Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: GCLOUD911 on July 12, 2005, 05:33:48 pm
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OK, I know the last topic I started was Hot Spring or Arctic Spas...
Well, we decided on the Arctic Spa...have it all set to order, all we have to do is call the dealer and say "GO"...and then we get home and start feeling guilty about it and start to think maybe we should be using our extra fun $$$ to start finishing our basement first??? And now we're debating over our hot tub or putting in a nice family room and bathroom to start off our basement!!
I know this is a strange comparison for this forum, but I just wanted to see what kind of response I'd get.
We'd love to have both and we know the basement is the more practical use and would increase the value of our house...but you just can't soak in a basement!! Or, if you can, maybe you should have your basement fixed! ;D
Dilemma :-/
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Easy choice if you ask me, do the basement! We had our basement finished in 2001 and it was the best thing we ever did! The hot tub is second but a distant second. Just my opinion.................
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You sound like me when I have to make decisions like this. I go round and round and go nuts for a few days weighing my options but by doing so I make sure I've thought it through and avoided the buyer's remorse. I'd love to give you advice but this can only be answered by yourself and your wife. Take your time and think it over.
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If you’re not going to move then put the money into your house.
I finished my basement and that’s were we live.
Two years later I purchased a hot tub.
I could not imagine living in my house without my basement now.
It was a 1650 square foott ranch and the basement added another 1200.
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I'd love to give you advice but this can only be answered by yourself and your wife. Take your time and think it over.
That would be "myself and my husband" ;D Otherwise it would be like talking to myself!! Which seems to happen at times anyway!! :D
I think we're driving our spa salesman nuts!!
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My personal opinion is to list why you want to finish off the basement. If you come up with logical reasons then do the basement. What the logical reasons are is up to you.
Look at things such as how high the ceiling is, where are the waste pipes if your planning on sinks or bathroom. If you're making it living space, what do you need to pass codes.
The few basements that I have heard of being finished have never been used ... one was to have the kids play down there, well they never did, another became a finished holding area for junk.
My wife and I tossed the idea around but we decided that we will leave it alone as is except to add a wall to enclose the washer/dryer area eventually.
Being of Italian heritage and coming from New York City, I really don't want to finish off the basement, I have flashbacks of my relatives and friend's families having kitchen, bathrooms and family rooms down there and NEVER being allowed upstairs! It was like the boogie man would get you for just suggesting to use the upstairs areas - LOL (No one but a NY Italian may get this!) :D
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My personal opinion is to list why you want to finish off the basement. If you come up with logical reasons then do the basement. What the logical reasons are is up to you.
Look at things such as how high the ceiling is, where are the waste pipes if your planning on sinks or bathroom. If you're making it living space, what do you need to pass codes.
We actually have really nice plans for the basement. Nice big full bathroom, bar/entertainment area, tray ceiling, possibly half logs to give it the lodge type feel, etc. Nice area to retreat to. Our last house was about 150 sq ft bigger than our new one and had both living and family room. So we're missing that extra space.
We've already checked into the codes and all and we had a contractor friend of ours draw up the plans and he is willing to do it all himself or to teach us how to do some of the stuff if we want to learn...and we do!!
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Do the basement,come down see me get 12 mos. same as cash,(no payments no interest) on a hottub.You will be all set! :D ;)
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Thanks Spaman, but I can't see how we'd get the spa home from CO
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How's this for a possible solution??!! We might be able to have our cake AND eat it, too!!!
Sounds like my hubby called the Arctic salesman that we've been dealing with today and told him our dilemma and the fact that with the tub and sound system set up that we were looking at we were a few thousand over the budget limit that we originally set aside for the tub. He told my hubby that if we still want to go for a tub he would look into what he could do for us for price w/o the audio system and said when we decided we were ready for the sound system he would come out and intall it whenever we wanted for the same price that he quoted us originally...which was $1,200 less than what their sound system shows retail for!!!
Now, if we do it this way that would put us back into our budget line to be able to do the basement and the hot tub!!! YAHOO!!! (If all works out) I have to admit I really hate the thought of giving up the sound system...hubby doesn't mind either way, I'm the one who HAD to have it! But I can live without it for now and we could still get the Summit Ultra like we were looking at.
