Bullfrog spas and hot tub location - comments?

[phonedave]

I'm no stranger to ABG pool care - been using TFP methods on mine for 8 seasons now. However, hot tubs are a different story. We are now starting the process of buying one.

Question 1 - We are leaning to a Bullfrog spa. I know they are pricey, but I don't mind paying if the quality is there. I like the features, but for those that own one, how have they held up? Are the worth the premium price?

Question 2 - Location. We have a patio, that is half covered by a deck that has about 9 feet of clearance from the patio to the bottom of the joists. I can put the hot tub under the deck, not under the deck, or half and half. Arguments for under the deck include keeping the hot tub and cover out of the weather (we are in NJ, not having to clear snow off of the cover, being able to use the rub in light snow or rain,. Arguments against under the deck include a lack of air circulation, having to look at the underside of a deck instead of a sky, it would also create a less than ideal traffic flow in and around the deck / patio area.

 

[Oly]

Access to GFI power, proper drainage and panel access are primary concerns. Avoid blocking high traffic walk areas. Consider location with rain and snow impact on usage and runoff from overhead structures. Stars are good.

I have no experience with Bullfrog brand.

 

[phonedave]

Access to GFI power, proper drainage and panel access are primary concerns. Avoid blocking high traffic walk areas. Consider location with rain and snow impact on usage and runoff from overhead structures. Stars are good.

I have no experience with Bullfrog brand.

Both location are right next to each other. Power, drainage, access, distance to house etc are all pretty much identical. The only real difference is under the deck or not.

OK, if under the deck, to get to one of the sheds from my backyard gate you would have to walk across the lawn instead of across the patio. Seeing as I am the only one who goes in that shed to do yard maintenance, it's hardly a high traffic area.

 

[Oly]

Is the overhead deck solid or will rain run off the structure and into your spa?

 

[phonedave]

Is the overhead deck solid or will rain run off the structure and into your spa?

It will drip, The deck is standard 5/4 decking, so 5 1/2 inches wide, with about a 1/4" gap between boards.

 

[Oly]

I would avoid that situation. Stars are good.

 

[BravoRomeo]

Soaking under the stars is magical. Even light rain or snow is fine. Potentially dirty water dripping into the tub from an overhead deck (tub covers are not perfectly waterproof), or onto people doesn’t sound great.

I have a Bullfrog A5L. Nice tub, no regrets. Added some automotive type sound insulation to the equipment access door since it is outside a bedroom.