[villagetinker]

OP, several of my neighbors have their own hot tubs, including us. We have never had a problem with germs, as we keep the chlorine/bromine at the proper levels, and we like the temperature a little cooler, 100 degrees during the winter, and heat OFF during the hot summer. The water typically settles at around 80 degrees during the summer, and we this to cool off! I have not been to the public pool yet (3 years). As mentioned above, even with a road to the back of our house, you probably will not notice the hot tub due to screening and plantings, and the color of the tub. As for public hot tubs, these are very small, usually 1000 gallons or less, and as mentioned, easy to harbor germs, and would probably require a separate system to keep them germ free. The other concern maybe access to these, as most you need to climb in and out.
OP, IMHO, if you want a hot tub, get your own, Spa Kingdom (441 and 466a) has an excellent selection. Plan on $15 to $20 per week maintenance, unless you do this yourself, and changing the water at least once per year.
Hope this helps.