High quality hot tubs

[bgupton]

Thinking of getting an outdoor hot tub so I can enjoy the mostly chilly evenings at my house. I've been looking at the brand Hot Springs. Any other high quality manufacturers I should be looking at with a budget in the $5-8K range?

Also, I've never owned a hot tub. What do I need to know?

Planning to get a salt water tub. Is that a good option? Any options I should avoid?

 

[BlueFox]

I have had a Coleman spa since 1994. Other than the heater element going out twice (just like an oven element), and one of the pumps went bad once, it has been trouble free. Oh, I have had to replace the cover three times since the sun destroys it, and I am too lazy to protect it. Other than that, it has been fine, and I use it virtually every night. There have been times in the winter where it has been pouring, and I am sitting in it with an umbrella.