Spa pool. Who has got one?

[Jackal]

We are thinking very seriously about getting a spa pool. One of the decks I have built I made sure I put plenty of timber underneath to support the weight of one in the future and have a 25amp outdoor 3-pin socket wired in next to where it will sit. Now we just have to decide what pool. Trying to cut through all the bullshit salesman go into to get us to buy one of their pools does my head in.

Do I go for one with all the bells and whistles, 1000's of jets, 1000's of coloured lights etc etc. Or do I go with a basic one with just a handful of jets and a floating candle? Do I buy an imported one or NZ made?

Apart from the occasional dip in very suspect motel pools back in the day I have not used them much. But as I get older I am sure it would be nice after a long day on the bike to get home and slip into the spa with a whiskey and gaze at the stars.

So, who has got any recommendations, do's and don'ts. horror stories etc to help me on my journey of discovery into the world of spa pools?:confused:

[Gibbo89]

I have a horror story I can show you if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIvtVJV-RpY

(i don't know how to have the vid on here, yeah bit of a fail i know)

sorry i cannot be of more assistance. :blink:

[Shadows]

Apparently you need to have a drain to town waste - you're not allowed to empty it out on the lawn or into the storm water.

Or so somebody told me once. Something to ask about anyway.

[Winter]

Bells and whistles are dumb. Get a plain one.

Having a 1000 jets may sound cool, but like you said, you want to sit down there with a whisky and look at the stars. The tornado like noise from the jet system quickly ruins the atmosphere.

[Jackal]

I have a horror story I can show you if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIvtVJV-RpY

(i don't know how to have the vid on here, yeah bit of a fail i know)

sorry i cannot be of more assistance. :blink:

Note to self.......Make sure everyone wears nappies in spa pool!!!

[SMOKEU]

I have a horror story I can show you if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIvtVJV-RpY

(i don't know how to have the vid on here, yeah bit of a fail i know)

sorry i cannot be of more assistance. :blink:

That reminds me of 2 girls 1 cup aka "Hungry Bitches".

[martybabe]

I am in the same position as you, about to take the plunge ,as it were. Unlike you though, the Bride and I have frequented many a water feature and I can but inform you, for us, the novelty of bells and whistles soon wear off. trying to relax and have a sup and a conversation whilst stuck in a Tsunami powered washing machine with Christmas tree lights rapidly becomes unpleasant for us and as such, we will be opting for a small well made one with a few useful jets and a bit of subtle lighting.

As for manufacturer, frankly I don't have a clue, a decent looking second hand one that I can see in action will be my target. Good luck with your search, I shall be watching this thread in case there are some 'Horror story brands' though. Cheers

[davebullet]

We have one and spent a lot of time researching.

The top of the line are the Hot Springs or the lesser known Sundance.

The above are good spas - but expect to pay $16k+ for a decent one. They also hold about 1,500 litres. Price no object, I'd go for a Sundance.

The key benefit with the above pools in my opinion is the continuous pump. Since it always circulates the water, it can switch on the heater and keep a more constant temperature plus runs a lot quieter when you are in it. This sounds like it would cost more to run, but reality is, because it is a low power pump it is about the same as a model that turns off then on.

Make sure you sit in the spa (dry if you like). Test it as some seats just don't contour your body. Also if you are short - some seats may put the water at mouth height when the spa is full.

Many spas over-rate the number of people. Our's has 5 seats, but would really only fit 4 comfortably. If you want a family spa - you really need one with 1,200+ litre capacity (ours is 1,000 and as mentioned - good for 3).

We bought a NZ made tru form spa in the end. Cost about $6k from memory. It has ozone and jets , light that changes colour etc.. IT runs on a 30amp supply (15 for the motor and 15 for the heater when both on full knackers).

What I recommend:
Get a spa with a decent warranty
20+ jets is more than enough. Get ones with most concentrated in one chair so you can have the massage effect and ensure the motor can be directed to that seat
Continuous pumps are good. MEans it can heat quietly when you are in it
Avoid stereos and other gimics - will usually corrode or break with the water.
OZone is good but you still need to chloronate or use bromine.

[Laava]

Worth bearing in mind also that it is going to cost you at least $2 a day to run plus chemicals and filter. We have one and love it but can't afford to run it anymore:weep:

[SMOKEU]

Dig a hole in the back yard and fill it up with the garden hose. Instant spa pool. You can put a sprinkler your new spa pool and you'll have some nice jets of water then.

[Kiwi Graham]

We have one and spent a lot of time researching.

The top of the line are the Hot Springs or the lesser known Sundance.

The above are good spas - but expect to pay $16k+ for a decent one. They also hold about 1,500 litres. Price no object, I'd go for a Sundance.

