Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: gores95 on September 27, 2006, 01:05:01 pm
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Seriously. We are awaiting our '06 Caldera Geneva and most of my friends/relatives think I am crazy for such an over the top purchase (their definition, not mine). They think, like everything else, once the novelty wears off the spa will become a big birdbath, with no one wanting to use it. They tell me that with the time it takes for water maintainance, electric consumption increases, not to mention that cost of the electrical & patio work for the spa, we now have a 7' X 7' money pit in our backyard.
I have combatted them with all the facts I have learned here: modern spas are very energy efficient, once easily mastered water maintainance should be a snap, our spa can be used all year round, hopefully will increase the value of our home and ambiance of our backyard, etc. The only point I cannot fight is if we will grow tired of using the spa. This is my (our) first spa and have no prior experiences.
So any feedback on this? I understand a newbie family will probably be in the tub all the time the first few weeks/months and then it should taper off a bit. The nature of this board is to cater to spa enthusiasts so I expect a positive response overall.
Honestly has anyone grown tired of their spa? Do experienced spa users still use their spa in all four seasons and most days of the week? I would think a nightly soak would sound great but with time constraints, etc. who knows. Has anyone, while still loving their spa, seen a dramatic decrease in the time spent in it?
I know for the money we are spending we BETTER use the darn thing!!! Thanks in advance for the feedback! ;)
Marc
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I second that motion, Marc! My wife actually was the one who actually wanted one of these things. I thought the same thing; it wll be used for a few months and then becomes an unsed box of water. But I will admit, I've caught the bug and anxiously await delivery of mine. And at my age of 53 and still active in a lot of sports, I think the spa will be beneficial to my aging and sometime aching body! Heck, I might end up using it more than she does! And the kids are sure looking forward to their return trips from college to hop in with their friends as well.
Oh yeah, here's one more thing I'm looking forward to. I told the wife that since we will be using it by ourselves for the most part, she might have more of an appetite for --- ! I got that "deer in headlights" look and knew immediately it was wishful thinking! Oh well, I can still dream!
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I've had a hot tub for 3 years. Still love it. ;)
I too was concerned with the "novelty" of it all wearing off, that's why I jumped at the chance to get a free tub to see that if on a day to day basis would I use it. My first tub was an electicity gobbling ugly POS, but I'm glad I got it. It let me know how much I would enjoy it. Plus going from a horrible POS tub to something halfway decent....wow. I really could appreciate it. :)
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We got ours the first week of July! I turned it down to 98 and the kids hopped in and out of it, with their goggles on, like it was a pool.
I found it more difficult to go in it when it was a hot summer day/night. Now that the weather has turned rather chilly up here in MN, I am using it quite a bit more!!
I run in the morning, then shower-no conditioner- hot tub for 15 minutes, back in shower for conditioner.
About a half hour before the kids go to bed, we'll get our suits on and all go in for 15 minutes. I set the timer then, as the water temp is now set for 102-104 and I don't need boiled kids! Timer goes off, kids hop out, dry off, and go to bed.
So, my spatopia is continuing.... :)
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I had a spa years ago, back in the early 90s. In the beginning, I was in it every day and then slacked off to just a couple times a week for the two years that I had it. I moved away and had to leave it. I got another one in August of 2005. I still get in several times a week. Everytime I get in, I tell myself that I should be doing this more often because I enjoy it so much.
I truly can tell a difference if I've not used it in several days. I get stiff and start feeling numbness in my legs. If I use it on a regular basis, I'm not stiff and have no numbness. It has cured me. I never want to be without one again.
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Oh yeah, here's one more thing I'm looking forward to. I told the wife that since we will be using it by ourselves for the most part, she might have more of an appetite for --- ! I got that "deer in headlights" look and knew immediately it was wishful thinking! Oh well, I can still dream!
;D
You might tell her, from your point of view of course, that you find it easier to talk with her and "share on a deeper level" when you're in the water together. (I find the Spice to be much more . . . responsive . . . on that "sharing" level we women like). Makes me want to "share" more too!
[smiley=happy.gif]
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We've had our Vanguard for 1 year now and it was purchased more so for my wife. I didn't really have a desire to get one.
Believe it or not, we ended up using it every single day since we recieved it one year ago. All I do is brag to everyone how awesome it is to have a hot tub. I try to convince everyone to get one. Personally, I don't think this will ever wear off for either of us. One of the best moves we ever made. We get so much more out of it than we do with our in-ground swimming pool. Hopefully you will too!
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Oh yeah, here's one more thing I'm looking forward to. I told the wife that since we will be using it by ourselves for the most part, she might have more of an appetite for --- ! I got that "deer in headlights" look and knew immediately it was wishful thinking! Oh well, I can still dream!
