Elite By Maax Spas?

[nibbs]

Just got back from visiting a few dealers- unfortunately a bit of a bust. The local Arctic dealer no longer carries arctic, the hot point dealer carries all hot points in their other store (not making that trip today), the D1 dealer's store is closed for remodeling... but the caldera and maax store was open.

We're going to continue to shop around- and visit another D1 dealer tomorrow a bit further away, but had some good conversation with the local maax dealer. What he carries, is the Elite by Maax series though. Long of the short is we have a price on a floor model, the EP 3000, coming with delivery, stairs, cover lift, set up, start up chemicals, and a good dealer reputation for $4000. Full Maax warranty as well. We're going to hit some of the other dealers, mainly wanting to see the d1's, but just curious as anyone's thoughts on elite by maax and the quote in general. thanks all again!

[Roger]

Just got back from visiting a few dealers- unfortunately a bit of a bust. The local Arctic dealer no longer carries arctic, the hot point dealer carries all hot points in their other store (not making that trip today), the D1 dealer's store is closed for remodeling... but the caldera and maax store was open.

We're going to continue to shop around- and visit another D1 dealer tomorrow a bit further away, but had some good conversation with the local maax dealer. What he carries, is the Elite by Maax series though. Long of the short is we have a price on a floor model, the EP 3000, coming with delivery, stairs, cover lift, set up, start up chemicals, and a good dealer reputation for $4000. Full Maax warranty as well. We're going to hit some of the other dealers, mainly wanting to see the d1's, but just curious as anyone's thoughts on elite by maax and the quote in general. thanks all again!

Sounds like a great price but keep in mind this is a middle of the road tub and not a D1. I would expect the better quality, energy effeciency and longevity of the D1 to cost a bit more.

[nibbs]

Just got back from visiting a few dealers- unfortunately a bit of a bust. The local Arctic dealer no longer carries arctic, the hot point dealer carries all hot points in their other store (not making that trip today), the D1 dealer's store is closed for remodeling... but the caldera and maax store was open.

We're going to continue to shop around- and visit another D1 dealer tomorrow a bit further away, but had some good conversation with the local maax dealer. What he carries, is the Elite by Maax series though. Long of the short is we have a price on a floor model, the EP 3000, coming with delivery, stairs, cover lift, set up, start up chemicals, and a good dealer reputation for $4000. Full Maax warranty as well. We're going to hit some of the other dealers, mainly wanting to see the d1's, but just curious as anyone's thoughts on elite by maax and the quote in general. thanks all again!

Sounds like a great price but keep in mind this is a middle of the road tub and not a D1. I would expect the better quality, energy effeciency and longevity of the D1 to cost a bit more.

yeah, understanding that, and just hoping that there's a dusty 'ole d1 model sitting in a corner somewhere for us that makes us really consider spending "a bit" more... lol.

thanks for the input.

[gordholio99]

I was recently looking at both Maax's "regular" line and the "Elite Spas by Maax" line during my search for a tub. If you're a fan of the Maax concept (metal substructure, thermal rather than full foam insulation, easily accessed plumbing, etc), I'm thinking the Elite Spas series is not a bad buy. It's cheaper than the regular Maax line, yet it really isn't very different. I called the Maax head office in Arizona, and they tell me it's virtually the same thing - including the nice big 56-frame pumps and ABS pan on the bottom.

Though now that I'm thinking about it, the 3000 is a wood frame rather than metal. Whether that's a postive or a negative is up to you. The 5000 and above is a metal frame, methinks.

gord

[sbonder]

Just got back from visiting a few dealers- unfortunately a bit of a bust. The local Arctic dealer no longer carries arctic, the hot point dealer carries all hot points in their other store (not making that trip today), the D1 dealer's store is closed for remodeling... but the caldera and maax store was open.

We're going to continue to shop around- and visit another D1 dealer tomorrow a bit further away, but had some good conversation with the local maax dealer. What he carries, is the Elite by Maax series though. Long of the short is we have a price on a floor model, the EP 3000, coming with delivery, stairs, cover lift, set up, start up chemicals, and a good dealer reputation for $4000. Full Maax warranty as well. We're going to hit some of the other dealers, mainly wanting to see the d1's, but just curious as anyone's thoughts on elite by maax and the quote in general. thanks all again!

look for my thread/report from a few weeks ago. to me, the biggest deciding factor ended up being, which surprised me. The Maax dealer was great and some others in my area really just not good at all. So, some great brands were out of the running based purely on the dealer quality. I wet tested a bunch of Maax and liked the multiple pump models a lot. i felt the single pump models lacked enough power.

i am in atlanta, so the insulation debate was not as important as it might be to others. I did correspond with a few very happy Maax folks. I am replacing a 10 year old Hot Springs that has been repaired a lot. I doubt it is is typical of th ebrand, but apparently I bought the tub when they were trying some new glue and have been plagued with problems.

