Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (96)
Jennifer DiSessa
8 years agoMy Splash Pad
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Pros and cons of drop-in hot tubs vs. masonry hot tubs
Comments (8)This is really not a fair comparison. An acrylic pre-fab spa will cost $5000-$15000 and is a self contained unit. It drops in place, supply it with a huge electrical service (60A 240V GFCI typically) and it will have up to 100 individual jets in every possible orientation. The tub does not require physical maintenance to structure or interior surface, but does require pumps, filters (paper filters), heating elements, topside controls and pack (brain) replacement periodically. Where things really start to differentiate is when we talk service life. An acrylic pre-fab hot tub is considered to be "zero value" by most hot tub dealers during the trade in process at 7 years old. So that means even though you paid up to $15,000 for the tub, only 7 years later most dealers will give you little, or nothing, on a trade in. You might be able to sell it used for a thousand. Maybe a few thousand if it is in really nice shape, but 7-10 years is the typical max you will get, trouble free, out of an acrylic spa. Now, concrete hot tubs on the other hand are not pre-fab at all. They are formed and poured (or shotcrete / gunite) on the jobsite and they are not portable in any way. The equipment is not self contained so you will need an external pump, filter and heater. The pump, filter and heater are exactly the same as swimming pool equipment, just smaller, and each component is substantially higher quality than the equipment that comes with pre-fab spas. The reason for this is in the service life. Similar to concrete swimming pools, if you build it well it can have a service life of up to 50-70 years. Yes, during this time it will require interior surface renovations, leak repair or re-plumbing, equipment maintenance and repair etc. Concrete hot tubs are also substantially less extravagant in terms of the jet installations. An 8 person concrete hot tub might have 8-10 large jets. A similar 8 person acrylic pre-fab spa might have over 100 jets. So 100 jets on a smaller pump, or 8 jets on a larger pump - as you can imagine the bather experience is quite different. Acrylic spas are very well designed to target specific body areas with jet action where concrete hot tubs are more open water, bench seating with only a handful of very powerful jets. It really comes down to your expectations of use - bust most importantly longevity. Conservatively a concrete hot tub will cost twice as much as an acrylic hot tub - but can last up to 10x longer with some additional maintenance. Honestly, both are good. Different, but good. I hope this information is helpful!...See MorePool is out...hot tub is in. need ideas to make this a unique space
Comments (2)Here are some ideas that may help!...See Morewhirlpool tub vs hot tub
Comments (3)I had a hot tub for five years and we enjoyed it very much. I have never had a whirl pool tub but have stayed many places with them and the difference is pretty dramatic. The heat of the water in a hot tub combined with the various jets can create a much more relaxing and refreshing experience than a whirl pool tub. That said, the upkeep on a hot tub is pretty intense. Water testing, chemicals, cleaning and upkeep can consume some time that you may or may not have....See MorePoll: Tub or No Tub
Comments (8)We purchased a house with no tub. Because it was renovated in a way that there was no space to put one without another serious renovation, we opted for a hot tub outside. I would much prefer a bath tub inside. Especially like one in the picture....See MoreStudio M Interior Design
8 years agoTina C
8 years agotorresld
8 years agotorresld
8 years agotorix200
8 years agojen046
8 years agomollythecollie
8 years agoLynda
8 years agoamycarman
8 years agofrenchdecor
8 years agoLynn Babin Fontaine
8 years agoRandy Walker
8 years agolillybird
8 years agocabingirl13
8 years agowebwendyb
8 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
8 years agobrendaspaeth
8 years agoSydney Chandler
8 years agoLaurel Ennis
8 years agodesignideas4me
8 years agomakaloco
8 years agoSusan
8 years agoUrban Elements PDX
8 years agodesignideas4me
8 years agomakaloco
8 years agoDenny Allen_Ide
8 years agodesignideas4me
8 years agokeatherl
8 years agoraesimmons
8 years agoDesRochers Backyard Pools, Inc.
7 years agoRonny Anderson
6 years agoluvourhome
6 years agoBev
6 years agoPratt Guys
6 years agoinfo8171
6 years agoQuality Pool Filter Cartridges
6 years agoKarla Kay Hull
5 years agoCameron's Design
5 years agoinfo8171
5 years agoKarla Kay Hull
5 years agorichard scholz
5 years agoinfo8171
5 years agorichard scholz
5 years agoinfo8171
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agorichard scholz
5 years agoK Laurence
5 years agoCora
last yearBailey B
4 months ago
Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING13 New Ways to Make a Splash With a Hot Tub
Check out the modern options and custom features that are making outdoor spa tubs hot again
Full Story
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING12 Naturally Beautiful Hot Tubs
Prefer a no-plastic look for your patio or yard? Wood, stone and concrete make these hot tubs fit right in with nature
Full Story
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING8 Ways to Beautifully Integrate an Outdoor Hot Tub
Harmonize your hot tub with your landscape for good looks and great relaxation
Full Story
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGSee a Soothing Backyard Bathhouse Born From a Salvaged Tub
Creative thinking and DIY skills give a Portland couple a pergola-covered 'hot tub' under the stars
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDES5 Hot Tips for Home Saunas
Bask in your very own heated haven, indoors or out. This overview will get you off to a glowing start
Full Story
HOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Converted Garage Tackled in Remodel
The sports court lost out to a hot tub and a firepit, but the real triumph in this Texas home may just be the stunning garage conversion
Full Story
DREAM SPACESJust a Few Things for the Dream-Home Wish List
A sunken hot tub, dedicated game room, tree house, hidden wine cellar and more. Which of these home luxuries would you like best?
Full Story
PATIOSCourtyard Comforts Make a Seattle Backyard a Joy
A new hot tub, fireplace, shower and even a mini stage take a backyard from uninviting to ‘Come on out!’
Full Story
HOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: Tree House Living Inspires Southern Home
Embracing nature but with comforts like a hanging hot tub, this South Carolina house lets the homeowners enjoy the best of both worlds
Full StoryMore Discussions
otteroo