Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: beach on January 06, 2007, 06:06:16 pm

Title: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: beach on January 06, 2007, 06:06:16 pm
This forum is great - tons of resourceful people who know what they're talking about hang out here.

I saw a few spa umbrellas made by Fim, and one made by Leisure Concepts, but it's hard to tell what the quality is like without seeng them in person.  Some of them are supported by sliding the base under the spa.  I wonder if the spa manufacturer is OK with this.   Others stay up in position by placing concrete blocks on the base.  Main purpose for this is privacy, but it would also be nice to have during heavy rain.

If anyone has any recommendations or comments about Spa Umbrellas, please reply with your thoughts and links.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Chad on January 06, 2007, 06:41:16 pm
I too have been in the market for a cantilever spa umbrella. The ones that slide under the spa seem ideal to me but they're very expensive and I was wondering the same thing about it possibly voiding the warranty.
I was looking at a free standing one at Sam's that tickled my feathers but I haven't stopped by there to check it out first hand yet.
The only time I don't enjoy spatopia is when it's raining.........snow, wind, and temp are no big deal, I just can't stand getting pelted in the head. :)
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Chad on January 06, 2007, 06:52:09 pm
Here's the link to the one's at Sam's
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/search.do?searchtype=simple&catg=1&simplesearchfor=outdoor+umbrellas&simpleitemtype=0
This is the one that I like.
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/0084095308069_L4.jpg)
I found a reasonably cheap one that slides underneath. Here' the linkhttp://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hottubworks.com/Images/Products/Accessories/UmbrellaTh.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hottubworks.com/HotTubAccessories/SpaAccessories.html&h=150&w=200&sz=6&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=xTO4-0Oqx8L6oM:&tbnh=78&tbnw=104&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2Bspa%2Bumbrellas%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN

I also like the one's with lights however I can't bring myself to pay that much for an umbrella.
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/SorrentoPro.jpg)
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on January 06, 2007, 06:57:25 pm
 I just sold a spa brella from leisure concepts 10 minutes ago, both are nice, the FIM which we sell also will probably cost you more depends on dealer.

  FYI I sell more spa brellas from leisure than any other not any problems they did have a problem with the battery charger but have now fixed it. 579.00 retail
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Chad on January 06, 2007, 07:00:14 pm
JJ, Do you know if the one's that slide under the tub void the warranty?
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on January 06, 2007, 07:04:59 pm
 No I dont think it would, the only downfall of the spa brella is I am not sure I would want to screw the base to the side of the spa, it does slide under but I really dont know how it would hold up to high wind,but then you cant really use it in high wind anyway.
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Chad on January 06, 2007, 07:26:49 pm
Quote
No I dont think it would, the only downfall of the spa brella is I am not sure I would want to screw the base to the side of the spa, it does slide under but I really dont know how it would hold up to high wind,but then you cant really use it in high wind anyway.

Thanks JJ.
If it started to get windy I'd just close 'er up. :)
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Richs100 on January 06, 2007, 08:51:01 pm
I bought the HS umbrella.  My dealer told me there was a problem with the lights in the Leisure Concepts umbrellas, so he recommended the "company" umbrella.  I like it a lot.  I used to have a gazebo over my old tub and chose the umbrella instead of a new gazebo.  I like the option of open skies on good days and using the umbrella in the rain.  I also like the fact that the "foot print" of the HS umbrella is less obtrusive than that of the Leisure Concepts product. It has a very large base that slips under the tub.   (I'm still waiting to try it out in the snow, but as everyone knows, we are having a very warm winter back here in the east)  

The leisure concepts umbrella also comes in blue which is what I really wanted, but the green looks good too.  I think both are equal re: quality.  I also think your safe chosing any umbrella that uses Sunbrella fabric.  It seems to be the standard in the industry.

I also don't think you have to worry about a warranty issue using an accessory like this.  It can't harm the tub.

(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/richs10/HotTubDamage2129.jpg)
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: beach on January 06, 2007, 11:25:18 pm
Nice setup Richs100!  Do you remember how much you paid for the HS umbrella?  Trying to get an idea of how much a good umbrella costs.
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Richs100 on January 07, 2007, 06:42:11 am
Quote
Nice setup Richs100!  Do you remember how much you paid for the HS umbrella?  Trying to get an idea of how much a good umbrella costs.

I think it ran about $500.00 for both the umbrella and the spa stand.
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Chad on January 07, 2007, 08:06:36 am
I'm pretty sure I found the exact same one as Rich's for $299 at one of the links in my previous post. Looks like the one to me, what do you think?
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/Umbrella.jpg)
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: vlady on January 07, 2007, 10:01:07 am
I bought one last year that is similar to the first picture that WHY NOT posted from Sams Club.  I got it from Lowes for around $200.  It also has an optional base with a water bladder in it to keep it from tipping over.  I went with this design so that I could move it around and use it in different places on the deck.
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Richs100 on January 07, 2007, 10:36:29 am
Quote
I'm pretty sure I found the exact same one as Rich's for $299 at one of the links in my previous post. Looks like the one to me, what do you think?

I think that is the same umbrella.  I can tell by the design of the base.  Mine was included as part of the deal with a discount so I really can't say what I paid for the umbrella alone.  I was basing my estimate on the Scarritt.com website, who is a HS dealer.
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: loosenupspas on January 07, 2007, 01:28:23 pm
The Leisure Concepts umbrella is the way to go......
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: beach on January 12, 2007, 11:35:07 am
Thanks for the umbrella tips all.  I'm liking the Leisure Concepts one because it doesn't need to screwed into the side of the tub and it doesn't require any concrete blocks.

