ptcather

Yes. Thank you. You and "Roger" are the only ones who have been helpful. I was just hoping I could get opinions by someone who knows about the Down East. Thanks Again

Can anyone answer my orginal questions? Thanks

I'm in the process of purchasing my first spa. I've narrowed my search to either a Hot Spring, Master Spa or Down East. In my research it seems that most people love their Hot Spring Spa and I probably couldn't go wrong with one. Though it wasn't as strong as an opinion many liked their Master Spa and Down East Spas too. But, when I walked into the local Hot Springs show room I felt like I'd met the used car salesman of the year. He did a lot of trash talking of other brands and I believe at least some of it to be incorrect. (Like Master Spa shells are weak because they go around poking 70+ holes in them. Well many of the Master Spa jets are in the master blasters, so they aren't poking that many holes in their shells!) Yet, I won't rule out a Hot Spring until I've done a wet test of both companies spas. The Master Spa/Down East dealer was very friendly and informative. My neighbor who's opinion I respect bougth a spa from him a few years ago and has high respect for how the dealer does business. My main questions have to do with Master Spa vs Down East. I'm looking at the Master Spa LS750 and the Down East Cape Cod SE. 1) The impression I have is that the quality of the structure, shell, skirt, insulation, parts,etc of both is the same. Would you agree? What about the heater? Can't find any specs on the Down East heater? 2)The Down East has half the filtration for about the same size Master Spa. Is the filtration on the Down East inadequate? Or is the filtration on the Master Spa overkill? If the DE filtration is adequate, why would more be better? 3) The Master Spa (MS) has 24 hour filtration while the Down East (DE) filters automatically "when the temperture of the water drops" Is one of these systems better than the other or does it really matter that much? 4) MS has 4 pumps the DE has 3. Is 4 overkill? What should I be looking for when I test it? 5) The only other major difference I see is that on the DE I have to pay extra for the ozonator and for additional warrenty to match the warrenty on the MS. Which still gives me a spa I think I'll like for about $1500 cheaper. (of course I'll wet test before I buy) Am I missing anything important?