The key benefit with the above pools in my opinion is the continuous pump. Since it always circulates the water, it can switch on the heater and keep a more constant temperature plus runs a lot quieter when you are in it. This sounds like it would cost more to run, but reality is, because it is a low power pump it is about the same as a model that turns off then on.

Make sure you sit in the spa (dry if you like). Test it as some seats just don't contour your body. Also if you are short - some seats may put the water at mouth height when the spa is full.

Many spas over-rate the number of people. Our's has 5 seats, but would really only fit 4 comfortably. If you want a family spa - you really need one with 1,200+ litre capacity (ours is 1,000 and as mentioned - good for 3).

We bought a NZ made tru form spa in the end. Cost about $6k from memory. It has ozone and jets , light that changes colour etc.. IT runs on a 30amp supply (15 for the motor and 15 for the heater when both on full knackers).

What I recommend:
Get a spa with a decent warranty
20+ jets is more than enough. Get ones with most concentrated in one chair so you can have the massage effect and ensure the motor can be directed to that seat
Continuous pumps are good. MEans it can heat quietly when you are in it
Avoid stereos and other gimics - will usually corrode or break with the water.
OZone is good but you still need to chloronate or use bromine.

Cant go wrong if you follow the above advise Jackal;

Over the years we have had two a simple Kiwi one and more recently an import one from the BBQ factory. Both were/are good but you pay for what you get as they say. Ive seen some with bloody DVD's in them!!!
We paid 10k for a 1,500 ltr one with 32 jets and lights (even got a naff water fall feature) it has two recliners that can give you a real pumaling if you turn on all the jets and it can comfortably sit 5 (they say 6).

Its a great way to unwind after a race/ride and the kids think its great too.
I know there are regs about lockable lids etc but I'm sure they all come with those these days anyway.

[wynw]

Also check the quality of the insulation as the better the heat retention the cheaper it will be to run, generally the cheaper spas have thinner insulation. i have a hot springs prodigy and would recomend it but new replacement is 16k+:blink:

[KoroJ]

We have a Hot Spring Jetsetter, which is a three seater. 1 Recliner with jets across the shoulders and a moving jobby for thr back massage & 2 seats with straight jets and turbo jets. It has lights, ozone filter etc. and doesn't seem to cost too much to run power wise, but if you use them regularly, they go through the chemicals and they can cost a bit.

Seems pointless to not have the good massaging jets 'cos otherwise you might as well just have a bath.

Horror facts: You will pay a shitload of money to become a chemist and janitor.

Good shit: It is good to relax, have a burst of the jets, then relax and chat with a nice wine.

[yachtie10]

I have had a few spa over the years and would only have a higher end model or not have one
I have a hot spring and although they are expensive i think they are worth it (particularly if you want a big one as the price difference is much smaller)

I dont spend much on chemicals I find the Ozone and silver ion unit does most of the job required Just needs a little chlorine after use (Amount depending on how many users and how often)

Make sure the spa is deep enough for you as well

[Kiwi Graham]

Horror facts: You will pay a shitload of money to become a chemist and janitor.



No no no!!!! invest in a Simple Silver I got my life back after the day I was introduced to this stuff, no more weekly chemical checks and chlorine shocks after a lot of people have been in it. Just Google it and you'll see what I mean.

[davebullet]

The running cost for our "cheap" model spa is around $3-$4 per day. Yup - you got it. Half is chemicals and the rest is power and the occasional replacement filter. The more expensive spas are cheaper to run since they have better ozonators or filtering systems. However when you add $10k - that's a lot of running costs!

We only run ours about 6 months a year due to the cost.

It was a good idea to get a dedicated 25 amp circuit. The "plug into a standard power outlet and go" spa pools can't operate a powerful motor and heater and are limited to the volume they can heat.

[porky]

had a couple and as above. One other consideration. Fence. Yup the rule book says.....the dome/ plastic buckle attached lid dosnt comply and most councils dont like the lockable lid so go and check out your local TA (council).... Or just wait for the visit & plead ignorance. Enjoy.

[SMOKEU]

had a couple and as above. One other consideration. Fence. Yup the rule book says.....the dome/ plastic buckle attached lid dosnt comply and most councils dont like the lockable lid so go and check out your local TA (council).... Or just wait for the visit & plead ignorance. Enjoy.

Just tell the council to get phucked, if you don't have any little kids at your house then I don't see why they insist on pools and spas to be fenced in.

