MarylandCrabbing Posted June 28, 2014 Report Share Posted June 28, 2014 Where I live on the East coast, I seem only to find one major company selling portable spas, Hot Springs. The local rep seemed nice, not sure he gave me all the correct info (said frame was pressure treated wood). Found one other local store carrying Hibiscus (think parent company is called Alps Spas). The second company's products looks just as nice, but about a third cheaper. Can't find out much about other spa manufacturers in my area, and the only thing about Hibiscus I could find is from their company's website. Seems like Consumer's reports hasn't yet reviewed portable spas. Just looking for some direction how to buy about a 84"x84" spa. I don't want to just buy a Hot Springs because that's what everyone else has.. I like to be an informed consumer looking at the ratings of different companies and models.. We'll be first time owners. Love using them, now want one for ourselves. I'd love especially hearing from anyone owning a Hibiscus spa, Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
im45us Posted June 28, 2014 Report Share Posted June 28, 2014 I have never heard of Hibiscus but I just sent my 22 year old Hot Springs Prodigy hot tub to the dump. It was a great tub and I was going to buy another one but I think I just decided to get a Jacuzzi J-325 instead. For me the deciding factor was my wife liked it better ;-) and I liked the dealer a little better. I am not sure where on the east coast you are but I would think most of the major companies would have a dealer around 1 hour away. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted June 29, 2014 Report Share Posted June 29, 2014 Where I live on the East coast, I seem only to find one major company selling portable spas, Hot Springs. The local rep seemed nice, not sure he gave me all the correct info (said frame was pressure treated wood). Found one other local store carrying Hibiscus (think parent company is called Alps Spas). The second company's products looks just as nice, but about a third cheaper. Can't find out much about other spa manufacturers in my area, and the only thing about Hibiscus I could find is from their company's website. Seems like Consumer's reports hasn't yet reviewed portable spas. Just looking for some direction how to buy about a 84"x84" spa. I don't want to just buy a Hot Springs because that's what everyone else has.. I like to be an informed consumer looking at the ratings of different companies and models.. We'll be first time owners. Love using them, now want one for ourselves. I'd love especially hearing from anyone owning a Hibiscus spa, Thanks in advance! Relying on a manufacturers web site for honest advice on a purchase of anything is a bad idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
north_of_boston Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Duplicate .. deleted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
north_of_boston Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 MarylandCrabbing I assume you're in the Batlimore area -- but -- Let me give you SOME brand names - Caldera - Hot Springs - Arctic - Jacuzzi - Marquis - Beachcomber - Catalina those are the only ones I'll spin off the top of my head. How to buy a spa? - LOOK AT THEM. If you can wet test one, do so. - Compare features - Weigh pros and cons. Example - what's better, foam vs. insulated cabinet? Using chlorine vs. bromide vs. a self-cleaning salt water system? 220 v or 110 v? - Cost - but know that the cost of the tub itself is not the final cost. You may have site prep, electrical service build-outs, and privacy/security fencing that has to be done as well. - how many seats? Yeah it's fun to imagine parties but realistically there will only be one, or perhaps two people in it around 99 percent of the time. - Lounger or straight seating? - Jets - how many? - Indoors or outdoors? Will you use it year round? You want it on your deck? OK, how much to reinforce the deck to hold it? Finally - DEALER SUPPORT. You're going to need service -- but more importantly - GUIDANCE after the sale. Last but not least - how much are you able - or, WILLING to spend? Go to this page http://hottubandpooldirectory.com/manufacturers/hot-tub-manufacturer-list.html - this is not an endorsement but a reference listing - if you contact any of those, they should be able to identify local dealers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
north_of_boston Posted July 15, 2014 Report Share Posted July 15, 2014 http://www.hotspring.com/find-dealers-by-state/maryland http://www.arcticspas.com/contact-us/dealer-locator/dealer/baltimore-hot-tubs/ http://www.sundancespas.com/hot-tub-dealer-locator/maryland-md/hot-tubs-baltimore/ http://www.jacuzzi.com/hot-tubs/dealer-locator/maryland-md/kingsville-hot-tubs/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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