Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: NullQwerty on April 25, 2008, 12:14:15 pm

Title: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: NullQwerty on April 25, 2008, 12:14:15 pm
Hey Folks,

I currently own an IG pool and I'm very close to getting a hot tub to sit next to it.  I have some family members discouraging me saying that they know people who own a hot tub and they all say they never use it.

I'm skeptical of that though.  How often do you use your tub?  How often would you say most people use their tubs?

If age is a factor, I'm 28.

Thanks!
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Swell-Tub on April 25, 2008, 01:18:27 pm
Great post because this has been heavy on my mind. I talked to my co-worker who says he use's his once to twice a day, every day because he has arthritis. I had some younger family members and they used their's like once or twice a month with friends. I came to the conclusion that if you hurt and need some comfort it will get used more. I may be wrong but it appears that the older you get the more it get's used.

Scott  ;)
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Spatech_tuo on April 25, 2008, 01:42:24 pm
I've certainly seen people buy a new spa and after the newness wears away the frequency drops off. I've also seen people looking to buy a new spa to replace their 15 year old one and say they still use it almost daily. Most are somewhere in between and I'm not sure there is a predictor of usage.

My wife and youngest son use ours twice a week or so and I'm with them half the time (sometimes 3 days in a row, sometimes not at all for two weeks). My oldest 2 boys not too often but then I come home sometimes to see 6 teenagers in it.

I'm just happy to have one so we can use it when we want to.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: drewstar on April 25, 2008, 01:52:47 pm
I have owned hot tubs for several years now, and sure usage goes up and down.  I bought mine to be used mostly in the winter time. I live in New England and hotubing in the winter is great and it get's used a few times a week. And friends love comming over and usign at well. The key was having it close to the house.  No one want's to treak across the frozen tundra to get to the tub.


During the summer usage drops off, as we prefer to cool off in the pool, but it still gets used now and then. Espically after some heavy yard work and the muscles are aching.

I see people neglet and not use thier hot tub because it gets too $$$$ to use (Ie they bought a cheap spa with poor insulation and crappy therapy and don't keep the water clean).


I think you need to ask yourself why you are buying the tub?  you mention you have an IG pool.

IF you are buying a hot tub as an acessory to your pool, then sure, I could see it not being used that much, (although jumping from the hot water to the cool pool water is inmvigorating).

A hot tub is very different that a pool so if you think that since you already have an IG pool. you wont use the otehr, I disagree.  The pool is larger and can be used to float in, exercise, cool off and many folks can use it.  In NEw england, the pool season is only a few months long.  Hot tubs are mostly all year.  
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Swell-Tub on April 25, 2008, 02:13:27 pm
We have the opposite problem here in Vegas. I will be installing the new tub just as it gets hot down here. I'm not sure how often I will get into the tub when it is 118 degrees outside....
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Spiderman on April 25, 2008, 02:26:39 pm
Every day unless it's raining, or very windy in winter weather.  If we miss a day we really miss the tub.  
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: rick on April 25, 2008, 03:13:05 pm
once in the morning, once at night on weekdays.

on weekends,  I'm in and out of it all day.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: always in hotwater on April 25, 2008, 03:19:03 pm
we use ours three to four times a week. We also had friends and family tell us we would be wasting our money because they knew or heard of someone who said that they never used theirs or it was too costly to maintain. Now over 3 yrs later half of the people that tried to talk us out of are now tub owners . Once they have that first soak it seems to change their mind :)
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Dipstick on April 25, 2008, 03:32:50 pm
At least once a day and twice a day on the weekends, I have no medical issues.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Zep on April 25, 2008, 03:53:28 pm
it's a case by case deal
alot like boats
i know people that have boats that use them all the time
i also know people with boats that have lots of dust on the boat cover
i think the biggest surprise to some new tub owners is water issues
getting in month, 2 month, 3 month old water thats "not just right" is not appealing
alot of people see the maintaining of the water as a hassle
so they slack off a bit.....get lazy.....maybe throw in a few chlorine tabs
but then when they go to get in the water...the water stinks or is foamy or both
so then they start avoiding the water and say "ah maybe next week"
maintaining perfect water is more than some had bargained for
i would think most on a hot tub message board use theirs more than average joe
again, it's case by case

Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: webboy on April 25, 2008, 04:44:54 pm
I've had my Bullfrog for 3 months. I get in the tub no less than three times a week, sometimes more. I'm sure I have the same anxiety as new tub owners wondering if I will use it in the summer. Its yet to be seen. This topic will resurface in a couple of weeks and I will chime in then.

That being said, get a tub, they are great! :)
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: tanstaafl2 on April 25, 2008, 05:06:17 pm
Might want to keep in mind that people who frequent a hot tub forum might have a lot of people in choir!

