getting basement finished, Hot Tub down there, Good Idea or Bad idea

[Negativecreep0]

I am thinking about putting a hot tub down in my basement corner near the windows. You guys think this is a good idea or bad idea? I mean i have the space and all, and currently have the funds. Can you think of any reasons why I shouldnt?

[ChadTower]

Hot tubs = big tub of hot water = hella humidity

Can your house tolerate substantial increase in the basement humidity?

[Negativecreep0]

 basement is dry as a could be.... got home walk through by an inspector to check for everything when i just moved in

[carazy]

it'll get you the ladies and thats always a good thing

[ChadTower]

Dry right now, sure.  Where is it located?  My basement is dry as a bone during the winter but come summer the humidifier is cranking 24/7.

[PrizLucky]

It seems that it would be prudent to at least plan for the added humidity that is sure to come from this.. I still feel bad for that Mr4000 guy who built the 4000 gallon reef tank in his basement...

[ClubNinja]

Hot tubs are rarely worth the costs to maintain them.  Unless you have a health problem that requires one (a doctor recommended one to a cousin of mine after her back was broken in numerous places, for example), I don't think they're a good investment.

[ChadTower]

On the other hand, if your bathroom can accomodate it, a decent jacuzzi tub wouldn't be as bad a drain (ha) because it's a multiuse item.

[CCM]

An indoor hot tub is not a great idea, they're better suited outside on a deck.  I would think the humidity would definitely cause problems down the road.  I have to agree with Chad's suggestion of a jacuzzi tub.

Dry right now, sure.  Where is it located?  My basement is dry as a bone during the winter but come summer the humidifier is cranking 24/7.

wouldn't the de-humidifier be cranking in the summer?

[ChadTower]

Good catch.   That is definitely what is down there. 

[Clonedsheep]

Hot tubs are rarely worth the costs to maintain them.  Unless you have a health problem that requires one (a doctor recommended one to a cousin of mine after her back was broken in numerous places, for example), I don't think they're a good investment.

They are always giving "like new" ones away on Craigslist's all the time. Makes you wonder how much of a problem they are.

[ChadTower]

Indoors they can be a major pain in the ass, especially if you have to drain it.  Do you really want to dunk yourself in a warm bucket of water that's been sitting in your basement?

[shmokes]

Aside from all the potential problems people are talking about, hot tubs are just a lot more fun outside.  Inside they feel like a bath.  Plus, most people end up leaving the hot tub unused for long periods of time after the novelty of it wears off.  Better to let it take up space outside than in, IMO.

[ChadTower]

Unless you have privacy issues.  I would never feel comfortable hot tubbing in my yard because of the areas around it.

[DrewKaree]

Are you actually talking about a HOT TUB or a large tub with jets and whatnot like what would be in a high-end bathroom (or at least well-remodeled bathroom)? 

If you're talking about an actual HOT TUB, unless you have a cathedral ceiling in your basement (highly unlikely, if not downright stupid) you'd be a fool.

The cost of throwing a hot tub in your basement isn't what you have to figure.  You'll have to add ventilation fans, just like in your bathroom, and the probability of STILL having excess humidity will more than likely damage the wall materials and add condensation/humidity to the floor joists of the room above.  You're adding a complicated problem to something when it's clearly better-suited for outdoor use. 

Keep your HOT TUB outside, and use your warm TUB inside.

And if anyone is buying a hot tub because of its "value" and actually doing comparisons on maintenance costs, they should have never bought one in the first place.

[RayB]

Unless you have privacy issues.  I would never feel comfortable hot tubbing in my yard because of the areas around it.

Ashamed of your man titties eh?

[BobA]

A relative and an aquaintance who had them inside either got rid of the tub or moved it to the outside.  Problems with humidity and usage makes me think that outdoors is better.

[DrewKaree]

Unless you have privacy issues.  I would never feel comfortable hot tubbing in my yard because of the areas around it.

Ashamed of your man titties eh?

moobs.

He's prolly embarrassed to be seen by all the guys coming out of the asphalt thingamabob

[ChadTower]

We live on a main road and soon to have a Dunkin Donuts clone next door.  I could be Randy Orton and still have privacy issues in my backyard.