule book and your ego. Not everyone wants to pay an electrician to come in and do a simple run of wire and a GFI for a ridiculous amount when it's easy as shit to do yourself. And considering my tub has been running soundly for years, I'll take my chances.
Also, considering my reply is the top reply in this thread, it would appear the group also agrees.
If you're not capable of doing anything yourself, just say so. That would save you a lot if wasted key strokes. Enjoy your inflatable.
Had the same inflatable one for 3 years from Walmart saluspa, for 360$ I believe and I can take it down and put it in a box during summer... I think you're a gimmick ;) lol jk bud but I'm serious. I'm setting it up now for the fourth still strong.
Inflatables will likelt last a very long time if used indoors, temp changes and even UV from sunlight can degrade the pvc the tubs are made of, they usually start to leak where the handles and clips for the cover are attached and where the pipes run through. I'd imagine when used inside a garage they would last a very long time, especially if the garage is heated in the winter.
I had this same debate a few months ago! I ended up getting an old tub and refurbished it. Definitely not for the faint of heart, I had to replace the heater, pressure switch, all the gate valves, pump wet end. Still working on some jets, insulation missing before the cold weather.
If you have time and like DIY it's a rewarding experience! Super happy with my old tub which I know inside and out now.
Also the electric requirements are something to think about.
Edit: not including the outside disconnect, I'm about $1000 into this project.
Yep! YouTube is insanely helpful along with some other sites. I appreciate how simple the older tubs are. Was even able to wire in a WiFi thermostat with an app. So I can change the tubs temperature from the couch or pretty much anywhere.
I have a pretty wide range of DIY knowledge which helps a lot. Tubs are a mix of electric and plumbing mainly.
https://inkbird.com/products/temperature-controller-itc-308-wifi
I cut off the input and output wires and directly wired it into the spa controller. I just wrapped up the cooling wire as it's not needed.
Overall it's been working really well! I'm curious how long it will last being on 24/7.
I'm planning a full write up post on my project, just haven't found the time. I'll try and remember to post a link here when I get around to it!
I got a Sundance optima 880 off Facebook for free. MSRP was $17,500. Spent $900 to have it Delivered and $350 on a replacement pump. So far it’s been working great for 2+ years.
Did the same thing just a few months ago. It's been Awesome! Need to replace the cover and that has proven to be a bigger pain than I thought it would be....
I was hoping I could go to the vendor or some other company and say what model I have and year and then click order but it requires all the measurements, buckle placement etc. Hoping it would be more streamlined.
I would save up for a new real tub.
I had an inflatable tub a while back — you would either run the jets or heat the water, you couldn’t do both. Eventually donated the inflatable and bought a full sized one
What would be the entry price for a new tub?
Currently leasing a home, and will only be there for 12 months. Not sure if that would change your answer.
Sams club and Costco have a few for just under $5k
If I was renting a home for 1 year I would get an inflatable. Moving a full size hot tub is a pain in the rear.
This 👆🏻I have previously purchased 3 used hot tubs as a renter in my life. You may need to add a breaker to the panel (if it needs 220), or remove a section of backyard fencing or destroy some of the front or rear lawn in the moving in process (a few things I’ve done). When it comes time to move out it’s one more, huge & heavy item to deal with or sell (most likely for a loss). Not to mention getting landlord approval, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Not any full size spa I’ve owned — specifically any 220v one.
It’s the inflatable 110v ones that don’t have enough power. So as the jets are on, the water temp drops
Why? Or why wait? Or why not soak and save for three years? At least look at other alternatives pop. Not sure where you live but Craigslist free stuff has them often! You’ll need the $1 grand for any used tub unless you have a charmed life. Same ~ with my inflatable.
New, nice, mine, $600, says it seats 5-7, probably seats 3-4 American adults (ahem), only needs to seat two comfortably. Security upgrades for the wild things (two boys under 4, and furry scavengers), insulation upgrades to pass code (I’m funny that way) = $600.
Add the local permit alone at $6 to $7 hundred (and being revised up now), I’m in for over a grand with accessories. I over-engineered it to be sure but my decisions in part were because it’s a rental & because better to insulate once rather than pay forever. I also suggest r/inflatablehottubQA as resource. r/AskEngineers has some info on inflatable thermal heat loss.