That said, I use mine mostly on weekends just because of time constraints but am glad I have it to use as desired. Usage does tend to decrease in the summer months here in Georgia as we move from the mostly cool but just right for tubbing winter through the spring and into the blast furnace muggy heat of summer. I do use it occasionally in the summer but typically because I turn the temp down. My tub is covered and thus out of the sun but still typically has a tough time dropping below the 90 range in the summer even if I turn the temp setting well below that.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Cyn on April 25, 2008, 06:52:20 pm
I think you are asking the wrong group of people!  Most of us here on the forum wouldn't still be here on the forum if we didn't use our tubs fairly regularly!  But there are those tub users who know other tub owners that don't use their tubs very frequently that are actually on this forum.  

We love ours.  We always loved using them at vacation spots, etc., so we were a step ahead there.  I think you are a water lover or not.  Most pool owners I know love their tubs...or wish they had tubs!
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Spatech_tuo on April 25, 2008, 06:57:46 pm
Quote
Most pool owners I know love their tubs...or wish they had tubs!

That is a good point. We have a pool as well and during pool season I can say we almost NEVER go in the pool without also using the spa at the same time even when its warm outside (but not when its brutally hot) so that really does add to the overall spa usage.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: tony on April 25, 2008, 08:26:13 pm
Quote

That is a good point. We have a pool as well and during pool season I can say we almost NEVER go in the pool without also using the spa at the same time even when its warm outside (but not when its brutally hot) so that really does add to the overall spa usage.


My first full summer with the spa I realized it just wasn't going to give any relief on hot days, so I installed a small pool to cool off.  Both spa and pool get used during the summer.  Our spa use is actually higher in summer.  My wife will use it in the summer but not winter.  My kids are in their late teens so it is not unusual to have a crowd when they're around in the summer.  I use the spa almost every day all year long and have done so for almost six years of ownership.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: tomsem on April 25, 2008, 08:28:27 pm
I don't have an IG pool but have had my tub for 1.5 years and use it 4-5 times a week for 9 months out of the year.  In South Dakota, winter months of Dec, Jan, and Feb can get very cold and windy so it is used less.  My family uses it less than I do. My wife is winter(rarely) and once a week or two(spring and fall) with summer more often. The kids are in sporadically.

Tubs are great for relaxing and entertaining but do require some labor and money.  As a pool owner, you are already used to maintaining water and testing. The therapy angle might have much to do with it.  People that use them often are the probably the type that really just  love to relax or need the therapy for medical reasons. The effort and expense is worth the reward in their case. Just my thoughts, anyway.  
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Gomboman on April 25, 2008, 11:24:37 pm
I've had the spa for over two years now. The Envoy gets used about 4-5 times per week--summer and winter. It sure helps me get to sleep better.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Calypso on April 26, 2008, 01:43:51 am
We use ours every day for at leat 20 minutes plus sometimes twice on the weekends. Ii am an "aging" want to be over 40 soccer star and the wife loves warm water so who can blame us . BTW we have only owned or spa for 3 weeks so maybe time will tell. I doubt it as I have never felt so YOUNG.

Keep on tubbing
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Markus on April 27, 2008, 07:59:09 am
I never cared to own a hot tub...but my wife enjoyed hot baths at night so we purchased a new hot tub about 3 years ago. We have an inground swimming pool and live in New England also.

We use our hot tub every single day (at night) and weekened mornings/nights. In the summer hot days we use it about 4-5 days/week. I thought that the newness would wear away but it didn't... at all. We feel so fortunate to have one. It makes us feel like royalty. Always feel refreshed afterwards.

We have it close to the back door (6 feet) with the deck wrapped around it. The hot tub was a great investment for both of us.

For those who aren't sure...use one a few times at the dealer or someone you know. It would really suck to buy one and hardly use it.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: H823Putt on April 27, 2008, 08:47:53 am
     I have had mine for 1 year and use it every morning with my morning cup of coffee. While my kids at eating breakfast and getting ready for school I hop in. No jets, just sitting back , listening to the birds chirp and watching the sunrise. Could not think of a better way to start the day. I am also in it almost every night before bed. That is when my wife joins me. ;)  I find myself waking up early on days I could be sleeping in just to go into the tub.
   I use it all summer. I  have an AG pool and love hopping in it after soaking in the tub. It wakes me up in the morning and helps me relax to go to bed. I have never slept so good this past year then in my entire life.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Shanezam203 on April 28, 2008, 08:30:01 pm
I usually go in once a day, some evenings again at night.   8-)

Mark me down for once a day on average.  
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: The_Pa._Lady on April 28, 2008, 10:53:20 pm
I love my HS Prodigy, I was using it daily, but I hurt my knee a month ago and for the time being have a hard time getting out.  As soon as my knee is better I will be in it again.  I really miss not being able to use it.  It is sooo relaxing.  The jets are used when my muscles hurt.  Sometimes it's nice just sitting in the warm water and not even using the jets.  I have arthritis and the warm water really helps.  Even if you don't need it for therapy, it is wonderful. Go for it!
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: searchinginfl on May 04, 2008, 11:18:51 pm
For me, now that the newness has worn off, I use mine about once per week, usually with the kids on the weekend. I'm in Florida, but my issue isn't the heat, it is just time. I always seem to have more important things to do. I still feel guilty about not using it enough, and sometimes feel "pressured" (by my own self) to use it. Also, I agree with one of the posts. Sometimes, the issue is the water, and my being nervous that it is "not quite right".

