candice

Ahh yes, the "expert". If only there were an expert who could tell me which other expert with differing opinions was correct. If only the experts were readily available to answer my questions whenever I had one. Many thanks to this forum and the experienced members who so kindly give their opinions so that I and others may have questions answered or, at the very least, have more pertinent questions for the "expert" tradespeople .......who show up, eventually.

Roger and Dave, Thanks for your input. Yes, makes sense to discuss with concrete guy......will do! Since the pool and spa construction/installation is all being handled by the pool/spa store manager, we have little direct communication with each 'guy', but will have the opportunity to meet with him on day that they come to pour. We have the reinforcing mesh already and the electrical people are grounding everything. We had to get a separate permit for the spa, so everything is being done by the 'book'. It's a pain, but couldn't be avoided since they're poking around for the pool:-)

Hi all. Our spa has finally arrived at the dealer. The concrete pad has not been poured yet though. Dealer "thinks" concrete should cure 3-4 days since that's when they usually drill into concrete skirts around pools to install cover anchors. (They sell pools and spas). I'm concerned that it may need a longer curing time since the weight of the spa will be substantial. Anyone know BEST time frame for letting the concrete cure? Thanks in advance!

BUMP- for spa installation options. See attached pics below!

Hi. We're in process of having concrete poured for pool and spa at same time. It's tricky 'cause pool area needs slight slope but spa needs to be level. Concrete seems very expensive to me--4-600$ for 10x10. I would go another route if manufacturer allows. Try doing a search on this forum for either installation or Marquis. There were some good pics (a few months ago) of a simple ground level installation with 4x4s and stone.

Hi Psychobig. I'd love to know where you got your glass top gazebo. I've looked all over the web and can't find one! Any info will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi. My humble thoughts about two of your questions.... Be very careful with patio tile installation. Need good foundation to prevent settling. Spa must be level. Since wind is a factor, perhaps you'd want more wind blocking ability than just lattice. I'd consider installing solid fence section(s) with lattice top on one or two sides. I don't think it would cost that much more than quality free-standing screening and it would certainly last. If you have the yard space around spa, an alternative might be landscaping with evergreens. Good luck making these difficult decisions! I'm awaiting my spa installation too.

We negotiated $8250 for Marquis Reward Signature last month (including pkg. with cover lifter, chemicals, etc.) We live in NJ. I would think 9k for larger Destiny is good price, but since dealer doesn't have long distance shipping costs to you..I'm surprised it's not lower $. When we were comparing Hot Spring & Marquis pricing for comparable models, Marquis was higher but there seemed to be some room for negotiating the price. Not so with Hot Springs dealer.

Roseya, I live in NJ and just ordered a Marquis Reward Signature for $8250. No lights or stereo, but I was able to order colors I wanted. The Euphoria is a bigger tub with more jets, so I'd think the $8500 floor model is a good deal. I'm very curious about the "March Madness" sale (mentioned in previous post) and wondering if you'd do as well or better if you ordered one. Sounded like Marquis manufacturer has a discount promotion going on, but hard to tell what the real deal is and what it entails for the dealer. May have to order in quantity,etc. In any case, may be worthwhile discussing with your local dealer. I wish I had!

ivie--Thank you for the great picture! I get the idea now......and really like it! Your spa looks great. Super screened area you have!

Really wonderful pictures! The umbrella is such a great option for us too. Love it. I see your last post about base that slips under spa. I found one on-line that does that, but they said you may have to drain spa to install base under it. Hmmm. Your garden & spa area is very beautiful! Love the elevation change. Great design. I love looking at your progression pictures. Thank you so much for sharing !!

If you want to protect your spa, then understand what you might be protecting it from. 1. Constant sun can and will deteriorate the spa cover and possibly the spa exterior over time. While the spa will likely show little signs of aging in the short haul, the cover will definitely begin to age and likely need replacing within 3-4 years, UNLESS you perform good maintenance practices and keep the cover clean and treated with appropriate vinyl protectants. Just make sure the vinyl protectant you choose contains UV blocking. 2. Harsh Climates like extreme heat or cold, constant exposure to coastal moist air and constant wet ground. Depending on the tub, some are designed to handle constant exposure and some are not. 3. Privacy issues - If you have a situation where your tub is in full view of the neighbors and this discourages you from wanting to share all, then it is likely that some privacy surround would be a good idea. This can range from a minimal lattice panel on one or two sides up to a fully enclosed structure with roof, skylights, doors, etc. There are many good choices out there. When it comes to choosing, I do not recommend structures that the primary material is synthetic plastic wood. This material is suitable for spa siding or decks that are fully supporting underneath. I have seen MANY spa surrounds and enclosures made from this material that very shortly begin to sag under the weight and simply fail over time. The best materials I have seen out there are either Redwood or Mahogany. Maybe there are some better designed units out there constructed of the plastic woods, but I have yet to see anything that would impress me for longevity over plain wood. Some tub manufacturers have proprietary kits designed to fit on their tubs to create a nice enclosure without having to enlarge your deck to support the structure. good luck with your spa... Coastside--thanks for all the information. Fortunately, privacy is not an issue. As far as protection, I was thinking more of protecting myself.... from maintenance chores! Seems an overhead structure would be a good idea for both me and the spa!

Thanks! I'll internet search 'side mount umbrellas' and see what you're referring to. Not sure if I've ever seen one. Attaches to spa?

Congratulations! I didn't notice that so much time had passed since your original post. Glad you got to wet test the new Epic you were waiting for.......and it was a match for you.