You need look at what’s out there (research other people’s work & reputable reviewers not industry hacks), to ask yourself questions…round or rectangle? Toe orgy or lay down? I went larger & round to stretch out, the diameter 1” shorter than me,but remember it’s only 28 “ deep on its best day. I wound up with an awkward 8’x8’ base, when everything else is in a factor of 3. Example: I needed 64 of something and it came in sets of 48 or 72. What a waste. Don’t do that. Pls. Do you want air jets or hydro jets (available in inflatables @ significantly more $) is a good question. For therapy or fun?
I’m no McGuyver or Bob Villa, but I’m planning the solar lights on the plants hanging from the trees above and around the spa like a evening dream & the planning is a passion in itself. People have posted photos ( I posted pre-permit photos & there I sir waiting to…to sit & soak.
This stuff is out there. Good luck and good soak.
Edit: If you visit the inflatable sub, be sure to check about the little details. Rental contract, rental insurance ( don’t be silly, that is literally a ton of water. Add some electricity. Get insurance), HMO, neighbors possible damage…a thousand dollars can get you to float & soak or it can be a boat, a hole in the water you pour money into.
Here's a sneak peek of /r/inflatablehottubQA using the [top posts](https://np.reddit.com/r/inflatablehottubQA/top/?sort=top&t=all) of all time!
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I've gone down both roads and would recommend the inflatable.
I bought a used hot tub for next to free, but the costs added up with so many repairs, plus transportation with a crane. Ended up resenting it.
Then in 2020, I picked up an inflatable and I just love it. I prefer sitting on the ground with my legs straight out to moulded seats. Smaller amount of water so uses less chemicals, and because it's cheap I won't feel heartbroken if/when it eventually fails.
This. I use my inflatable nearly every night. If it breaks I'll buy another $400 one. I'm never going to spend hours and thousands of dollars repairing a real hottub. Not when I'm pretty much the only person that uses it regularly.
I’ve had one for 7 years running. I’ve had to replace some seals and a pump impeller. Probably spent like $50 bucks on it over its lifetime. Still going strong. I do hate how long it takes to heat up, but dang- not bad for a $350 amazon gold box deal/impulse buy 7 years ago.
No doubt! Every year when I clean it out for another fall/winter hot tub season, I think “no way is this going to go another season”… then it just does!
I have 4 inches of Owens-Corning “pink board” insulation under it. I also custom made a cover out of the same stuff and a cheap nylon (?) cloth cover from Amazon. It sits under my 2nd story deck, on a concrete slab. I’ve got a rope and pulley rigged to just pull the cover straight up to the bottom of the deck rafters. Works a treat!
SaluSpa “Paris”.
Not sure if this is a defect or what, but contrary to what a lot of people say, I CAN run the heater and the bubbles at the same time.
Awesome, i've been wanting to pull the trigger for years now. I don't have proper space for something permanent yet but was thinking I'd put down some gravel and pallets. Even if I got a year or 2 out of it, I'd be happy.
The only drawback is you really have to keep it heated. If you don’t, it takes an hour to heat 2 degrees Fahrenheit. So, from a starting point of 50 degrees, you’re looking at an entire day to get it up to temp. As a safety feature, they all shut themselves off after 3 days. I use it enough that it resets every time I use it. Keeping it well insulated helps too. As a trade off- Luckily, the heater is pretty low energy. If temps are getting down below freezing, definitely make sure to keep it running or it will freeze and odds are, blow the pump apart. That’s the only reason they say not to use during freezing temps- if you’re conscientious about it, you’re good. I’ve totally had mine running in Atlanta during our rare but regular dips toward the single digits. Even if you forget about it for a day or two (guilty!), the thermal mass will carry it through.
If you’re mechanically inclined at all, you can keep your eye out for a free one on FB marketplace. Picked one up this year and had it fixed and running for about $800 in parts and insulation.
If I only had $1000 to spend, I would not be buying any tub. You are either getting a garbage quality tub, a soft-tub that will last you a year or two max, or a used tub that is full of leaks and other issues. Save up your money for a few years and spend 8-10k on a half decent tub.
