Spa pool. Who has got one?

[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