Thanks! Will be happy to post pics... once received and set up. Gotta wait awhile as we just ordered on 2/15. Dealer estimates 4 weeks....but we'll see. It has to cross country, then we have to wait 'til dealer delivers and sets up. I'm hoping for end of March. Can't wait!!!!

After much debate and looking at Hot Springs, Marquis, and Leisure Bay spas, we finally ordered the '08 Reward- Signature series yesterday. Hooray! No extras except the dealer pkg. that included cover lifter, steps, chemicals, etc. We ended up paying $8250 but no 7% N.J. sales tax (long story...but same retailer installing pool for us). We liked the H.S. Sovereign (wet tested) for a little less $, but wanted to stay with this pool/spa dealer who sells the Marquis brand and Leisure Bay. We were afraid of the quality of Leisure Bay brand....and pricing was pretty high. We didn't wet test the '08 Reward, but did dry test the '07 and thought lounge was a little deep for us, so we're happy with the manufacturer changes. We've put our trust and money in the reputation and features of Marquis spas and hope to heck we'll be happy with it!!!!!!!!!

We just ordered a spa (Marquis Reward) and we need to start preparing the site. Started wondering if we should consider planning ahead for an overhead shelter of some sort. Maybe just a trellis type thing for more shade or perhaps a structure with roof (eventually!) for protection from elements (including caterpillar poop!). It would be nice to see the stars, etc. but also nice to take a soak and see/listen to the rain... but only get wet from the bottom up! Do you veteran spa owners have to clean/maintain the spa cover at all? Your ideas, thoughts, advice will be appreciated.

FYI-we just ordered a Marquis Reward '08 and they have changed the seat height in the lounge and there are some other changes as well. The lounge is NOT as deep as it was in the '07....which suits me fine as I am 5'3". I don't know about changes to other models like the Epic, but you should check! You might get a good deal on an in stock '07 Marquis Reward and it will fit you better than '08.

I called the manufacturer (In my case Marquis) and they somewhat reluctantly gave me the MSRP and said that the dealers set the price. The MSRP was MUCH higher than you should EVER pay....so it really doesn't seem very helpful to know and I doubt a set discount % would be the best deal. We did some phone calling to retailers in about a 75 mile radius of where we live and got some ball-park figures for the spa we wanted. We negotiated as best we could.....and feel we got a fair price, though perhaps not the cheapest price. We might have paid less if we'd purchased from store further away, but wanted local dealer for service, etc. Good luck!

DPR, Mark and I were chatting as he was searching. I, too, am an unbiased consumer. I wet tested HS, D1, Caldera, Artesian, Calspa, Jacuzzi & Marquis. Even though the other brands had spinning jets, I still felt (as did my wife) that for us (Again, minds may differ), the Marquis felt the best. And if you really want spinners, they're about $10 a piece, and I've read many posts where dealers would swap out one of the seats with spinners at time of purchase. My dealer says if I want to try them, they're an easy swap. Hope that helps. Took the first soak in my new Marquis Reward last night - wow! Well worth the wait! Everything was fantastic. Interestingly, the dealer installed two spinning jets for me....but they're not spinning! Oh well, small complaint. The tech has to come back out with a new light for me anyway, so he can fix those when he visits. Anyway, the tub looks and feels great. Wifey and me took a midnight soak directly under Orion. Two full moons under the stars ! Then the kids took a quick dip this morning. Gotta say - I'm only 36, but may just decide to retire and spend all my time in the tub! Price Please? I'm hoping to purchase a Reward signature series on East Coast. Dealer says we'll get a 'deal' since they're installing a pool for us. I phoned Marquis and they said dealer sets price, though they did tell me that MSRP was $10,400 for Reward signature. Ouch! I always hate to enter these discussions because I know they vary so much region-to-region and dealer-to-dealer. But, here in central NC, I paid 6500 out the door for a 2007 floor model that they'd had since August. It is a signiture series, but doesn't have the extra toys (like stereo, etc.). That price included cover, cover lifter, and installation. It's a great tub - good luck! Thanks for pricing info. I really appreciate it! I know that shipping to dealer is cost factor plus there are a lot of other variables. Glad to hear you like the tub so much. Hopefully it will be within our budget!

DPR, Mark and I were chatting as he was searching. I, too, am an unbiased consumer. I wet tested HS, D1, Caldera, Artesian, Calspa, Jacuzzi & Marquis. Even though the other brands had spinning jets, I still felt (as did my wife) that for us (Again, minds may differ), the Marquis felt the best. And if you really want spinners, they're about $10 a piece, and I've read many posts where dealers would swap out one of the seats with spinners at time of purchase. My dealer says if I want to try them, they're an easy swap. Hope that helps. Took the first soak in my new Marquis Reward last night - wow! Well worth the wait! Everything was fantastic. Interestingly, the dealer installed two spinning jets for me....but they're not spinning! Oh well, small complaint. The tech has to come back out with a new light for me anyway, so he can fix those when he visits. Anyway, the tub looks and feels great. Wifey and me took a midnight soak directly under Orion. Two full moons under the stars ! Then the kids took a quick dip this morning. Gotta say - I'm only 36, but may just decide to retire and spend all my time in the tub! Price Please? I'm hoping to purchase a Reward signature series on East Coast. Dealer says we'll get a 'deal' since they're installing a pool for us. I phoned Marquis and they said dealer sets price, though they did tell me that MSRP was $10,400 for Reward signature. Ouch!