[Roger]

Though now that I'm thinking about it, the 3000 is a wood frame rather than metal. Whether that's a postive or a negative is up to you. The 5000 and above is a metal frame, methinks.

gord

Always the BBCue grill turns to dust sitting on the wood deck!

[nibbs]

Thanks all- much appreciated.

FYI- this model (EP 3000), maybe because it's the premier series?, has a metal frame as well. That's a really good point though- and "lifetime" warranty on it including any corrosion, so I'm liking that.

Since yesterday, another wrench has been thrown into the works... well, sorta. My parents are retiring and planning to move. They've had a 3 person Hot Springs for maybe 4 years, which now, they decided they aren't taking with them. We're now thinking that even though it isn't what we want in the end, we like the price point much better (ha ha), and we can just put our other monies aside for a year or two saving up for a little more extravagent tub. We know it'll be one of those things nagging at us every time we see the tub- just waiting to get rid of it to get the one we really would enjoy, but at the same time, looking long term, it probably could make more sense.

[ps558]

Thanks all- much appreciated.

FYI- this model (EP 3000), maybe because it's the premier series?, has a metal frame as well. That's a really good point though- and "lifetime" warranty on it including any corrosion, so I'm liking that.

Since yesterday, another wrench has been thrown into the works... well, sorta. My parents are retiring and planning to move. They've had a 3 person Hot Springs for maybe 4 years, which now, they decided they aren't taking with them. We're now thinking that even though it isn't what we want in the end, we like the price point much better (ha ha), and we can just put our other monies aside for a year or two saving up for a little more extravagent tub. We know it'll be one of those things nagging at us every time we see the tub- just waiting to get rid of it to get the one we really would enjoy, but at the same time, looking long term, it probably could make more sense.

Taking your parents spa is not a bad idea. After having it and finding out if you really like or use the spa and then decide life is to hetic right now you didn't spend thousands on a new one.

Side note I really like my MAAX Spa and the 2010 models are coming in with even better eco friendly insulation

[Roger]

Thanks all- much appreciated.

FYI- this model (EP 3000), maybe because it's the premier series?, has a metal frame as well. That's a really good point though- and "lifetime" warranty on it including any corrosion, so I'm liking that.

Since yesterday, another wrench has been thrown into the works... well, sorta. My parents are retiring and planning to move. They've had a 3 person Hot Springs for maybe 4 years, which now, they decided they aren't taking with them. We're now thinking that even though it isn't what we want in the end, we like the price point much better (ha ha), and we can just put our other monies aside for a year or two saving up for a little more extravagent tub. We know it'll be one of those things nagging at us every time we see the tub- just waiting to get rid of it to get the one we really would enjoy, but at the same time, looking long term, it probably could make more sense.

Don't kid yourself, wood framed tubs have a lifetime warranty also. Don't use wood or metal frame to sway your decision. To allot of folks wood makes way more sence (it never rusts, rivets never loosen up and rattle) And it has a higher insulating factor than steel.

I'd go for the HS 3 person also to familiarize yourself with the hot tub world.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

Don't kid yourself, wood framed tubs have a lifetime warranty also. Don't use wood or metal frame to sway your decision. To allot of folks wood makes way more sence (it never rusts, rivets never loosen up and rattle) And it has a higher insulating factor than steel.

I'd go for the HS 3 person also to familiarize yourself with the hot tub world.

I agree, a metal frame is really no better than the wood one and a free 3 yr old working spa is always a great deal plus the fact that its a good brand like Hot Spring is a bonus.

[repairit]

[

Sounds like a great price but keep in mind this is a middle of the road tub and not a D1. I would expect the better quality, energy effeciency and longevity of the D1 to cost a bit more.

