Discussions

We've been thinking about getting a hot tub for awhile now but we know absolutely nothing about them. Are there brands/types that are better than others? Is the maintenance a hassle? Do you need an electrician and plumber to hook it up? Do they require regular maintenance checks like a furnace? We are a family who all love hot baths, with back issues and arthritis, so wondering if a hot tub is a good idea for us. Kids are teenagers so there's no safety issues. Any advice, tips, or pros and cons would be helpful. Also, we have a backyard that is somewhat open to a busy back lane so I'm thinking an enclosed gazebo might be a good idea? Thanks!

Go to Creasys and talk to them about a tub. They are very knowledgeable and will be able to answer all your questions! They sell Jacuzzi tubs and they are very good quality. You will most likely require and electrician to hook up your tub. Once you have one you will wonder why you didn't get one years sooner!

You will need a electrician to install a ground fault breaker and the wire. I can't remember exactly but it was like 600 bucks or so. If you have 15 minutes a week that's all maintenance really is. Filter clean and chemical. Go talk to Creasy's I have bought couple tubs there and they are great. Their service is top notch

Go talk to Devon He can help. You will love it. 15 min a week to do chemicals. Clean and refill every 3 months.

I bought a hot tub off ebrandon last summer. I insisted the buyer set it up to guarantee that it held water before payment. Electricity and water are a risky combination so arranged for a certified electrician do the wiring.  
 
I am sure Creasys are good. My Hot Tub is a beach comber so I went to Wave's Leisure. They are moving to Brandon Avenue April 1. The staff have been very good to look at water samples to advise me as to apply the correct chemicals. They clean filters. I have only positive comments to make about their customer service especially since I did not my tub from them.  
 
The maintenance is very straightforward. The only issue I have had is we went South for a month and should have had some chemical added while away.  
 
I am very pleased my electric bill has not jumped excessively. Never kept a list of costs but not unmanageable. We have the tub outside and used it on all but the windy nights. We hung a tarp to help break the wind.  
 
Hope this helps.

I know the home show always has what seems like dozen of vendors selling hottubs, but do yourself a BIG favor and use Creasys. Warranty and maintenance service are un matched. Good luck getting a fly by night vendor to come out at -27 on Boxing Day when your heater goes out. Creasy's did that for us the one time we had issues.  
 
Get a gazebo (or at least two or three sided fencing) if you have an openish yard. For your privacy, plus that Manitoba wind can be mighty harsh at -30c.  
 
My fave time to sit in it is when it is raining or snowing, but your ears can get very sore with that wind blowing at you. Plus, we find more shelter does help keep the wind from wrecking the cover. We had a span of three weeks from when we put it in until we got our wind screens built around it, and a wind storm flipped it up and ripped it.  
 
Not sure the technical term, but get a "lifter". It is a simple lever system that you attach that helps you flip open the lid. We did not have one for the first three years, and we went through two covers with the wear and tear. Cover are not cheap to replace. This lifter was at the time under a 100 bucks and we have been on the same cover ever since.  
 
Plan on twice yearly water changes (depending on use - sometimes we do three) - those can add up, not only because of the water cost, but because the electric to bring it back up to temp amps up. We noticed our electric bill went up at least 40 bucks a month once we got one. That too will depend on how much you use it -the more you use the jets and the higher you heat it, the worse it is.  
 
The foam parts do wear out (pillows), and they are quite pricey to replace. We have had ours nearly ten years, have replaced them twice. As well, depending on use you may need a second set of filters. It is more convenient to take a set out, get them in to Creasys to have them cleaned, while just tossing the second set in. I think they will store your second set for you (don't quote me on that - we store our own). But again, they are not cheap to replace and they need a good cleaning often - depending on use.  
 
Not sure of chemical costs - i THINK we spend about $40 every three months, but that is the hubbys' domain, so I only see bills!  
 
We love ours. We use it a lot. Because we did not travel at all when the kids were small, we spent that money on the tub as our "getaway from home". Not sure our bathtub has been used for baths since we got it, if you are cold or sore, you hop in the hot tub instead of soaking in a bath.  
 
As I said, my fave time is when it is cold outdoors, just hop in, your head is chilled but you feel great. I also love it when it rains (not storms - but gentle rains).  
 
Just do yourself a favour and go with Creasy's and it will not be regretted.

What a wealth of information and personal experience. Thanks muchly to everyone who took the time to respond. Will definitely be scheduling a visit to Creasy's to see what's out there and what might work for us. Seems like a great summer project. Almost can't wait until next winter so we can use it when it's cold out. Haha

Put some thought into location of your tub as well. You will want it fairly close to the house if you are using it in the winter!  
 
My experience with Creasy's has also been great, and I've heard good things about Waves as well. The only place I've heard much criticism of is no longer in business.  
 
Look into Spa Marvel, its an enzyme system where you use alot less chemicals and therefore only need to change you water once a year. Its also less fussy on the day to day care, you basically get your pH and alkalinity where you need it and then just use a bit of chlorine. No need to test nearly as often.  
 
Happy tubbing!

I agree. The knowledge and customer service at Creasy's is top notch! They delivered and set up the tub for us, taught us how to maintain/clean it, and answered any questions we had. We had an electrician set up the box and wiring for us. We use it pretty much all winter and haven't noticed much of an increase in our hydro (we only have a three person tub though). We change out the water about 3 times a year.

Like most everybody Creasy is awesome.  
The most important piece of advice do not slip it. Put the tub close to your house. -30 running a long distance to get in the house will be miserable.

Look into the effects of Hot Tubs on Arthritis.

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