Daddyoh

I think you're on the right track. See how the Jacuzzi and Caldera treat you next. After that I'd consider checking the websites of D1, Hot Spring, Marquis or Sundance to see which are in your area (use their dealer locator) in your area. I just poured a concrete pad for my Caldera Niagra scheduled for delivery Sept. 24! I too have been shopping hot tubs for about 2 months and really pretty tired of it ). I've been tempted by Gulf Coast and ThremoSpas, as well as Strong. I've have found this forum valuable and my decision was influenced by the experts here suggesting the top five or so, with Caldera being one of them. I did wet test a Jacuzzi 3 series and found it to be much less powerful and more noisy; especially with the air-sucking sound that I could hear from behind the pillow. Maybe that was unusual, I dont know. However I did wet test a Hawkeye that didnt compare to the Caldera either, and dry sat many others. Non were as comfortable-period. And the Niagra was quiet and powerful...so we're biting the bullet for the high quality choice. Beware of low cost - low quality - prorated warranties. Let us know what you choose.

Caldera Spas are indeed made in Mexico, Sticker behind the front panel says it. Not sure were the Hot Springs in made. Here is my dislikes about a Caldera. I do not like the way the panels are but together at all plastic material with plywood backing and I had to replace two of them because they were falling apart. I did notice the new ones have improved structure support. If it has a circulating pump for heat and it breaks during warranty, any sign of calcium the claim is rejected and you must pay for repair and pump Most Cladera spas only have one single speed pump and 1 double speed pump. I think the spas should 2 double speed pumps. This means if it is a single speed it is off or full pressure to the jets. If they were both double speed it would give you a option of a gentle massage no matter what seat you sit in. They still use 48 frame motors which will cost a little more to run than a 56 frame motor, not much more of electricial cost but every little bit helps. The covers sag out of the box and puddle water after rain. The filter must be kept clean or the circ pump can't get enough water to heat and gives a error message. (Not all Caldera spas use a circ pump) They run well and none of them have leaked, There tech support is not the greatest but good. Ask your dealer if his techs have working on spas for awhile and if they have been to the Caldera school. Full foamed insulation type, just a FYI They also do not use gate valves to remove pumps or heaters the spa must be drained if service is required. They are a reliable tub even made in mexico but all the promises I was made didn't materialize at the dealership side and I am dropping them, which makes this a bias opinion on them. With my other line of spas Coleman they don't sell when comparing the two, Since the Colemans are $1000 cheaper. I know am going to get blasted for this and this just my opinion Well I've been shopping for about 4 weeks now and thought I had seen most everything. However, tonight I've found a couple more brands. Before I started reading this thread, I thought Caldera, namely the Niagra, was going to get the nod. The Niagra and Geneva are the only spas we have wet tested: Solid and quiet. The only other dealers to wet test I've found are Jacuzzi and Beachcomber. But most of all, I think the pricing I've found is high. I'm in the Northern Virginia area (DC) and the Niagra (Utopia Series) is $10k. Even the C45 is $8100. I realize "you get what you pay for" but what do you folks think of this pricing? (I dont know where most of you are located) Another brand I'm looking at is Strong. Resin cabinet. Dont think it's well known. Any comments? I have also seen CalSpa (noisy), SpaCrest Vision (expensive) Hot Springs (expensive) Beachcomber (undecided, but afraid of the powerplant in the steps), Gulf Coast and a private manufacturer which is local-Malibu Spas. Is it worth looking at D1 and Masterspa or Coleman? There is no Clearwater dealer around. Thanks to all!