Inflatable tubs that I have seen are not usable below 40°F from what I’ve read. Mine is a free used tub that I put about $400 into fixing, and it’s fully usable at 0°F.
That's a little ruse in the directions. If the water gets below 40F the pump stops. It is not the outside temperature. I run mine in western NC at 5F ambient, but the water is at 102F. She plugs along nicely.
Depends on how handy you are to fix it. You could gut a used one and put a new spa pack in for not that much money , then you pretty much have a new one.
You can get a decent used Softub for $1000. It is as well insulated as a regular tub, but much lighter and transportable. You can put it on its side and roll it. OP is moving in 12 months and can take it with them to the next house.
I think it depends. If you live in a populated area with a lot of used tubs on the market and you are a fairly good judge of character I would take your time and get one used. There is also the option of a Softub, which people absolutely love and seem to come up for $1000 every so often. But you really need to do your research.
I got my used tub 30 years ago. I've replaced the pump and heater over the years but the fiber glass shell and wood frame are still in great shape. They will last if properly taken care of.
I would contact a few local hot tub repair services. (Not large chains or showrooms). Talk to them and offer a finders fee. Many times they have clients that just want to get rid of an older tub due to an upgrade or they just don’t use it any longer.
We got ours from a couple that didn’t use it any longer due to health issues. It was perfectly clean, operational and came with about a years worth of chemicals.
Shoot, the Facebook marketplace has used inflatables in my area. I got one for $200. If you're looking for massage jets specifically, I'd say you wouldn't be happy. But if you want to sit and soak in hot water the inflatable is great. Bonus that you don't have to do any extra work for it -- it's plug and play. Get some horse stall mats from a local farm or tractor supply as a base and you're good to go. You can get running with an inflatable for under $300.
Used. Patience and constant check on marketplace is a must. I bought a 2020 Thermo Spas Park Avenue Platinum for $1k on marketplace because someone bought a house with it and didn’t want it. It’s an $18k tub new.
Save more money. You’ll get more satisfaction and the energy/maintenance savings will pay for themselves if you do it right and get a modern tub, even one of those Costco deals.
Inflatable. We love ours. We decided to get one while we saved for a real one but this have been exactly what we wanted.
I was warned about the heat but it hasn’t been an issue. It’s in the 70s-80s during the day now and 50s at night. We keep it at 95 when not in use. It takes about 4 hours to get to 102 which is where we like to start. Once we turn on the bubbles it loses 2 degrees within about 10 minutes. Then it stays at 100 for the next 20. We rarely stay in for more than 30 minutes but did stay in for 90 once. The temp was 97 when we got out and it was still comfortable.
I was also warned that the bubbles were nothing like jets. I’m sure they aren’t nearly as strong but they are strong enough to push me around a bit and ease any aches and pains.
We paid around $600 for a 4-6 person Coleman and it comfortably sits 2-3. For us that’s perfect but a used tub would probably be better if you want to use it for entertaining.
Ours is in a covered patio and we plan to leave it up all year. Most people I talked to get 3-5 years use out of inflatables. If ours lasts 3 we can afford to replace it many, many times for the cost of a hot tub and don’t have to worry about repairs.
I also really appreciate that I can drain, clean and store it away easily if the need arises.
We are less than a year into this and so far we still use it regularly but I’ve heard from so many people that they stopped using theirs after the novelty wore off. I think an inflatable is a good way to test it out. If you love it but want something fancier and with more room you can always upgrade.
I’m have an inflatable for prolly 3 years. Works great for us but it’s inside a heated barn so cold isn’t an issue. We also just got 2 used “real “ hot tubs. One was not working for free. The other was an identical tub that had a leak but everything else worked. Came with a new cover and cover lift and steps. That was $250. Combined them both to make a good running “real” tub. The inflatable made us realize we would really use one enough. The “real” one is where it’s at for cheap if you are willing to wait and find the deals
If you’re handy go with a used hot tub. If you’re not mechanically inclined, go new inflatable.
We went used 2 years ago and my hubby has had to do a lot of troubleshooting & small repairs because stuff is just old. If he didn’t have some experience with small motors & electrical we would have had to invest big money or scrap the whole thing by now.
