Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: ready2tub on August 16, 2006, 01:37:10 pm
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Hi,
Now that I have completed the search and purchased a tub, I have a new dillema. We had prepared on building a deck outside our bedroom and replacing window with a door. Ideally, we wanted a roof and a full screened porch, thinking that if it was too cold in the winter we'd have plexi glass inserts built.
Our contractor finally shows up and tells us that we'd be much better off building a room so we can use the tub year round.
We considered this and decided we want the porch. We informed our contractor (who hasn't begun work yet) of this as our decision. He comes back a day later and he says we'll regret it and it will cost more in the long run to turn porch into a 4 season room.
We live in the Northeast.
I am ready to tell this guy to just lay a concrete slab so I can get my hot tub (paid for 2 weeks ago!!). Forget the deck, forget the porch. An addition will cost me about 18,000. Ugh!
So, those in the northeast,
INDOORS OR OUTDOORS opinions are greatly needed.
p.s. I have a killer view that I'd like to enjoy.
m in upny
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Outside. I've never understood the thought process of putting a hot tub indoors unless it's in a basement or a decked three-seasons porch. If you get a quality hot tub, the difference for energy efficiency will be almost negligible anyway.
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Outdoors!!
Why spoil the view of the stars. All of these southern US people will also miss 1" of snow on top of your baseball hat while in the tub in the winter.
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I'd go with the outdoors we are in NE and I think it is best in the winter...
Also, I think you should get a new contractor,,, being as though he does not seem to be 100% into making your ideas a reality...
Good luck
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Outdoors.
I specifiaclly bought my tub to be used outdoors in the winter time. (Also a New England Resident).
Otudoors in the snow is fantastic.
Unlless you are buying the tub stricktly for therapy, or are in a very unprivate location, Id say outdoors!!!
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I'm in upstate NY myself. Just North of Albany.
I went with a 3 season porch off the back of the house but used translucent corrugated roofing panels directly over the tub. It's a peaked roof. Half is is steel corrugated roofing because there is a tree over the roof on that side and the other side (above the hottub) is covered by the translucent panels. We use it year round with no problems and have a great view.
(http://gallery.greatestjournal.com/albums/up4/164/1042164/normal_13%20Gilbert%20St.%20Construction%20_05_213a.jpg)
And there are more pictures here. (http://gallery.greatestjournal.com/displayimage.php?pos=-2582426)
Phil
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OUTDOORS.. No If's Ands Of Buts... I suspect you will ALWAYS 'wish you put it outside' (considering your killer view).. YOU WILL NOT BE SATISFIED with anything else...PERIOD. Indoors is fine for the once or twice a year that it is storming outside.. but the point of your thinking is the other 360 days of the year ENJOYING THE VIEW.....
Yes.. Get a new contractor... this one 'isn't on the same page' as you are.
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Ready,
You know, you said you might just pour a pad and put it out there.
You know what? I'd say do just that. Live with it for a year or so, and then take your time and decide what you want to do, deck, porch, room. what ever.
The only downside is you'll be running 220v to the pad and later you'll need to move it. And you'll also have a cement pad (hey, the central AC conpressor that your wife is going to talk you into next year can be put in it. :)
Still not bad, consider you'll use the tub NOW and be able to make an informed deisicon. You might also get away with some pavers or one of those new pads that folks have been using. This is a big investment, and it sounds like you want to make sure you do it right.
Good luck!
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I'm guessing your contractor's prediliction towards building a room is in direct correlation to his profit margins.
I'm with Drewstar, pour a slab, enjoy the tub through a winter, see how you feel about building around it next spring.(This will also give you time to search for a contractor that at least feigns an interest in your opinion).
I personally enjoy my tub the most in the middle of winter. I love soaking up all that crisp winter air and enjoying the fact that I'm not a captive in my home( like most folks in these parts) when the snow starts flying.
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Outdoors (buy a towel/robe rack).
You can buy one of those propane umbrella shaped outdoor patio heaters to take some of the chill off when getting in and out of the spa.
I'm in Tennessee and I can't wait for it to snow. I'm so going to spend the entire evening in my hot tub when it does snow.
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out.
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THAT IS THE LIFE....... The Quiet of the snow fall.... The Brisk cold nip in the air on your face.. and THE SO WONDERFUL WARMTH that you feel throughout your body from the hot tub... THATS LIVIN !!!!
I used to live in Pa. and I couldn't wait for the snow..for just that reason.. Its at that momment that you realize that it doesn't matter how much you spent on your tub...IT WAS WORTH IT.
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live in upstate NY. Definitely want tub outside. The shooting stars, snow flakes gently melting on your face, Soaking in the winter sun, nature at its finest, live and outside. Not the same as looking at it through a glass. Soaking in a hot tub outside is like taking a bath with a raincoat on. The benefits are still there not just as enjoyable as they could be. Just one mans opinion. I've yet to find the weather to bad to not allow me to soak outside. Happy tubbing.
PS: There must be hundreds of contractors willing to work to your specs and not theirs. I would go call a few and seek other estimates.
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I see a theme.....
I haven't read EVERY word in all the posts, but I noticed something missing....
