Results 1 to 15 of 15

Thread: To spa, or not to spa ...? That is the question.

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    636
    Thanks
    79
    Thanked 23 Times in 20 Posts
    Rep Power
    222
    Reputation
    171

    Default To spa, or not to spa ...? That is the question.

    Hi all

    Been tossing up this question for a few years now. Originally thought about a pool, but decided we didn't want something that permanent (or expensive).

    Recently we have been researching buying a decent size spa, so thought I would ask fellow austechers. Specifically, looking at one for family entertainment, perhaps with the TV/DVD player, etc.

    Would love to hear the pros and cons from anyone who owns, or has owned a spa. Any tips and suggestions greatly appreciated.

    Cheers
    AussieM8



Look Here ->
  • #2
    Senior Member urban_s0ulja's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    South East Asia
    Posts
    4,068
    Thanks
    380
    Thanked 510 Times in 330 Posts
    Rep Power
    378
    Reputation
    2276

    Default

    We've got one in the bathroom, had it for a few years now and its been used probably about less than half a dozen times....

    I personally regret wanting to get it now, its a bit of waste in my opinion. Id go the pool if I could go back(and had the space for one)

    Your family maybe different though.

  • #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    636
    Thanks
    79
    Thanked 23 Times in 20 Posts
    Rep Power
    222
    Reputation
    171

    Default

    Yeah, not talking about a spa bath more of the hot-tub variety that sits outdoors with a hard cover, seating 6-8 people.

    Thanks for the prompt reply though.

  • #4
    Senior Member
    fromaron's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    2,133
    Thanks
    268
    Thanked 732 Times in 387 Posts
    Rep Power
    543
    Reputation
    13794

    Default

    It's a good thing to have compare to the pool. Much easier to run and maintain. The problem is after 5-6 years it's kinda getting boring. Also be ready for a nusty energy bills in your mail box.

  • #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    675
    Thanks
    61
    Thanked 71 Times in 48 Posts
    Rep Power
    236
    Reputation
    806

    Default

    My brother has connected his to a slow combustion stove to reduce heating costs and is looking at using some solar hotwater panels for summer use.

  • #6
    Senior Member Jaz808's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Hell
    Posts
    1,048
    Thanks
    30
    Thanked 146 Times in 99 Posts
    Rep Power
    246
    Reputation
    742

    Default

    there are swim spas, but if you dont want permanent forget them

  • #7
    Senior Member Ramjet's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    962
    Thanks
    222
    Thanked 225 Times in 160 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    Reputation
    927

    Default

    I have one, but it was in the house when we bought it. I've used it once and would never have one if I built my own place. I don't know what all the fuss is about really...didn't do a lot for me. Uses too much water and I assume it will overload most septic and water treatment systems (ours is plumbed to an old redundant septic tank).

    I personally would prefer the extra space in the bathroom and if we stay here long term, I will renovate this room and pull it out - keep an eye on eBay.

    I don't think they do much for the value of your property either...people have moved on I think.

  • #8
    Senior Member
    weirdo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    5,458
    Thanks
    4,638
    Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,633 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    Reputation
    29602

    Default

    I put in an outdoor spa about 15 years ago.
    There are some great spa shells out there in all shapes and sizes.
    You have to ask yourself whether you just want room for yourself and the missus or have the option of more people. Some spa shells might look big but have really only two recliners shaped in and don't really allow for additional users.
    Mine's just an old circular spa with max seating for 4.
    There's nothing more relaxing than a good spa.
    You need a good air blower (get the most powerful one you can get as this gives the best massage action). Mount this as far away from the spa as you can (but above the waterline!) so you don't listen to the howl of the motor.
    A spa has to be hot. I've been in that many spas that just are not hot enough. Look for a temp of at least around body temp or slightly higher (37 ° - 40° C).
    This brings me upon the heater, most if not all portable spa's you buy nowadays are electrically heated and usually havce the heating element built-in to the pump.
    They take ages to heat and really need the insulation blanket cover to stop heatloss.
    With these you really need to keep them heated to a certain temp all the time (more running costs) and then boost before you decide to have a spa. This temp boost can still take ages.
    That's why the best way in my eyes is to go for gas heating.
    We can decide to have a spa turn the heater on and half an hour later enjoy. Try that with electric.
    Blowers, lights and pump are usually switched via air switches built-in to the edge of the spa shell.
    I'd spend less than $50 per year on chemicals to run this thing just using a floating dispenser filled with bromide tablets.
    You'll also only need to run the pump (filter) about 1 or 2 hours a day max.
    Just remember you're bound by the same laws as to pool fencing.
    This is my sanctuary with patented cover >

