Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Goody on December 03, 2004, 03:38:52 pm

Title: Heated steps & walkway on the cheap
Post by: Goody on December 03, 2004, 03:38:52 pm
I just wanted to know if anyone else has tried something like this.
I live in Michigan and woke up Thanksgiving morning to our first snow of the year. Even though our spa is 4 feet outside our bedroom it was still cold and slippery walking to it. I've had the spa since April and I'm waiting until next year to build a permanent deck around it so I am using the Polymer steps that came with it and a temp walkway to get in. Anyways I strung heat wire (the same stuff used on the edges of roofs to prevent ice dams) through the grooves in the steps. I also weaved it back and forth down the walkway and covered that with outdoor astroturf. I plug it in 1/2 hour before we wonder out and it has been great.
Title: Re: Heated steps & walkway on the cheap
Post by: HotTubMan on December 03, 2004, 03:44:29 pm
Nice idea! Sounds smart.
Title: Re: Heated steps & walkway on the cheap
Post by: Chas on December 03, 2004, 03:57:05 pm
I know this is getting to sound real old - but be sure you have this hot setup plugged into a GFI-protected outlet: as it's doing it's job it is obviously getting wet and spreding water around.

Sounds like a great idea though.  :o
Title: Re: Heated steps & walkway on the cheap
Post by: Andy-VA on December 03, 2004, 04:58:43 pm
Where did you find that wire and how much was it?
Title: Re: Heated steps & walkway on the cheap
Post by: Chas on December 03, 2004, 06:41:24 pm
Here is one site I found on a google search:

http://www.heatersplus.com/cable.htm
Title: Re: Heated steps & walkway on the cheap
Post by: Goody on December 05, 2004, 10:03:25 am
The wire can be found at Home Depot (at least in this area) and it was about $20. It is on a GFI circuit and the beauty of it is that the wire is made to be in a cold wet environment.