Hi

We have a Jacuzzi (Hot spring spas UK model) and was wondering if anyone has shipped one to Canada. If they have did they convert it by changing pumps, etc internally or just use a transformer?

Yelkcub

Hot tubs are normally considered a fixture/fitting here and part of the property when you buy/sell, so you may find that shipping one over is unnecessary. I don't know what they cost in the UK, but prices here aren't that expensive, so IMO it's not worth the hassle trying to get compliance with local electrical regs and have to swap pumps etc.

I know that people ship jacuzzis from North America to England (the jacuzzi people told me!). They told me that they change some of the internal equipment to suit the voltage which costs @£1.5K (@CA$2.64K). When we spoke to a Technician who came to our house last month, he said just just a transformer and get the Local Authority to confirm compliance with electrical regs (@CA$75/appliance).

The Jacuzzi we have costs CA$11K in Canada new leaving a balance of @CA$8.36K. Shipping is the same cost whether we bring it or not so it appears worth going to the effort to ship it.

We have made inquiries with Canadian companies to see if they can give us a rough quote but still await a response. If anyone has any experience of doing this and could share it, it would be much appreciated.

Yelkcub

Another aspect to bear in mind is how well insulated and able to withstand Canadian winter temperatures is your hot tub? You may need a better cover to prevent heat loss (mine's 5" in depth). Just something to think about. An 8'x8' cover is from c$500 upwards.

Ours is 5" in depth already but thanks for the heads up - I will check to see how suitable it is though as it might be to a different spec! Is there anything else that comes to mind. Thanks once again.

I think the UK ones use the PAL system while in NA they use NTSC. Not sure if all the games are interchangeable.

Here's the important spec for mine, which is pretty typical I suppose:

5.5 Kw Heater
Tru-North Insulation System:
- 2lb Closed Cell Foam Insulation
- Thermal Walls
220 volt / 50 amp electrical service required to operate. You will need 6AWG wire and a 50 Amp GFCI breaker to meet code, safety and warranty requirements.

I have never played a video game using a jacuzzi to view it

Thanks I will take that up with the company who supplied our jacuzzi.

You should also bear in mind that your European hot tub probably uses metric water. You may have to get it converted to accept gallons.

The games are interchangeable but more likely to be played with someone unknown rather than a pal.

No ours accepts metric and imperial water - although it is becoming very hard to buy items in imperial units in the UK. Something to do with the European Union!

Thats good, they sell water in 4 litre jugs here.

Right now, Canadian water comes in solid lumps which can simply be cut to size.

<says Jings, currently sitting in a portacabin 150km north of Fort Mac, where it is a bone chilling -40C.>

Does it get cold in Canada then?