Okay... I technically have a "hot tub" now; well a Softub...
The ironic thing about this is I checked them out year after year at the C.N.E. along with the other hot tub vendors that would be there. At our old house the Softub 300 was the one tub that I thought could work in our tiny yard. I kept adding it to my wish list for the old house. Hardwood flooring, new appliances, new rear door... You name it and it bumped the Softub down the list.
Fast forward and we are in a home where we could accomodate any size tub we want; even if it were a swim spa. I think the success of the pool has made my wife revisit her thoughts on a hot tub. Now we have the right yard but with Covid it seems that getting anything new would be Spring 2021 at the earliest. Mike on here had a really nice convertible spa that I should have jumped on. I just should have snagged it but I was trying to sell a watch to pay for it and also I still had no update from the electrician.
So you may ask. Why have I finally bough a Softub which would have been suitable at our old place in Guelph instead of something else? Well... The electrical issue is still outstanding and frankly there is nothing we can buy in the forseeable future on the horizon that works at 40A or below. Why a used Softub? Well, even a new one is not available until April in the latest. Last time I was pricing these out at the CNE I could have gotten a 300 for sub $4000. The best price I can find on a new Softub works out to about $5500 after tax.
Did I do okay? Bit of a weird tub. New 300s for years have a seat of sorts and also a light. The one we have has neither of these. Yet, the "Hydromate" is likely newer than the tub itself because the color of brown on it is darker and it has the switch and wiring harness for the light. Now, the only model that has a light is the 300. So, I am sticking with my theory that the tub is newer than the Hydromate (combo pump/heating unit/controller) that came with it.
Cover is a bit rough on the outside. However, it is still light and the foam is not waterlogged etc. I hope to get at least one season out of it and go from there.
I could patch this for now. New Hydromate covers seem to be about $50 give or take.
Even though the Hydromate works I took it to the Softub dealer to have it tested regardless. It also needs a new GFI cable so I am having him swap that on as well.
The rest of it made it to the deck for now.
The Mrs. does not want it on the deck so this weekend will be break out the shovel etc. Going to get a load of gravel on Sunday and make a nice 8'x8' pad. I think I will use my outdoor floor from my RV for this winter. It is a modular floor that I set up whenever I camp. I will use it over the winter and then see how it goes. Next spring once the pool is up and running I could always do pavers, or the ABS hot tub floor system etc. This way if we love the tub I can always pull up the gravel for electrical down the line.
Older style screw in filter. I obviously need a new filter, and while I am at it I would like a filter sock as well. Newer units have a suction type fitting. There is a kit to update the screw in style to suction but I think I will go with the screw in style for now and see how it goes.
I also require one of these which comes with a new tub. There is exposed plumbing between the tub and Hydromate once they are together. This foam insulates this and then a piece of vinyl wraps around it and velcros.
This is how it looks when it is covered in the vinyl.
I also do not have the safety straps. You put them under the tub before you fill it. Then they attach to the cover when closed. They also come with a combination lock to keep the tub secure.
All in all I am $1200 into this. I am hoping to be between $500 and $1000 in extra expenses once I account for the new GFI, filter, Hydromate cover (maybe), safety straps, Hydromate insulating foam plus vinyl, gravel etc. In the past a good condition used Softub in running condition was a $1500 item. There have been a couple on kijjiji for the $3000 range and they disappear. Poof... Gone. I could have tried going in at $1000. I'm sure the seller was offered the old take it away from you for free. $200, $500 etc. I made what I thought was a fair offer and they took it. I think I got a fair deal and that the seller did not get shafted.
I figure I cannot really lose here. If we both end up loving this thing as much as I think we will then great we can upgrade the wiring at some point and then wait for the right used tub or just go ahead and buy a new one. If it is a bust we should be able to flip it with little to no loss (other than the water, energy use, and chemicals of course). Would I prefer a beautiful new Marquis, Beachcomber, Artesian, Hot Springs etc with a cool water feature and some LEDs? Of course. A small tub with few jets beats the snot out of no tub and no jets.
Will let you know how this goes. I feel like a hot tub version of Hoovie's Garage (you tube channel). I have bought a bit of a hooptie hot tub but I think I will be okay because I got in at a reasonable price and the pump is running.
For $1500 you can get this Softub with a leak, and a Hydromate which is discontinued and hard to get parts for.
For less you can take on this project:
So, I have rolled the dice but tried to do my research and bought a tub which while not mint by any means should be able to be turned into a decent little haven for the winter. Time will tell.
