I purchased a near identical previous version of this on a whim during a ClickFrenzy sale 4+ years ago for about $400 all up. Wasn't expecting much but after using it casually for a couple of months over Summer then packing it away again for the cooler months for the last few years I've gotta say I'm very impressed! They haven't been anywhere near as cheap since but when I saw this on 'oo' earlier today I thought it was bargain-worthy… especially with their $9.95 Flat Rate Postage because these things are very big & heavy when delivered. UPDATE: Just found them on eBay from OutBaxCamping for $499 however Postage is another $75 (Brisbane) due to the size/weight so this deal is still pretty good.
Few things to note:
- Be sure to pre-purchase extra/spare filters (available on eBay) as soon as you receive your Spa as they only last a few weeks. You'll need either 2 x Twin-Packs or just a pair of the larger filters but you can confirm that with whatever filters come supplied. I bought my last batch of filters from an eBay seller in the UK and saved a fortune but I had to buy in bulk.
- Before your Spa arrives be sure to prepare a 2x2m clean, clear, flat & level position and consider purchasing some of those anti-fatigue/camping foam mats from the hardware to cover the whole area. These protect the base of the Spa plus insulates it from the ground to help keep the heat in.
- The supplied seals are OK but they can gather & leak if the fittings are overtightened (not difficult to do). While you're at the hardware store be sure to buy a handful of 3/4" flat rubber washers (used in screw-on garden hose fittings approx. 30-50c each) as these simply press into the fittings over the top of the original seals and work SO much better. 4-5 will do the trick and you'll be 100% leak-free.
- One more thing to get at the hardware store before the Spa arrives is a pack of Chlorine/Bromine tablets for the chemical floater (supplied). It takes 4-6 of the small 20mm tablets but they last for weeks & weeks so they wont cost much over time. Look for stuff for a Spa because the Pool tablets are huge and wont fit the floater.
- The built-in 2000W heater works very well even though it takes many MANY hours to heat the entire 900L of water. Don't forget, it's 2000W and as it can only heat 1-2 degrees per hour your power bill will skyrocket if you're not careful. Eg. the water from the tap will probably be about 20C but a comfy Spa temp is around the 37C mark and that could take 7-10 hours. 2000W costs around 50c per hour so that's $5 each time you want a quick warm dip in the evening and over time that will hurt your finances. If you're handy you may want to look into making your own Solar Hot Water Heater for the Spa. Do a Google search for 'DIY Solar Hot Water' and you'll be on the right track. Even better make a Thermosiphon water heater so you don't need pumps or anything!
So, to summarise I can't recommend these Spas enough but please take note of the warnings from other owners and be prepared for the pump and/or heater to die within a year or two however mine has been running beautifully for 4+ years now so I'm not sure it's that much of a concern. It's actually built very well but of course nothing lasts forever these days however I have opened the pump/heater box up and most of it looks to be modular and I've read others have replaced faulty parts with other generic alternatives without too much difficulty. Follow the instructions, look after it and I'm sure you too will get many years of enjoyment from it.
Great write up, thanks op.