Hot Tub question for ya

[texxags]

I was thinking of getting a hot tub (Jacuzzi Model 365). Do any of you out there have one or had one. We are a family of 4 (Son 5, Daughter is 3) Is it worth spending 7k installing one, for the family.  The Kids can use it as a small pool.   Please give me your advise , comments or experiences  :-)

[96SC]

First off, welcome to the forum.  

This is my opinion only, others may disagree.
If you have ailments that owning a hot tub will help then by all means get one.  Hot tubs and young kids don't mix well.  I don't know this for fact but I have heard that their smaller bodies can't dissipate the heat as quickly as an adult can (remember the water will be around 102 degrees).  Making them more vulnerable to over heating problems.  If you want a family 'play' area get a pool.

[anne]

I grew up with a redwood hot tub, and it was wonderful! I never stayed in as long as my parents, but I splashed around and enjoyed it greatly, and I think I survived OK. Not that any kids should be unsupervised, or soaking at 105F, but I'd say that kids and hot tubs can mix. I guess if what you really want is just a playpool, then there may be better ways to go, but by the time I was in HS, every early, freezing morning started with a hot soak, and I loved it.

[hottubdan]

There are many Jacuzzi owners out there pm the forum.

If you turn the heat down for the wee ones it shuld be no problem.

If in doubt, consult your doctor.

[TravelingSpaGuy]

Just keep the temp no warmer then 100 or so and make sure they stay hydrated...bring water bottles out with you.  I used to love hot tubbing at my best friends house since before I can remember.

[texxags]

I was thinking if I kept the water down to the lower 90's, then the kids could enjoy, and I can relax (with kids splashing though)

[mike in arkansas]

Good morning Tex!! A relative newby (newbie?) here. I have had kids in our hot tubs on occasion (grandkids and friends kids) and actually as much as I love them they drive me crazy when they are in the hot tub. They LOVE to flip the pumps on and off as fast as they can -- and the knobs and valves and water falls are endless diversions. I am not sure if a hot tub can stand up to that sort of abuse. Anyway I suppose it depends on the age of the kids. I woudl agree with some of the other posts about getting a pool if that is what you really want.

Oh by the way -- lower 90's is REAL cool in a hot tub -- I thinnk you will find it uncomfortable for any length of time!

Just my humble opinion here in Arkansas

Blessings, Mike

[Steve]

Kids and hot tubs are totally fine if common sense is applied.

We don't think twice about setting them in a bathtub at 100+ degrees right?

For every 10 minutes their in a hot tub, they should be out for 10 minutes.

[Renee]

Texxags:
We just purchased the Jacuzzi 365 tub...got it at the beginning of August and LOVE it!  We have 2 kids, ages 7 & 12.  We set the rules at the beginning and have not have any problems.  We let them stay in the tub for 20 minutes, after which the pumps automatically shut off.  Then they have to go inside, and my hubby and I stay in the tub with just the waterfall on for another 20 minutes WITHOUT kids.  Great arrangement in my opinion!  

The Jacuzzi 365 has just the right amount of "fluff" for us.   The lighting is awesome at night, and I love the waterfall.  We particularly like the 4 corner seats.  That is how we ruled out Hot Springs, which was the only other choice in our area.   They put their filter in the corner, taking up a valuable corner seat.  Keep in mind I'm 6' tall, and my husband is 6'3".  We need all the leg room we can get!

Make sure you wet test to be sure you like the jets.  Everyone's opinion is different.

Good luck, and hope you are hot tubbin' with the rest of us soon!  
--renee

[Jacuzzi Jim]

The J-365 is a great family spa, and not to big for just 2  I keep our spa at 101 to 102* with a 6 and a 3 year old with no problems, they are only in for 20 min if that. I think at 90 is pretty low for winter and just right for summer.

 What kind of price you looking at?  We sell it at normal 8995.00 on sale at 7995.00

[loosenupspas]

hot tubs are good for wearing down the little ones, they bob around in the hot water and it tires them out.  Then put them to bed and you and the wife enjoy hot tub in peace and quiet.  But discuss the hot tub with your family doctor regarding the effect on the wee ones.  

[texxags]

$7500 plus tax.....Comes with tub, radio, Two sets of steps and easy opening cover.   Is that good or bad?

[Jacuzzi Jim]

7500.00 with stereo and 2 sets steps very,very good.    Coverlifter and ozone?? even better!

[Venissa]

Children's bodies are more sensitive to extreme temperatures than adults, and therefore have a different reaction when exposed to high temperatures. Small children should not be in a hot tub to begin with, but if they are for some reason, they are at risk of damaging their brain and other parts of their body. When a child's head is immersed underwater, the heat that is absorbed can greatly damage the brain. Because children are already susceptible to risk in a hot tub, it will not take long for injury to occur. A good rule of thumb is to keep small children out of a hot tub altogether. Older children can use a hot tub but only for short periods of time -10 minutes maximum - and should never completely immerse their head underwater.

[hottubdan]

This explains my kids' brain damage.

Seriously, those are serious claims.

Sources please.