Clark and Natalie's
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Clark and Natalie's Hot Tub Notes . . . 

In November 1998, we purchased locally at Lifestyles Hot Spring Spas, and purchased a Hot Spring Spa -- the Sovereign (1998 model) -- at their end of year close-out.  We elected to pay extra for a cover cradle (allows one person to easily remove and replace the cover) and for an ozone unit (for better sanitation).  

Key to our decision to buy was our "test soak."  Two of the 4+ places we shopped suggested we not buy without one -- very good advice.  One interesting consideration though -- the test soak convinced us to step up to a larger model with more features -- totally without regrets I might add!   

At the stores suggestion, we are currently using BaquaSpa brand of chlorine-free chemicals.  This has worked well for us in conjunction with the ozone.  Key benefit = no chemical smell!  Disadvantage = higher cost.  I'm sure others swear by different types/brands -- even chlorine/bromine based systems.

The maintenance of this system (ozone and BaquaSpa) is easy, and not very time consuming.  I spend about 45 minutes a week on regular maintenance -- including testing/adding chemicals, vacuuming the tub, and hosing down the filters.  It takes a little longer in the winter -- and hosing down the filters is not always an option!

We're currently draining the hot tub about every three months.  It takes a 2-3 hours to drain, and about an hour to fill.  This was a pain in the ass in Winter -- especially when I found out the outdoor water was frozen shut, and I had already drained the hot tub (solution -- connect to kitchen faucet thru open window).

Our hot tub runs fine on a 120 volt dedicated line (not 220).  I estimate we spend about $15-20/month on electricity and another $15-30/month on chemicals -- but we also use our hot tub about 3-6 times per week!  For better heating at an additional cost (installation and monthly electricity) we could have set up our hot tub to run on 220, but elected not to -- in colder climates I suspect this would be mandatory.

A note on easier maintenance and chemical costs -- get ozone!  If a store tries and steer you away from ozone, don't forget that a large portion of their profit is in chemical sales  -- and ozone reduces your need for chemicals!  More information on ozone is available here.

Of the accessories we've tried:

• The fragrances are nice, much better out of the bottle than from the small samples
• A Filter Cleaning Flask (filter sized canister with a crank) has made filter cleaning easier, and less expensive 
• Scum balls and a thermometer are necessities
• An air/water powered vacuum (escaping air draws water into vacuum) works great at clearing sand, dirt and other small undesirables from the bottom of the hot tub
• Floating candles were a bit of a disappointment (but we haven't given up)

This items can be purchased online at stores such as poolandspa.com or The Spa Depot (I've ordered from both satisfactorily, but I'm sure others are out there).

Seasonal Use . . .

This is a matter of opinion!  If you check around the Internet, you will probably find that all seasons have their devotes.   Generally speaking, we've enjoyed it most with temperatures in dry weather in the 50's to low 70's -- with temperature's in the 60's the sweet spot.  In this area, that's most likely describes Spring and Fall.

Our least favorite season is been Summer.  When it's in the 80's or 90's, getting into a 100+ degree hot tub just doesn't cut it (and lowering the temperature wasn't a satisfying solution for us).  Plus, the hot tub doesn't provide protection from insects.  On cooler nights, however, it is very, very nice.

For us, there is just nothing like a crisp Winter night in the hot tub.  We use it all Winter long, even with temperatures in the low teens, but in low wind.  When it's cold, getting in is far worse than getting out.  The wind is the key factor in how much you can use one in Winter.  I suspect a gazebo, or other wind block might help -- personally, I'd rather have the open view of the sky.

On Hot Tub Parties . . .

We've had only a few gatherings involving the hot tub.  The most successful was our September '99 gathering where as many as 8 people were at least partially in our 6 person hot tub at one time.

We suspect the key to that success was:

• More people at the same time (in our tub 6), preferably "co-ed"
• Weather sufficiently warm so non-tub'rs can be outside with the tub'rs (I'm thinking about an outside fireplace for winter)
• And an early bedtime for the kids (avoid making parents take turns)!  

The hardest part always seems to be getting everyone to participate together.  Someone always has an excuse not to go in.  Especially in colder months.

At the same time, we've managed to turn some of our guests into believers -- next time they come over, they're ready to go! 

UPDATE:

In 2004, we upgraded our hot tub to 220, from the 110 volt dedicated line.   Being that this was our first hot tub, we did not understand the compromises we were making previously.   In Winter now, the hot tub gets warmer faster, and does not lose heat to the point where we eventually have to get out. 

One note of recommendation.  Call your hot tub dealer and make sure you get a licensed electrician who is familiar with your brand of hot tub if you make an electrical change.  From experience, we can tell you that not following this advise can be more expensive than following it.

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