Is there still a reliable US manufacturer of these? How much maintenance goes into these things?

All I can offer you is that wife would kill for one but life got in the way even though we had a spot = raised deck near 220v 30a RV outside outlet and hose bib, plenty of drainage slope.

Designed a new house in-the-day and soon after move-in here comes the tub on rear deck & they also were "stars" in local ads trying to sell more tubs since they were well known.
Two years of bliss
Two years empty, a white elephant with wishes of it being stolen
Goodbye tub

No overt troubles on maintenance but one more thing to do for diminishing returns of pleasure.
These days one can set a timer for it to be HOT at the hour you plan to be IN it ... something they had not and one of the picky excuses to be rid of it when it just wasn't a match for their lifestyle.

Perhaps they are more of the hot tub/pool/lake/springs while on vacation sort?

My wife wants one badly. Debating on making the purchase because I'm sure we would use it a lot at first and then I can see it being an occasional luxury (kinda like the RV we bought some time back).

Anyone have any big regrets or mostly happy with the purchase?

We have had one for about seven years. It is very low maintenance with an insulated cover and sits on a covered area. We have a view and it's very relaxing especially in the winter. However, it doesn't get much use. I don't regret having it, however, probably won't replace it when it dies.

I heard from the spa store that the guts of the hot tub are the same for most hot tubs makes. The difference is the quality of the frame. Get an aluminum frame as wood of course rots.

If you get one, most doctors will write a spa prescription for muscle pain to get it for tax free.

https://americanwhirlpool.com/our-story/

We've had one for 5 years. Used it a lot the first year or so. Don't use it near as much anymore.

That said, I'm still glad we have it. It is easy to maintain and has been reliable.

It's a Calspa.

Had one for the last 30 years and would not be without it! Bought our last one in 2007 and it has been through 2 floods had only had to replace power pack one time. virtually maintenance free . I use it every night year round for about 30 minutes and then jump in the pool for a few minutes and do a quick cool down. I'm 83 and have some arthritis and joint problems but this hot tub is a lifesaver. If you decide to get one get to know a chiropractor or doctor who can write a prescription for you to get one for therapy and you can buy one and not have to pay sales tax on it because it is a medical deduction and you can claim it as a medical deduction on your income tax. You can also deduct operating costs and maintenance expenses. You might check out this deduction part of the deal because I started doing this back in 07 because my cpa said it was legal. I'm not a tax expert so ask your tax man. Best investment I've ever made!!

Great feedback and guidance. Thank you.

I have no idea. Always wanted one, never purchased one.

Just posted to say bald eagle sounds like he has life figured out.

Living in a more northern climate, probably use it more than someone in the south would. Had one in our previous house, an Arctic Tundra (made in Canada). Had a problem with the mother board within the five year warranty, replaced for free, otherwise one heater unit and all the jet nozzles were the only things replaced in 12 years. Beautiful cedar exterior, required a bit of maintenance every few years.

In a different house now, getting our next Arctic in 3 weeks, just in time for winter. Got the fiberglass exterior this time. Seems like there is a newer tech device (UV sanitizer and salt system I think) that controls the chemical levels via your phone.

Would recommend the Arctics to anyone.

One came with our house when we bought in 2020. Maintenance is easy. Much easier than the pool. Low wneough volume that if it sits to long or get weird, it's is quick and easy to drain and refill.

As others say, used it a bunch at first. Probably been in it once this year. Always mean to use it then forget or it is too much trouble. Since we don't use it all the time, I turn it down, so Spur of the moment is hard.

Have actually been kicking around the idea of getting rid of it and using the pad for outdoor cooking.....

Not exactly the same, but we have one integrated into our pool. It's fantastic. However, we don't use it as much as we used to, which seems to be a common theme.

Use mine all the time
Bought used on craigslist for 800 moved it myself

We have one, it's our second since we've been married. We use it ALOT. my sons are using this one way more than our previous purely for sports recovery.

We use ours 5-7 nights per week, there is not much better tan sitting in the tub in the snow with a bourbon.

We are in the Texas Panhandle, so we get plenty of cool weather. After a long day at work then another 5-7 hours in a tractor the tub offers fantastic relief!

most difficult problem I had with our hot tub was actually getting someone to come and take away a working hot tub offered for free.