GEEZ, more to think about!!! The salesman at ARCTIC has been really really nice!! Not pushy at all like some of them can be, and he respected the fact that we were trying to keep our heads on our shoulders and not do something we might not be totally comfortable with.
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listen, I bought an arctic tubs as well, but lets face the facts, the sound system with the arctic is just to much money. It is a 3500can upgrade here. That is nuts. I went to my local electronics shop and got a really nice pair of outdoor speakers and ran the wire to my home stereo for 250can total parts. it sounds way nicer then a little marine stereo hooked up to transducers in a tub. So what if you cant feel the base in your back, just one more thing to go wrong with a tub.
As much as I love the arctic spas they must come down and enter the real world with these stereos.
As for your basement. My wife and I have gone the other way. Outside first. My little guy is just turning two and no plans for a second yet. We have a big enough house right now 2300sqft without basement.
The nice thing is, when I finish my basement, I can soak in my tub after all of my hard work every night.
Hope this helps, sounds like me when I was buying my tub. I had major buyers remorse and the good people on this forum told me it was normal. Two days and Spatopia....... I hope, maybe next Thursday now.
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listen, I bought an arctic tubs as well, but lets face the facts, the sound system with the arctic is just to much money. It is a 3500can upgrade here. That is nuts.
I also skipped the sound system that could go in our spa. Since the tub is indoors, I already have outdoor speakers and equipment to set something up.
I was checking into getting a waterproof universal remote control to use in the tub, the only thing I have found so far is the Crestron WPR-48, which list for $700, but has to be used with a control system starting around $2000!
But I agree with you, my system will be made up of seperates, including an EQ to taylor the speakers to the spa room.
To GCLOUD911
I say go for the basement first, then use the addition's added equity to refinance or second a loan for the tub AND maybe add a nice home theater in the basement. ;D
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As far as the stereo for a spa... my opinion is that it's a complete waste of money. Just have a look at the length of the warranty.
When I want to listen to music, I just put a boom box on the deck or play music from my pc and put the speakers outside. Installing a deticated set of outdoor speakers is another good option. The outdoor environment is hard on electronics. If the speakers are the only component outdoors, replacement/repair costs over the long term will be minimal.
I realize that dealers are not likely to agree with me on this ;D
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How many kids at home? If I had several, the family room would be higher priority. But with none, and an achy over 40 body, the hot tub would be my preference.
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We love our finished basement. If I add it all up I guess we have more money invested in the basement than the hot tub(2 pinball machines, slot machine, air hockey, pool table, electronic dart board, surround sound stereo and 32" TV vs. Hotspring Landmark)
For sound out by my spa I purchased a water resistent wireless speaker. If I want music I can plug the transmitter into my stereo and put the speaker on my spa bar. I also have a TV stand mounted to the eave of my house so if the Eagles are playing I can plug the transmitter into the TV and listen to the game through the speaker.
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Sound system: If you are counting pennies, then I don't see how a sound system even enters the deal. It's very overpriced. I've hooked up some Bose 251 outdoor speakers and the sound is exceptional. Plus, I can enjoy the music even if I am not in the hot tub.
If you are planning on staying in the house, I'd give serious thought to re-doing the basement. That's an investment that will add value to your home.
I mean, lets face it, a hot tub does not appreciate in value.
What ever you decide, it's worth taking the time and making a decision that you both can be happy with. Both a new basement and a hot tub will be with you for many years. Plus keep in mind, either project is to ehnhance your home and life. So don't let it get to be a fight, you want to be happy with what ever decision you've made and get all the enjoyment you can.
My wife and I have these sorts of discussions all the time. We are still fixing up our home and we have a prioritized list of everything we'd like to get done. We both agreeded to the list and some things are more for her and others for me. But it's "our" list. We put aside money every week into the "house fund" and it's to be used specifically for our list.
Of course, the hot tub was more for me, (but she got windows). I think she gets a new bathroom before I get my wet bar. Geez how you give a bathroom a higher priority than a wet bar is beyond me.
