Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: mattNY on June 20, 2006, 03:10:41 pm
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Hi all,
I've been using my tub for the last 3 weeks and am loving it. My question to all the hot tub experts here is, what are the different ways you escape the elements (when need be)?
I love having the tub out in the open under the stars (thanks to all those who urged me to try it first), which is really making me rack my brain for ideas on how to move forward for the future. It's really not that much fun to go in the tub when it's raining hard (personal opinion). The options I see there are an umbrella or a removable screenhouse/gazebo. The second option would also solve the mosquito issue, they haven't really bothered me in the tub but once you get out they are annoying. However, the gazebo would also obscure the night view since I'd probably have to leave it up for the summer.
The winter has its own set of problems. Right now, the shrubs shield me from the neighbors nicely, but come fall/winter the patio is exposed for all the world to see. This means I'll need either a fence or a more permanent structure that provides privacy and can be left up year round (like a wooden gazebo enclosure). The gazebo means I'd lose the view, but it would provide privacy and also provide a nice little haven in the wintertime. (I'm not sure how often I'll use the tub if it's exposed when it's like 10 degrees or less and blowing 40 mph winds. Maybe my northern neighbors can comment?)
Happy to hear any advice you might have.
Thanks,
-Matt
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We got our tub on Oct. 7 last year and it rained the day it was installed. We quickly learned the best way to deal with rain is a Tilley hat. Only your head is sticking out of the water, and the hat keeps the rain off your head. To keep our robes dry when it rains, we have one of those large Rubbermaid tubs and we just drop the robes in there. You get rained on inbetween, but it doesn't bother us. We have even been out in freezing rain! (We live near Ottawa, ON).
As for mosquitos, we use mosquito head nets (see Lee Valley Tools). We just go in out quickly to avoid getting bitten.
As for wind, we are lucky because of the trees we planted many years ago are now providing a nice wind break. The cover opens on the west side of the tub (we had it set up like that) to block the prvailing west winds.
As far as winter is concerned, we see no problems, having come through one. We love tubbing more in the winter than any other time. The worse the weather, the better we like it. If it's windy & cold, we wear ear muffs.
We're not as fond of hot weather tubbing, but we do it anyway. I especially like it after a run in the morning. It loosens me up for my stretches.
We live in the country and have not close neighbours on either side and the aformentioned trees provide privacy from the road. I would leave it uncovered for a year to see how you like it before investing in an expensive gazebo. I would fence the thing before I would cover it up.
Wait until it's really cold out, it's the best!
Astrid.
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As far as mosquitoes, we like tiki torches with citronella oil, gives the tub area a nice tropical feel and keeps the biters away if its somewhat calm out.
To make it easy to put the torches out and take them down for grass cutting I got some 1.5" diameter pvc conduit and cut into 12" lengths and hammered them into the ground around the tub just above ground level but below grass level so we have solid spots in which to place the torches, and I can take the torches out and mow right over the "receptacles".
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If I had to do it again and budget WASN'T an issue, I'd do this:
Build a gazebo like structure, say 12'x14', that has the tub on one end. Use 6"x6s" for post and beams, finish them nice. Keep the tub on a slab, but build a platform deck structure around the tub to mount the gazebo. Finish the interior wood nice and consider Cedar for the trim.
For the roof, do a post and beam roof, flat board finished interior. Make the interior open, all the way to the top. Again, trim with Cedar. Use a 12/12 or 12/10 pitch on the roof to give height, peak it down the long dimension center. Install a large cupola with vented windows over the spa portion of the roof, say 6'x6', so when you look up you can see sky. The windows can open to vent or be closed during rain. Use Cedar shakes for the shingles.
For the walls, hand build heavy-duty frames, say 3.5' wide on the sides and 3' wide on the tub end, mount them to the deck and roof support structures. Custom build tempered glass and screen insert frames that mount inside of the wall frames. During the summer, use the screens. During the winter, use the glass. During parties or when no bugs are around, take them both out. On the entrance end, build one frame into a door-like structure with the same properties. Inside and above the frames, mount match stick blinds, custom cut to your dimensions. Lower when needed.