I had the same conversation with my wife and got the same look. In our case it did work though! ;D
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I think a lot of us had that same thought. We've only had ours for 2 1/2 months, but we've been in it every day, unless it's raining. I hope the use continues, cause you're right; for what we paid for a hot tub, we better use it. My wife and I used to watch 3-4 movies/week, but since owning the tub, we're lucky if we watch 1/week becuase we're in the tub every night. I suppose by the time next summer rolls around we won't be as excited to hop in when it's 90+ out. Everyone telling you that you won't use it after 2 months or whatever is probably just wanting one of their own.
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Yeah, what he said......
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I am awaiting my Arctic Spa and I too have had some less than glowing remarks from relatives. They argue that it is a novelty, too much $$$$, and they claim that it is a huge commitment in order to keep the water clean. Fortunely, I work with four spa owners who LOVE their spa and would not trade it for the world. I am also hoping for some quality time with kids and later alone with my bride. I live in Alberta were we get 8 months of cold weather and 4 months of poor skiing. In my mind it will make the winters more manageable. Six more days until delivery!!!! 8-)
Seriously. We are awaiting our '06 Caldera Geneva and most of my friends/relatives think I am crazy for such an over the top purchase (their definition, not mine). They think, like everything else, once the novelty wears off the spa will become a big birdbath, with no one wanting to use it. They tell me that with the time it takes for water maintainance, electric consumption increases, not to mention that cost of the electrical & patio work for the spa, we now have a 7' X 7' money pit in our backyard.
I have combatted them with all the facts I have learned here: modern spas are very energy efficient, once easily mastered water maintainance should be a snap, our spa can be used all year round, hopefully will increase the value of our home and ambiance of our backyard, etc. The only point I cannot fight is if we will grow tired of using the spa. This is my (our) first spa and have no prior experiences.
So any feedback on this? I understand a newbie family will probably be in the tub all the time the first few weeks/months and then it should taper off a bit. The nature of this board is to cater to spa enthusiasts so I expect a positive response overall.
Honestly has anyone grown tired of their spa? Do experienced spa users still use their spa in all four seasons and most days of the week? I would think a nightly soak would sound great but with time constraints, etc. who knows. Has anyone, while still loving their spa, seen a dramatic decrease in the time spent in it?
I know for the money we are spending we BETTER use the darn thing!!! Thanks in advance for the feedback! ;)
Marc
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I am awaiting my Arctic Spa and I too have had some less than glowing remarks from relatives. They argue that it is a novelty, too much $$$$, and they claim that it is a huge commitment in order to keep the water clean. Fortunely, I work with four spa owners who LOVE their spa and would not trade it for the world. I am also hoping for some quality time with kids and later alone with my bride. I live in Alberta were we get 8 months of cold weather and 4 months of poor skiing. In my mind it will make the winters more manageable. Six more days until delivery!!!! 8-)
Seriously. We are awaiting our '06 Caldera Geneva and most of my friends/relatives think I am crazy for such an over the top purchase (their definition, not mine). They think, like everything else, once the novelty wears off the spa will become a big birdbath, with no one wanting to use it. They tell me that with the time it takes for water maintainance, electric consumption increases, not to mention that cost of the electrical & patio work for the spa, we now have a 7' X 7' money pit in our backyard.
I have combatted them with all the facts I have learned here: modern spas are very energy efficient, once easily mastered water maintainance should be a snap, our spa can be used all year round, hopefully will increase the value of our home and ambiance of our backyard, etc. The only point I cannot fight is if we will grow tired of using the spa. This is my (our) first spa and have no prior experiences.
So any feedback on this? I understand a newbie family will probably be in the tub all the time the first few weeks/months and then it should taper off a bit. The nature of this board is to cater to spa enthusiasts so I expect a positive response overall.
Honestly has anyone grown tired of their spa? Do experienced spa users still use their spa in all four seasons and most days of the week? I would think a nightly soak would sound great but with time constraints, etc. who knows. Has anyone, while still loving their spa, seen a dramatic decrease in the time spent in it?
I know for the money we are spending we BETTER use the darn thing!!! Thanks in advance for the feedback! ;)
Marc
I can understand the concern, but as you'll find out....water care is not a problem for the majority of folks.
Electrical costs are not what folks think and using the tub in the colder months is the best.
As I've said before in other threads, I'm amazed byhow many folks think a hot tub is some toy of the rich. COmpared to motorcycles, cars, time shares, some home heaters sytems I've seen, A hot tub isn't that bad at all. My biggest kick is my pals who insist on $60K SUVs but think a hot tub is an extravagance. Different strokes for different folks....
Ocf course, I still want all those other things too. ;)
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5 years with a free tub (getting to spend 10k on a new one) and still in it 4 days or more a week this time of year. The only time i am not in it often is in the summer.