[Jackal]

had a couple and as above. One other consideration. Fence. Yup the rule book says.....the dome/ plastic buckle attached lid dosnt comply and most councils dont like the lockable lid so go and check out your local TA (council).... Or just wait for the visit & plead ignorance. Enjoy.
A fence around the deck where the spa pool to going to go is a bit pointless here. We are now childless (kicked them all out ages ago) and no grandchildren that we know of. Also we live on a canal system at Lake Hood none of which is fenced!

Thanks for all the info guys. I am going through to Chch next weekend to 'try' a few out. With all this info I will be getting close to getting the right one.

[nadroj]

A fence around the deck where the spa pool to going to go is a bit pointless here. We are now childless (kicked them all out ages ago) and no grandchildren that we know of. Also we live on a canal system at Lake Hood none of which is fenced!

Thanks for all the info guys. I am going through to Chch next weekend to 'try' a few out. With all this info I will be getting close to getting the right one.

Take the Mrs so you can try a few positions..... Can't beat an aquanaught!

[porky]

A fence around the deck where the spa pool to going to go is a bit pointless here. We are now childless (kicked them all out ages ago) and no grandchildren that we know of. Also we live on a canal system at Lake Hood none of which is fenced!

Thanks for all the info guys. I am going through to Chch next weekend to 'try' a few out. With all this info I will be getting close to getting the right one.

Sweet, but as it is covered by a Public Act, you will always loose regardless of what you consider to be right and just. All waterways and dams are exempt from the Act as are pools with less than 400mm of water in. Go figure. child falls in, smashes head on bottom then drowns in 400mm of water?? (Act is the swimming pools fencing act 87 , sorry im not computer savy enough to work out how to post the link )

[Laava]

Only a problem if someone complains! We never fenced ours and always kept the cover locked.

[p.dath]

Only a problem if someone complains! We never fenced ours and always kept the cover locked.


Excep manu councils use aerial photograpgy to catch people now (also to catch people doing unauthorised major building works). Plus it also gives them an indication when it was installed.

[p.dath]

You guys make a hot bath sound very attractive. :)

[Reckless]

ok what I did was buy a $400 trade me special just to see if the spa would be a 1 minute wonder?? I didn't want to spent 6-10k to find out we got in it 3 times. We only kept it one winter but it was enough to know, so I built a spa pergola and went looking again. Plus I got my money back on the dunger plus a hundred. LOL!!
Well that worked so well I wanted one that was better insulated ran more efficiently etc etc.
So back to trade me (it worked ok last time) and cash speaks! I then scored a good spa for $1200 with a blown heating element and a wrinkle in the cover from some spilt Turps. After some research ( before I bought it) I sussed that the Kiwi element retailers where ripping is off and I could upgrade from a 1.5kw too a 2kw element for $200NZD from aussy (cheaper from the USA but you have the 110volt thing).

So for $1400, a trip to Paeroa to pick it up, and an hours work I have a good spa that has gone like a train for 3 years!

I have pics already in the computer so attached a few.

The only thing I learnt that will help you apart from the advice above is if you want the cheapest runner buy one with a small circulation pump so the main pump doesn't have to filter the water for two hours a day. Cheaper to run! I figure with the money I saved it wasn't a priority but my next trade me special will have, that one that someone spent 10K on and got in 3 times LOL!!!

Oh and some my mates have ones with water falls, fancy lights and all the massagers. we have all found the noise of the pump and water action is a 1 minute wonder. You'd be surprised how loud that foaming water is. The best way to relax is to lie, talk, socialise in a nice quiet warm spa. Most of us never use the jets, waist of money.


Pic 1 the Dunger
Pic 2 the revised model
Pic 3 the revised model
Pic 4 The element

The best place to be after a days Dirt biking is that spa! Anyway hope the above helps! Good luck!

[p.dath]

I'm curious. Has anyone look at solar water heating for their spa pool with a view to reducing power costs?

I looked at it for my house, but the cost of retrofitting it meant that I was unlikely to ever see a payout. You are most like to save money if you put in a solar hot system when replacing your hot water cylinder, so you can get something purpose built for the task.

But a spa pool should be easier, and it already has a pump that you have to pay to run to circulate the water.

[davebullet]

We will ours up with the infinity. I think it's cheaper than letting the motor and heating element grind away (esp. in winter) heating at 2 degrees per hour.

I second the jets comment. If you like to use it by yourself - then fine, but as a couple - you tend to do more talking (well, she chews your ear off) - but you don't need the jets for that.

[Jackal]

Took the day off work yesterday and headed to Chch to check out pools and other stuff. Tried plenty for size etc and after cutting through a hellova lot of salesman bullshit we have decided on a Spa Sensationz from Four Seasons. As we were also looking for an outdoor table and lounge set they have given us a very good deal on all three. Need to stain the deck before the pool goes on it but should be up to my neck in warm water in a week or two!!!

