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Ian Morris
over 1 year ago • Seattle

Does anyone have advice hot tubs?

We are getting a hot tub for the first time. We have heard a bit about Jacuzzi and Bull Frog, but otherwise don't know anything about which brands are reliable, etc. Any tips on these brands or others?
4 replies
over 1 year ago
I'm not anything close to an expert, I can just speak from the last two years of experience. We own a Hot Spring (Flair Model) - hotspring.com/shop-hot-tub-... - at our home in Seabrook. It's well designed, comfortable, and the digital control panel is easy to use.

One thing it has that's a little more trouble than I think it's worth is a salt water system. In my experience it's been harder to micromanage chlorine and salt levels than I think a fresh water system would be, and it has more expensive consumables, like a salt water generation cartridge you have to replace ~3x/year for $120 a pop.

We have had Olympic Hot Tub provide supplies and service and they've been very good. Not sure who you're talking to for new tub sales, but they might be worth your time: olympichottub.com
over 1 year ago
Thanks Matt. Much appreciated. Someone else mentioned the saltwater thing and I have wondered if there were any real benefits vs. the more common fresh water approach so I appreciate your take on it!
over 1 year ago
I found this on consumer affairs web site very useful consumeraffairs.com/homeown...
over 1 year ago
Also I was good in chemistry in college and as I know the saltwater systems work with an "anode" which separates the salt molecules "NaCl" into Sodium and Cloride which eventually will corrode the metal components of the hot tub therefore I belive the "Ozone" system is way superior and easy to maintain
over 1 year ago