susan

I agree with you, Amanda, and with Rabbit, who went out of his/her way to try to resolve the situation. As a former Office of the President Chief Complaint Person (I have no idea what my actual title was then, but I took every single complaint call in the entire company of 1500+), i know all about picking out a b.s.'er and really getting to the core of the problem. It's hard to try to help someone when they just do not want your help. Lots of people out there are just angry people in general, and when they don't get every single bell and whistle, every single free drop of water, bromine, light cover, spa switch, adapter, half the seller's pay AND a rubber ducky, they get angrier and think they'e been cheated. At that point in the 'game', I have found they usually just want to complain, complain, complain. Again, you can't help someone who doesn't want your help - BUT - you can advise the place where the person bought the spa and they, in turn, can let someone at corporate know, and corporate can (if they have a legal department) take it from there. I used to get a person who would call and leave me nasty voice mails because I wouldn't waive late fees on a mortgage that was four months in arrears. DUH! I finally referred it to legal, they found out who was making the calls, and one of our atty's wrote them a nice little letter. I never heard one peep from them again. It's hard when a customer is unhappy - but like I said, some people just don't want to be helped. In a case like that, I just let them go until they run out of all that hot air. I'm sure that potential buyers won't pay too much attention to him/her. I'm still shopping for a spa, and if I had that dealer in my area, I'd go there. And Amanda , if YOU were in my area, I would buy my spa from YOU personally. I've read your posts and you sound like the most up-front person out here, who is most interested in making the customer happy, which is exactly what the spa experience is supposed to be all about. Happy! Easy, right? Just happy! So Amanda, what kind of spas do you sell, again, and where are you? I'm in MI. Maybe I should make a road trip, haha.

Gack! Where is this guy, again? I don't want to run into him...

let's see the couch shot!

Have you been able to see the Dimension One spas in your area? They're beautiful and look like excellent spas. I'm looking for my first spa too and find all the info just overwhelming. I've watched three DVDs, looked at every brochure, just wish we could have an impartial third party here to point out the best OVERALL. From what I understand, Thermo makes a nice spa, so if someone has an idea as to why we should stay away from them, please let us know why. Personal experience, going out of business, why?

Are you in michigan? I know there's a huge show this weekend at the Gibralter Trade Center to sell spas at discount prices, the radio says. If you are in MI, it might be worth your while to check it out. (I wondered b/c of your name). Anyway, I believe they're selling at these prices to move out this years models and make room for the new stuff. Might be worth it, and as far as I know, there is no recommended number of jets, just what is comfortable for you. I believe the number of PUMPS that operate those jets is the most important question. I think you'll find that most have three pumps: two to operate the jets and one that handles the circulation in the spa. I'm a shppper at this point too, and haven't wet tested any spas, but I have done so much reading I was burned out for a few weeks. now I think I'll hit the Trade Center this weekend and see what kind of deal I can get. I hope to hear how your search goes, and best of luck! Susan

I'll chime in on this topic: I went to a local dealer to see their spas. Later that day, I looked in the paper and found a D1 spa for sale that was just what we'd looked at. It was a private sale. I went to look at the spa, the owner said it was three years old and hadn't been used that much after the first year. He said he'd paid 8500 for it. I said that I'd seen the new model in the dealer and the owner said that was where he'd purchased his spa. So,. . . wanting to check into every aspect of the spa's history, I called the dealer and asked if he thought this was a good deal. He asked the name of the guy and I gave it to him. He looked up the records and said the spa had actually been purchased 4 years ago and it was the display model, so he didn't pay what he said he had. The dealer then went on to badmouth the owner, and now I don't want either the used one from the private owner b/c he wasn't truthful about the history, price, etc. And I don't want to go back to the dealer because he badmouthed his customer! Now I'm just tired of looking and trying to figure out what's best. I've been reading all the stuff in the forum, and it just makes me more confused. I love the thought of being able to relax in a spa when I come home from my very stressful job, but the time and reasearch are crazy and I'm far more frustrated than when I began researching. At this point, I don't know if I'll get one or not!

Alex, that's great! What is the patio going to look like? What state are you in? We're going to have apatio pured too, and I can't decide what the heck I want. Other than less than 20k of course, haha. I'd appreciate any and all ideas.

That's hysterical! I'm more confused than ever, the original question was never answered, and SpaUserGuy, you need to switch to decaf! haha

I agree 100%. But that bonehead, now he's lost a potential customer and p.o.'ed a current one. That wheel may have been goin' around, but the hamster was dead! haha So tonight after work, I went to the HS dealer. The guy in the store was really nice, very well spoken, knew his stuff and is going to have a wet test for us at the end of the week. (The other guy didn't offer it. In fact, I asked him if he had any with water in them when we were there and he said "No.". That was that.) Anyway, I told him about a forum I've been hanging out on, reading people's opinions, etc., and learning all about hot tubs. He said he thinks that's a great idea to check out what the other mfrs have to say etc. No bad-mouthing, no negative body language, he asked questions and I answered as best I could. And then, he actually told me I might not need as big a spa as I thought I did! I couldn't believe my ears. He also showed me some used tubs he has for resale and said they're excellent tubs (they sure looked great) but have no warranty. That's a pretty wealthy area so I'm confident the kids come in, see the new bells and whistles and want it, and they get it. They also have a map of the area with hot tub owners' areas flag-pinned. I thought that was a great selling point, or just interesting, I guess. Now, I'm almost sold on HS. I asked about Marquis, but he said the closest competitor is D1. So much for that idea, I won't buy one! Thanks Brulan and everyone for the input, I really do appreciate it. I need to go to that wet test just to unwind. susan one other ? for you - is there a place where someone can go to find info that's from an objective third party?

