waterboy
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Posts posted by waterboy
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What type of spa is it? How many pumps and what is the actual power of the pumps? Are the pumps 1 or 2 speed? How many amps are required to run it or what size breaker is required? We are just about to purchase a spa and are also interested in the power usage.
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We have finally wet tested all of the spas in the area. Tested were:
Cal Avalon 844L
Arctic summit legend series and klondiker signature series
Sundance Cameo and Optima
Coast Spas Helios and similar no lounge model with 55 jets
Pacific Spas Calypso loaded except for serenity package and stereo
Hotsprings Envoy
Beachcomber 750
Clearwater pebble beach loaded.
Jacuzzi 470 and 480
As noted previously I am just under 6 feet with a long torso and my wife is 5'4". Our final choices based on fit and jet positioning are:
1) Pacific spas Calypso
Pros
system 3 water purification which includes Genesis salt water UV and CD ozone
Excellent jetting, massage therapy and fit us both well
Very simple to use with one diverter and toggle air controls instead of turning knobs
Power dome foot jets and adjustable calfs/achilles jets.
Very easy to get in and out of with 3 step entrance which doubles as cool down seat
locally manufactured and good dealership
Sport package which does an excellent job of my calfs, wrists and hips
very quiet
two speed pumps
Cons
Price was more than we wanted to spend at $11,389 + taxes delivery included
No aroma therapy, lights or waterfall
no lounge
2) Sundance Cameo
Pros
Only lounge seat that fit me perfectly. Worked for the wife too.
Execellent jetting and massage therapy
Has all of the bell and whistles including aromatherapy, waterfall and lights
price was $9800 +delivery and this is only the dealers first price
Liked the dealership
Cons
Only has CD ozone which may mean more water management costs and water changes
Good filter system is expensive at $120 disposable, but we know we can use cheaper filters wash etc
not made locally
no good calf jets
tub is slightly noisier
only 1 speed pumps
As you can see from the above we liked both tubs and each tub has it benefits. It comes down to: do we want a lounge, do we want more room without a lounge, do I really need a good calf massage.
After previous answers from other discussions we know that water management is not a big deal. The system 3 system will probably save one water change per year.
We are interested in your answers on power usage, any problems encountered with the above models, why you like one of the above models and any other comments
We appreciate everyones help from this forum so far as it has helped us to arrive at our final 2 choices and not be overwhelmed by all of the different ways that spas are manufactured. As I stated before it is easier to buy a car.
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Boy did I ever muddy the water with the Genesis system comments
Any more thoughts on our hot tub selections, satisfaction with the manufacturers, any problems with the specific manufacturers and how you are enjoying your spas if it is one of our selected spas.
As many of you have stated wet test the spas and we have done that. All 4 of our selections would work for us for the actual fit.
SunDance was more economical but if I remove the Genesis systems and UV sterilization from the other tubs they are all comparable in price.
I believe the pacific and sundance offered the best massage, but the swapping of jets in the beachcomber was a neat gimmick and the Arctic definitely also gave a good massage. It is almost a toss up and after our final retests we may just go with who we thought was the best dealership and maybe whether they will offer a discount from their original quotations.
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Just a thought on salt water systems. I worked as a Structural Maintenance/Corrosion control specialist for 10 years and as a rule salt water + anything equaled corrosion eventually. My wife and I Wet tested just about every spa that you did and we decided on the Sundance Altamar. We have had our spa for 3 months now and LOVE it. The reason we picked Sundance was the filtration system, individual jet control and the wet test. Our second choice was the Arctic Klondiker the reason we did not chose Arctic was that we had the salesmen pull off the panels and turn on the jets when I saw how the piping moved each time the jets were turned on. I decided against Arctic. The mechanic in me said problems down the road with things coming loose
The genesis system is really not a "salt" water system. It is an automatic bromine generator. It may be that it is the clorine that makes the wife itchy but it might be me too
For an extra $700 it is worth a try. I have attached a link that explains the system. I am sure that others on this forum could explain it in better detail and offer the pros/cons of this system.
http://www.hottubessentials.com/genesis-br...e-generator.asp.
