Question:
I am building a house in Northern CA and am going to get a hot tub to
put on a deck next to the master bedroom.
What I need to know is what brand of hot tubs seem to be the best?
I've owned a Hot Spring for 5 years and never had a problem with it.
It's jets were a little plain but it did have a strong warranty. The hot
tub should hold 4-5 people.
Any thoughts on this or a good website for hot tub reviews?
Answer:
Well this is going to be a bias recommendation :-) My company does the
factory work for Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath and Spa. I have seen many other
manufactures and still believe Jacuzzi is the best They were one of the
first. They generally cost more, but I guess you get what you pay for.
Normally you should purchase a hot tub that accomodates even number of
people - unless your proclivities differ. Don't look at the brand, but the dealer. Let me tell you of my bad
example. I bought from the lowest price dealer. Of course they are now
out of business (10 years later). Upon getting it home, and setting it
up, I noticed an acrid smell comming from the contol unit. Checking it
out, they did not tighten the electrical wiring and there was plenty of
arcing and smoke trails in the box. I called up the dealer, and their
comment was to bring the unit in, and they will see what they can do. I
pointed out that I would have to drain the tub to do this, and got an
reply of so what. They were not comming out to look at it.
I took it in, and they sent it back to the factory, the mean
while, I was out of a tub. They did not even deliver the unit, I had to
pick it up. Neither the dealer, nor the factory cared, they had made
their sale. I did contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and
that dealer refused to even talk to me after that. I hope that the
manufacture also got burned on that one.
Had I been willing to spend a few extra dollars, I could have
dealt with a reputable outfit, one that I am working with now for repair
parts.
Oh, the tub has worked fine, after about 7 years the heater
needed replacing, and at 10 year the pump. Not bad for year round use.
So, go to a good dealer, and forget the brand.