Roger In your opion you feel D1 is a better product, but in my 20 years of repairing spas I would say the reverse is true.(1) D1 like hotsprings do not use fiberglass to structurally support their spas which IMO is stupid,( I've seen too may cracked D! and hot springs to see any benefit to cut cost here).(2) D1 like to try too may untest ideas, some good some really bad like their air fans in loo of a circ. pump back in the 90( really really dumb). (3)Your energy effeciency comment is total BS the lastest testing by California at ww.appliances.energy.ca.gov shows that. (4) And last from a Company finaincal point Maax beats D1 hands down they are atleast are owned by Brooksfield which came out of the finaincal mess very well, yet I here D1 has taken up building surf boards to support loss of sales.

So before you give your opinion please try to support it with some facts.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

(3)Your energy effeciency comment is total BS the lastest testing by California at ww.appliances.energy.ca.gov shows that.

So before you give your opinion please try to support it with some facts.

You just gave your opinin based on faulty information, not facts. That website information is NOT tested by California, those are self-reported energy numbers, which are therefore meaningless.

[repairit]

You just gave your opinin based on faulty information, not facts. That website information is NOT tested by California, those are self-reported energy numbers, which are therefore meaningless.

I think the California Energy commision would disagree with you there not self reported numbers but third party reporting so every manufactures on the same playing field. please check out your facts first please

[Dr. Spa]

Self reporting

[gordholio99]

Okay, I'm a total newbie here - though not nearly as much of a newbie as repairit with his two posts. But these are the type of topics that really worry those of us who are getting ready to buy a new tub. Repairit questions the very integrity of D1 (and Hot Spring) by inferring that ABS-backed shells have a much greater tendency to crack. A cracked shell? Honestly, that's potentially worse than virtually anything that could happen to a hot tub.

I've watched and posted to these boards many times over the past month, and I have respect for guys like Roger and Spatech, neither of whom seem to have an axe to grind or a manufacturer to boost. AND, they consistently take the time to advise us consumers when we ask questions. They think D1 and Hot Spring are two of the very best (if not THE best) brands you can buy, and most of my research seems to bear that out. Yet here comes a brand new poster, who in his very first post, along with a number of spelling and grammatical errors, says he has 20 years in the biz and then jumps all over D1 and at the same time builds up Maax.

Is repairit an independent tech? Does he have an agenda? Who knows. At least guys like hot_water, who also doesn't like ABS-backed shells, puts forth a real argument based on his own engineering experience and findings. As I said, I'm a newbie, but repairit, can you please do more than magically materialize from seemingly nowhere and make rather broad, sweeping claims? Are they big cracks? Repairable cracks? Cracks due to owner abuse? Whereabouts are you? Do you see more D1 tubs simply because there ARE more D1 tubs? Can we know any more about you other than what we do now (which is nothing)?

[d1dennis2009]

I've got two things to say about the claim that (repairit) makes, it is not worth the effort to respond to such baseless BS. However, I will say that I believe the D1 and HS reputations speak for themselves..! I think someone is just trying to ruffle some feathers..!

D1Dennis

D1 Tech Team (Proud member)

[spatech (the unreal one)]

I think the California Energy commision would disagree with you there not self reported numbers but third party reporting so every manufactures on the same playing field. please check out your facts first please

The CEC would not disagree. They may state that they have done some testing on their own (or done for them by a 3rd party) BUT the #s on their website are those SELF REPORTED by the manufacturers.

That may burst the bubble in the story you're telling your product (or against another based on their numbers) and hopefully some day the posted numbers will be from a 3rd party but right now you are incorrect again so please check your facts before you continue to make these untrue statements.

[d1dennis2009]

I think the California Energy commision would disagree with you there not self reported numbers but third party reporting so every manufactures on the same playing field. please check out your facts first please

The CEC would not disagree. They may state that they have done some testing on their own (or done for them by a 3rd party) BUT the #s on their website are those SELF REPORTED by the manufacturers.

That may burst the bubble in the story you're telling your product (or against another based on their numbers) and hopefully some day the posted numbers will be from a 3rd party but right now you are incorrect again so please check your facts before you continue to make these untrue statements.

I second the motion...!

[Roger]

name='repairit' date='Feb 1 2010, 10:03 AM' post='99648']

Sounds like a great price but keep in mind this is a middle of the road tub and not a D1. I would expect the better quality, energy effeciency and longevity of the D1 to cost a bit more.