As far as using it in the heat, I keep it below body temp, about 95, and still enjoy it.

Still, I would absolutely buy it again. I love having it. I love using it when I need it. I love the convenience of it right out my door in the screen.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: Brothersean on May 05, 2008, 11:53:21 am
Wow Searching..........once a week........that's criminal!! ;)

  How long have you had your spa now?  I'm just wondering because I believe that we started looking at about the same time.

  My wife and I have had our Sundance Cameo for exactly one month now and we couldn't be happier!  We just wonder why we waited so long.

  We use our spa at least once a day. Usually two or three times a day. We both work full time, excercise, ride motorcycles and quads, waterski and work around the yard in our free time. Not to mention that I am building a retaining wall and laying pavers around the spa as time permits. I will attach pictures when finished.

  We bought the spa for general relaxation, therapy for sports type injuries (existing and future  :)), and to help me sleep. My sleep patterns are totally screwed up from the rotating schedule as a Firefighter  and from RLS.

  Anyway, we love it and hope that the novelty never wears off!!

  BTW....our first electric bill just came in. $33.00 more than last month @  $.12 Kw/h.

  Sean
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: CalicoskiesNC on May 08, 2008, 09:15:44 pm
This July makes 4yrs for our spa and we still use it almost every night.  Love Sunday mornings in there too.  Its a regular date for me and dh.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: sonofsail on May 08, 2008, 11:16:29 pm
5-6 times per week minimum during cooler weather.  This will be our first summer with the Optima but I expect usage to drop off  some in the warmer weather.  We will see.  Quote from my wife:  "This is by far the best toy we have."
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: searchinginfl on May 09, 2008, 11:03:45 am
Quote
Wow Searching..........once a week........that's criminal!! ;)

  How long have you had your spa now?  I'm just wondering because I believe that we started looking at about the same time.

  My wife and I have had our Sundance Cameo for exactly one month now and we couldn't be happier!  We just wonder why we waited so long.

  We use our spa at least once a day. Usually two or three times a day. We both work full time, excercise, ride motorcycles and quads, waterski and work around the yard in our free time. Not to mention that I am building a retaining wall and laying pavers around the spa as time permits. I will attach pictures when finished.

  We bought the spa for general relaxation, therapy for sports type injuries (existing and future  :)), and to help me sleep. My sleep patterns are totally screwed up from the rotating schedule as a Firefighter  and from RLS.

  Anyway, we love it and hope that the novelty never wears off!!

  BTW....our first electric bill just came in. $33.00 more than last month @  $.12 Kw/h.

  Sean

I got it December 1st. My issue is the 2 kids. They don't often want to go in (but when they do, I can't get them out), and by the time I get them in bed at night, I still have so much to do (clean kitchen, laundry, some work on computer, getting stuff ready for school and work the next day...plus, I love my TV a little too much). One of my kids is 2 1/2 and lately has been requiring my full attention all the time, or he wants to "help" with everything, so I actually have more to do after he goes to bed. I rarely get in bed before midnight, and I am not the type to wake up extra early for ANYTHING. Also, my husband was never really into it, so I always used it alone or with the kids. He's only been in twice since we got it. If he was into it too, I guess we'd be in more often. It can be boring alone.
Title: Re: How Often Do You Use Your Hot Tub?
Post by: 2busymom on May 10, 2008, 06:11:56 pm
Quote

I got it December 1st. My issue is the 2 kids. They don't often want to go in (but when they do, I can't get them out), and by the time I get them in bed at night, I still have so much to do (clean kitchen, laundry, some work on computer, getting stuff ready for school and work the next day...plus, I love my TV a little too much). One of my kids is 2 1/2 and lately has been requiring my full attention all the time, or he wants to "help" with everything, so I actually have more to do after he goes to bed. I rarely get in bed before midnight, and I am not the type to wake up extra early for ANYTHING. Also, my husband was never really into it, so I always used it alone or with the kids. He's only been in twice since we got it. If he was into it too, I guess we'd be in more often. It can be boring alone.

Hi searchinginfl,

I totally understand.  My husband isn't that into the tub either.  We've had our tub for about 10 months, and he's been in it probably about 6 times.  My 8 year old son and I use it the most and sometimes he prompts me..."Mama, do you wanna soak?"  We probably soak 2-3 times a week.  Someone said the water quality makes a big difference, I totally agree with that.

I am draining my tub today and shock it every week.  But I have never been able to get the water to last (not foamy or cloudy, or smelling like chlorine) for the 4 months the manual says I can.  I have a submersible pump, and that helps with the draining, but it is at least a 3 hour job to get everything drained, cleaned, filled and chemicals added so that the tub can heat up.  Sometimes I just don't have the time.

I would love to have a little more alone time in the spa, I bring my iPod, hook up and enjoy just floating in the water.  Summer, much less.