Freestanding hot tub for cold climate

[tasha99]

Hi there,

We live in Toronto and are looking at buying a freestanding hot tub.

Just wondering if any board members in northern climates can post what tubs they've bought.

Tub would be outside, likely under a gazebo. We'd use it all year round and it would be sitting on the ground -- not surrounded by a deck.

We have a pool already and want to add to the back yard fun!

Thanks!

 

[Pool_Medic]

Any hot tub will do, they are all insulated against cold climates, it comes down to preference. Visit your local pool n spa stores.

 

[erhanuyar]

As long as you keep it on, I doubt it will be problem. We don't live in cold like Toronto but we do see below freezing temps at night. Its a blessing to have 104F water outside while its snowing. Water circulate pretty regularly so I dont think freezing will be problem. We have a standard 4 person hot tub.

 

[BMK]

Well not all hot tubs are created equal. For colder climates, you might want to lean more toward the name brands as opposed to some of the off brands. One of the things that make a hot tub less expensive is a lack of quality, ample insulation....because it's not readily seen. A quality, well insulated tub will maintain temperature and be much more efficient in colder weather. When shopping, ask them to open the panel so you can see underneath. Some are shot completely with foam which then hardens and makes it extremely difficult to locate and fix a leak. Some only have a thin layer of paper sheathing wrapped around the innards. The only thing they all have in common is that the salesperson will tell you that their insulation is far superior to the competition. There's a wealth of information on line about it all. Spas are one of those things I don't necessarily depend on a salesperson to educate me. Educate yourself at least a little so you're armed with at least basic knowledge before going in.

BTW...I personally have a Sundance, and consider sitting in a steaming spa drinking an adult beverage with snow gently falling one of life''s greatest little pleasures.

 

[pooldv]

Hot Spring, Freeflow and other brands operated by Watkins Mfg is a good place to start. They make excellent hot tubs.

 

[Brian VT]

I think a good/thick/tight-sealing cover is as important, or maybe more important, than the lower insulation.
The cover is an easy way for a seller to skimp because a buyer is likely to be more focused on the fun aspects of what they're buying.

 

[tasha99]

Thanks all for the info and opinions. Much appreciated. I too have researched and read about the insulation factor being imporant.

The brands I am focusing in on are: Marquis, Beachcomber, Hydropool, Hot Springs

I need to go around to dealers and get the sales talk and see some models for myself.

BMK -- this message from you made my day..."I personally have a Sundance, and consider sitting in a steaming spa drinking an adult beverage with snow gently falling one of life''s greatest little pleasures."[FONT=wf_segoe-ui_normal]


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[tperk]

Look into Arctic Spas as well. They are manufactured in Canada, so they are built for northern climates.