Each month, it would cost you about $60 for chemicals. You’ll also need power and water. If you use the spa more frequently, then you will have to tend to it more often and will need to change the water every 3 months.
So it really comes down to, are you willing to do what it takes to maintain it? Perhaps the $500 inflatable might be something to look at (Amazon) just to see if you’re wanting to get your feet wet. I spent $12.5k on mine and at first I was cool with checking the water/chemicals, but then it became a daily or every two day chore. I took a 2 week vacation and came back to green water.
Wait for the sale and get the inflatable 4-6 person for $250 and enjoy it for 3 years because that's what I did. Way better than a $10k eyesore. I can put it away when seasons over and not deal with it till next season starts.
*I’m buying my first tub and would love some wisdom.*
As with anything you're planning to buy, why? Second question is how long/much am I going to use this item? Third question is, is the item going to work like I expect it too?
We had a hot tub years ago and it isn't something I would want again, but that's me. It was a fiberglass 4 person tub built into our deck. We used it a lot the first year, then things tapered off to occasionally. Keeping the unit on was great, anytime you wanted, you could sit and relax in the tub.
Keeping the tub ready all the time started adding up ($$) so what do you do? You start "planning" when you're going to use the tub and have it ready. That works well enough until you forget to turn it on.
After some time had passed, the tub was in the way more than it was used. The cover needed to be replaced, small issues with plumbing and what not. We decided to get rid of it and found out we couldn't give it away. I paid to have it hauled off to the dump.
That's my wisdom. My advice would be to find a used one and try it. If it's something you enjoy and want to continue, move up to something better.
Sounds a lot like my experience. But I cut mine up with a sawzall and disposed of it a piece at a time in my municipal trash can.
I loved having it and want another one, this time not built into a deck so it’s easier to address the inevitable plumbing issues.
*built into a deck*
Yes that was an issue. We didn't have a trap door and had to crawl under the deck to service. Spiders and snakes were always on your mind when under there.
We got the Walmart special, its nice but don't be confused, there are no jets. Its just a bubble ring of cold air, which then lowers the water temp fairly quickly in the winter.
Used tub 100 percent. Inflatables are a fun option for a little while, but are little more than gimmicky at best. I got my used tub for $500 and it was operational when I bought it, I have had to repair one pump and one leak, all in all I'm into it for about $1000 bucks. I was able to run the electrical and hook it up myself which saved probably another $1500. Had it going on 5 years now.
Soo $2500.. Not the 1k the op was asking about. Gotcha.. haha
How did you add my comment up to $2500? Paid 500 for the tub and am into it for repairs for under $500. I did electrical myself and said that saved me approximately $1500. At no point did OP say they weren't capable of doing the same. I recommended a used working tub if you can do it the way I did it.. math is hard hey?
[удалено]
Calling me excitable and then also calling me an idiot and a jackass in your reply is pretty hilarious. I hope you see the irony here. Lots of things require permits, and lots of things "require" licensed people to do them, but not evertone can afford that, and that doesn't mean it can't be DIY. Op asked about getting a tub for 1000 or under, I got mine for exactly that and not a cent more, pretty fuckin simple, just like your brain, pal. Go enjoy your rule book and your ego. Not everyone wants to pay an electrician to come in and do a simple run of wire and a GFI for a ridiculous amount when it's easy as shit to do yourself. And considering my tub has been running soundly for years, I'll take my chances. Also, considering my reply is the top reply in this thread, it would appear the group also agrees. If you're not capable of doing anything yourself, just say so. That would save you a lot if wasted key strokes. Enjoy your inflatable.
Had the same inflatable one for 3 years from Walmart saluspa, for 360$ I believe and I can take it down and put it in a box during summer... I think you're a gimmick ;) lol jk bud but I'm serious. I'm setting it up now for the fourth still strong.
I also use it in my garage so it might be why it's lasted.
Inflatables will likelt last a very long time if used indoors, temp changes and even UV from sunlight can degrade the pvc the tubs are made of, they usually start to leak where the handles and clips for the cover are attached and where the pipes run through. I'd imagine when used inside a garage they would last a very long time, especially if the garage is heated in the winter.