Roger In your opion you feel D1 is a better product, but in my 20 years of repairing spas I would say the reverse is true.(1) D1 like hotsprings do not use fiberglass to structurally support their spas which IMO is stupid,( I've seen too may cracked D! and hot springs to see any benefit to cut cost here).(2) D1 like to try too may untest ideas, some good some really bad like their air fans in loo of a circ. pump back in the 90( really really dumb). (3)Your energy effeciency comment is total BS the lastest testing by California at ww.appliances.energy.ca.gov shows that. (4) And last from a Company finaincal point Maax beats D1 hands down they are atleast are owned by Brooksfield which came out of the finaincal mess very well, yet I here D1 has taken up building surf boards to support loss of sales.

So before you give your opinion please try to support it with some facts.

LOL....Oooook then.

Question one, how long is the warranty on the D1/HS shell versus the Maxx?

Question two, why would anyone care about something that happened back in the early 90's? That's like me saying those cowboys back in the 1800's sure didn't know what they were doing riding those rough smelly horses around, why didn't they just get a jeep?

Question three, the CEC?????? never mind....LOLOL

Building surf boards....cool, way cool!!!

[JerimiahR]

My parents are retiring and planning to move. They've had a 3 person Hot Springs for maybe 4 years, which now, they decided they aren't taking with them. We're now thinking that even though it isn't what we want in the end, we like the price point much better (ha ha), and we can just put our other monies aside for a year or two saving up for a little more extravagent tub.

If you're talking about a Hot Spring Jetsetter, I'd buy that used over the Maax (personally). So if you can get a 4 year old Hot Spring Jetsetter for free.... it'd be pretty silly to buy anything else. That Jetsetter has been my 2nd most popular model to sell for 2 years straight now. Very efficient, reliable, and a great couple's spa.

[JerimiahR]

Roger In your opion you feel D1 is a better product, but in my 20 years of repairing spas I would say the reverse is true.(1) D1 like hotsprings do not use fiberglass to structurally support their spas which IMO is stupid,( I've seen too may cracked D! and hot springs to see any benefit to cut cost here).(2) D1 like to try too may untest ideas, some good some really bad like their air fans in loo of a circ. pump back in the 90( really really dumb). (3)Your energy effeciency comment is total BS the lastest testing by California at ww.appliances.energy.ca.gov shows that. (4) And last from a Company finaincal point Maax beats D1 hands down they are atleast are owned by Brooksfield which came out of the finaincal mess very well, yet I here D1 has taken up building surf boards to support loss of sales.

So before you give your opinion please try to support it with some facts.

As far as CEC goes, those are not tested numbers. They are currently untested by the CEC. They just don't have the capability to properly test all the spas. And the extremely FEW "3rd party" tests that have been done on multiple brands at once (supposed side by side comparisons) have been totally skewed/altered anyhow.

You're talking about how folks need to check their facts before they speak, yet you're spreading rumor about D1 making surf boards based on the notion that you "here" (hear) they are. Do you have any support for that as being fact? And if so, who cares? Did you know that Pepsi also makes Fritos & Lays potato chips?

Let's not even get started on the whole fiberglass or not debate... because that's a way more complicated ball of wax.

[repairit]

I find it Fasinating that you foam filled d1 and hot springs lovers can say post after post that foam filled is soooo much more energy efficient then open cavity. yet when anybody or any report comes out that discredit that you jump up and down at how wrong it is.

Yes I Like MAAX spa and several other open cavity spas so I am bias. Thats because I live and work in a cold climate and I see frozen spas all the way from october to march

and if for what ever reason your spa leaks or stops working it is much easier to a. stop the freezing in a open cavity spa then a foam filled spa. and b. to repair freeze up damage spa onsite.

[Dr. Spa]

Did you know that Pepsi also makes Fritos & Lays potato chips?

PROOF that potato chip makers can't make a decent soda!

* D1 making surf boards, or whatever, was in a recent trade mag *

[spatech (the unreal one)]

I find it Fasinating that you foam filled d1 and hot springs lovers can say post after post that foam filled is soooo much more energy efficient then open cavity. yet when anybody or any report comes out that discredit that you jump up and down at how wrong it is.

... but no such reports exists so what is your point? At some time the CEC will be 3rd party tested and then we can talk about the results if you're still willing but until then your statement of such a report means nothing more than the people who are convinced of and sell Loch Ness Monster t-shirts.

[Dr. Spa]