Newbie "educated" Questions...

[nibbs]

After much lurking/reading/etc, I feel I have a general concept of an approach for starting to look around for our first spa. I do, however, have a few questions if anyone would wish to feel free to chirp in on/comment about, so thank you in advance.

OK- First spa, budget is a factor, but the quality of the product will out-weigh my decisions on budget. I've been to "trade shows" and have see the "online specials," and am not interested in those products. I understand the best thing for me to do is really to hit a couple dealers, ask some questions, try out some models, narrow things down, and wet test above all. So- with all that said- my questions to you all:

What suggestions would you have for important things to hear from dealers/questions to really ask/things to look out for? I know a large part will come down to the dealer price and service, but still, as a jumping off point, or more so- what are your first steps (aside from sitting in and pricing) when looking at a new spa?

I'm also not opposed to floor models, even slightly used models knowing that pricing could be a factor for myself. Suggestions with looking at used tubs?

Lastly, my local dealers carry the following brands. I know everyone has their favorites, and I'm getting the feeling that I probably "can't go wrong" with any of the following based upon what i've read so far, but feel free to "correct" my thinking... my wife likes to do it all the time!

In no particular order: Artic, Hot Springs, Maxx, Caldera, and a littler further down the road is a D1 dealer.

Lastly, having no clue of price point (aside from 6-12 thousand), which brands should I focus on knowing price is more of a factor (so if i want to take a second look, which i'm sure i will, I can hit those ones first and come back after)?

Thanks so much again in advance, and sorry for the long post, just wanted to try and give everyone as much info to try to make it a bit easier to get some myself!

[d1dennis2009]

After much lurking/reading/etc, I feel I have a general concept of an approach for starting to look around for our first spa. I do, however, have a few questions if anyone would wish to feel free to chirp in on/comment about, so thank you in advance.

OK- First spa, budget is a factor, but the quality of the product will out-weigh my decisions on budget. I've been to "trade shows" and have see the "online specials," and am not interested in those products. I understand the best thing for me to do is really to hit a couple dealers, ask some questions, try out some models, narrow things down, and wet test above all. So- with all that said- my questions to you all:

What suggestions would you have for important things to hear from dealers/questions to really ask/things to look out for? I know a large part will come down to the dealer price and service, but still, as a jumping off point, or more so- what are your first steps (aside from sitting in and pricing) when looking at a new spa?

I'm also not opposed to floor models, even slightly used models knowing that pricing could be a factor for myself. Suggestions with looking at used tubs?

Lastly, my local dealers carry the following brands. I know everyone has their favorites, and I'm getting the feeling that I probably "can't go wrong" with any of the following based upon what i've read so far, but feel free to "correct" my thinking... my wife likes to do it all the time!

In no particular order: Artic, Hot Springs, Maxx, Caldera, and a littler further down the road is a D1 dealer.

Lastly, having no clue of price point (aside from 6-12 thousand), which brands should I focus on knowing price is more of a factor (so if i want to take a second look, which i'm sure i will, I can hit those ones first and come back after)?

Thanks so much again in advance, and sorry for the long post, just wanted to try and give everyone as much info to try to make it a bit easier to get some myself!

nibbs,

Can you give some specifics that will help outline what the spa is used. Will it be for a couple, family or party..? What is important in the way of feature..? It wouuld be helpful to outline what you are looking for and than we can offer feedback.

D1dennis

[ps558]

After much lurking/reading/etc, I feel I have a general concept of an approach for starting to look around for our first spa. I do, however, have a few questions if anyone would wish to feel free to chirp in on/comment about, so thank you in advance.

OK- First spa, budget is a factor, but the quality of the product will out-weigh my decisions on budget. I've been to "trade shows" and have see the "online specials," and am not interested in those products. I understand the best thing for me to do is really to hit a couple dealers, ask some questions, try out some models, narrow things down, and wet test above all. So- with all that said- my questions to you all:

What suggestions would you have for important things to hear from dealers/questions to really ask/things to look out for? I know a large part will come down to the dealer price and service, but still, as a jumping off point, or more so- what are your first steps (aside from sitting in and pricing) when looking at a new spa?

I'm also not opposed to floor models, even slightly used models knowing that pricing could be a factor for myself. Suggestions with looking at used tubs?

Lastly, my local dealers carry the following brands. I know everyone has their favorites, and I'm getting the feeling that I probably "can't go wrong" with any of the following based upon what i've read so far, but feel free to "correct" my thinking... my wife likes to do it all the time!

In no particular order: Artic, Hot Springs, Maxx, Caldera, and a littler further down the road is a D1 dealer.

Lastly, having no clue of price point (aside from 6-12 thousand), which brands should I focus on knowing price is more of a factor (so if i want to take a second look, which i'm sure i will, I can hit those ones first and come back after)?

Thanks so much again in advance, and sorry for the long post, just wanted to try and give everyone as much info to try to make it a bit easier to get some myself!

Every dealer you list (not sure about Artic) all make smaller spas with less bells and whistlses at a cheaper price point. Most offer a 3 year warranty on these models. Maax also makes the california cooperage models which are less in cost than the Maax branded spas. Hot Spring also has other lines like Limelight and Solana brands. Caldera also makes a c series spa.

your best bet is visit some websites look at the models most will be around 4-5 grand as a starting point. See which ones you like then see if the dealers have any in stock. Even floor models should come with full warranty.

When asking for prices get a list of what is included. Don't fall for free cover all spas are shipped with covers. Ask about electric breaker panels. Hotspring and Caldera come with them as part as the spa Maax does not. will you need a electrican.

