great white

This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. North Face jackets are made in California. They are the best cold weather jackets out there. Told just like a non full foam salesman would. Wow, great theory. Except I have a full foamed Hot springs Grandee and i live in Canada. Yup, it was made in California.Arctic spa and Beachomer are fully insulated, just not with a spray in foam. Arctic uses insultated removable panels and a light foam on the shell, beachcomber uses Roxul insulation packed from skirt to shell. I mentioned them so the fine young lass in Winnipeg would look at a fully insulated tub, be it foam or by other means. I could care less where it's made. You should also read a little closer before firing off an inflammatory "one liner" response , I said they would be incurring higher running cost with a NON full foamed tub. Yup, all that sure sounds like a "non foam salesman" alright. I have also had to repair a leak in my Grandee and dealt with digging foam and replacing it. If you think it's easier and cheaper for a DIYer to locate and fix a leak in a fully foamed used tub as opposed to a non full foam...well, that speaks for itself.

LOL, screen name is Great White. Spa savant is something the forum adds. No worries. I'm not trying to upsell you, but our Grandee is huge. Simply huge. The HS warranty is 2 year "bumper to bumper" (our dealer is "top up" on that to the 5 years bumper to bumper), 5 year on leaks, and 7 years on the shell. But, they do not come cheap. You're looking at 3-4 grand more than the prices you're looking at in your post for that one. My opinion on stereo in the Hot tub is it shouldn't be a deciding factor either way. Lots of people seem to have issues with them, lots don't. To me it's just one more thing to break. At best, I would get the pop up speakers with the ability to plug in an MP3 player. I would still rather use a simple stereo i could takle in and out of the house (and that's what we do). It's just a gadget really, to make it seem like you're getting more than for your buck. In truth, a $100 portable stereo will give you better sound and you can still use it in the house, the garage, out camping, etc.... The lounger? Well, we wet tested a couple models. LIke I mentioned, pointless for us and just ate up seating space that could have been used for a few different jet massages. If we had bought hte vista (closest HS model with a lounger) we would have lost a Moto massage jet position and a rotating jet area. After testing a Grandee the missus and I knew we'd be fighting for the one motomassage in the Vista. The Grandee had two moto massage places. The Vista also did not have a cool down step and it used the lounger as the entry steps but the grandee has two very wide distinct steps inside the tub. Wet test a lounger and decide for yourself would be my best advice. A cool down area is also nice to have. It's a spot where you can sit up (mostly) out of the water. If you find youself getting overheated but not ready to get out of the tub, you pop up on the cool down step and have a rest. Without a cool down step, you have to sit on the sides of the tub or get out completely. Personally, I find this neither convient, comfortable or safe. Getting in and out is a major PITA, you can slip each time you do it, sitting on the edges is usually uncomfortable unless they are specifically designed to do this and there's also the possibility of loosing your balance and falling over backwards. The step might also be a concern for you. If hubby does have bone issues, you probably want to look for a model that has a couple easy access steps inside the tube. Steps on the outside is a nice addition from the dealer, but the stepping areas getting in to the water is equally important and that's something you can't add or change afterwards. Nothing sucks worse than trying to ease yourself into a tub that doesn't have nice wide steps or forces you to use a seating position as a step. They don't have hand rails either unless you buy an aftermarket style one that is slipped under the tub and is held in place by the tub weight. Remember it's going to be slippery underwater, at least more slippery than the outside steps. Slipping becomes a serious issue if you have pain and bone issues as a slip can reult in twisted muscles/tendons/ligaments, broken bones, or (gawd forbid and super rare occurance) drowning if you knock yourself out. It only gets harder to get in as you get older too... While you are not looking at a HS model, these are some features and items you might want to look for or consider if they are important to you. Here's something else to consider doing with such an expensive purchase on the horizon. You're starting to move up in price for something you're hoping will get some "medicinal" use. I would suggest your hubby find a local fitness place that has a hot tub area. Get a 30 day members ship and try soaking a couple times a week or so. If it does actually give him some relief, you will at least know that your money will be well spent vice spending a big wad of cash. You can go with him too and see if it gives you any comfort. The kids? Meh, they're kids. For them it's just pleasure and if you don't buy one it won't make a difference to them either way. Cheers