We also liked Sundance and will be going back to wet test the Cameo before making a final decison.
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Thanks to everyone for their comments so far. The reason that we are looking at the salt water system is the wife found that her skin was not irritated or itchy at all when soaking in tubs with this system. We spent about 30 minutes in the Calypso. She has more sensitive skin and spas have always made her "itchy" even when all the ph levels etc were correct. She also liked the lack of smell
The wife liked the Calypso but as she said "the hot water is good enough for me". She is not as interested in the hydrotherapy as I am. That being said she enjoyed the lounger in the Arctic Klondiker and the foot dome and therapy seat in the Calypso. She fit perfectly in every spa we tried. I was the one having trouble finding a spa that fit me perfectly.
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We began our search for the best spa as per the attached thread and appreciate everyones help so far
http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.ph...9&hl=advice
We have finally wet tested all of the spas in the area except for the Cal Avalon 844L which we will test this friday night. Tested were:
Arctic summit legend series and klondiker signature series
Sundance Cameo and Optima
Coast Spas Helios and similar no lounge model with 55 jets
Pacific Spas Calypso loaded except for serenity package and stereo
Hotsprings Envoy
Beachcomber 750
Clearwater pebble beach loaded.
Jacuzzi 470 and 480
As noted previously I am just under 6 feet with a long torso and my wife is 5'4"
Our final choices are in order of preference
1) Pacific spas Calypso
Pros
system 3 water purification which includes Genesis salt water UV and CD ozone
Execellent jetting, massage therapy and fit us both well
Very simple to use with one diverter and toggle air controls instead of turning knobs
Power dome foot jets and adjustable calfs/achilles jets.
Very easy to get in and out of with 3 step entrance which doubles as cool down seat
locally manufactured and good dealership
Cons
Price was more than we wanted to spend at $11,389 + taxes delivery included
No aroma therapy, lights or waterfall
2) Sundance Cameo
Pros
Only lounge seat that fit me perfectly. Worked for the wife too.
Execellent jetting and massage therapy
Had all of the bell and whistles including aromatherapy, waterfall and lights
price was $9800 +delivery and this was only the dealers first price
Liked the dealership
Cons
Only has CD ozone which may mean more water management
Good filter system is expensive but can use cheaper filters wash etc
not made locally
no genesis system
3) Arctic Klondiker signature
pros
Salt water and ozone system
Double lounger that fit both of us
Locally made and good dealership
Good massage therapy
Seems to be the best in energy efficiency
Cons
positioning and type of jets on Sundance and pacific offer slightly better hydrotherapy
noisier than the other tubs
Price is more than we want to spend at approx $11500 + delivery with Ozone, forever floor cover lifter, salt system, better cabinet and some extra jets for shoulder and back.
4) Beachcomber 750
Pros
Great seating configuration with 2 seats that can double as loungers
removable jets that can be swapped back and forth for change in type of massage at each seat
30 day no charge jet change deal
Free filter and water testing for life and dealer is closest to us.
Uv and ozone included
Seats fit us both well
Protec equipment system under steps and full insulation for better energy efficiency
cons
Massage was better on Pacific and Calypso
More expensive at $11400 + delivery
no salt water system
We will be going back to retest the sundance and beachcomber just to make sure that the Pacific is worth the extra expense and/or is better.
As an addition to the above Jacuzzi dealer called tonight and may offer us a good deal on a j365 which fits me. We will still have to wet test this model. We preferred the 400 series over the 300 series.
We look forward to your comments and recommendations. We really liked the feel of the genesis salt water systems on our skin after exiting the tub and the total lack of smell when in the tub. The water also seems to be very clear with the Pacific System 3 purification
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well you are officially the first person I have ever heard say that....I suppose it is a little on the gentle side, but is designed to push toxins out of the body in the same way a masseuse does at a real spa....you know, that sliding of the palm motion on your back. price still seems a little high, but who am I to say, sq footage probably isn't cheap out west...
