missswissarmy

Chas, You did say attics have a 4-12' layer of insulation. It is essential for our attics to have air circulation. If money or storage space was no object we would want that hot air pocket up there. Believe otherwise and fill it FULL of insulation. Hmm, did your mommy tell you to wear one big thick heavy coat or layers in the winter? Does a heavy blanket or a downy layer of feathers keep you warmer? And how could soaking wet foam ever be good for your hot tub components? Cuz you sure as heck can't find leaks. This is ridiculous. You obviously are selling something.

And to add to the second quote... The Gulf Coast dealer was very informed and knowledgeble. She went out of her way to explain things when other dealers had made up names for "exclusive" features. (Are ozonators in only one type of hot tub, is there REALLY only one manufacturer with a great warranty?) I understand there are master manufacturing plants making little parts for everybodies tubs and most hot tub manufacturers pick and chose which ones to buy among all the components made-- then they wrap the spa up in their own way (shell mold, method of insulation). So that means a spa manufacturer rarely has any EXCLUSIVE SECRETIVE technology. And that these difference, and the differences in warranty and service are the end all be all in the industry. So why in the world wouldn't you buy it from a hard working, honest small business owner asking much less (your warranty is still with the manufacturer). Why pay more in retail when all you are doing is feeding numerous employee salaries, big money advertising and expensive showrooms?

Jim, Now that you ask if it was Catalina I start questioning myself. The Catalina dealer said the new spas are 80% full foam? I can't tell you how old it was. Or if it was full or 80% I guess. 80% is a lot o foam. I can tell you it began with a C. And the dealer here in Kansas City has been here awhile- it's the one I remember. It was a mess though. We are really happy with the Gulf Coast spa. Have you seen them/sold them/worked on them/heard about them? I am glad to hear there are other anti-foamers.

If full foam insulation was really the better way to go our attics would be full foam. An air pocket has always been an awesome temperature regulator (thermos, double lined plastic cups). It is very efficient. I think full foam was a way to keep crappy components quiet and still and companies can 'get by' with thinner shells because the hard foam is going to support them. Thank you but I'd rather have a company that doesn't do it like everyone else did in the 70's just because that's they way it has always been done and because they can skimp with insulation. I like foam on the shell only with hoses exposed (so they can be reached EASY, and also perimeter insulation which leaves a hot air pocket in the middle. Have you ever tried to find a leak in one of those foam packed spas? Change a light bulb with out scrathing your nuckles? A Catalina dealer even told my parents (who owned a leaky Catalina) that the foam was GOOD because it absorbed all the water when it leaked. It would have been better to be able to FIND that leak. Of course they weren't there when we tried to move the water logged thing it to make room for a Gulf Coast Spa.

I'm very surprised you did so much shopping but still want to spend so much. I bought a Gulf Coast Spa. For half the price. WITH ozonator and they told me to set it up with 60 amp 6 gauge-- maybe that was to ensure no tripping the GFCI? It is rated in the same class as the ones you are looking at. My sister just did research and bought one two. I thought this website would be about owners and their tubs more but it looks like the entries are mostly written by salespeople and techs with a bias wanting your sale. Ask yourself how much of your money you want to put in the dealers pocket. Buy your spa, not your spa dealers Hummer.

My parents had an old Catalina with full foam that leaked awful. They couldn't find the leak. Because of that I bought a Gulf Coast Englewood for $4200. I looked at Hot Springs and others but they all had that full foam. The price is cheaper not because of cheaper parts but because of the wholesale vs. retail. Ding Ding Ding. The cost difference is in the dealers profit. Who do you think pays for all that national advertising-- THE CONSUMER. I love my spa so much my sister bought one and neither of us have had problems. (I had to change my light bulb but no matter.) My water is super clear because I use a clarifier from Wal-Mart (hTh brand) that whisks away the milky colored time release chalk in the chemical tabs. I can't say much about Nordic-- they weren't close to the five/five star rating that Gulf Coast has at poolandspa.com. There is a reason Gulf Coast sits with Hot Springs, Caldera and Arctic on quality. But it blows my mind that people spend 3 or 4K more for a radio and fancy lights.

I bought a Gulf Coast Spa. They have the same insulation. I bought an Englewood for $4200 after a lot of shopping. Their warranty really is lifetime (not the lessor state law). Had it for a year and love it, had to replace the white light bulb and thats when I loved how they insulated it-- easy to access but still efficient. So my sister bought one like mine. HydroSpa and Gulf Coast were manufactured side by side until recently.

Hi Keith. There is another company you should investigate- GULF COAST SPAS. Until recently HydroSpa and Gulf Coast even shared the same manufacturing plant. Gulf Coast Dealerships are wholesale companies and the owners are happy to help compare. They may also negotiate price. www.gulfcoastspas.com Compare Gulf Coasts Englewood seating 7 and holding 400 gallons which I bought for $4200 (retail near 9000). It was so much more for the money. 45 jets, 10 hp (double 5hp motors!), Microban, the ozonator to keep it clean, deeper for winter soaks, less expensive maintanence ($16/mo. average) and better warranty with lifetime on shell, plumbing, heater and five years on the rest. I could have bought the smaller one around 3700 but wanted the 10hp. My sister looked too and bought the same model in Austin, TX for the same price.