Sometimes I just don't understand women. ;)
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Of course, the hot tub was more for me, (but she got windows). I think she gets a new bathroom before I get my wet bar. Geez how you give a bathroom a higher priority than a wet bar is beyond me.
Sometimes I just don't understand women. ;)
You’re going to need somewhere to pee after hanging out at the wet bar all night! ;D
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You’re going to need somewhere to pee after hanging out at the wet bar all night! ;D
Reminds me of the time several of us where at a pool bar in Antigua for several hours slamming down free beer. After about 3 hours, I looked around and realized. "You know, no one here has gotten up to use the bathroom. What's up with that?"
And we all got out of the pool bar very quickly.
:P
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"You know, no one here has gotten up to use the bathroom. What's up with that?"
...and why is the water getting warmer all of a sudden....?
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Gcloud....go with what you both want to do...if your having remorse you'd best try to think of why your having remorse. We bought a Coleman 461 paid 5700.00 for it, and I nor hubby (after sitting in the tub the first night and soaking) ever had buyers remorse! ;D God I'm so blessed with a good husband!!! The other thing is, do not be upset about the stereo on the artic hun...let me tell ya how to do this....I had hubby make me a spa room to house my darling hot tub, and I took my boom box out of the house (I wasn't using it anyways) and had 6 D batteries put in and wa laaaaaaaaaa I have sound tunage and if I feel like it...I can through in a CD too listen to :) so...don't buy into the stereo systems they have with those. Let me tell ya...Bullfrog offers Bose stereo system with their tubs, at the extra cost of 2000 that is outragous!!!!!!!
anyway hope this helps.
Backpains
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What's a basement? ??? For some reason we don't have them in Southern California. I've heard of them but have never seen one. I would go with the tub.....
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I also have a TV stand mounted to the eave of my house so if the Eagles are playing I can plug the transmitter into the TV and listen to the game through the speaker.
My hubby wants to figure out a way to watch the games also from the spa!! Our Packers play the Eagles on Nov 27th this year!!!! Will we be watching it from the newbasement or the hot tub???? :)
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FOR ALL:
At least everyone is making us laugh with their responses!!! You guys and gals are a bunch of cards!! Thanks! ;D
FOR THOSE THAT DID THEIR OWN SOUND SYSTEMS:
Isn't it hard to hear your sound systems with all the jets going and not wake up the neighbors because you have to have the volume cranked higher? We have an awesome neighborhood and don't want to start ticking off the neighbors! Yes, I know it is expensive, and the more I think about it...the more I know it probably isn't a great idea. We'll figure something out.
FOR WMCCALL:
We have an 8 1/2 year old boy and a 2 year old girl...both going on about 13!!!!
I think the basement will probably win out in the end and we may end up waiting for a year for our tub...but, it gives us extra time to gather as much information as we can, much of it we've learned on this forum in the last week!!! And to still be entertained by all of you!!! I'm now hooked on this site! ;)
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My hubby wants to figure out a way to watch the games also from the spa!! Our Packers play the Eagles on Nov 27th this year!!!! Will we be watching it from the newbasement or the hot tub???? :)
Well, I strongly recomend you be in you tub the night of Aug 26. Even though it's a pre-season game, you're going to be crying when the Pats come to town. Your hubby can blame his tears on high chlorine levels in the tub.
;)
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My hubby wants to figure out a way to watch the games also from the spa!! Our Packers play the Eagles on Nov 27th this year!!!! Will we be watching it from the newbasement or the hot tub???? :)
I'm thinking and so is hubby we need one of those flat screen plazma tvs, (they make them small) for the hot tub room....OOOO btw..it now has a name the tub room is called the TIKI room
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Our Packers play the Eagles on Nov 27th this year!!!! Will we be watching it from the newbasement or the hot tub???? :)
Tell him not to get too excited, I'm predicting Phi 31, GB 17 as the Pack head toward a 9-7 non-playoff season.
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Ok, half serous, put the tub in the new basement.
My borther in-law did this, and had decent luck. Actually had half the room glassed off to keep the humidty contained.
