We seriously considered a Softub from CL. My sister and BIL have had one for years and gotten a lot of use.

Some things that caused us to decline:

Installation. Where we wanted to put it we would need a dedicated circuit and a trench. We would also need some sort of pad. Our deck, built by a PO, who knows if it was built to code. The Softub filled weighs 2,700 lbs! So, that was not an option.

Privacy. Where we wanted to install it, it was viewable from the street. Gazebos and privacy fencing would add a lot to the cost.

We live in the Carolinas, and it is still probably too hot to use a hot tub. We would get our best use in the winter.

rhtubs.com has a great board with reviews and message boards.
I have an OLD tub vintage 1983. While it doesn't have a lot of jets, I still love it and use it daily. My biggest problem with new tubs is that they are programmed to not go above 104 degrees for "safety" reasons. Unfortunately, while 104 d is great so kids don't get burned, etc. (you'll need to google the reason), 104 isn't hot enough for me for those aches and pains. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, it's one of the arguments that the arthritis society has with the newer tubs.
You might look on CL or freecycle and see if you can get one cheap, I got mine at a yard sale and while I have put a new controller in it (one that is not digital and goes over 104) and a new pump in the 13 yrs I've had it, it was well worth the money I paid. I saw an article way back when that basically said "if it isn't leaking" it's fixable, although I wouldn't want to have to re-plumb a tub but changing out the controller and the pump-easy.
Another good site is spaforums.com. Do some homework and you'll be fine. Gotta go soak, it's my time of day!

I have a Beachcomber Hot Tub and love it. I have the round 321 model which is just big enough for me and hubby. I don't share. ;)

http://www.beachcomberhottubs.com/

This post was edited by dawn8b on Fri, Aug 23, 13 at 11:39

We had a Hot Springs in each of our three previous homes. The one feature we liked was that the jets did not suck in air, just recycled the hot water, so it didn't cool off while sitting in it. We also had an ozonator (I think that's what it was called), that kept it much cleaner alot longer. They are not the cheapest but certainly one of the best. The two in Colorado at high altitude were used year round for 5 years each, and our previous house here in Wisconsin got used year round for 10 years. Never a problem with any of them. We always had the bigger ones that held at least 7 people because the grandkids loved hanging out in them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hot Spring Spas