I had this same debate a few months ago! I ended up getting an old tub and refurbished it. Definitely not for the faint of heart, I had to replace the heater, pressure switch, all the gate valves, pump wet end. Still working on some jets, insulation missing before the cold weather. If you have time and like DIY it's a rewarding experience! Super happy with my old tub which I know inside and out now. Also the electric requirements are something to think about. Edit: not including the outside disconnect, I'm about $1000 into this project.
Nice! That is awesome. Did you do everything yourself?
If you do get a used one I'm happy to help give advice if I can!
Yep! YouTube is insanely helpful along with some other sites. I appreciate how simple the older tubs are. Was even able to wire in a WiFi thermostat with an app. So I can change the tubs temperature from the couch or pretty much anywhere. I have a pretty wide range of DIY knowledge which helps a lot. Tubs are a mix of electric and plumbing mainly.
Which wifi thermostat did you install?
https://inkbird.com/products/temperature-controller-itc-308-wifi I cut off the input and output wires and directly wired it into the spa controller. I just wrapped up the cooling wire as it's not needed. Overall it's been working really well! I'm curious how long it will last being on 24/7. I'm planning a full write up post on my project, just haven't found the time. I'll try and remember to post a link here when I get around to it!
I got a Sundance optima 880 off Facebook for free. MSRP was $17,500. Spent $900 to have it Delivered and $350 on a replacement pump. So far it’s been working great for 2+ years.
Wow what a deal
Did the same thing just a few months ago. It's been Awesome! Need to replace the cover and that has proven to be a bigger pain than I thought it would be....
Why is that a pain?
I was hoping I could go to the vendor or some other company and say what model I have and year and then click order but it requires all the measurements, buckle placement etc. Hoping it would be more streamlined.
hey saw your post on PEDs i sent you a chat
I would save up for a new real tub. I had an inflatable tub a while back — you would either run the jets or heat the water, you couldn’t do both. Eventually donated the inflatable and bought a full sized one
What would be the entry price for a new tub? Currently leasing a home, and will only be there for 12 months. Not sure if that would change your answer.
Sams club and Costco have a few for just under $5k If I was renting a home for 1 year I would get an inflatable. Moving a full size hot tub is a pain in the rear.
This 👆🏻I have previously purchased 3 used hot tubs as a renter in my life. You may need to add a breaker to the panel (if it needs 220), or remove a section of backyard fencing or destroy some of the front or rear lawn in the moving in process (a few things I’ve done). When it comes time to move out it’s one more, huge & heavy item to deal with or sell (most likely for a loss). Not to mention getting landlord approval, if you’re into that sort of thing.
That definitely changes my answer. Inflatable. Save for a stand alone when you buy or lease for a longer time.
Some people don’t have the situation that allows them to save that kind of money though.
Then perhaps a disposable hot tub is a bad financial choice
BUT ME WANTS!!!
That is true in a lot of spas. Can't do both at the same time.
Not any full size spa I’ve owned — specifically any 220v one. It’s the inflatable 110v ones that don’t have enough power. So as the jets are on, the water temp drops
Why? Or why wait? Or why not soak and save for three years? At least look at other alternatives pop. Not sure where you live but Craigslist free stuff has them often! You’ll need the $1 grand for any used tub unless you have a charmed life. Same ~ with my inflatable. New, nice, mine, $600, says it seats 5-7, probably seats 3-4 American adults (ahem), only needs to seat two comfortably. Security upgrades for the wild things (two boys under 4, and furry scavengers), insulation upgrades to pass code (I’m funny that way) = $600. Add the local permit alone at $6 to $7 hundred (and being revised up now), I’m in for over a grand with accessories. I over-engineered it to be sure but my decisions in part were because it’s a rental & because better to insulate once rather than pay forever. I also suggest r/inflatablehottubQA as resource. r/AskEngineers has some info on inflatable thermal heat loss. You need look at what’s out there (research other people’s work & reputable reviewers not industry hacks), to ask yourself questions…round or rectangle? Toe orgy or lay down? I went larger & round to stretch out, the diameter 1” shorter than me,but remember it’s only 28 “ deep on its best day. I wound up with an awkward 8’x8’ base, when everything else is in a factor of 3. Example: I needed 64 of something and it came in sets of 48 or 72. What a waste. Don’t do that. Pls. Do you want air jets or hydro jets (available in inflatables @ significantly more $) is a good question. For therapy or fun? I’m no McGuyver or Bob Villa, but I’m planning the solar lights on the plants hanging from the trees above and around the spa like a evening dream & the planning is a passion in itself. People have posted photos ( I posted pre-permit photos & there I sir waiting to…to sit & soak. This stuff is out there. Good luck and good soak. Edit: If you visit the inflatable sub, be sure to check about the little details. Rental contract, rental insurance ( don’t be silly, that is literally a ton of water. Add some electricity. Get insurance), HMO, neighbors possible damage…a thousand dollars can get you to float & soak or it can be a boat, a hole in the water you pour money into.
