[ntmad8tr]

Your heating costs all depend on where you live. Of course keeping your tub hot in Alaska is much more expensive than say southern Florida but it all depends on the quality of your tub. The better the tub, the better the insulation. Our winter weather is not extreme cold here but it is below 20 some and I keep my tub at 101 year round and yes it costs more in the winter but it really is not that bad.
Maintenance is really not that difficult either. Join a hot tub forum and you will see many posts on chemicals, upkeep etc. From which to use, Bromine or chlorine, how much, how often and many more. Plenty of answers if you have them regaurding chemicals and how to maintain your tubs and also good place to go for advice on which tubs to look for so you don't get ripped off or buy a not good quality one.
I have found the liquid bleach method to work the best for me and it is cheaper in the long run with being able to use Chlorox bleach and 20 mule team borax. Link is here.
So yeah I have owned mine for 4 years and do not regret one minute that I bought it and unlike the 1 year and no longer use it. Mine is used pretty much daily.