Bought one last Spring and it was a great investment. The salesmen said that a lot of tubs are now made with a higher efficiency insulated shell so it uses less power. He figured about $20 a month extra for power and I gotta say he was pretty close. On average it's about $20-$30 extra per month.
I agree with not getting the speakers and tv, not worth it. The lights however I do like.
As far as maintenance, it depends how much use it gets. I check my chemicals maybe twice a week, and buy them online for fairly cheap.
After my b-day hot tub time machine party, I had to drain the sucker and refill it.
Mine is a 6 person and I wouldn't get small than that. I am 6'2" 215 pounds and most of my buddies are about the same. It's nice to have 4 people and not be on top of each other. Now, if there are females in the tub, you stand up and accidentally fall in there direction, you are good to go from there.
I would also get a cover lifter, very handy when you go out there with a few beers and whatnot. The hydraulic ones work very well, even in the winter.
Overall, I spent about $8,500 ($1100 for electrician to do his thing) and it was money well spent.
|