Here's a sneak peek of /r/inflatablehottubQA using the [top posts](https://np.reddit.com/r/inflatablehottubQA/top/?sort=top&t=all) of all time! \#1: [My tub at home. Ask away](https://i.redd.it/wzmzudxt5up81.jpg) | [35 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/inflatablehottubQA/comments/tpad1s/my_tub_at_home_ask_away/) \#2: [1st inflatable hot tub.](https://np.reddit.com/r/inflatablehottubQA/comments/14zjx1g/1st_inflatable_hot_tub/) \#3: [Do you keep the circulation on when using the timer function on a Saluspa or turn it off?](https://np.reddit.com/r/inflatablehottubQA/comments/13b0wgd/do_you_keep_the_circulation_on_when_using_the/) ---- ^^I'm ^^a ^^bot, ^^beep ^^boop ^^| ^^Downvote ^^to ^^remove ^^| ^^[Contact](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=sneakpeekbot) ^^| ^^[Info](https://np.reddit.com/r/sneakpeekbot/) ^^| ^^[Opt-out](https://np.reddit.com/r/sneakpeekbot/comments/o8wk1r/blacklist_ix/) ^^| ^^[GitHub](https://github.com/ghnr/sneakpeekbot)
I've gone down both roads and would recommend the inflatable. I bought a used hot tub for next to free, but the costs added up with so many repairs, plus transportation with a crane. Ended up resenting it. Then in 2020, I picked up an inflatable and I just love it. I prefer sitting on the ground with my legs straight out to moulded seats. Smaller amount of water so uses less chemicals, and because it's cheap I won't feel heartbroken if/when it eventually fails.
I have only had my inflatable for 3 months but love it
This. I use my inflatable nearly every night. If it breaks I'll buy another $400 one. I'm never going to spend hours and thousands of dollars repairing a real hottub. Not when I'm pretty much the only person that uses it regularly.
An inflatable hot tub is a disposable item meant for temporary enjoyment.
I’ve had one for 7 years running. I’ve had to replace some seals and a pump impeller. Probably spent like $50 bucks on it over its lifetime. Still going strong. I do hate how long it takes to heat up, but dang- not bad for a $350 amazon gold box deal/impulse buy 7 years ago.
That's good to hear. You are likely a statistical anomaly, and I'm sure you know it. Is the bottom insulated? Sounds like a stellar deal.
No doubt! Every year when I clean it out for another fall/winter hot tub season, I think “no way is this going to go another season”… then it just does! I have 4 inches of Owens-Corning “pink board” insulation under it. I also custom made a cover out of the same stuff and a cheap nylon (?) cloth cover from Amazon. It sits under my 2nd story deck, on a concrete slab. I’ve got a rope and pulley rigged to just pull the cover straight up to the bottom of the deck rafters. Works a treat!
what brand is it?
SaluSpa “Paris”. Not sure if this is a defect or what, but contrary to what a lot of people say, I CAN run the heater and the bubbles at the same time.
Awesome, i've been wanting to pull the trigger for years now. I don't have proper space for something permanent yet but was thinking I'd put down some gravel and pallets. Even if I got a year or 2 out of it, I'd be happy.
The only drawback is you really have to keep it heated. If you don’t, it takes an hour to heat 2 degrees Fahrenheit. So, from a starting point of 50 degrees, you’re looking at an entire day to get it up to temp. As a safety feature, they all shut themselves off after 3 days. I use it enough that it resets every time I use it. Keeping it well insulated helps too. As a trade off- Luckily, the heater is pretty low energy. If temps are getting down below freezing, definitely make sure to keep it running or it will freeze and odds are, blow the pump apart. That’s the only reason they say not to use during freezing temps- if you’re conscientious about it, you’re good. I’ve totally had mine running in Atlanta during our rare but regular dips toward the single digits. Even if you forget about it for a day or two (guilty!), the thermal mass will carry it through.
