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?

[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.

[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.

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.

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

[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:Me]

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+

[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:Me]

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.