Original > Hot Tub Forum
help me narrow down my list!!
castletonia:
All the brands you listed are good, reputable company’s. As long as all are full foam insulation, they will all be efficient. With Marquis and possibly Artesian, just make sure they are including full foam, it’s optional. The ones using a 24/7 circulation pump will probably be a few dollars cheaper to run than those without, but it’s not going to be a big enough difference that I would make it a deciding factor.
The Wizard of Spas:
I cannot think of a tub that is not efficient, when considering top tier brands, such as what you are circling around. I also like to have my customers quantify what efficient means. Its an exercise in expectation-setting: What are you ok w/paying monthly? I frame it like that b/c the variables are vast and numerous: What time of year is it? What temp do you like it set at? How often are you going to use it? How long are you using it? So on, so forth.
Then there is how energy is priced in your local community. So that can be a huge variable when considering how much you can expect to pay in energy, when comparing with other parts of the country.
Furthermore- Many brands toss out numbers, but those numbers may not correlate to your model. I've seen a price/month on energy cost tagged on countless spas in showrooms, but when you look at the fine print, it is for their smallest unit, and not the unit you may be actually considering. So you really got to do your due diligence, unfortunately.
Finally- What is the basis of the energy numbers a brand is putting out? Is it based in the origin of manufacture? Most brands are made in Mexico or Southern California, so that could be misleading when considering energy. ALso- How do you compare how one brand has measured their efficiency vs another?
So- You can see how it can be convoluted. Thus- I say that most higher-end brands are as efficient as you're going to find. And your bills shouldn't be much more than $30/month ($1/day is usually the very top end of what you'll see, as most are a lot less). So if I ask "How much are you willing to spend?" and it is like $30/month or more, then you're going to be fine, b/c all brands will do that, and if one brand is better than what I sell, I total up the difference for 5 years (the difference is usually w/in $1-2/month) and I'll take that difference off the total of the spa.
If you say you're not willing to pay up to $30/month, you should not buy a spa.
Sorry- That was a ton of info. I hope it makes sense.
StBlGT:
Thank you for that detailed response, The Wizard of Spas. I completely understand where you are coming from. I was just wondering if one or two were significantly better, but if all are in the same league...then no worries.
I have no problem with $30 or so per month. I did read threads where some said it was at $100 per month...that i would mine. That is why i was asking. I forget which tubs they had, but something else must have been the issue.
I really appreciate the help. If anyone else has anything else to add...feel free! I love reading about ones opinions on this.
StBlGT:
I just have another quick question for anyone who would know.
Are circ pumps recommended or is that something you really don't need?
I just noticed the Caldera doesn't have one, and i don't even think it is an option. I have to look at the others quick to compare.
Marco P:
circulation pumps filter nearly the same amount as any normal filtration cycle. however, they can be noisy, and fail often due to being run 24/7. if you really want the peace of mine, go ahead, but i wouldnt...
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