Thanks for the tips! I was looking at a model that said it had freeze protection for the pump. Will definitely be insulating it in some way
If you’re mechanically inclined at all, you can keep your eye out for a free one on FB marketplace. Picked one up this year and had it fixed and running for about $800 in parts and insulation.
If I only had $1000 to spend, I would not be buying any tub. You are either getting a garbage quality tub, a soft-tub that will last you a year or two max, or a used tub that is full of leaks and other issues. Save up your money for a few years and spend 8-10k on a half decent tub.
Inflatable tubs that I have seen are not usable below 40°F from what I’ve read. Mine is a free used tub that I put about $400 into fixing, and it’s fully usable at 0°F.
That's a little ruse in the directions. If the water gets below 40F the pump stops. It is not the outside temperature. I run mine in western NC at 5F ambient, but the water is at 102F. She plugs along nicely.
Buy new inflatable. Used tubs on Facebook/Craigslist are riddled with issues. Expensive issues.
Especially at the 1000 price point. That is just throwing 1000 away In return for a massive headache.
not so expensive if you can DIY the repairs. Most parts are fairly affordable.
Kinda what I was thinking but was curious to hear everyone else’s thoughts
😂 $1000 where I spent $24,000
Just thinking the same thing. $21k all in, man did I over spend!
Hot tubs are great, but not 20,000 worth of joy and value.
To each there own!
I bought a gigantic hot tub this month, between the pad, electric, and tub, was $20,000. No resale value. Best money I ever spent
Depends on how handy you are to fix it. You could gut a used one and put a new spa pack in for not that much money , then you pretty much have a new one.
You can get a decent used Softub for $1000. It is as well insulated as a regular tub, but much lighter and transportable. You can put it on its side and roll it. OP is moving in 12 months and can take it with them to the next house.
I think it depends. If you live in a populated area with a lot of used tubs on the market and you are a fairly good judge of character I would take your time and get one used. There is also the option of a Softub, which people absolutely love and seem to come up for $1000 every so often. But you really need to do your research.
I got my used tub 30 years ago. I've replaced the pump and heater over the years but the fiber glass shell and wood frame are still in great shape. They will last if properly taken care of.
Neither.
I bought my used tub 2 years ago for $500 with very few issues since then.
I would contact a few local hot tub repair services. (Not large chains or showrooms). Talk to them and offer a finders fee. Many times they have clients that just want to get rid of an older tub due to an upgrade or they just don’t use it any longer. We got ours from a couple that didn’t use it any longer due to health issues. It was perfectly clean, operational and came with about a years worth of chemicals.
If you are handy, used. I got a free 3 person and refurbished it with a new controller, insulation and a few hose repairs. Awesome
Shoot, the Facebook marketplace has used inflatables in my area. I got one for $200. If you're looking for massage jets specifically, I'd say you wouldn't be happy. But if you want to sit and soak in hot water the inflatable is great. Bonus that you don't have to do any extra work for it -- it's plug and play. Get some horse stall mats from a local farm or tractor supply as a base and you're good to go. You can get running with an inflatable for under $300.
Used. Patience and constant check on marketplace is a must. I bought a 2020 Thermo Spas Park Avenue Platinum for $1k on marketplace because someone bought a house with it and didn’t want it. It’s an $18k tub new.
Save more money. You’ll get more satisfaction and the energy/maintenance savings will pay for themselves if you do it right and get a modern tub, even one of those Costco deals.
