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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!