You can get a Hot Springs spa that just has exterior plywood shell ready for brick, rock, tile, siding, whatever so you can make it match the pool, house or deck. Other spa manufacturers may have this option as well. So it is possible to integrate a freestanding spa into the landscaping with an option like that.
Hot tub vs. inground spa
- Thread starter JohnH
- Start date
phonedave said:
I'd like to add a of couple things in regards to power consumption.
Obviously price/kWHr is key, but your location will greatly influence your utility costs. Here in the North East, you can expect your electric bill to increase a lot more than $10 during the winter months, even for a fully-insulated, quality tub from a reputable manufacturer. Keep in mind that these full foam tubs aren't really "full" as the insulation in the equipment bay is minimal for maintenance purposes. Usage patterns will also play a major role in the equation. An hour long soak 4-5 times a week with cold ambient temps will spin that meter significantly. Also, using the jets during a soak is not the only consideration. Most tubs are set to run at least one of the jet pumps for a couple hours a day for circulation/filtration and flushing of pipes, even if it's equipped with a 24-hr circ pump. Metering the tub is really the only way know exactly how much power the tub uses, but just for reference: Jacuzzi provides metered data on all their tubs under test condtions. Even a mid-sized spa from their luxury line used $15/month in ideal or what I would term unrealistic conditions. Tub temp @ 101 in 60 deg ambient, covered...with ZERO usage.
As I said, I have not metered their tub (I for the amount of current the heater draws, I don't think the meter I have would handle it)
Theirs is in a sheltered spot (right near the walkout basement wall and under a deck). It does cycle for circulation every so often, and they do keep it covered and at a lower temp than use temp. This is in NE New Jersey, so we do get some winter weather here
Again, I just go by what they say. I thought the estimate was low, but they said it was not that much. Maybe they stopped using something else when they got the tub.
-dave
Theirs is in a sheltered spot (right near the walkout basement wall and under a deck). It does cycle for circulation every so often, and they do keep it covered and at a lower temp than use temp. This is in NE New Jersey, so we do get some winter weather here
Again, I just go by what they say. I thought the estimate was low, but they said it was not that much. Maybe they stopped using something else when they got the tub.
-dave