Another friend has his hot tub in a "den" off of the living room complete with TV mounted on one of those wall mount swivel doo hickeys.
:D
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I am expecting a victory by the Eagles in that game as well.
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We saved up to finish the basement in our house then wet tested a tub............................basement will have to wait, watching tv sorounded by concrete and washing machines is nicer anyway.
Ray
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Another friend has his hot tub in a "den" off of the living room complete with TV mounted on one of those wall mount swivel doo hickeys.
:D
Wow, sounds like a pure bachelor pad too me?!
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Is he single by chance?!
Leaving yourself wide open there aren't you? LOL :D
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Leaving yourself wide open there aren't you? LOL :D
Hold on there!!!! I wasn't looking for a date!!!!
I was only commenting on the makeup of his place (probably a separate fridge with a keg).
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Hold on there!!!! I wasn't looking for a date!!!!
I was only commenting on the makeup of his place (probably a separate fridge with a keg).
;D ;D ;D So I guess you should change your previous post from "Is he single by chance" to "Wow, sounds like a pure bachelor pad too me" ;D
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FOR THOSE THAT DID THEIR OWN SOUND SYSTEMS:
Isn't it hard to hear your sound systems with all the jets going and not wake up the neighbors because you have to have the volume cranked higher?
No. Why would it need to be cranked higher? Even before, just bringout out a boombox, you sit it next to the tub and have no problems. I think alot of salesguys who push this assume you have a boombox that's 10 feet away and your ears are next to a jet. Who does that? ???
It's all about placement of the speakers. Look at the speakers on the sundance and other manufacturers that don't use a transducer system. The speakers are located near the corners or edges of the tub, pointing "in".
Make or buy a bench that goes around 2 sides of your tub. Stick 3 outdoor marine speakers on the corners of your tub, pointing in. Enjoy. Or put them on outdoor stands. Or mount them directly to the corners of your tub with mounting brackets.
In addition to better sound, you are not vibrating your hot tub's shell with a transducer. You can also get better bass response (if you like that sort of thing) with an outdoor subwoofer. Also, with a transducer system people have complained about a seperation of frequencies. Having only heard one a few times at my hot tub dealer, I can't verify that. But these systems are *certainly* not a slam dunk.
If you wire your outside for sound, when you entertain, you can also have other speakers around your outside for general ambiance when not tubbing. There are several "speakers hidden as rocks" or "speakers hidden as planters" or even speakers mounted under a deck, which would give additional centered sound to people not in the hot tub.
But if you are not comfortable or able to do it yourself, the built-in options do give you sound at some quality, but they are far from the only way to get quality non-neighbor-annoying sound while in your tub listening to jets.
-Ed
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OK OUCH!!
I'll have to have my husband take over the Packer debate here!!!
I don't think the hot tub in the basement is going to work in our plans...we'd rather have it outside anyway. More fun to jump in it in the Winter when its outside and snowing!
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What I found, after I started using my tub, I prefer to listen to nature (or the neighbors) than having music. I have a waterproof shower cd/radio and I will take it with me, if I want any music (cd or otherwise)!
I've learned to really listen for birds, squirrels, the wind in the trees!
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What I found, after I started using my tub, I prefer to listen to nature (or the neighbors) than having music. I have a waterproof shower cd/radio and I will take it with me, if I want any music (cd or otherwise)!
I've learned to really listen for birds, squirrels, the wind in the trees!
Does this mean Lori your a natural kinda girl LOL. You go!! When hubby and I use the tub, the music is usually off cause we are listening to the sounds around us and relaxing or listen to the dogs bark at the butterfly that went by LOL
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Yes I am!! Natural is the only way to go!!!
;) ;D ;) ;D
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Yes I am!! Natural is the only way to go!!!
;) ;D ;) ;D
Ok...I'm not even touching that one lol. Anyway.......you know I got my hot tub down to 94 degrees went into it at 2pm...wow!! I love that! Oh and Lori my dearest......I'm going to the mtns (we actually have MTNS here lol) and going to camp.....in a tent.........not my beloved Coachman RV :'( Because it needs a new tire, and it takes about 100 bucks to fill it up with gas (god I hate this 2.16 cents a gallon) So we are tenting it this weekend, I got my cot ready and taking the dogs with us...should be alot of fun!
