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It all depends on elec rates but the difference between a well insulated spa and one not so good is going to be more than $10/month and often much much more.i think you can get a decent spa for 7-8k that is still well insulated. What options will you have in your new area.
I'm looking to see what the cost difference is between midsize tubs and larger tubs in the same lines
"Is the insulation that much better to justify the additional $2000-$2500 difference from their mid level spa line? If there is only a $10 savings in electrical cost due to better insulation, it would take 18 years to make up the savings in electrical costs from their mid-level spa."Just keep in mind on most major manufacturers the $2,000-$3,000 difference to go to the "top end" collection(s) does get you more than an insulation upgrade...as mentioned you can save well over $10 per month but you can also get (these are just examples I pulled off the top of my head from various manufacturers) 2 and even in some cases 3 more years of component warranty (go from a 2/3 year to 5 year warranty), Extra Lighting, Upgraded Topside Control Heads, More variety as far as jetting as concerned, More Color Options, etc. etc. Now of course if you are looking for a relative "no-frills" tub than you may not see value in any of those potential upgrades at which point it of course doesn't make sense for you to jump up collections...good luck!
I just started looking into fibercor more because I noticed newish Caldera tubs have almost twice the dry weight as other comparably sized spas. The weight seems to be due to the insulation change.Dealers seem to speak very highly of the fibercore so I'm now very curious, if its so great, why does it only seem to be on the Hot Spot line of Hot Springs spas? Heck, if its really as efficient and cost effective as the marketing says, I want it for home insulation.