Hot Tubs: Build, Buy, or Just Enjoy

Enjoy North Country nature the hot tub way

Story by Renee Blaise

Photos by Craig Hofsess

Winter is a prime time for seeing deer, foxes, birds, and these are frequent sights from one’s own hot tub. Whether a hot tub is a homemade adventure or bought from the store, they are an increasingly common form of outdoor entertainment in the North Country.  Many hot tub owners enjoy spending time watching nature with friends and family while staying comfortable out in the North Country’s sometimes harsh winter weather.

Craig Hofsess enjoys the cold winter’s wind against his face while relaxing in his hot tub.  Although the hot tub he has now was preassembled at the manufacturer, he reminiscences about his past home where he decided to make his own hot tub. For Hofsess, the idea of having a hot tub was just a dream until he saw a friend’s homemade hot tub.  It took Hofsess three months to build, and it cost him around $2,000 to make, including the pressure treated deck.

 “It would take six hours to heat the water up to temperature,” says Hofsess.  Hofsess explains the difference between his homemade tub and the store bought one. “My homemade hot tub was so quiet that I could hear the crickets and birds,” says Hofsess.  The one he has now is loud because of the motor.  Hofsess explains that the downfall of a wood heated hot tub is that you have to pre-plan when you are going to use it. The store bought one is more convenient because it is hot all the time.  

Even in the dead of winter, Dan Curilla is out spending his free time in his hot tub with his wife and two boys.  “The best time to go is when it’s snowing,” says Curilla. He explains how nice it is to be immersed in hot water while watching it snow because the sight is beautiful and relaxing.  Curilla frequently uses his hot tub to relax in the morning before work. Curilla placed his hot tub in his backyard, which is enclosed by trees on three sides, so he could enjoy nature and wildlife. “I see a lot of wildlife, deer, foxes, birds,” says Curilla. 

The smell of coffee and the sight of Mallard ducks is a common Saturday morning outside hot tub owner Randy Furnia’s home. “I enjoy seeing the wildlife,” says Furnia, who feeds the ducks from his hot tub after sipping his morning coffee. 

“Rarely do I miss a day,” says Furnia, describing how often he goes in his hot tub.  Furnia says he likes that he and his wife spend more time outside in the wintertime because of their hot tub. Furnia says, “I would probably be watching TV instead. It’s a reason to get outside in the long winter months; it’s my recreation.”

“It is very relaxing, very therapeutic for your body and mind”

Michel Hebert, a registered nurse who just built his own home, is no stranger to sore muscles.  Hebert explains the benefits of a hot tub, “it is very relaxing, very therapeutic for your body and mind.” Hebert says the increased time outdoors has enabled him to see animals like foxes, coyotes, and deer. Hebert enjoys the increase time spent outside.

Hebert describes his hot tub as “a fun place to hang out when family and friends are over.” While spending time in the North Country, one will discover that recreation comes in many different ways.

“100 percent better in the buff.”

A hot tub’s appeal goes beyond soothing sore muscles after a hard day’s work; it also provides a different way to enjoy the outdoors and wildlife. One thing that everyone agreed on is that soaking in the hot tub while enjoying the outdoors is “100 percent better in the buff.”

What relaxes you after a stressful day?