Originally Posted by
suntan
Are there low end shitty brands, and high end good brands? Yes
What do they cost in general? At least $6K. +$50/mth in electricity.
Are there big ones? Small ones? Yes.
Are there better/worse ways to keep them clean? Add chlorine at least 2X a week. Might have to adjust pH but Calgary's water is actually at the perfect pH (most are too acidic). I like to use "spa shock" as it turns bound chloramines into gas. There's other stuff but it's mostly useless. Foam remover is useful sometimes. Change water 2X year at least. Some people like bromine but I find it pointless.
Do you run electrical under the ground to them? Yes they need a dedicated circuit. A permit is required.
If you're putting one on a deck, deck must also be able to support the weight.
One of my PIL's back neighbours have a hottub, they go nude in it. I've seen the mom naked too many times.