That's a lot to look at, so I'll just give you my general responses: 1. Skin bateria/psoriasis: See your doctor before using a Hot tub. The temperature, chemicals and immersion may not be good for you. You doctor may also recommend others not bath with you for exposure reasons. I have no idea what your particular situation is, but your doctor can give you the green light or what cautions you should/might take. 2. Used tub: If you go this route, I would suggest a non-full foamed tub. Used tub means failures/leaks are far more likley and you will not have a warranty. Even if hubby is handy, finding and fixing leaks will be much easier with an open shell. Digging out and replacing wet foam is niether easy nor inexpensive. However, you will be looking at higher running costs in the winter due to heat loss with a non full foam tub, especially in the praries (I've lived there - Brrrrrrr). Arctic Spa models are an exception, also Beachcomber to a lesser extent. Both Candian companies that build with an eye towards our "unique" climate. 3. Not coming up to temp: that tub requires repairs. Not going above 90c is a big warning sign. Could be as simple as a switch, could be as expensive as a heater or a control board. For reference, my 2010 Grandee will rocket up to it's max setting in short order if I set it there. We keep ours at around 98-100C for most of the year, maybe tip it up to 102c in the winter months. 4. Loungers: I'm not a fan. They take up a lot of space and with the jets on they usually just push me to the top of the water. Pointeless. I'm not 6'6" either though. 5. jets: I stay away from anythign that had a bazillion pin point jets. They are just painfull to me. I prefer jets that move, rotate or have a broader footprint where they inpact you skin. tiny sharpo jets might be a concern with your skin conditions. They can actually for infections in to you pores if there's anything in the water. 6. Chemicals: well, that's a bit of a crap shoot. We first used bromine (was teh "in thing" at the time) and after a couple dips I couldn't stand it. Itching, scratching, redness, etc. Wife was fine. Swapped to chlorine and everything was good. I guess my point is whatever the newest fad is doesn't really matter; you may get in and have to change it anyways. Your skin condtions may make you even more sensitive. I will say that our tub has the Ozone system and my chemical use is pretty low for sanitizer. I do belive it works for that purpose. It's been running constant for almost 5 years without fault. 7. Final, most important point: DON'T BUY ANYTHING YOU CAN'T WET TEST!!!!!!!! I can't stress that enough. We bought new, but there were several tubs we sat in dry that felt good. Once wet tested, the jets were all wrong, some postions would float us up or blow us out (IE: jets), the bumps and armrest postions all changed and we walked away disappointed. The way a tub feels dry is nothing like it does wet. It's because of the jets, your floatation, etc..... I understand budget constraints, we were lucky enough to have the good fortune to have a bit of money we didn't expect. We considered used also. I didn't like the older tech, "used tub" stigma (what the heck has been in there?) and lack of service support a used tub would have had. We ended up with a HS Grandee. It's so big, I can't imaging anyone not being able to submerse in it. it also has several different types of jets so we move from one to the other to get different "massage" effects. But it wasn't 3,000 CAD either. Heck, it wasn't even 6,000 - oh how I wish it had been that "cheap". But there's also no a lot of "economy" in spending 3-6 grand on a tub you don't like or seldom use. I wouldn't be pressured in to buying something becuase they can give you a "one time deal on the floor model tonight but not tomorrow". That is very old sales pressure tactic and it's pretty sahdy business in my opinion. If they'll give you a "discount" today, they sure as heck will give you the same deal if it's still there a month from now. If it's gone then now loss anyways. Never make a "snap decision" becasue of what a salesman says when dealing with something this expensive or this specific to a persons preferences/needs. Hope this helps and good luck in your search.

Heres the HS owners manual from 2004: http://m.hotspring.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/owners-manual/hot-spring_spas_owners_manual_2004.pdf Check pages 57 and 59 for possible problems. Cheers

You need to provide more than one fuzzy pic id you want someone to have half a chance at guessing what the brand is for you. A closeup shot of the controls, the pump cavity, any distinctive features of the skirting,any indentifying tags or serial numbers, etc. I see a few unique features in the one pic you provided, but not enough to track it down.

Not to be argumentative, but I find my 2010 Grandee headrests very comfortable with just the right amount of cushion. They don't squirm around and they "squish" as much or as little as I want. Different strokes for different folks I guess. Flimsy? maybe, they are just a foam rubber after all. However, they have stood up to nearly 5 years of constant use and are the same as the day we brought it home. That includes takeing them on and off all the time to clean and polish the shell underneath. However, you are right in that the edges are not the most comfortable place to rest. They are contoured for what I'm guessing are strength reasons. I do find the upper cool down step to be just fine though. My legs are about halfway out when sitting on it. It is very much a "one person at a time" spot though....

I would suggest you contact the dealer you bought it from and that steered you the wrong way with the crushed stone advice. They may possibly send out their crew to at least move it out of the way so the pad can be poured. They likely have the dolly and a couple guys used to moving them. Seems like a small cost to maintain customer relations to me but they may just brush you off or say the documentation is wrong or (my favorite) "only a guideline". Either way, you'll get an idea of what they'll be like if you have to have warranty work done and can prepare for them in the future. The contractor suggesting pavers is definitely one to be avoided. Does not understand what he's dealing with. Concrete and labor costs vary from region to region. With minimal work on my part, a pad only costs around 500 bucks here. I laid out he area, cleared it down and laid out the gravel bed. I also set up the forms and laid the steel. They mostly showed up, made a few adjustments and started the pour. they leveled it and I smoothed it. If you're getting a company to come in start to finish it's likley to be more expensive, given your location. If your compacted base is done properly, it wil make an excellent foundation for your pad and cut down on the labor costs for it. Of course, you've probably already paid for that so any savings is kinda moot......

Good day Steve, if I may ask a question regarding some advertizing on youtube for Hot springs: Where can I find this music to enjoy in my grandee: I have seen/heard it in nearly all the youtube Hot Springs spots and I would really like to have this music when enjoying a soak again once my tub is fixed! I can send you my email if it's not something that Hot Springs would like posted in an open forum. Cheers

Does that tub actually have an umbrella mounted in the shell or it that just sitting in there?

I may not be a hot tub expert, but I know damaged plastic when I see it. That plastic looks chemical damaged to me. Specifically, bleaching type damage which supports the oversantization suggestion above. Interesting how he "assure you my chemicals were perfect at the time this happened" and then later "I assure you my chemical were never off THAT bad", and even later on "admittedly, this tub has been sitting for a year and a half becasue I've been too PO'd". I also can't help but wonder if he was running the heater with the bad pump he's also going on about which would kill it pretty quick. And you really have to ask: why wouldn't you turn the Bromine generator off when it caused the problem in the first place? Sorry chum, your credibility score is pretty low......does the manufacturer share some responsability? Well, maybe. But they can't stand there in your backyard and turn it on and off when something goes wrong or test your chemical balance every couple days. That's your job....

2010 Hot Springs Grandee 4-5 times a week. Just me and the missus. We touch when we want and when we want our own space the Grandee has lots. We selected it to help with my messed up lower back and neck. I'm military Search and Rescue and I also use it fro "de-stressing" after seeing and doing a thing or two I'd rather not re-live. The only time we share it is if we have family over, even then it's minimal.

I had reactions to the tub water when we first got our Grandee. Rash, itching, discomfort, etc. The wife was fine so I knew it had something to do with me. We switched from bromine to chlorine and all the issues went away. It takes a bit more maintenance to use chlorine, but the tub is nice an comfy for me and the missus now....

Please take precautions when dealing with the remnants of the rat condo. The feces, urine and other leavings can carry all kind of nasty deseases. A simple dust mask will not suffice to give adequate protection. Get one of the rubber/silicone face respirators that seals to your skinand has the approriate cartidges. I would also suggest a pair of the disposable white coveralls. Gloves and goggles go without saying.... If you plan to use a shop vac, keep teh kids and others very far away from teh back yard and close the windows to the house. A shop vac will suck up the mess but it will also "aerosolize" it. Use the filter bags that go in the shop vacs. It sounds like overkill, but if you or your kids get something like hantavirus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hantavirus) and it you wil wish you had gone through the trouble.....

Old post, but now I have to go check my 2010 grandee for a usb port!

Not a lot of help, but if it's like our 2010 Grandee the remote is dependant on the control board. According to our dealer, we can by the remote for our tub because the board supports a remote. I assume lower level boards would have to be swapped out if a remote is desired. Perhaps that's where your dealer is getting "factory installed" from? I'd suggest you google whatever board number is in your spa and see if there's any info on it......