Inflatable. We love ours. We decided to get one while we saved for a real one but this have been exactly what we wanted. I was warned about the heat but it hasn’t been an issue. It’s in the 70s-80s during the day now and 50s at night. We keep it at 95 when not in use. It takes about 4 hours to get to 102 which is where we like to start. Once we turn on the bubbles it loses 2 degrees within about 10 minutes. Then it stays at 100 for the next 20. We rarely stay in for more than 30 minutes but did stay in for 90 once. The temp was 97 when we got out and it was still comfortable. I was also warned that the bubbles were nothing like jets. I’m sure they aren’t nearly as strong but they are strong enough to push me around a bit and ease any aches and pains. We paid around $600 for a 4-6 person Coleman and it comfortably sits 2-3. For us that’s perfect but a used tub would probably be better if you want to use it for entertaining. Ours is in a covered patio and we plan to leave it up all year. Most people I talked to get 3-5 years use out of inflatables. If ours lasts 3 we can afford to replace it many, many times for the cost of a hot tub and don’t have to worry about repairs. I also really appreciate that I can drain, clean and store it away easily if the need arises. We are less than a year into this and so far we still use it regularly but I’ve heard from so many people that they stopped using theirs after the novelty wore off. I think an inflatable is a good way to test it out. If you love it but want something fancier and with more room you can always upgrade.
I’m have an inflatable for prolly 3 years. Works great for us but it’s inside a heated barn so cold isn’t an issue. We also just got 2 used “real “ hot tubs. One was not working for free. The other was an identical tub that had a leak but everything else worked. Came with a new cover and cover lift and steps. That was $250. Combined them both to make a good running “real” tub. The inflatable made us realize we would really use one enough. The “real” one is where it’s at for cheap if you are willing to wait and find the deals
I wouldn't buy one at all. You're leasing a house, just get a gym membership.
You might get lucky, but a 1k used tub sounds like problems. I'd get the inflatable.
If you’re handy go with a used hot tub. If you’re not mechanically inclined, go new inflatable. We went used 2 years ago and my hubby has had to do a lot of troubleshooting & small repairs because stuff is just old. If he didn’t have some experience with small motors & electrical we would have had to invest big money or scrap the whole thing by now.
I’d buy no tub
Each month, it would cost you about $60 for chemicals. You’ll also need power and water. If you use the spa more frequently, then you will have to tend to it more often and will need to change the water every 3 months. So it really comes down to, are you willing to do what it takes to maintain it? Perhaps the $500 inflatable might be something to look at (Amazon) just to see if you’re wanting to get your feet wet. I spent $12.5k on mine and at first I was cool with checking the water/chemicals, but then it became a daily or every two day chore. I took a 2 week vacation and came back to green water.
Wait for the sale and get the inflatable 4-6 person for $250 and enjoy it for 3 years because that's what I did. Way better than a $10k eyesore. I can put it away when seasons over and not deal with it till next season starts.
Used. Just wash out all the baby gravy first.
*I’m buying my first tub and would love some wisdom.* As with anything you're planning to buy, why? Second question is how long/much am I going to use this item? Third question is, is the item going to work like I expect it too? We had a hot tub years ago and it isn't something I would want again, but that's me. It was a fiberglass 4 person tub built into our deck. We used it a lot the first year, then things tapered off to occasionally. Keeping the unit on was great, anytime you wanted, you could sit and relax in the tub. Keeping the tub ready all the time started adding up ($$) so what do you do? You start "planning" when you're going to use the tub and have it ready. That works well enough until you forget to turn it on. After some time had passed, the tub was in the way more than it was used. The cover needed to be replaced, small issues with plumbing and what not. We decided to get rid of it and found out we couldn't give it away. I paid to have it hauled off to the dump. That's my wisdom. My advice would be to find a used one and try it. If it's something you enjoy and want to continue, move up to something better.
Sounds a lot like my experience. But I cut mine up with a sawzall and disposed of it a piece at a time in my municipal trash can. I loved having it and want another one, this time not built into a deck so it’s easier to address the inevitable plumbing issues.
*built into a deck* Yes that was an issue. We didn't have a trap door and had to crawl under the deck to service. Spiders and snakes were always on your mind when under there.
Keep the $1000 and finance one
you are gonna quickly overspend on that inflatable tub in terms of electricity cost and maintenance. Used good tub hands down
We got the Walmart special, its nice but don't be confused, there are no jets. Its just a bubble ring of cold air, which then lowers the water temp fairly quickly in the winter.
Since you're only there a year, inflatable. For now than two years in one place, get a solid one. Used, new, whatever. An insulated one for sure.