Do not get me wrong, the motomassage is probably fine for most other people but I have a old herniated disk injury from 15 years ago and shoulder injuries from soccer when I am the keeper. As you get older keeper is not the best position to play if you want to be injury free and avoid muscle aches. I have found during our wet tests so far that the sundance offered the best deep therapy massage for my lower back and shoulders. The sundance cameo also had one single whirlpool jet that could unknot any lower back tightness.
We did not negotiate with the hot springs dealer but I got the impression that we were given the "list price".
I appreciate your comments as we want to hear informed decisions from many people and we are not looking for "yes men". If you disagree with our choice we appreciate your comments and will review them seriously.
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reading through all this I'll have to second the motion on taking a look at the grandee or the Vanguard....The Vanguard won consumer digests best buy award in '03 and is a very nice tub dollar for dollar......The pricing you are getting on the Vista seems a little high for the way our dollar has been....Unless they are carrying a lot of old stock they need too clear out first....no lounge as mentioned, but very energy efficient, though heat generated is vented out and hence wasted...I wont mention my prices, but I live in a small city and the numbers you are throwing out seem high even with a low volume
We were not big fans of the motomassage. I notice that I misquoted the vista price. It was actually 11,995
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Lets be correct on this recall issue. It is Franklin motors that is the source of the recall
not the spas themselves. You cant throw all of the blame at Coast for Franklin having faulty motors.
Here's the Article I posted on another forum Back in June
Thanks for the clarification
We will be asking for more advice once we complete the next round of wet testing. Thanks to everyone for their responses so far
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Stay away from Coast if possible. They are going through massive recalls right now. Just ask your local Coast dealer.
Please provide additional information. We are wet testing coast helios on monday and would like to ask Coast Spas some informed questions about these "recalls"
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You sound like you are asking all the right questions. You are the same heights (about) as me and my husband, and we bought a Caldera Niagra (made by Watkins, same as Hot Springs) Have you tested Caldera?
I would have bought a totally different spa if I didn't wet test. Make sure you and your wife wet test every one. It makes all the difference in the world.
This was the hardest buying decision I ever made. You are not alone in your struggle! Good luck!
There is no Caldera dealer near us. That was one of my original preferences after viewing their website. The hotspring with the moto massage was not one of our preferences after wet testing.
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A word about the Sundance Filters:
I recently purchased a Sundance Optima and have no regrets...it is a great spa. But, I had reservations about the $120 disposable filter, same as you do. If you shop around, you can find this filter for slightly less than $100. Still, too pricey for something that you are going to throw away in 6 months, IMHO.
Through some research, I have found out you can use the older version of their filters instead...these are washable/reusable filters. Shop around and you can find them for around $60. Sundance says this filter is good for 2 years. I have heard of folks getting up to 5 years with proper care.
Sundance Filter Item #'s:
$120 Throw Away Filter -- Item # 6540-507
$60 Washable/Resuable Filter -- Item # 6540-488
The only difference between this 2 filters is the filter material...the dimensions and hook-up/connections are identical.
Search the internet and compare for yourself before dismissing Sundance just becuase of the filter.
Thanks for the info. Sundance is definately on our short list and cheaper filters are a plus in the sundance column
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thanks for your comments D.P. Roberts, B0Darc, spatech
We will be wet testing the following this weekend and Monday
Jacuzzi 465 Dealer told me he is the same height and was sitting in it and it fit him perfectly. One was available in the showroom for a dry test and if we wanted he lived 5 minutes away and we could wet test the same model at his house. Sounds like good service at this company.
