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Barfly

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  1. As I said in the post, the warranty info came direct from Master. If I were to buy that spa, I would ask that they provide that in writing, but I'm not, so I won't. This particular spa does not have a circ pump, no doubt because it is 5 years old. As I've been told, the big service issue with Master is that they sell via the shows in areas where they do not have a dealer set up to provide service. They make arrangements with someone which long term often doesn't work out. Then the customers have a problem. I have not experienced this myself, just passing along. I did hear this identical story from several sources, whatever that is worth. I would think that if you have a solid local dealer for Master, one that is concerned about reputation and repeat business, this would not be an issue. In this area, the local Master dealer appears less than dedicated. Certainly the fact that his inventory is very old should be an indication that something is up. The L.A. Spas dealer seems very good. While in the store, two people stopped in to pick up supplies and he greeted them by name. There are multiple "thanks for the great service" letters on the wall, dating back several years. He quoted what seems like a competitive price on a 2008 that's in stock. Two days later he called and offered an additional $500 discount and free delivery. After extensive negotiation, I'm giving him a little guitar amp. It's a long story. Considering I live in a rural area, down a dirt road, about 35 mins from town, free delivery is good. So that's my story. It's the Solera model. I bought it. All we need to do now is finish building the house.....
  2. Thanks for all the replies and info. Here's the latest... I called Master. They said that in fact I would get the full warranty even though it is a 2004 model. However, it would be the warranty that they offered at that time, which is 2 years on electronics, motors, and 5 years on the structure (I'm not looking at my notes, so might have that a little wrong). He also confirmed that the place where I saw it is the legit dealer for this area. I asked about energy usage and got a not very satisfactory reply as to why they don't publish any specs. In general, the fellow I spoke to was courteous and helpful. He said the Down East brand is identical in quality to other Master spas, made in the same factory, and the difference was in the features and options available. That said, I've decided against this Down East for a number of reasons: 1. The Master dealer does not seem as committed to customer satisfaction as some others I visited. 2. This spa runs the large jet pump for filtering rather than a dedicated continuous low wattage circulation pump. 3. All things considered, it's not that great of a deal. 4. The warranty isn't as good as others. 5. Concern about power consumption. 6. Master's reputation for customer support is poor at best. So now what?! The Hot Springs dealer has an '08 Envoy for about $8000. It seems like a good product, but just doesn't appeal to me for no reason in particular. There's an L.A. Spas dealer near my office that has an '08 Solera for $8995. It has the groovy waterfall and multicolor LED lighting. This is the current front runner. Any feedback on L.A. Spas would be appreciated. Also, there seems to be a huge difference in price between an '08 on the floor and ordering an '09. For spas in this category, $2000+. I understand the motivation to move existing inventory, but given the option of making a sale or not, will they be as competitive on a spa they need to order? Thanks.
  3. Thanks for the info. I'm in Sonoma county. I agree it is strange. He told me that it would have the full warranty. You know, in these days of "green" everything, it is surprising that manufacturers don't publish an energy efficiency specification. One inefficient spa is probably worth an entire house full of compact fluorescent bulbs... Here's what I'll do next: Visit the Hot Springs dealer-- 1. Check prices on models with comparable features (size, number of pumps, seating arrangement, ...) 2. Inquire and look for other differences. Call Master-- 1. Ask about 2004 model sold new today, specifically changes from current year and warranty. 2. Find differences between Master and Down East brands. 3. Check for feedback on this specific dealer. I'll report back what I find. What do you mean by ease of use? The filters look easy to access, controls are temp up/down and on/off for the various pumps, lights. What am I missing?
  4. No story at all. He has another line of business and carries a significant inventory of tubs. Perhaps overbought a few years ago. There are a number of other brands, although more Cal Spas than anything else. Do dealers really sell the Down East Portsmouth SE spa between $5-6K?? I'm skeptical, but would want to know if it is true. If it is something pulled out of a dark place near the backside of one's trousers, that's not very helpful. Is a Hot Springs spa better? If so, why? There's a Hot Springs dealer in town, but I didn't care for the sales style. The fellow with the Down East has been around for many years, seems honest, and was very helpful when I replaced the cover for my old Cal Spa about 5 years ago.
  5. I agree with roger, he seems to have plenty of experiance.. I don't know what prices are like in CA, but here in Michigan I just bought a brand new Hot springs for $7000. ***********I would check around if I were you. I guess you guys missed it. This is a new spa. Looking at the Down East web site, it appears to be a current model. Can anyone answer the question, why the bias against Master? I understand that Down East is a lower price line than the Master branded ones. What are the differences? Thanks.
  6. I'm looking for a spa in 8 x 8 ft size with one lounge seat. A local dealer has a new 2004 Down East Portsmouth SE on sale for $7,400 including cover and ozone. Looking on this forum I see several references to avoid Master, but no details except they are possibly not the most energy efficient. So here are some questions: What's wrong with Master? Are there specific issues with Master's Down East brand? Is this a good price? Any other issues I should be aware of? The spa will be on a concrete pad about 18" below the deck surface. I'm in northern CA. My only prior experience was with a 15 yr old Cal Spa 7 ft octagon which came with the house. It was basic, very loud, but held up okay. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
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