"Most families opt for a 7- or 8-foot square model, which comfortably seats five to six people, providing room for most family members or a few guests. Keeping out other "guests" requires a cover, notably an ASTM-approved version with clips to secure it, says Gorlin. "You don't want any accidents when you're not around." A cover also will help insulate the water, both to hold in heat so it warms up more quickly when in use and to avoid evaporation, which occurs faster when there is a bigger discrepancy between the air temperature and water temperature.
Hot tubs overall are energy efficient, he notes, particularly the portable types that feature insulation on the sides and bottom. Temperatures typically are set between 100 degrees F and 104 degrees F, the highest allowed by law. Some energy can be saved if the temperature is set at 100 degrees and then brought up to 104 degrees when needed, but it costs little to heat a tub on an on-going basis, he says.
"The tubs are so well insulated that with the proper cover, especially in the summer, the water nearly maintains its temperature without the heater coming on." Carlson agrees: "They're like a big thermos bottle."
Maintenance also has gotten easier in recent years. They require about 10 minutes of maintenance per week, Gorlin estimates. A key reason is the commonly used 24-hour, 1/3-hp circulation pump, which continually cleans the water while using little energy. Carlson estimates that a typical hot tub costs $15 to $25 per month to operate.
Gorlin suggests throwing about 1/2 ounce of chlorinated "shock" into the water just before getting in each time (which he does daily, he says). He also tests the water once per week to check the sanitizer's efficiency, pH balance, alkalinity, calcium level and other chemical balances. "They tend to stay even, unless you have a large party of people using it," he says. He suggests draining the tub every three to four months, wiping down the sides and refilling it. Bringing the water up to the proper temperature again takes about 24 hours, he estimates.
Installation considerations
Although hot tubs are easy to install, contractors do about 70 percent of the installations in his area, Gorlin says, owing to two key factors. The tubs can be difficult to maneuver after delivery, and not all decks can support the added weight. "If it's going into an open backyard, a homeowner can handle the installation," he says. "It's not technically difficult, but there usually are obstacles," particularly when going up steps or through gate openings onto a deck.
The deck also may need to be reinforced, unless it was designed for the addition of the tub during its construction. A filled 7x7-foot tub can weigh 3,500 pounds — not counting the occupants. Carlson notes that the weight is spread out over a large space. "If the deck was built right, it can handle the weight in most cases," she says. Even so, Gorlin always pulls permits to have the inspector ensure the deck will support the weight.
Hot tubs create a great add-on amenity for projects that involve a patio, deck or addition. Builders who discuss them with their clients gain an advantage not only in considering every aspect of the homeowners' comfort but in creating a larger project — and adding another way the customer can show it off to potential future customers.
Craig A. Shutt is a Chicago-based freelance writer.
