Hot Spring Jetsetter/vanguard

[DavieP]

We are considering purchasing a Hot Springs Jetsetter. Since therapy is our primary need, we are concerned that the tub is too small. Interested to here from anyone using this mode. As an option we are considering a HS Vanguard. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

[Sedro]

We've had a new Jetsetter for about 6 weeks now and are very pleased. It's a great size for 1 or 2 persons. We've never had 3 in it, but it would be tight. We bought it for hydrotherapy, primarily, as well as just relaxation, of course. We wet tested a number of Watkins brands and models (only full service dealer in our area), but in our price range (low end of Watkins), the Jetsetter felt the best. It has a very nice variety of jets. Be sure and wet test them. There are basically 4 seating positions, and each gives you nice hyromassage on a different part of the body. So you just spend a few minutes in each seat and then rotate. You can sit in the lounger on either end, and on the "foot" end you get a great lower back massage. In the various seats, you can get a really good massage on your neck, shoulders, every part of your back, and feet. Also, of all the models we tested, the JS was the only one in which you could put the diverter valve (which contols which jets get how much flow) in the middle, or "all," position and get a very satisfactory flow out of every jet at the same time. All the other tubs, even with two pumps, forced you to compromise.

We are also very pleased with the water quality. The full filtration is truly awesome, and between that and the ozonator and the silver ion cartridge, it needs very little added chemicals. We use a little chlorine or MPS every time we use it and shock about once a week with same.

We looked up the HS line at the Prodigy (similar price level) and the Sovereign ($2400 more). The Prodigy is bigger, but the Jetsetter is far superior in terms of hydrotherapy effectivness. The Sovereign is bigger and has similar hyrotherapy to the Jetsetter, but for just one or two of us at a time in the tub, we couldn't justify (or really afford) the extra cost. Plus the Jetsetter, with lower water volume, is cheaper to heat and maintain, and with it's dimensions, it is more portable, should we ever move. So we're real happy. One thing, though.... the Jetsetter is a relativelly shallow tub, and so it is really set up for using it in a reclining position. If you want a tub where you can sit more upright, and yet have water up over your shoulders, it won't work for you. I am a 6 footer.

Prior to this, we had a large 8' 1992 Cal Spas model for 17 years. The JS is far superior in every way (except for size). I am so pleased with the water quality. The old tub had one filter and there was a bypass, so you never really got very effective filtration. With the JS, there is a "Niagara" of water flowing into the filter area when the jets are on.

[Fatlip]

I too agree with everything Sedro said, my jetsetter is 2 weeks old and I get in it everyday, sometimes twice.. My body has hurt for years from the cold of cutting meat for 34 years and now I feel like im 25 again. As far as keeping the chemicals right, could not be any easier or cheaper, im am very satisfied. The room in the spa is just fine for me and my wife with alot less cost. I looked at the Vanguard also, very nice spa, it was just to big for the area on my deck, and 3400.00 more to buy, plus tax. Its all what you want, the Jetsetter fits the bill for us.

Rick

[spatech (the unreal one)]

We are considering purchasing a Hot Springs Jetsetter. Since therapy is our primary need, we are concerned that the tub is too small. Interested to here from anyone using this mode. As an option we are considering a HS Vanguard. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

If there are just two of you and you're of fairly average size then the Jetsetter will probably do fine. If there is going to be 3 or if someone is tall or for any reason you think you need more room then remember the decision you make should be made with the next dozen years in mind and maybe the Vanguard would be best (then again the Sovereign is between them size wise so maybe a compromise sized spa would be an option). In the end a dry/wet test should tell you a lot about which is the right spa for you.