Just for the heck of it, keep the long ends of the roof vertical (gable-end). Instead of getting the $2,000 "pop-up" screen option in the spa, mount a 42" plasma with a nice surround sound system (weather proof Bose speakers, of course) on the roof end interior wall away from the tub (about the same $, but a LOT more BANG!). Don't forget to tilt it down slightly so you can see it (oh yeah, run cable and power). Put a ledge with your favorite knick-knacks or plants on the other end. Get a fridge in one of the corners as well, also a couple of chairs. Mount one of those new small wood stoves near a side wall, using a removable stack pipe and cap so you can take the entire thing out and store it during the summer. Stoke it up during the winter (ahhhh, warmth!).
Mount some halogen and mood lights on the inside of this room, just to make it cozy.
OK, so it's a little out there, BUT, if I had the room right now, I'd BUILD it!
You DID ask....
;D
Drewski
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For bugs there are screens and nothing else works as well. My tub is inside a screened in patio. No bugs, and the sky is open at night. I have been thinking about a spa umbrella because rain sucks, and here in Florida the hot sun sucks for tubbing too. An umbrella folds down and can even be put away if necessary, which addresses the wind problem. Florida has some wind like California has some earth tremors. Anyway, if I lived up north, I'd move south, which is what I did years ago. Snow and ice and stuff are not for me. The Tilley hat is not so great down here either because it is too hot for them. I know because I have one.
In the end, if I were in your shoes, I think a compromise might be a gazebo that can be screened in during the hot months, and then windowed in the cold months. Galousie windows maybe? You would lose the stars overhead, but should be able to make due with the windows for star gazing.
Regards,
Bill
Bill
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Our tub is under our deck and we have plenty of room to view the stars and moon even though directly overhead is covered . . . remember you're sitting on the ground practically.
One thing we are not bothered by in PA is mosquitos but we plan to buy some outdoor bamboo roll up screens to install under the deck to roll down when the weather gets cold. Will hopefully keep some of the warmth in but we will be able to open them up if we want to look at the snow! :o
As far as mosquitoes, we like tiki torches with citronella oil, gives the tub area a nice tropical feel and keeps the biters away if its somewhat calm out.
To make it easy to put the torches out and take them down for grass cutting I got some 1.5" diameter pvc conduit and cut into 12" lengths and hammered them into the ground around the tub just above ground level but below grass level so we have solid spots in which to place the torches, and I can take the torches out and mow right over the "receptacles".
We have the tiki torches, too. Great idea, Lion. ::)
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we tryed ours for the first few months wide open. then as summer approached, we put up a metel gazebo with skeeto netting (major bugs here in va beach) from home depot (the 10x12' that goes over a table). it was less than 300 bucks. we have had it up for about 10 months. as we have neighbors very close, i hung bamboo stick blinds on 2 sides for privacy. the top comes right off in the fall so you can see the stars and night sky. this experiment has shown us we do want some sort of enclosure. as we are adding onto the house in 2 months, we are going to add a pergola to the list. saw a cool idea on hgtv.
screened in pergola with tracks on the bottom of the beams that have sliding canvas panels that are sort of like a roman shade hung horizontally. end result is you get pretty good sky view in good weather, and if it rains, you "pull the blinds" and get sheilded from the rain.
will post some pics when its done........
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Drewski
Awsome!!!! it sounds as though you've put some thought into it. That is IF you had to do it again
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Drewski
Awsome!!!! it sounds as though you've put some thought into it. That is IF you had to do it again
Yep, and sooner or later I will.
I got the idea from a friend up in NJ who lives in a house on a narrow lot. He built a similar structure in his back yard using standard framing and T-111, with the glass and screen frames I described (he used Lexan instead of glass). In his case, he doesn't have a tub, he just uses it as a MAN room. He's got couches, chairs, a bar, fridge, 2 TVs (one in each corner) and surround sound. He's also got a wood stove mounted on one wall and a dog door in the back.
It was one of the most comfortable rooms I've ever been in. His is about 16x16.
I'll get some pictures next time I'm up there...
Drewski
8)
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Along the lines of Obi Wan, we bought one of those metal frame/ canvas covered gazebo things that everyone from target to walmart has been pushing the last few years.
We bought last year before we thought about a tub but since we got the tub I've been thinking about putting the gazebo around it. It's a 10'x10' gazebo, tub's 7.5'x7.5' so it will allow movement around the tub perimeter.
I think the benefits are that if its spring or fall you can leave the side panels off if you want, when it turns hot and buggy it has mosquito net all around. Plus you can put the canvas top on for shade during the day and take it off at night to see the stars. I'm looking into mosquito net for the top.