What'd you think of the Hydro and Coast spas? Was the Hot Springs spa much more expensive than the others? I wish we could find that one elusive spa with all the features we want. It seems like one is good for the insulation, one is great with pumps, etc. I just know my dream spa is out there, and as soon as I plunk down my hard-earned cash for one, I'm going to find the Cinderella spa, haha. I"m curious to read what your thoughts are on the Hydro Spa. I haven't seen one here in MI. The other I wondered about is a Wyndham Spa. Has anyone heard of the company? That's funny: my boyfriend and I were saying the same thing for the past two weeks. And I just got a new Cadillac in December - my first new car ever. And I love it!

Hi Brulan, Question: I called a coleman dealer per your three faves on the forum, and was told they're made just like their coolers. Now what kind of answer was that? Nothing personal, but my Coleman cooler isn't exactly what I was thinking of when I was thinking 10k on a hot tub, I'm a little puzzled. I remember the girl telling me 'double-layer styrofoam' and 'just like the coolers' and thinking 'what???' I was, however, attracted to the price of the spas, even the loaded ones were less expensive than I figured they'd be. If you dealers out there had to pick ONE spa, for keeping out critters, for energy efficiency, for quality and value, which would it be? I'm starting to get spa overload and now I need a soak more than ever and don't have a dang tub. Help!

I have an interesting little bit to share. I've decided after losing five family members in as many years plus a couple good friends in that same time span, I've had the fight beaten out of me. I decided I want to use some of the money I got from my sister, who died at the age of 50 and had saved about 500k prior to her death for her retirement, for a hot tub/patio. I'm not in the mood anymore to barter, wheedle, whine, etc with anyone. I'm tired and I need some relaxation. Add to that the history of rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and Alzheimer's in my family and I realized I can't AFFORD the stress. A spa is a lot cheaper for me than a shrink or a funeral! haha Anyway, we went to one dealer. This guy was really nice, he's been in the biz in the same place for 27 years which to me was already a plus. We saw a couple customers come in and wait for him while he spent time with us to educate us on his spas. This took some time and the customers still waited just to talk with the guy, which was an even bigger plus to me. Now we're almost convinced that the D1 is the spa for us, and a lot of the decision is b/c of the guy and his obvious good rep with his customers. I couldn't care less what he looks like, in fact, if he's in his shorts, a t-shirt and some flip flops, I figure he can probably relate to what my desires are because he LOOKS like he came from the calm, relaxed, Beach Boy place I want to be in. So we came home and called on a couple ads in the paper for used spas. Went to look at a used D1 spa 3-4 years old last night and while it looks like a possibility, I think Id rather get a new one. Now I've just called the dealer, who, of course, is the same guy that sold that spa to the private seller and he really played down that spa. Dang it, now I'm turned off by that guy AND the private guy, b/c he said he paid 9k for it and didn't, it was a display model and he got it cheaper, and the dealer said "He said it's 3-4 yrs old which means it's probably 7-9 years old." then had to come back and apologize after looking up the records and seeing that it was in Jan '03. Now I don't want to deal with either one of them.

I'm happy you mentioned that warranty thing: are they transferrable? I heard both yes and no. (go figure!) Please advise and thanks! Susan

Nope, I think you're getting a good deal, and I'll tell you, I sat in that dry tub and talked with the dealer for over 30 minutes and was perfectly comfortable, even with no water. The jets are great and i love the idea of being able to adjust each one. I think I found the deal of a lifetime last night and would love any input I can get from everyone - this is a D1 3-4 yr old 5 person, 45 jets, comes with the steps and cover and lifter and the rest of hte stuff he has, asking price is $4k. He said it's in perfect shape, has two loungers, but I cna't find which model it is. Question to dealers out there on a D1: how many jets are in that model, does anyone have any ideas? Any input is appreciated, plus thoughts on the price. . . thanks so much, you're saving my sanity out here! It's not easy, shopping for these things.

That service - or lack of service - it deplorable and I wouldn't just let it alone. I'd contact your equivalent of the Better Business Bureau, and you may have a law against bullying, in fact I know you do, because I lived in the UK for about a year or so. Not to change the subject, but I loved it so much I didn't even want to come home for Christmas! Anyway, I also understand your interest in trying to save a buck (or a pound) or two. Believe me, when my b'friend was working there and I was spending all his money, I came to love some things they offered that we just don't have in the US. I'd do just about anything to get my hands on a nice cold Stella Artois or some of the dinners I had there. Oh my gosh, I gained 20 pounds while I was there. It was fab, so I don't blame you for looking for a good deal, heck no, and thank you for being willing to spend it in my country! Yes, when you live in a country on a temporary work visa or such, you technically live there, and you can send items home as your personal belongings. But if you visited and won a TV in a raffle, you could send that home too, or stuff your grandma gave you, or whatever. I sent home a whole house full of stuff, including the dish soap!! (We didn't have pink grapefruit dish soap here then)