Need recs for a family hot tub

[1985forever]

I'll keep this newbie post short and sweet.

Shopping for a hot tub for the first time.  Local dealer carries "Hot Spring".  We are a family of five (children 13, 10 and 6) and looking for a tub that will accommodate all of us from time to time, but we anticipate it being used by us (Mom and Pop) most of the time.

We don't require fancy lights, waterfalls, or stereos.  Also do not need anything fancy on the outside.  (wood look is fine)

We want quality insulation, quality heating, quality water cleaning.

Confused about the seating options - have read negative reviews on loungers. 

Our location for the hot tub is under a covered patio on a cement pad that already exists - the patio is not enclosed.  We live in NE climate with all four seasons.

Do all tubs require 220?

Our budget is 8K or less.  Is it a pipe dream?

Any recommendations or thoughts are appreciated.

[Spatech_tuo]

I'll keep this newbie post short and sweet.

Shopping for a hot tub for the first time.  Local dealer carries "Hot Spring".  We are a family of five (children 13, 10 and 6) and looking for a tub that will accommodate all of us from time to time, but we anticipate it being used by us (Mom and Pop) most of the time.

We don't require fancy lights, waterfalls, or stereos.  Also do not need anything fancy on the outside.  (wood look is fine)

We want quality insulation, quality heating, quality water cleaning.

Confused about the seating options - have read negative reviews on loungers. 

Our location for the hot tub is under a covered patio on a cement pad that already exists - the patio is not enclosed.  We live in NE climate with all four seasons.

Do all tubs require 220?

Our budget is 8K or less.  Is it a pipe dream?

Any recommendations or thoughts are appreciated.

If the spa amperage gets to a certain amount it has to be 220V. To run at 110v you can only have 1 pump and its a low horsepower pump which is fine for smaller spas. For larger spas like you’re looking for its going to be larger pump(s) and therefore 220v. If you want a spa for 5 people I would absolutely skip the lounge, besides the younger kids wouldn't use it anyway (too small and kids never sit in one place in the spa anyway, they’re in constant motion if they're like mine where at that age).

You can get a spa for 8k if you skip some of the bells/whistles. That local Hot Springs dealer will have spas in the premium end but also some in the mid-range for the more budget conscious end and some at the starter level. Just tell the dealer what you're looking to spend and how many people.

[Hot Spring Ace]

The Hot Spring dealer will have spas at various price points, with/without lounges... If you go in and take a look you'll find many options available.