Ask what is included in delivery any extra charges, is there set up included at delivery. Ask for copies of the spa warranty and cover warranty so you can compare. DO NOT be shy about making notes while talking to sales person about how you feel, features you like etc. Most manufactures require the dealer to provide service if needed.

Spa sales are way down they will want the business don't buy right away make them call with a follow up. Wet test the models you like. Don't listen to the bad rap some sales people will give the competion. Your list of spas are all good quality products. If you have aquestion come back here and ask.

[nibbs]

d1dennis2009 (amoung others)-

sorry about that... spa will be used probably 90% of the time with 2 people... except if we have guests over. We live in CT, as far as climate goes. We could fit a 8' model, but were really looking more towards a 5 person tub lets say, with a lounger, and factoring in that it's mostly gonna be two of us, a 7 foot-ish size is more than fine and will help save a bit of electricity as well. Features we're looking for- mainly just comfort and therapy. Knowing the little I do, I think we'd definetly lean towards a model with that extra pump, and definetly variable speed pumps so more than one seat could be adjusted as to the strenght of the jets. (if that all makes sense...)

ps558 - thanks for the input, much appreciated.

[gman]

As previously suggested, it would be helpful to know how you intend to use the tub. Will it be for entertaining or is it for more for hydrotherapy or both? How many people will be using the tub on a regular basis...1, 2,...6?

If you've been doing research, you probably know this already, but... most tub manufacturers carry two or more "lines" of tubs. Like car dealers, many hot tub manufacturers have low-priced, mid-priced, and high-priced lines. With each dealer you need to know what structural components and fixture features differentiate each line. Different lines may vary not only in the number of jets, but also in the kind and quality of the components, the level of insulation, and the length of warranty.

Good luck.

gman

[d1dennis2009]

d1dennis2009 (amoung others)-

sorry about that... spa will be used probably 90% of the time with 2 people... except if we have guests over. We live in CT, as far as climate goes. We could fit a 8' model, but were really looking more towards a 5 person tub lets say, with a lounger, and factoring in that it's mostly gonna be two of us, a 7 foot-ish size is more than fine and will help save a bit of electricity as well. Features we're looking for- mainly just comfort and therapy. Knowing the little I do, I think we'd definetly lean towards a model with that extra pump, and definetly variable speed pumps so more than one seat could be adjusted as to the strenght of the jets. (if that all makes sense...)

ps558 - thanks for the input, much appreciated.

I would recommend taking a look at the Chairman or the Aurora from D1's Reflections line. These spas are both large enough for guests and for quiet therapy time with you and the significant other. Both ar dual pump and have more than enough jets to work out all the kinks and stress from the day and they have 5 yr warranties, oh my gosh do I sound like a "salesman" or what..? Seriously, both great spas. The less expensive alternative is the @home collection with a good choice being the Wayfarer or the Dream with almost bullet proof designs and 3 year warranties and they have lots of jets and are really reasonable priced. That being said I would recommend you wet test anything that you consider, and if you have any question on the D1 product or services you can shoot me an email.

http://www.d1spas.com/spas-reflections.html

http://www.d1spas.com/[email protected]

Good luck in the search...

[spatech (the unreal one)]

I'm also not opposed to floor models, even slightly used models knowing that pricing could be a factor for myself. Suggestions with looking at used tubs?

Lastly, my local dealers carry the following brands. I know everyone has their favorites, and I'm getting the feeling that I probably "can't go wrong" with any of the following based upon what i've read so far, but feel free to "correct" my thinking... my wife likes to do it all the time!

In no particular order: Artic, Hot Springs, Maxx, Caldera, and a littler further down the road is a D1 dealer.

Lastly, having no clue of price point (aside from 6-12 thousand), which brands should I focus on knowing price is more of a factor (so if i want to take a second look, which i'm sure i will, I can hit those ones first and come back after)?

You're getting good info so far.

Beside what has been said make sure the dealer is close enough to service and ask (and get in writing at time of purchase) what kind of "tip" fee they may have in place for service.

You may run into floor models available and if that's the case make sure they will have 100% of their warranty in place and ask what change there is to the new model to follow when the floor model goes away (sometimes it the new years model with no real changes but its good info to have).

It sounds like you're looking for something like a 5 person spa (a 5 person in reality is always more like a 4 person max). Tell them you are on a tight budget and see what they have, maybe they'll cut to the chase and make a better offer up front if they don't think you're ready to spend big (borrow someone's crappy looking car and drive up in that so they think you're barely getting by in life LOL).

Its all about how well the spa fits you, the deal you can get, your faith in that dealer to be there after the sale and the quality of the spa and the spa maker (you'll find specific recommendations from people who like/sell certain brands but in reality all those on your list are worth looking at).

[nibbs]

Thanks for all the friendly and helpful advice and suggestions. We're planning to head around this weekend and stop in a few places- get some ideas, and more so, get a starting point to really work from as well. Every picture looks nice online - ha ha ha.

[Roger]

Thanks for all the friendly and helpful advice and suggestions. We're planning to head around this weekend and stop in a few places- get some ideas, and more so, get a starting point to really work from as well. Every picture looks nice online - ha ha ha.

Don't listen to Dennis, look at the Nautilis from D1!!!

[d1dennis2009]

Thanks for all the friendly and helpful advice and suggestions. We're planning to head around this weekend and stop in a few places- get some ideas, and more so, get a starting point to really work from as well. Every picture looks nice online - ha ha ha.

Don't listen to Dennis, look at the Nautilis from D1!!!

Roger, your too funny..! But the Nautilus doesn't have a lounger.