booklover

Hi everyone, I've spent the last 3 hours reading posts about Hotsprings and Sundance in general on this site and one other that has much older reviews (from www.hottubsparatings.com/). We have reputable dealers for these two that are w/in 30 minutes of us, but if there are any SF Bay Area readers out there we would love feedback on Paradise Spas in San Rafael and Hotsprings in San Rafael. Also, anyone who has these spas in the SF Bay Area, would appreciate feedback on energy bills. Haven't checked my electrical pricing tier yet but will do so. We have major space considerations - max is 7' 2.5" square and that would be pushing it. Otherwise we go into the tiny garden or the side of the house and can't get the recycle bins around the thing. It will be on a concrete pad. Hotsprings Prodigy looks optimal because of its footprint. Pros: size works for space great whirlpool jet in the right place for us (not foot but small of back) arm rests not too deep - these latter two points are important because I plan to do a lot of reading in the tub (hence my login name) free full installation/leveling, etc. Cons: have read reviews of control panel problems from customers on various boards Am concerned footwell is cramped - we would mostly use for 2 people, but might have 4 over Am wondering about other jets - can soothing seven be replaced by something stronger, for example? Only like two jet configurations - the three jet cluster and the whirlpool. Other ones aren't so great. Concerned about the comments about the fragile shell and control panel/circuit board problems Sundance Altamar pros and cons: Note: could not wet test this - we wet tested a model with the same set/shell configuration to get a sense of how we sat in it, and tested the jets on the Majestic to get a sense of those. Pros: I like the lounge, partner didn't - but above all did not float in it like we did when testing a Jetsetter. Much deeper than Prodigy, this is a pro and a con vis a vis my need to read I actually like the jet configuration for most of the seats - only one of the seats it's actually too strong and i have to fight to stay in the seat Cons: "sale sale" price is still $1000 more than Prodigy Rep was kind of smarmy - kept wanting to adjust jets "for me" rather than leaving us alone (I'm female) Noticed one of their tubs had scum on the top - he said it was the enzyme treatment (hmm....) Not able to wet test the Altamar They'll bring it to site for free, but we have to level/install it General questions: -- what is up with the filter situation? The Sundance guy gave us the spiel about filtering up to 75 microns while HS filters something like 10. And you have to keep washing the HS ones. But I don't like the idea of constantly having to toss Sundance filters - seems very wasteful. -- mostly want to hear from Prodigy owners on how/if they feel cramped when having more than two people in spa. We don't mind bumping into our friends, but we don't want to be bracing ourselves all the time to keep from colliding either. -- for Sundance owners: quiet filter is essential - this spa will be next to our bedroom and a neighbor (really tight quarters) --Is it worth buying the Consumer Digest spa issue? I've heard there are no impartial reviews out there, but wouldn't CD be impartial? Many many thanks - Julie a.k.a. booklover