Arctic spas Kodiak and Summit
Coast Spas Helios
Pacific Spas Calypso and Oceana. Owner willing to open on Monday even though they are closed
Cal spas Avalon 844
The water management is not necessary but for $600 to $700 for UV, CD ozone or salt system it would sure make life easier. This is not the main feature we are looking for though. We can treat the water ourselves if necessary.
As to the filters we were told the cheaper Sundance filters would not do as good a job as the Good Sundance microfilters as the micron size increases dramatically. The dealer did tell us that the cheaper filters were only $25
The dealer as you have said is important to us. Three of the dealers we have met have been at their locations for over 20 years and were very helpful.
The most important to us is fit and comfort thus the wet testing as you have all suggested. Then we are looking for great hydrotherapy, good water filtration, energy efficiency and of course a good warranty that the dealer stands behind.
We are in no hurry as I will not have the pad and electrical in to April as I have to remove trees and shrubs from the area the tub is going in. Right now we are enjoying the free soaks.
We will keep you informed as the testing progresses
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Thanks for your replies Steve Q and Tom.
There is no Arteaian dealer in the area. I will let you know how the wet test with the Arctic and salt water system went.
We have also added Pacific spas to our list as they also have good looking features, salt water and UV.
Too many choices too little time
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Thanks for your replies mikesnowman, Roger and Il parrothead.
There is no Marquis or DI dealers available near us. We tried the Jacuzzi J-480 and liked the tub and jets but the pillow only came to the base of my neck. (must have a long torso ). It was also $12,500.
I made a mistake on the Arctic spa model I mentioned previously. It was the Kodiak that we looked at. We will be wet testing the Arctic Kodiak and Summit this weekend. The summit has a salt water system in it. Does anyone know abot the salt water system?
Right now the Sundance and beachcomber have had the best fit and features so far but now we have the salt water to consider. This is tougher than buying a car!
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We have started our spa search including wet testing and have partially narrowed the field as follows:
( all prices are without stereos and include ozonation) I am just under 6 feet tall and the wife is 5'4"
1) sundance cameo $9800.00 (wet tested)
Pros
the jets were great, lots of adjustments, 5 year warranty on bearingless jets
The lounge worked for both of us.
Good water filtration
Good warranty
Cons
Micro Filter is expensive to replace at $120 every 6-9 months
2) Beachcomber 750 $11400 (wet tested)
included inside optional lights, and uv system, no waterfall
Pros
We both liked the "toggle" lounge seats
Lots of room
The ability to swap the jets back and forth
outside equipment enclosure and stair
good foot massage
good water filtration
filters for life and free water testing
Cons
Warranty is not as good but may be able to negotiate
3) hot springs Vista $12,995
We did not find the jets all that powerful (unless diverting from other seats), the lounge seat was too long for me and I did not find that the moto massage worked as well as conventional jets on my back and shoulders. Fairly expensive
4) Clearwater pebble beach signature $13,550.
We wet tested this model and were both forced out of the seats. I like a strong massage and seats did not fit her right. Model is failrly expensive
Still to wet test
5)Arctic Klondiker $9495 Dry test was good
6) Cal spas avalon 844 $7995 Dry test was good and price was right.
7) Coast spas helios $8495 Dry test was good
As you can see from above we both liked the beachcomber and sundance and still have to wet test a few. Price is important but as the wife says spead over 10 years it is not that much money We are mainly interesed in a spa that fits us both, has good jets, good water filtration/cleaning and energy efficiency
Your thoughts and comments on the above selections and pricing would be appreciated. We are in british columbia canada.
Final Choice Sundance Cameo Vs Pacific Calypso
in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
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Does anyone know about Pacific spas? The quality of construction, equipment, jets etc looked and felt good. A spa dealer that we did not purchase from has just emailed us and stated
"The Pacific spas are not made like they were even three or four years ago. At the end of the day, the quality of what you purchase and the quality of its filteration will decide whether you enjoy being a spa owner or not.
The pacific will not provide you with that ease of life."
This spa dealer also recommended the sundance