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(god I hate this 2.16 cents a gallon)
2.16 sounds nice!!! We're at 2.37 for the cheap stuff here!!!! And walking to work when it is about 19 miles round trip just isn't going to work!
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Ok, half serous, put the tub in the new basement.
My borther in-law did this, and had decent luck. Actually had half the room glassed off to keep the humidty contained.
Another friend has his hot tub in a "den" off of the living room complete with TV mounted on one of those wall mount swivel doo hickeys.
:D
come on now...... we are not all professionals here. you are going to need to go into a bit more detail, if you are going to start casually throwing around those highly technical terms... like "den", and "doo hickey".... ;) ;D
;D
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come on now...... we are not all professionals here. you are going to need to go into a bit more detail, if you are going to start casually throwing around those highly technical terms... like "den", and "doo hickey".... ;) ;D
;D
Good One! ;D
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2.16 sounds nice!!! We're at 2.37 for the cheap stuff here!!!! And walking to work when it is about 19 miles round trip just isn't going to work!
Actually I was mistaken....seems it went up to 2.23 yesterday
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Wow, sounds like a pure bachelor pad too me?!
Damn, looks like I missed all the fun on the "is he single"? thread.
Actaully he isn't. In fact he's my friends' father. He's about 70, retired and lives with his wife. Sorry. :-[
Oh, and yea, his son is married too. ;) They don't own a tub. yet....
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Strange behavior, I am sure but my husband and I have been "talking" to each other in the tub. Although we did see a racoon last night Lori, so were keeing an eye out for your friends ;D
Drewstar, I did not realize we were neighbors, well kinda (CT) Go Pats!
On the subject: If we had this hot tub when my husband and I remodeled the kitchen "ourselves" we would have been a lot happier at the end of the day.
And for the radio, I just saw a floating one rhtubs. I think.
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Strange behavior, I am sure but my husband and I have been "talking" to each other in the tub. Although we did see a racoon last night Lori, so were keeing an eye out for your friends ;D
Drewstar, I did not realize we were neighbors, well kinda (CT) Go Pats!
On the subject: If we had this hot tub when my husband and I remodeled the kitchen "ourselves" we would have been a lot happier at the end of the day.
And for the radio, I just saw a floating one rhtubs. I think.
You and yours have been talking to huh>?????? I found out my husband (now mind you we've been married going on 9 years this next sept)likes to paint...as in canvas painting!!!!!! I cannot believe IT!!
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BP,
Eewww! My idea of roughing it is the condo on the beach at South Padre Island! LOL! No tent for me! And btw, we have mountains here, in fact, we have part of the oldest mtn range in the US. We just have the tail end and they are a bit shorter than most mountains, but, since I'm shorter than most people, it works for me! ;D
Joking,
Now a racoon, that would be cool to see, but we are to far into the city for that!
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BP,
Eewww! My idea of roughing it is the condo on the beach at South Padre Island! LOL! No tent for me! And btw, we have mountains here, in fact, we have part of the oldest mtn range in the US. We just have the tail end and they are a bit shorter than most mountains, but, since I'm shorter than most people, it works for me! ;D
Joking,
Now a racoon, that would be cool to see, but we are to far into the city for that!
Oldest Moutain Ranges? Are some mountains in the us newer than others? I kinda thought they were all the same age and formed during glacier/ice age?
Curious minds want to know. Thanks.
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Mountain ranges such as the Rockies are a result of plate tectonics. The ocean floor is growing outwards (midoceanic rifts), and are hitting continents and subducting under the continents, causing the less dense continental land mass to basically push upward near coastal regions, creating mountains. Think of it as a big, but really slow collision. Geologically speaking, this occurs over many millions of years.
So yes, because there are ranges that are still actively growing, and regions that are not, there are newer and older mountain ranges.
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Thanks Fletch! I didn't get to check the board yesterday!!