Complaints...about trees dropping leaves, rain, snow, being too cold to tub....Everyone (almost) agrees that the great outdoors is the place to be. And I agree with the one post about pour a slab (cheap), wait a year, and see how you like it. If at that time you decide you need to have a 3 seasons room built, at least you KNOW that the investment is worth it to you.
By the way, I vote for "OUTSIDE" also. ;) We've got lots of shade from our trees, and yes, leaves fall, but it's SO worth sitting outside in the hot water, relaxing in the fresh air....
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Tatooed lady... you are right... LIFE IS DIFFICULT.. leafs and all... Perhaps its all about PROSPECTIVE.
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I haven't seen anyone mention one other big reason to say "outside" . . . warm moist air in a winter-tight house might just give you problems with damp, or worse yet, mold.
Just a thought .. .
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Looks like I'm the minority here but I need to multi-task. Being able to watch my Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins and get some water therapy at the same time just works for me. I love tubaholics set up and hope to have my room completed in the next few months. Here is a link to Tubaholics room.
http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e195/Tubaholic/Hot%20Tub%20Room/
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Real Hot Tubbers "Do It Outside". You can take a bath inside if you like.
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Hi,
You are all the best...I never posted but did view many and took your opinions before buying, the best advice...the wet test!
Just after I posted this morning we had the conversation of "maybe lay a slab, wait a year, see how we feel." Excellent advice. But I can't get "hubby" (sorry drew, I'm the girl!lol) to do that. "Let's just build the deck then," after I revealed the results of my post.
Anyhow, appreciate the advice, it has made a huge difference in my argument. Again, you've all helped me with your experience.
Just wanted to say
Thank you, and let the debate go on.....
m in upsny
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Real Hot Tubbers "Do It Outside". You can take a bath inside if you like.
I guess I won't be a "real" hot tubber then....damn...and I wanted to get a good nights sleep tonight...bummer... :P
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Just kidding. You room is very nice. Now, if we were talking about a garage it would be a different story. :)
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xdirt,
Point well taken....I never miss a game. I will have the direct tv sat ready to be pulled out the window (like I do on my front porch) or my xm radio ready to go. I am a sports babe. But that's not why I bought a hot tub....
Ty
m in upsty ny
(look for me at the game Sat behind the left handed batters waving)
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xdirt,
Point well taken....I never miss a game. I will have the direct tv sat ready to be pulled out the window (like I do on my front porch) or my xm radio ready to go. I am a sports babe. But that's not why I bought a hot tub....
Ty
m in upsty ny
(look for me at the game Sat behind the left handed batters waving)
You got tix to see the Sox and Yanks...NICE!
I'll be lookin'............
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Looks like I'm the minority here but I need to multi-task. Being able to watch my Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins and get some water therapy at the same time just works for me. I love tubaholics set up and hope to have my room completed in the next few months. Here is a link to Tubaholics room.
http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e195/Tubaholic/Hot%20Tub%20Room/
Got Ready2tub covered. keep it outside, and with the money you save buy an outdoor screen and a projector. A few of the posters here have done just that. It's amazing. (and still less money than building a room). I siwhs I could remener the posters who have done this and have posted the pics.
As fars as tree's and leaves and such, I don't have a problem since the cover is on the tub 90% of the time (unlike, a pool). Also, if you are going to put it oustide, check for trees and such and before you install a tub, trim or cut as needed. And leaves really only fall off the trees in the Attum. for a few months. It's not an issue for me. 8-) And if you do find you have a slight leaf problem, keep a $5 hand skimmer nearby and take the 15 seconds to scoop em out. ;)
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We'll be at Sat's game also, 1st game of Dbl Hd... Sec 4
Go Sox ;D
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Well, there are certainly a lot of votes for outdoors, but I like my indoor J385 and here is why....
1. Protection - My tub is protected from the elements so that no matter the weather outside, I can use my tub - rain, snow, sleet, we were even in it in a lightening storm.
2. Clean -no dirt, no leaves, no worrys about overheating, direct sunlight or cover deterioration.
3. Privacy - We live in a "tight" neighborhood and even though my house is one of the higher ones, we would not be able to soak nekkid. (The only way to soak!)
4. Control - My tub is in a 12 x 18 room with 2 windows that are 4 x 8 full sliders and a 6 ft sliding door to a small deck. In the winter we open them thar winders and it is just like being outside without all the problems. (True, we never get snowflakes on our heads while soaking.) And in the summer, we close it all up and turn on the AC. Soak in comfort 4 seasons.
I am not knocking the outdoor tubs. Our best soaks are in the winter when the temp drops to 10 or 20 degrees and the hot tub room fills with so much steam we can't see the TV. Oh, that's number 5. Entertainment - Stereo, TV DVD/VCR and 4 good speakers without worrying about the weather. Watch the Steelers kick butt from the tub on Sundays and porn when honeybunch is feeling frisky. And mood music makes the tubbin' supreme. Try that outdoors with ol' Missus Magillicuddy watchin'.
I guess you need to sit down and decide what you want from the tub and let that guide your choice. What you got from us is opinions and you now what they're like.
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I Live in Massachusetts.......go outside and enjoy it