I want to buy a hot tub (4 adults). What should I look for and what do I need to do to reinforce my deck?

hot tubs 4 you image

l_m_roach

I would like to find a hot tub that fits 4 adults comfortably with a few kids thrown in every now and then. I live in the northeast and expect to use it all year long. It will be placed on an existing deck that has 2X6 planks on 2X10 joists. The joists run every 16 inches.

Answer
As far as support, you will need to be able to hold 125lbs per square foot. That includes up to a 1000lb hot tub, water and people. Most construction should be able to support that, unless there is rot or some other hindrance.

As far as picking the actual tub
1) Choose a reputable dealer & brand. Look for brands that have 10+ years of sucess.

2) Be cautious when buying from "Big Box" stores. You may get what looks like a bargain, and actually is a nightmare. Consider how long you expect your "investment" to last. Many times spa sold in big box stores offer little to no warranty. Also they are ill-equipped to handle your spa. Should something go wrong, you no local dealer support, only an 800 number. If you are planning on having the spa for up to about 5 years and possibly paying a spa dealer to service it, go ahead and save money by buying at a big box store. If you expect at least 5 years virtually worry free and a total life of 15-20 years, buy a reputable brand from a spa store.

3)Wet Test! Don't buy it until you try it. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, and in all reality a good spa will last longer than your car.

4) Price-wise: if it sounds too good to be true, it is. I've seen people on here saying a 5-6 person spa costs around $3300, that makes me suspicious right off the bat. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

How much would it cost to heat a hot tub 4 a month? Is it cheaper to leave it on all month or heat each use?

projected3

My roommates and I have a hot tub, but don't want to pay to heat it up all month. This gets annoying when you have to turn it on 3 hours in advance to when you want to use it. Some people say it would be cheaper to heat it once and leave it on then having to re-heat the entire thing every time (once or two times a month). I just want to leave the thing on all month...anybody know an estimated cost for heating it for the whole month?

Answer
According to this link http://www.energyideas.org/documents/factsheets/spatips.pdf#search='hot%20tub%20on%20or%20off' it says to install a timer.

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Title Post: I want to buy a hot tub (4 adults). What should I look for and what do I need to do to reinforce my deck?
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