IL Parrothead

Yep. Look at the poor woman who bought the Keys Spa from Home Depot on another thread today. When a visitor talks about buying a J200 series Jacuzzi, a Tiger River step-down from Hot Spring, a C Series Caldera, or the lower featured tubs from any of the major players, you don't hear massive complaints about quality or service. Sure, they're giving up some of the bells and whistles, but they're still getting quality. And that manufacturer has made the buyer into a loyal customer who will most likely look at that make again when they're ready to step up into a higher end tub.

Lys, Don't beat yourself up. Since Home Depot is willing to make good on THEIR promise, and allow the refund, do it. Then go see some dealers of reputable tubs and wet test (get in filled tubs). See what feels best to you and your husband. You'll enjoy the experience so much better and will forget this debacle. (And I'm not a dealer -- just a shopper like you.)

I agree that Caldera makes a nice tub. My first impression is that you might be paying a bit much for that spa. I want to say the C45 was around that price when I was looking. My second thought is that is a pretty big tub for only one pump. Finally, I can't tell if that tub has a circ pump or not.

Rage'n, Ivie is absolutely right. I'm shocked when i hear from dealers how many people don't wet test their spas before they purchase. I just talked to my cousin, who bought an Artesian without wet testing it. He loves it, but hates a couple of the seats that he thought he'd like by just looking at the spa. And ulterior motive/soap box aside, Soakerman has to admit that Costco won't let you wet test a spa. And I highly doubt they've ever sold a Sundance Optima. Probably just a tub that "looked" like one. Regardless, listen to Ivie, and the rest of us, when we tell you that wet testing is crucial to finding the tub that "fits" you best. Then do your research. Search this forum and others to see what people have paid for that tub, taking into account your geographic area. Then negotiate. It's like buying a car. Not like buying a 5 pound jar of peanut butter from Costco.

Hey Soaker -- why don't you take a look at the new thread started about a Keys backyard spa purchased from Home Depot? Same type of product Costco has carried. Never heard of that kind of problem from the "Dealer Sold Spas".

Globitron, Did you post this question on another forum recently? I feel like I've already seen it. Anyway, Marquis, D! and Artesian (in that order) would be my personal faves. All good tubs. Wet test to close the gap for what you like!

JackVa1, Marquis is on my final list as well, but let me caution you about one thing. Sales people will try to tell you how their tub is better than others -- circulation pump versus none, and all sorts of other gimmics. I love how the Marquis feels, and I think everyone agrees they make a great tub. But seriously, if you look at the tub 8 or 10 hot tub makes, none of them is significantly cheaper to run or easier to maintain than the others. If one was, it would be selling tons more than the other. And although I think Watkings tubs (Hot Spring & Caldera) do sell the most, that's because they market a lot more and also make good tubs. HS, D1, Caldera, Marquis, Sundance, Jacuzzi and a few others are all great tubs. See what fits you the best and go from there.

You know what else, Andy? If you go up to Marquis, I know Hot Spring (and maybe one or two other brands) have stores in Crystal Lake. You might be able to get back-to-back tests done that same day. I've done that -- tested 2 or 3 makes in the same store or an hour apart. It's a great way to see what you really like.

I agree with you on the size thing. My wife and I are looking. 90% of the time, it will be just the 2 of us (although, now that friends hear that we're going to be buying one, they're all inviting themselves over). For variety of therapy, we found you need more seats. So, we're also looking at the biggest tubs. Second, everyone I know that has a tub wishes they had bought a bigger one. So, it sounds like you can't go wrong with a big tub. As for the brands, Caldera and Hot Springs are brother companies. They both make great tubs. Wet test whichever models you're interested in, and that will DEFINITELY help you make up your mind! Good luck, and keep us posted.

Bendite, as one thinking about going the Marquist route, I'm loving your electric bill findings!

Boy, soakingmama, I saw your post on about 3 different threads! That's the way to spread the word! :-)

Globitron, I live in Chicagoland too. D1 is 2 miles from my house and Marquis is up in Crystal Lake -- 45 miles from me. That dealer up there is not new to Marquis. He's been selling them a while. I took the drive up there to wet test. Marquis makes a nice tub. I'm not familiar with pricing on Mirage vs Seville, but I looked at the Epic. I personally liked it better than the D1 tubs. But you really should drive up there and test your tub. The guy there (Tony) would more than likely fill whataver tub he has on the floor that you want to look at. Mike

I'm 5'11" and seats were plenty deep, plus there's one cooldown seat. Jet strength felt great. The non-lounger deep therapy seat was real strong. Too strong for my wife at full setting. The adirondack chair (lounge) was a little bit lighter, but felt good. The Marquis (Epic) is #1 in the running for our search.

Yeah, definitely wet test the Caldera. If you like it, it's considered one of the top spas. The other 2 aren't really. And you have to wet test before you buy, to get the most enjoyment.

You definitely would want to allow the moisture out. Open the windows or a good exhaust fan.

Well, for certain you'd want someone to check out the structural integrity of your deck if you were going that route. Both sound like they're near a doorway, which is important. People can argue all day long on whether you want shielding from the elements or total ability to see the stars. That's completely subjective.

Well said, BoDarc!

Before you stir the pot more Soaker, just read all the info on this site and others on Hydro's bankruptcy plans and what it means for warranty work.

His question: "Are they competent?" We all know his deal. Why do we still bother to respond to him?

Yeah, much cheaper prices than I got in Chicago.

I'm sorry but I think 10 grand for a jacuzzi is outrages. Any tub for that matter. I spose it's relative to where you live but here you would be hard pressed to even find a tub over 9 grand and most average between 6-8 for higher end and 2-4 for lower end. I guess we are cheapo's here in Northern Minnesota and the dealers get less. I gota get out an check pricing at the local dealers again.....sigh. Here in the Chicago area, most of the high end tubs are at or slightly above $10,000, so that doesn't shock me.

Wow! I had never heard of that line of spas!

Dayyum! That's a big-arse tub!!!!! Holy cow! How much do those run?

I agree with BODarc. The reason the big box stores carry Sony, RCA & Rubbermaid is because the consumer is much better educated about TV's, camcorders and other appliances that they buy regularly. They won't buy a "MasterCam", a "Dynasty Plasma" or a Joe Blow appliance just because it's shiny and looks the same on the outside. Same for cars. People know who makes the good cars. Why do you think Toyota, Honda, (and their luxury lines Lexus & Acura) are selling the most cars? Because they're the most reliable. You think Toyotas are inexpensive? Or Lexus? Look again. And like spas, cars are not sold for the same price to everyone. They carry a MSRP -- Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price -- just like a spa. The individual dealer, feeling market pressure, can decide what to sell to you for. If a non-haggling consumer walks in and just wants to purchase at MSRP, so be it. Maybe it's not in their make-up to negotiate. That doesn't make the dealer evil. And I'm not a dealer. I negotiate for a living, but can't feel good trying to negotiate all of a dealer's profit out of a sale. He/she deserves to make a living too. I expect a fair price, and that's what I hope to pay. I am happy that the big box stores make spas available to those that wouldn't choose or couldn't afford to pay for the top names. More people in the soaking community. But let's be honest about what they're selling.

Yeah, I was gonna say you were a little low, based on my negotiations with the local Jacuzzi dealer.