  • #9
    Senior Member
    Godzilla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    59
    Posts
    12,740
    Thanks
    16,580
    Thanked 7,201 Times in 3,648 Posts
    Rep Power
    2198
    Reputation
    79113

    Default

    A coating of reflective foil paper inside that dish and the right angle should make a pretty good solar heater.

    Who said you were a big Weirdo, you just think at a higher level.

  • The Following User Says Thank You to Godzilla For This Useful Post:

    weirdo (11-04-10)

  • #10
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    5
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    0
    Reputation
    15

    Default

    Spa do it.. But go gas.
    Heating times with electrics are very slow.

  • The Following User Says Thank You to phatass For This Useful Post:

    weirdo (11-04-10)

  • #11
    Senior Member
    weirdo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    5,458
    Thanks
    4,638
    Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,633 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    Reputation
    29602

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Godzilla View Post
    A coating of reflective foil paper inside that dish and the right angle should make a pretty good solar heater.

    Who said you were a big Weirdo, you just think at a higher level.
    Originally it did have a vinyl cover over it fixed with press studs. To keep it raised and stop rain water puddling on top I had to put an inner tube of a truck tyre under it (floating on the water).
    The downside with the vynil cover was that the spa wouldn't breathe and smelled too strong of chemicals. So I had to sacrifice a dish.

  • #12
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    636
    Thanks
    79
    Thanked 23 Times in 20 Posts
    Rep Power
    222
    Reputation
    171

    Default

    Thanks for the info everyone, especially Weirdo's long post.

    Are they easy to convert to gas? The one we are looking at is an 'above ground' model and is sold as electric.

    Also, are they OK to cool off in the summer (ie. temp turned down/off)?

    One of my major concerns is whether the novelty will wear off (like fromaron stated).

  • #13
    Senior Member
    weirdo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    5,458
    Thanks
    4,638
    Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,633 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    Reputation
    29602

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by AussieM8 View Post

    Are they easy to convert to gas? The one we are looking at is an 'above ground' model and is sold as electric.

    Also, are they OK to cool off in the summer (ie. temp turned down/off)?

    One of my major concerns is whether the novelty will wear off (like fromaron stated).
    The most expensive exercise with converting to gas is the thermostat arrangement.
    They are good for cooling down aswell.
    The better the blower/pump/jet combo the better the experience.
    The better the experience the less likely it will 'wear off'.
    Advantage of the above ground units is you can easily sell em when you get sick of them. You see quite a few of these for sale simply because they are portable and in my eyes a lot of these package budget units don't give you the best experience.

  • #14
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    72
    Thanks
    30
    Thanked 19 Times in 14 Posts
    Rep Power
    176
    Reputation
    92

    Default

    I would go a 25 metre pool.

    useful for fire fighting as well.
    It's a pleasant change to be in a country that isn't ruled by its people.
    Prince Philip
    To Alfredo Stroessner, the Paraguayan dictator

  • #15
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    636
    Thanks
    79
    Thanked 23 Times in 20 Posts
    Rep Power
    222
    Reputation
    171

    Default

    Thought I would report back ...

    We decided to order one from Blue Haven (and wasn't that a mistake). After paying a deposit and waiting a while, we received a call to advise that the spa we ordered had lot's of maintenance issues and they didn't want to supply it. They gave us a couple of more expensive alternatives (which had a less features) and said they would do it for the same price. After lot's of stressful phone calls, we got cold feet and decided not to proceed and asked for the deposit back.

    We are now talking to a local company who sell 100% Australian made products and service their own spas.

  • Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •