btmonroe

Spa_Guru, thanks for the information. I did not know that about the circulation pumps. I had originally thought when I started shopping, that I wanted an ozonator and then started reading about the circulation pumps and thought they would work out well together. When you say without a cleanup cycle, are you talking about programming them to filter, or something else (sorry new to spa world).

I am looking for a hot tub and originally I liked the price point and size of the rhythm out the door for 4999. However I was a little hesitant on it due to me wanting a better warranty and circulation pump. I looked at a bolt yesterday and the dealer is throwing in the ACE system this month. His price was 6100. So for 1100 more I get 3 years more warranty, a circulation pump and the ACE system. I know it is smaller, but most of the time it will just be me or me and my 2 younger daughters. I am sold on the salt water systems in pools, and see less issues in hot tubs, but I have read some negative reviews on it. The jets are not the most enjoyable part of a hot tub, it is the hot water. So number of pumps/jets is not that important. Am I missing something if I go with the bolt? Any other suggestions in that price range?

I have been looking at this. It seems really sturdy in anchored in concrete. What about the aluminum around the spa? http://www.samsclub.com/sams/royal-hardtop-gazebo/prod2360833.ip?sprodId=prod2360833 (Sorry could not post pic for some reason).

I just started looking at tub, and pretty much need to stay under 6k. Right now the front runners are the rhythm and the jacuzzi j-245. It looks that neither have a circulation pump. In my reading on the forums, it seems like that is a very effective means of filtration and warming. Is this true? If so are there any other tubs I should look at in my budget that might include a circulation pump? It also sounds like both are decent tubs, but if anyone has an issues with either that you have discovered after having the tub a while, I would love to hear about them.

Thanks for the posting. I am also looking at a Cal Cooperage 281. I really like the tub on many of the same points you noted. Also noticed how quiet it is. Even with the jets on, it is very quiet. Dealer also has a Caldera Martinique that I am looking at. I hope to wet test them both next week.

I called the local spa dealer that sold her the tub, just trying to get a feel for the tub and if they would move it. They would move it for $500, but told me I could probably do it with 3 people. It is on a slab with easy access to another slab. I was kind of surprised, the guy remember the lady and looked up the spa for me. No problems with the spa so far, and the warranty expired a couple of months ago. So at full price, it would be silly to buy it for $3k and add $500 for moving. When I can probably buy it new with free delivery and a warranty for $500 more. She can not use if health reasons any more and I guess $2500 is better than watching it waste electricty. We will see this weekend. Thanks.

I have located a Solana SX tub in my area that someone wants to sell. They have owed it less than a year and are asking $3k for it. I have a feeling, they will take less. I have been playing with the idea of a hot tub, and really looking at the smaller footprint tubs (most of the time it will be just me). A couple of questions: 1) Anyone have any experience with the Solana SX tub? Is it a decent deal? 2) Would I be able to move the tub with a trailer, or should I try and have the local spa seller (who sold it to them) to move it for me and just pay them. I originally liked the Nordic Retreat. It is a little bit larger and will hold 5 (i do have 2 kids). Can anyone compare the 2? Thanks.