ᐅ Hot tub with sound system or without?

Created on: 26 Apr 2020 10:19
H
HilfeHilfe
Hello,

we want to buy a small hot tub for the garden. Not from China or overseas, we have chosen Wellis, which manufactures in Hungary. The size will be 2 by 2 meters (6.5 by 6.5 feet), or possibly a model a few centimeters (inches) larger.

Now we are wondering if an integrated Bluetooth sound system is really necessary. It costs about 950 € extra. During the very good consultation, we forgot to ask about it, but it was added as an extra cost in the offer.

Who owns a smaller hot tub with a sound system and actually uses it? Or is it a "nice to have" feature that just ends up unused?
M
Matthias 40
30 Apr 2020 09:19
@Rick: Thanks!
We couldn’t resist.
M
matte
30 Apr 2020 09:24
Yes, the maintenance costs also put me off.
The issue is about as compatible with a photovoltaic system as it is with a heat pump.

We’ll see, my wife would really like it, especially during the colder months she would probably bathe in it daily...
G
guckuck2
30 Apr 2020 09:32
You can improve insulation by using a thicker cover, embedding it into the floor, etc., to reduce heat demand. Or use it less, or not at all in winter... hmm.
@rick2018 is there a control system that is KNX-compatible?

What are the main differences between the various models? The device from HilfeHilfe seems to be relatively inexpensive—is that mainly due to size, pumps, and so on?
On the manufacturer’s website, prices are in the range of 5,000–6,000 euros (€). The also mentioned "Treese Zen" costs about four times as much ("design premium" and apparently more complex technology)...
rick201830 Apr 2020 10:14
Jacuzzis or more expensive hot tubs (which are designed for continuous use) typically have a sand filter with backwash function, chlorine dosing system, and pH reducer. Water parameters are monitored automatically. Water level regulation is usually included as well.
UV treatment is only used as an additional measure.
Ozone is sometimes used, as well as chemicals like bromine. Saltwater systems have not really become popular for hot tubs for several reasons (unlike pools).
The frequency of backwashing depends on usage.
When not in use, water circulation is only occasional, and the massage pumps are run once or twice daily to keep the filter medium active.
I am not aware of control systems with KNX plug connectors. However, all better hot tubs can be integrated into a KNX bus system (temperature, pump control, etc.). This is quite straightforward. In theory, you could run the entire control system via KNX.

The hot tub from HilfeHilfe is in the consumer class.
Filtration is through cartridge filters and water parameters are checked manually.
Of course, the pumps also influence the price.

With Jacuzzi, you also pay for the brand name.

Heat loss outdoors is significant even if the tub is covered and well insulated. I know several people who gave up using their outdoor hot tubs, especially when much has to be done manually and heating costs add up.
Indoors, heat loss is lower but you need to invest in dehumidification.

It’s simply a hobby that costs money and requires regular maintenance.
To some extent, a higher initial investment pays off through lower operating costs and less effort.
M
matte
11 May 2020 13:56
@rick2018 and of course everyone else:

What is the general opinion about the hot tubs from Armstark (Sundance)?
Specifically, I find the Peyton model from the "Klassik 680" series quite interesting.

I am particularly curious about the quality of the filtration system.
rick201811 May 2020 14:29
I have no personal experience with Armstark whirlpools or spas.
The manufacturer has been on the market for a long time, so they can’t be too bad...

The filtration system, as with most "more affordable" whirlpools, is an integrated cartridge filter system (pleated filter).
The UV sanitation is more of a gimmick. The water doesn’t stay in the chamber long enough to achieve a significant effect. Additionally, it requires electricity and the UV source needs to be replaced every year.
To be effective, it would need to be dimensioned completely differently and wouldn’t fit inside the casing anymore.

As with many things, it depends on how much effort you want to put in. For private use, the filtration system is usually sufficient. Water quality needs to be checked carefully and regularly. If there are water problems, the filtration system won’t be able to fix them. Since there isn’t much water in a whirlpool, you can simply refill it.

The ideal setup would be a separate sand filter system with direct dosing of chlorine, pH, etc., combined with automatic water quality monitoring. However, perhaps only 5% of private whirlpools have this. The maintenance effort is reduced to a minimum and the filtration system is very efficient.