[Headbanger]

Interesting thread, I have been mulling over building a deck for the purpose of placing a spa pool, Though the running costs look to be a worry. Someone mentioned the infinity?, hows that work...are you going to fill it up and empty it every time you use it? Anyway, My oldboy spent up big on a super flash model, Pretty much the same experience as everyone else, it made so much noise that the jets were only used for a few minutes and then it was just a case of kicking back in the calm. When he replaced it he bought a cheap model.

[TimeOut]

No no no!!!! invest in a Simple Silver I got my life back after the day I was introduced to this stuff, no more weekly chemical checks and chlorine shocks after a lot of people have been in it. Just Google it and you'll see what I mean.

Big plus for Simple Silver, great stuff, it doesn't iritate some skin conditions like the chemicals do.
Love the massaging jets, great after a ride

[davebullet]

Interesting thread, I have been mulling over building a deck for the purpose of placing a spa pool, Though the running costs look to be a worry. Someone mentioned the infinity?, hows that work...are you going to fill it up and empty it every time you use it? Anyway, My oldboy spent up big on a super flash model, Pretty much the same experience as everyone else, it made so much noise that the jets were only used for a few minutes and then it was just a case of kicking back in the calm. When he replaced it he bought a cheap model.

We don't empty it each time. The fill up with the inifinity is to get it up and running quickly (45 minutes from empty to nice hot spa). We keep the water between 6 - 8 weeks (depending on usage) and clean the filter mid term.

We use about 1 teaspoon of chlorine per day to keep it clear. 1 cap of "floculator" (sp.) mid term to bind fine particles and help the filter trap them. About 1 cap of buffer to kick it off (keep the pH stable) then about 5 teaspoons of pH increase (water supply is on the slightly acidic side). Mid term I put another 4 - 5 teaspons of pH increase in (as skin / oils make the water acidic).

The above is for a 1,000 litre pool.

I even keep a record of chemical use and measurements (talk about OCD!)

[Swoop]

Has anyone look at solar water heating for their spa pool with a view to reducing power costs?

I looked at it for my house, but the cost of retrofitting it meant that I was unlikely to ever see a payout.
A guy at work has looked into solar hot water and recons the government should support all houses being fitted with it. Long term economic gains, etc, etc.

His main point was that NZ does NOT do the required maintenance on the solar unit that is needed. Apparently European countries have far more servicing done and this vastly increases the lifespan of the equipment.

[BMWST?]

A guy at work has looked into solar hot water and recons the government should support all houses being fitted with it. Long term economic gains, etc, etc.

His main point was that NZ does NOT do the required maintenance on the solar unit that is needed. Apparently European countries have far more servicing done and this vastly increases the lifespan of the equipment.

true but it is very expensive to do a whole system.Most systems i have looked at only have warranties of about 10 years,it prolly wouldnt have paid itself of till after that.

[Mully]

A guy at work has looked into solar hot water and recons the government should support all houses being fitted with it. Long term economic gains, etc, etc.
.

I think you get a whopping $1000 from the Gummint to go towards the cost of it.

We're looking at building a house next year - if we don't install solar, we're going to install the guts of it at least so we can retrofit easier later.

[Jackal]

Just got out of the new spa. AWESOME!!! Picked it up last week and had to wait a few days for the sparky to turn up to hard wire it in for me. (Don't trust electricity) Ended up buying a smaller three person one from Four Seasons. 28 jets, Ozone, and LED lights. Nothing too fancy. Wish I had paid attention a bit more in science class many years ago as the water chemical part of things was doing my head in today. I hope that side of it gets a bit easier with time.

[davebullet]

Here's my SPA recipe (works for a 1,000 litre spa). Yes ours has ozone fitted as well.

Filll her up
1 cap full (about 6 - 8 teaspoons) of buffer (stabilises pH)
Most water systems are slightly acidic - so 4 teaspons of pH increase go in
4 teaspoons of chlorine.

Test after 2 days.
Typically - i put in about 1 teaspoon of chlorine per day average
another 4 teaspoons of pH increase after about 4 weeks. pH is bad for metal / motors so keep her on the neutral or slightly alkaline side of 7
Take out and clean filter (I use some special filter cleaning stuff)
another 4 weeks of use then drain and change water. Cleaning the inside of the spa (get rid of any grime ring at the top).

The above keeps the spa crystal clear. I also have some "floculator" which helps bind small particles so may put in a small capfull after about 4 weeks (mid cycle).

Chlorogene in Petone is a great place to get all you need for spas. Reasonably priced as well.