How many inches does the Leisure Concepts Spabrealla stick out from the tub on the ground/concrete slab?  I'm trying to make sure that the concrete pad is large enough for the spabrella to fit on the side of the spa.

I saw this umbrella online somewhere for 400 bucks with free shipping, but they only had one color option so i'm not sure if these are older models or if they just sell them at lower prices than everyone else.  If you know of a good dealer with good prices, please let me know.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Richs100 on January 12, 2007, 11:44:54 am
One other point that might be helpful.  My tub had to be shimmed to level it on the patio.  I originally intended the umbrella to be on the far side of the tub at the edge of the patio (see picture posted above), but because that was the end of the tub that was shimmed up, the dealer said the umbrella had to be at the unshimmed part of the tub to ensure a good grip for the slide-under base.  

Just thought I would mention this, because I had not thought about it when deciding on the umbrella originally.  Fortunately, with the current location, the umbrella also serves as a good hand rail for getting in and out of the tub when it is in the down position.

Rich
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: beach on February 06, 2007, 02:21:36 pm
Leisure Concepts Spa Umbrella owners:

Does the umbrella swing 360 degrees to cover something other than the tub like patio furniture?  
Did you screw it into the tub or did the flat metal piece under the tub do the job?

Please post a picture of your setup if you have a spa umbrella!
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: kervis on February 06, 2007, 02:41:00 pm
Quote
Leisure Concepts Spa Umbrella owners:

Does the umbrella swing 360 degrees to cover something other than the tub like patio furniture?  
Did you screw it into the tub or did the flat metal piece under the tub do the job?

Please post a picture of your setup if you have a spa umbrella!

I got a great deal on a cheap umbrella last August.  My local grocery store was clearancing their summer merchandise.  I got my umbrella for all of $75.  (75% off) It covers the majority of my tub--the cool down seat and filter area are not covered well, but once we finish building the patio  path around the tub, I may be able to get it a bit closer.

I have used the umbrella all of 2 times.  If I were even thinking of spending over $200 for one, I'd make sure that indeed, it could swivel, or be somehow easily moved to use elsewhere.  That's a lot of money to just sit there closed up the majority of the time...
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: wmccall on February 06, 2007, 03:11:47 pm
Quote
 Some of them are supported by sliding the base under the spa.  I wonder if the spa manufacturer is OK with this.   Others stay up in position by placing concrete blocks on the base.  Main purpose for this is privacy, but it would also be nice to have during heavy rain.

If anyone has any recommendations or comments about Spa Umbrellas, please reply with your thoughts and links.  Thanks!

I think ours is from a company called Wanda?  I'll have to check. Its a nice umbrella, but we paid twice what others did for similar ones.   The under the spa mount was pure garbage as it was too thin to support the weight of the umbrella and it would want to bow in on the spa.  We ended up using a water filled weight that holds the base in place.  
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Rayman on February 06, 2007, 05:38:08 pm
I have one that I also got at an end of year clearance, looks similar to the pic.  I got it for $79 Canadian, I have used it for 2 full summers still looks great and performs as new.  It can swivel 360 and locks in 4 positions, the only trouble we have had is bees like to nest in it.  I have seen the expensive ones and they are much nicer than mine with a few more features like tilting etc but for what I paid I am happy.  I have it bolted right into the concrete pad, no worries.

Ray
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Zep on February 06, 2007, 06:01:14 pm
just curious.....why would someone want an umbrella over their tub?

is it mainly because they soak during the day and don't want sun in eyes?

i am 99% night time soaker.....so i don't get it....

but i know there must be good reasons.
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Chad on February 06, 2007, 06:48:19 pm
Quote
just curious.....why would someone want an umbrella over their tub?

is it mainly because they soak during the day and don't want sun in eyes?

i am 99% night time soaker.....so i don't get it....

but i know there must be good reasons.
Zep,

My guess would be for soaks in the rain as that's my primary reason for wanting one. I hate gettin' pelted in the head! >:(
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Rayman on February 06, 2007, 06:53:18 pm
MOstly in the mid morning with the sun in your eyes and mid afternoon it can get pretty hot in there on the head.  It also gives you some privacy.

Ray
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: wmccall on February 06, 2007, 07:01:01 pm
Quote
just curious.....why would someone want an umbrella over their tub?

is it mainly because they soak during the day and don't want sun in eyes?

i am 99% night time soaker.....so i don't get it....

but i know there must be good reasons.

[size=24]RAIN[/size]
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: Chad on February 06, 2007, 07:22:15 pm
Quote

I think ours is from a company called Wanda?  I'll have to check. Its a nice umbrella, but we paid twice what others did for similar ones.   The under the spa mount was pure garbage as it was too thin to support the weight of the umbrella and it would want to bow in on the spa.  We ended up using a water filled weight that holds the base in place.  
Wmccall,
Thanks for the heads up on the under the spa mount type. I was lookin' into to gettin' that type but not anymore.
Title: Re: Spa Umbrella Recommendations
Post by: beach on February 06, 2007, 08:05:56 pm
Thanks for the info WMCCall.   Do you remember if it was the Leisure Concepts one or a different brand?

I just bought one of the Leisure Concepts under the spa types.  :-/ Can someone else who owns one of these confirm if these are garbage or actually hold up well after a few years?