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[
You might tell her, from your point of view of course, that you find it easier to talk with her and "share on a deeper level" when you're in the water together. (I find the Spice to be much more . . . responsive . . . on that "sharing" level we women like). Makes me want to "share" more too!
[smiley=happy.gif]
Yes, thanks imp for the advice. I already feel I'm getting in touch with my feminine side!
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I have had mine 3 weeks now and so far the chemical/maintenance side is no problem.. I have not seen an electrical bill but I doubt I will even notice it.. in the summer my electrical is around $280 per month and in the winter its around $130 per month.. gas is exact opposite.. when electrical changes by $50 or more in a month already, I doubt I will notice $10-$15 per month difference from the tub.. and yes, even here in Montana, every dealer insists that the newer tubs use about $10-12 per month in the warm months, and about $15-18 in the cold months. Hardly noticeable.
As far as usage, I cant say how much I will use it in the future, but I also had the same arguments from relatives for the last 3 years that I have planned to buy a hot tub. My brother bought a HS jetsetter about 4 years ago, and used it religiously until he sold it with his house. His new house is very beautiful, and kept immaculate by his wife, and it is his new relaxation.. he comes home to a very nice house and gets the same de-stressing benefits from the calm that comes over him when he gets home as the hot tub did for him when he had his last house. If I were to bet I would say there is about a 70% likeliness that he will buy another hot tub in the next 5 years..
I only hope that I will be using my tub 3-4 times a week in a year.. if not, then I am sure my family will use it enough to satisfy me..
The investment was a tough choice for me, as there is no benefit other than luxury for a hot tub.. However, it is cheaper than a boat or a couple four wheelers, and it has made my friends and fellow employees just a bit envious.. I have friends with RV's and off road toys, snowmobiles, boats, etc, and honestly I think I will enjoy this hot tub more than they will ever enjoy those toys.. I can use mine year round, and if I ever want to go 4 wheeling, RV'ing, snowmobiling, or Boating, I can rent..
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Ok I will pipe in. I have had my tub for 14 months now. I loved it in the beginning and used it every day. Then my wife got pregnant and my use went down, because my wife would look from the window and shoot me with daggers.
At this time, I began having what I thought to be buyers remorse. I thought that 10k plus for a tub was a little much and I thought of other things I could have purchased.
Then my wife was able to start going in it this year. She fell in love with it. We began using it all of the time. Then again, time and two kids has slowed us down a bit.
The bottom line is that it is always there. When I go in it, I think I need to use this every day, however, I get lazy and just cant find myself going out to the tub.
As for water care, piece of cake. I have had zero issues. I run bromine, which I fill once a week, I need alkalinity up once a week, and I change the microban filter every 3 to 4 months. Nothing else, that easy.
As for family and friends that say it is a waste of time, maybe they are right. The bottom line is and I always say it. Hot tub are luxury items so not everyone can have one. If you can afford it, then get one and you will love it.
When I finish night shift and no that I am goin to have difficulty sleeping, I get in the tub and sleep like a baby. When I have a bad headache, I go in and it relaxes me enough to get rid of my migrane. When I have fun and quality time with my wife and son, I cant beat that entertainment. When I finish working out and my body hurts, then I jump in and I feel great.
So the moral of the story is, no you dont need one, yes it is alot of money, yes spatopia will disipate, yes your friends and family think it is a waste of money until they get in it and want one as well, and finally they cost a lot of coin, but if your looking, then you can afford, and if you can afford, you will love it!!!!
Just my two cents
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Agree with the masses. Got ours in early July and with the exception of when we are gone to our other "novelty item", a 30' 5th wheel camper (which we use on average of about 60-90 times a year), we have soaked twice a day (morning and night) everyday since buying it.
In fact, once this one is paid off, I will be looking to pick one up for the camper as well.
Invite all of the "doubters" over for a soak and then see what they have to say.
Can't really see the relaxation it offers wearing off anytime soon.
Jr
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Yep, I agree with the masses as well. I have had my tub for 7 months, and my use has gone from daily to about 4-5 days per week. A lot of that was because of summer heat, and so I think as it cools off I'll be in it almost every day again soon. I was a little concerned about it becoming a really big bird bath, but not all that worried since my family had a redwood tub when I was a kid, and we used it all the time. Whe I told my family (parents, aunts/uncles/brothers) I was thinking about getting a tub, they were super enthusiastic, and while not all of them would put thousands into such a project, they all thought it was great that I was doing it.
I wish that my BF liked it as much as I do (he has his reasons for being happy with the tub, as I you can probably imagine) but he still uses it about a tenth as much as I do (what? Just sit in the water and relax???)
I dont anticipate the "spatopia" wearing off anytime soon.
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well lets look at it another way Its my money oops sorry OUR money we earned it and will do as we please with it and yes we enjoy it as much as the boat and pool if not more.would much rather sit in it and enjoy peace and quite than watching the idiot tube.
