Hello to all hot tub owners out there and for those thinking of buying I hope you enjoy my Spa buying Blog.

You see it was not really me who wanted a spa to start with. My lovely wife announced about a year ago that a hot tub would be the best pressie any one could have. Of course I gave this not another thought until the hints and benefits etc etc kept being implanted in my brain over the subsequent months. Next thing the glossy brochures started popping through letterbox.

Emm, not sure about all this. Must say they do look nice, but how can I possibly justify the cost. Sorry, at this stage I have not a clue what they cost, because nowhere in the Spa brochure can I find a Price!!!, but I am sure they cannot be cheap.
I secretly studied all the spa stuff and at same time sort of hoped it would never be mentioned again. Not to be, my other half stated how private or garden is (true), how big garden is (true) and they are not that expensive anyway (not true). Finally I gave in, however on conditions that she does all the research, testing, haggling etc etc, to which this was readily agreed.
How hard can it be??.
Sorry could not help myself. I became a Spa geek!!!. I read everything, to full foam or not to full foam, that is the question. Ozone or no ozone. Jets, how many. Spa cover, electric costs, etc etc etc etc. I found myself discussing pros and cons acting like some Professor of Hot Tub technology. Note I hadn’t actually seen one in real life yet!!. I suspect my wife knew I would do all this. We sort of boiled it down to Arctic Spa and Hot springs as they have dealerships reasonably near, and I deduced they are pretty reliable. One-day pre-xmas we decided to actually see one for real. Arctic first. Looked at the coyote c25 (not as expensive as Arctic), with ozone. Model was on display bubbling away. Looked good, looked big. I tried to remember all my high tech questions, but forgot basically all of them and ended up trying to keep or two girls from falling in.
Salesman was fine, no pressure and was helpful. Stated that a good deal was to be had on this one. Ozone, Stainless steel jets, cover lifter, 72 " steps and upgrade 5" Arctic cover, chemicals, Blah, Blah. Price was pretty good, but who really knows!!. Next hot spring. Also very good. We looked a Tiger river Bengal, same sort of price range, same sort of stuff, but full foam. By this stage the full foam vs. part foam debate had fried my brain.
Then it all sort of clicked, how about actually trying one!!!, smart or what..
I like the real wood on the Coyote so this was the first to be wet tested. Not by me I might add, but by my wife as I had to work. I secretly wanted her to take the ultimate plunge (pardon pun) when the time came to actually buy, so that if it went wrong or broke I had the Ace card to say 'Well you picked it'.
On the flip side I also new that if car buying is anything to go by she will probably pick the first one she tests. I send her on her merry way with the words 'Don't buy today, ask questions, come home and think about it'.
Guess the next bit!!.

Yes, deal was done. New Arctic Coyote spa, compared the other quotes on same model, we got it for I think a good price. Relief I can now finally get rid of all other Spa blurbs and just chill out (wrong phrase, well you know what I mean). Next pre-site inspection. I was sure we would need a crane; the side gate does not look wide enough. No probs we will get it in, are you sure said I standing with tape measure, it looks pretty tight to me..........
We already have a deck in garden but decided to extend it. We put down solid concrete base and thick paving slabs for tub to sit, and will deck round it after installation. Spark - to run cable, isolator, breaker. More money.
All set the big day has arrived. Note, Arctic people arrived exactly when they said they would. First thought was it looks massive, no way is that getting through the gate. Delivery guys looked confident, we will see.. It is tight. Bit of pushing, fence swaying a tad. Of course neighbours out for a nosy, this is getting embarrassing I thought as my lovely wife sneaked of indoors, leaving me to Assist!. FINALLY we got it in, and thankfully still intact.
I then asked my dear wife (if it was not to much trouble) would she mind if she went out back and watched her wonderful Hot tub get installed (well, words to that effect!!!!!!). The install guys were good. Although it is not rocket science, connect up, hose in, and fill up. Took about an hour or two to fill, quick demo, chemical briefing, any questions, enjoy. Next day temp at 38c, ready to go.
summary...... For someone like me who hates baths, I love it. Epically late at night, kids in bed, cold outside, stars above, peace and quiet.

Oh and wife likes it to.

And kids.
Top tip, would not bother was booster seat. I bought one (pre-Spa), as one of must haves, what with safety and that. Why did I think that a four year old would sit at peace? No chance, seat lasted 5 seconds, then out of tub, banished to garage, never to be seen again (one going cheap, all offers considered). Obviously none of our kids will ever be in it alone.

Chemicals. No probs so far (after 2 months). I use chlorine. Bought these 4 in one strips, but they don't seem to match any colour after test, so am sticking with the 3 in one ones (which I got with spa) at least I can match them up. Two speed pump and therapy air (bubbles). I tend to wack the full speed on for a few minutes then just relax with slow speed. Actually the jets are not the big thing, it’s the whole I am outside, warm and relaxed.

Question. Do I need to Shock Spa??
Question. Is it cheaper long term to keep the spa at desired temp, rather that say 2c lower and heat up prior to use?

If you are thinking of getting a spa. Just test it, ensure you are happy with tub and whom you bought it from, and go for it, you only live once...