Also, the metal frame supports in the corners are somewhat ornamental such that you can hang towels and/or robes on them.
I don't know about leaving the gazebo up in the winter since snow up here can be heavy but it's easy enough to take down.
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Hi all,
(I'm not sure how often I'll use the tub if it's exposed when it's like 10 degrees or less and blowing 40 mph winds. Maybe my northern neighbors can comment?)
Happy to hear any advice you might have.
Thanks,
-Matt
The wind is the key far more than the actual temp. We have had wonderful relaxing soaks at 4F in a 104 degree tub when there was no wind, and have been way too cold at 35 with a strong wind.
At 104, I am plenty warm getting out of the tub, getting my robe on, dumping some dichlor, closing the lid and getting inside before I get cold.
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Galousie windows maybe? You would lose the stars overhead, but should be able to make due with the windows for star gazing.
Regards,
Bill
I would think hot tubs inside and windows would make steam and make seeing out hard to do.
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. We have even been out in freezing rain! (We live near Ottawa, ON).
We were out in a light rain last night, but I have to wonder with you being in Ottawa, how the rain affects your PH since we here in Ohio send you all of that acid rain.
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Have seen pictures here in the past of a structure with a sliding top. Can't find it at the moment and I know they are expensive but one possible option.
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Some of this may help.....
(http://www.alliancewood.com/images/gallery13_b.jpg)
http://www.alliancewood.com/gallery.php
http://www.affordablespas.com/gazebosforsale.htm
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Some good ideas in here. Drewski in many respects read my mind, I was planning to do something similar in the future, but not for a few years yet.
I plan to tie it into my house, my 12x16 patio has a 7" deep pseudo-footer on the perimeter with rebar. What I'd like to do is add insulated 2x4 walls, some nice big windows on either end, large french doors in the center, and a crank-out skylight in the ceiling over the hot tub. Roof would be peaked and tie into the house.
I purposely didn't get stamped concrete so I can grout over it and add electric radiant heating under a rough tiled floor, which would be controlled on the wall and only used selectively to warm the floor, not the room. A small wood fireplace in the corner would accomplish that.
I'd probably use an iPod speaker docking system for music, though surround sound would be easy enough as my home theater is on the adjacent wall. No TV for me, the hot tub is my haven away from that. Would have at least a couple of outlets run at the same time as the low voltage electric for the floors.
Other than the fact that I lose the true "outdoor" feeling, this is what I'm looking towards eventually. It'll also add value to my home, which I see as a major plus. Some pics of your friend's would be cool, Drew. The wood gazebos are nice but too pricey for me for something I see as an "interim" solution. I keep an eye out for them used, though. How do the Target ones hold up in the wind? If you put them on a patio, do you need to guyline them to stakes? I looked at a few so far, if they could even make 6 months of the year more comfortable (May - October) it'd be worth it.
Thanks for all the ideas, lots to think about. I am looking forward to the cold weather, I just know what a wimp I am when it comes to bare feet in the snow :)
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We were out in a light rain last night, but I have to wonder with you being in Ottawa, how the rain affects your PH since we here in Ohio send you all of that acid rain.
Our Ph has been fine since we started turning off the air while not using the tub. We don't get that much rain in the tub, and we are in a rural area.
Ottawa itself does not have any polluting industries, and aside from the odd bit of "dairy-air" we get (a.k.a. farmers spreading manure), the air is pretty clean around here.
I think most of your acid rain probably ends up in the Toronto area, about 4 hours west of here.
Astrid.
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Have seen pictures here in the past of a structure with a sliding top. Can't find it at the moment and I know they are expensive but one possible option.
I belive you are thinking of jetroom.
I'm hesitent to provide info, as the poster who provided the original link is suspect. (no other posts, just a link claiming it was a "must have").
Personaly I don't care for it. I'd think a handy contractor or handy man could make something a lot nicer looking
however here it is:
http://jetroom.com/
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Mr Drewstar,
I'm sorry you feel that way. I've been viewing this
forum for a while, and simply had nothing to say. With
well over 2000 posts to your credit, even you must
realize that we all have to start somewhere.
Enjoy your Tiger River.
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Mr Drewstar,
I'm sorry you feel that way. I've been viewing this
forum for a while, and simply had nothing to say. With
well over 2000 posts to your credit, even you must
realize that we all have to start somewhere.
Enjoy your Tiger River.
Lounger,
It came out as spam. No one knows who you are, what you represent. I appologize if you feel I said something negative about you, but it's the truth. If you show up and simply plug a product, you're gonna get tagged as a spammer and it will hurt your crediability.
We even pointed this out to you, and since then haven't heard anything from you. (?)
I find it hard to belive with all the BS and side talk in this forum that you could find the time/topic to jump in and let people know who you are.
So, I appologize if you were slighted, but I stand by what I said. Keep in mind, I provided the link . i simply stated that we don't know anything about the person who introduced it to the fourm, or thier intentions.
Fair?
Who are you? What do you do? Do you own a hot tub?
Do you sell tubs?
if so, could n I have a free rubber duck?
:)
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Who are you? What do you do? Do you own a hot tub?
Do you sell tubs?
:)
Jetrooms is from Nebraska, He is from Nebraska. If it walks like a duck! ;) See my post to him in the MUST HAVE THREAD.
Welcome again Lounger.
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Thank you, Mr. wmccall.
I'm not a hot tub dealer. I just bought a tub and
built a building to house it in. Both have been well
recieved locally, and thats my cue to shut up.
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those tub houses are interesting......but it kinda looks like an ice fishing shanty from the inside....I'm sure it could be "spruced up" to look homey, but I think if I were to pay that kind of money for something, it'd have to be more.....I dunno.... :-/
Hopefully the roof works better than the one at Miller Park, too. ;)
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Personally I think the spa-dome (http://www.poolcover-ipc.com/pool%20covers/SPA_PROGRAMSPA_DOME_&_SPA_VERANDA/28/) is the ultimate solution.
(http://poolcover-ipc.com/upl/image//Site_content/Site_files/Spa_covers/IPC_spa_cover_200px.jpg)
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Thank you, Mr. wmccall.
I'm not a hot tub dealer. I just bought a tub and
built a building to house it in. Both have been well
recieved locally, and thats my cue to shut up.
Lounger,
once again, as just a member of the fourum, let me extend an invitation to contribute to the forum.
It's bad form to pout.
We're not that bad, but we don't take drive by postings as gospel.
Tell us about yourself. Do you own a jetroom? Do you have pics of the your tub in the jetroom?
What type of tub did you buy?
???
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I belive you are thinking of jetroom.
I'm hesitent to provide info, as the poster who provided the original link is suspect. (no other posts, just a link claiming it was a "must have").
Personaly I don't care for it. I'd think a handy contractor or handy man could make something a lot nicer looking
however here it is:
http://jetroom.com/
I remember seeing that one too now that you posted the link. But I was thinking of another one that was posted here as well. Will search for it if I can find the time.
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Personally I think the spa-dome (http://www.poolcover-ipc.com/pool%20covers/SPA_PROGRAMSPA_DOME_&_SPA_VERANDA/28/) is the ultimate solution.
(http://poolcover-ipc.com/upl/image//Site_content/Site_files/Spa_covers/IPC_spa_cover_200px.jpg)
Interesting! Nice looking enclosure although it doesn't do much for privacy issues in a crowded neighborhood.
And probably a pain to keep clean!
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Hmm, another option.
http://www.rollacover.com/index.html
Not what I was looking for but another possible option!
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=wtb-hottub;action=display;num=1144849641;start=1
The one I seem to remember was a structure built in maybe three sections, each slightly smaller than the next, that could roll back into one another.
Sort of like this but not sure that is exactly what I remember.
http://www.libart.com/hottub_swimspa_enc.htm
http://
http://www.libart.com/retrac_free_standing_enc.htm
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Personally I think the spa-dome (http://www.poolcover-ipc.com/pool%20covers/SPA_PROGRAMSPA_DOME_&_SPA_VERANDA/28/) is the ultimate solution.
(http://poolcover-ipc.com/upl/image//Site_content/Site_files/Spa_covers/IPC_spa_cover_200px.jpg)
Okay, now THAT I like.....it's probably wayyyyyy out of our price range, but I like the "open" concept.
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drewstar,
I do own a Jetroom Highroller. It houses a D1
Chairman ll. Its the one pictured on the web site.
Its disappointing that these buildings don't meet your
standards, but you gave an honest opinion, and thats
all that anyone could ask.
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I live in Northern Wisconsin with the Misquito's. I have a very heavy wooded lot with a creek and a pond. This is Misquito Heaven. I purchased a Coleman Misquito Deleto for about $170.00 END OF PROBLEM. I have had it for 3 season's and zero Misquito problems. The old days of the Misquito's driving us freaken crazy is history. It even takes care of the nat's. It is a Cheap, Cheap Fix.
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aaahhh,
How large of an area does it work on? Is it noisy?
Sounds like it might be a solutio the pesty bugs here in CT.
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I live in Northern Wisconsin with the Misquito's. I have a very heavy wooded lot with a creek and a pond. This is Misquito Heaven. I purchased a Coleman Misquito Deleto for about $170.00 END OF PROBLEM. I have had it for 3 season's and zero Misquito problems. The old days of the Misquito's driving us freaken crazy is history. It even takes care of the nat's. It is a Cheap, Cheap Fix.
I've heard of the masquito Magnet by liberty and the reports are favorable. I know they are available in several sizes and one model is also solar powered. Iwas told that with the 1 acre sized unit (the largest they have) I should expect to refill the propane every 3 weeks or so.
What size Deleto do you have? how big of a yard/area are you using it in? can you give me any infor on the amount of propane you use? Does the delito come in several sizes?
Sorry for the list of questions, but i've been debating one of these for 2 years now and reeally would aprrecaite your feedback.
A while ago, at Namco I also saw that Blue Rhino (the propane refilling company) also had thier name on a mosiquito unit......
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My Misquito Deleto is the 2200 system. How many models Coleman has I do not know, but I think 2 or 3. The propane tank last from mid to late May through mid to late September. Thats a 20lb tank. The book say's that a tank should last 40 day's. However I can claim much better results. I am on my 3rd season and I have had zero problems. It only uses a pilot light type flame and you can not see it. There are other units on the market but they also use propane and electricity for a vacuum. The Coleman uses the flypaper film. Works great. What is neat is I find chickadies perch on the coleman picking off the dead bugs. Ahhh The circle of life.
The Misquito Deleto is silent. Holding a sea shell up to your ear makes more noise. As far as size a Weber Bar-B-Que Grill is three times bigger. It kind of look's like something NASA sent to Mars.
How I understand it works is there is a lure inside of the Delito that heats up from the pilot light and creates a scent fooling the female misquito (only females bite)thinking it is a human. And it fly's right into a black flypaper type of film that trap's the nat's and misquitos and they die there never to bother you again. Kind of like killing terrorist.
Coleman also includes a little gagit that has a scented cup with a extremely silent fan and you use it near you and it covers up our breath when we exhale forcing the insects to be attracted to the Miquito Deleto.
I have about 2 acres of land. I keep the unit at least 5o feet away from our deck. I move it around when I mow my lawn. This helps kill more misquito's because they do not travel to far from there home area. I must say this year I have less misquitos in my trap because I belive the Misquito Deleto is doing its job. My sister also has one and has recommeded it to the neighbors. They have also purchased one and now neighbors can sit out on there patio's and actualy visit in peace.
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drewstar,
I do own a Jetroom Highroller. It houses a D1
Chairman ll. Its the one pictured on the web site.
Its disappointing that these buildings don't meet your
standards, but you gave an honest opinion, and thats
all that anyone could ask.
I don't know if "standards" is the correct term, but not my tastes, thats all. and yup It's just my opinon, Nothing more, nothing less. I kinda thought that was the point here. Honeslty thought, if my speaking my mind offended you, I do applogize. That wasn't my intention.
Anyhow....
I was in BJ's (a discount club store like Costco. I'm not sure if they are nationwide or not). Anyhow, if the front of the store, Near the gumball and vending machines they had a large ad for a glass room that was free standing that had a glass retratrable roof and sides, similliar to what the jet room roof's did. They had it over a pool, but I am sure it could work over a tub.
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I was in BJ's (a discount club store like Costco. I'm not sure if they are nationwide or not). Anyhow, if the front of the store, Near the gumball and vending machines they had a large ad for a glass room that was free standing that had a glass retratrable roof and sides, similliar to what the jet room roof's did. They had it over a pool, but I am sure it could work over a tub.
Interesting. Do you remember how much it was?
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Interesting. Do you remember how much it was?
No. Prices were not listed. This looked more like an "Ad" or Billboard for a business partner, than an actual box product that they sell. I would think pricing would depend on what size you purchased. It looked like a big glass greenhouse but rolled out. I'll do a bit of research and see if I can find anything on the web.