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we have had our tub a little over 10 months and it still get used on a everyday basis. Sometimes in the morning but more at night. Seems to really help with sore muscles and my wifes arthrisis. Family makes some snide comments about the expense but I view it as a matter of choices. I would rather have a hot tub than a new car or some other toys than people see as must have items. Looking back on my purchase I would do it again and wished I had done it sooner. Use it much more than the swimming pool.
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The investment was a tough choice for me, as there is no benefit other than luxury for a hot tub..
Of course there are benefits.....destressing. Soothing the muscles. Increased circulation. Family bonding time with your tub-mates. Great parties! Possibly more frequent sex!
........anyone else care to add to the list???
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Stemay,
It's improved my quality of life greatly. I love the tub and taking a nice hot soak and relaxing is fantastic. I enjoy having friends over and they love it too. My wife enjoys it too, but not as much as me, but she does indeed like it.
One of the greatest things for me, is being able to be outside in the winter. I live in New England, and in the dead of winter, I really missed hopping outside on the deck, getting some fresh air, popping a beer and just relaxing. The hot tub has really changed that and I get to enjoy my yard significantly more and enjoy it all year round.
I went with a lower end model (relative to some of the more expsensive units we discuss here) and I have to say, for the money, and my buget the tub is one of the best things I've bought.
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DW and I started using ours in March of this year. With the exception of vacation and a few ball games and a holiday or 2 out of town, we go in every single night. We learned the value of hot tubbing when we were hiking the Canadian Rockies. Each day we'd be beat and sore and the places we stayed had spas. So, we went in every night. Sped recovery along much faster.
Now, it's a habit. We make the time to go in for at least 20 minutes each evening. It just melts the stress of the day away.
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Seriously. We are awaiting our '06 Caldera Geneva and most of my friends/relatives think I am crazy for such an over the top purchase (their definition, not mine). They think, like everything else, once the novelty wears off the spa will become a big birdbath, with no one wanting to use it. They tell me that with the time it takes for water maintainance, electric consumption increases, not to mention that cost of the electrical & patio work for the spa, we now have a 7' X 7' money pit in our backyard.
I have combatted them with all the facts I have learned here: modern spas are very energy efficient, once easily mastered water maintainance should be a snap, our spa can be used all year round, hopefully will increase the value of our home and ambiance of our backyard, etc. The only point I cannot fight is if we will grow tired of using the spa. This is my (our) first spa and have no prior experiences.
So any feedback on this? I understand a newbie family will probably be in the tub all the time the first few weeks/months and then it should taper off a bit. The nature of this board is to cater to spa enthusiasts so I expect a positive response overall.
Honestly has anyone grown tired of their spa? Do experienced spa users still use their spa in all four seasons and most days of the week? I would think a nightly soak would sound great but with time constraints, etc. who knows. Has anyone, while still loving their spa, seen a dramatic decrease in the time spent in it?
I know for the money we are spending we BETTER use the darn thing!!! Thanks in advance for the feedback! ;)
Marc
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Most folks don't get tired of hottubbing...they get tired of taking care of the spa, they get tired of it breaking and not being able to get parts or service, they get tired of programming the silly thing.
Our customers don't have to worry about those things, so most of them really enjoy their spas.
I have a few customers that have owned their HS spas for over 20 years and still use them almost every day!
Terminator
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Here in Florida a lot of people want a swimming pool, but then the novelty wears off and the pools just sit. Spas, by contrast tend get used on a fairly frequent basis by those lucky enough to own one. This from my friendly local pool and spa chemical dealer and from many friends over the years who have shared similar experiences.
A spa is really nice to have, comparatively easy on the pocket book, and not hard to maintain. I agree with Term, though, that having one that is reliable and doesn't require a lot of messing around with is important to long term satisfaction. A neighbor across the street from me had a spa built into the ground by a pool company. This thing has about 4 jets, cost $30,000 plus, and after 7 or 8 months still doesn't work properly. My spa cost about $9,000 and works first time, every time and has jets coming out the gazoo. There is simply no comparison. If you do your homework, wet test to find the best one for you, and buy a high quality spa from a reputable dealer you will love it in all probability. OTOH, if you are one of those rare people who decide the spa was a mistake purchase, portable spas are resaleable.
Bill
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Piper Glen, 17 months, every night, myself and wife, between 10:00 and 12:00 for about 45 mins. Major parties during holiday season, (Hot tub and caribbean rum!!) Water care has been easy (diclor, N2 & OZ), electrical cost about 45.00/month. Tub is outside on deck, about 30 miles north of Boston. We love it, looking for 2nd tub for Lake house!!!!!... would not be without!
john
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I heard it too, and it only has been a slight motivation to keep using it, even 3.5 years later. We would still use it just as we have now. I'm sure it is jealous wishful thinking.