My next hot tub.

[wmccall]

I might go a little smaller, just the two of us now, not as many parties as I thought we might have.

[Zep]

I think I would stay about the same.

CalSpas SQ-92
Seating Capacity: 5-6 Person
Dimensions: 93" x 93" x 39½"
Dry Weight: 900 lbs
Filled Weight: 4,648 lbs
Water Capacity: 450 gal

If anything larger, but most likely the same.

My next one will be in-ground.

[Chad]

I'm with Zep.
When/if  I move into a bigger house with more of a yard, I will purchase a larger tub(possibly even a swim spa) and definetly sink it into a deck. All this really depends on what new home construction does for the next 5-10 years.

[Vinny]

I voted smaller but it would depend if the smaller one had different jet configurations.

The other thing and something that might be added is "none at all".  

Depending on my future usage a tub may not be in the picture. I tend not to go in due to my wife doing homework with my youngest and I really feel guilty enjoying myself as she works to about 8:30 every night. I also don't feel sleepy as others do when I use the tub, so I am wide awake and tend not to go in late (8:30 isn't nessesarily late but I would be up to after 11).

[Zep]

WhyNot....they aren't for everyone....
but I just love the way an inground spa looks

[Chad]

WhyNot....they aren't for everyone....
but I just love the way an inground spa looks

Nice pics. 8-)
It's definetly the way to go, imo.
It actually becomes one with your property. I love it!

[Spatech_tuo]

WhyNot....they aren't for everyone....
but I just love the way an inground spa looks

I absolutely love the way they look as well. I just don't like the function you give up by sinking them all teh way in. I'm a half way man myself.

[Vinny]

Nice pics. 8-)
It's definetly the way to go, imo.
It actually becomes one with your property. I love it!

That's definately a youngin talking!

When I was 23, I knew no aches or pains ... at 47 they come and go mysteriously.

Getting that low to the ground is something that I wouldn't want to do and didn't. Crawling into a tub and then back out again is something I really wouldn't want to do now.

But to each his or her own!

[Chad]

24  

[Zep]

I know it's a personal decision....

And I am certainly not going to win many over
when I bet 98% of all acrylic tubs are above ground.
(because it's cheaper, easier to deal with, and typical)

I am 48 and don't consider myself "old" but with that said.....

An an in-ground if done correctly can actually be less
trouble-some to get in and out of for an older person.

For example my brother's in-ground in Colorado
shown below is easier to get in and out of than my above ground.



An in-ground isn't necessarily harder to get in and out of
in fact it can be easier.

After all....the closer the tub is to ground....the less distance there is to fall.

Old people get in and out pools which are no lower than in-grounds spas.
Some spas have steps in them just like pools.

Again....2EachHisOwn!

[hotubinn]

Hope you guys are lining your pockets with gold!  That would cost a fortune to repair

[Chad]

Hope you guys are lining your pockets with gold!  That would cost a fortune to repair

What do you mean?

[hotubinn]

What do you mean?

Tough access, increases time involved on repair...helps put my kids through college!

[Chad]

Tough access, increases time involved on repair...helps put my kids through college!

Oh...... I can see that being the case in some applications if one builds something and doesn't plan ahead. I hope you're not implying that I don't. Whenever I do get a new tub and move into a house that will allow me to do something like this, you can gaurantee that I'll make sure it's just as accessible as a typical installation. Plus your kids college tuition is paid by my dealer not me, I have a 5, 7, 10 warranty, with no trip fees. Nice try though.

[hotubinn]

5 years is a short time, thats about the point you start having trouble!  You don't think the manufacturer would actually set up the warranty during a period filled with problems would you?  Lots of warranties have exlusions and loopholes.  No companies that I do work for, pay me to disassemble a deck, gazebo etc...  Someone has to prepare the access...if it is the service guy, you should be paying for his time.  
Not to single you out, or imply anything as to how you would build it, but from my seat, sure it looks nice, but nothing good can come out of an install like this.  I have dealt with a number of situations recently that required removing the tub from the hole completely to repair.  One gentleman said forget it, and went out and bought a Bullfrog to try to avoid having to tear it out again for a leak ( interesting tub, hope it works out for him).  Leaks can and DO happen everyday.  It is tough to install a spa in a hole without having supports for decking around it that still leave room to remove the panels, if the panels can be removed.
I have seen many in ground type installations that look awesome, but none I would recommend to family or friends. "IMHO"