Damon

Hello Roger and all that have replied! Well, we did decide on the Hotspring Soverign and we will be going to pay our balance on it tomorrow!!! I also got a nice little setup with it. Did the wet test with the sweetie, and all was good(except the water was a bit too warm for our tastes at 102), but this is going to be our spa. We finished our patio and held the open house for the stepdaughter. Now, we are simply waiting for the rental company to come and gather their chairs so we can have our space clear.. We also have purchased and installed our gazebo, which we will be placing the spa under... So, it is an exciting time for us.. Just trying to be patient.. Pictures are still on their way.. Just figured I would wait until the spa is in for "before and after" shots or video! :-)

Hello guys once again, I have one question further. For chemicals, do you all recommend the standard chlorine based products/kits or how are the non chlorine based alternatives? In particular, since I am looking at the Hot Spring, their chlorine free products as listed on the link below? I am asking because as I know by working with fish tanks, chlorine is very hard on skin and other things such as floors and that nature. If these products work as well, then we would probably like to use those. I probably need to consult the dealer with these questions, but it seems that most mfg's have these "non chlorine" alternative products. http://www.hotspring.com/Hot_Tub_Accessori...l#Chlorine-Free Lastly, I believe it goes without saying that I am going to upgrade to one of the Tri-X filtrate mediums as I am a techie and want optimal filtration(maybe a gimmic, but hey, what the heck! LOL).. Once again, thanks for the inputs, Damon

OMG man! We weren't able to go on our trip, but as a side effect, we saw the completion of our back yard and the rest of the outside remodeling. And yes, we did get retaining walls, a new patio, new plants and the like. Unfortunately, it was raining today and we have to wait for the mortar/sand to dry before we can place any furniture on our new patio, but suffice it to say, our yard looks nothing like it used to! And this is in a wonderful way! Hopefully tomorrow will be sunny(I have yet to check the weather) and warm, so it can properly dry. And my wife actually picked up some new bathing suits for herself and my mom-in-law today, so the tests are coming!!! We are extremely excited!!!

Thanks guys! We appreciate it! And yes, we are going to bring my mom-in-law with us on the wet test. We plan on taking the test some time next week. We simply need to let the dealer know what day. And my wife and I talked thoroughly this morning and as long as the wet test says yes, we are going to go with the Hot Springs. If something goes wrong there, then we will next consider the Caldera. But yes, I couldn't agree more. The price is steep for the Springs compared to others. But, it we are really hoping the wet test goes well, because we both like that unit. Our deck and back yard is actually being finished today, so that will be all set, minus the 220v setup we need to do. But, unfortunately, we are going out of town(we should have already left according to our original timeframe, but other things came up that delayed us) and will not be back until Sunday . However, once again guys, tanks for everything and I will let you all know how it goes as far as the wet test. And whichever unit we purchase, I will take a pic and share.. Thanks again, Damon

Oh and I forgot to mention that we also looked at some Caldera models(which on this forum are higher ended units also) and the Caldera, for the same price, was a larger tub, though, we know that the mother in law would possibly have problems getting in and out of because of the height. But for the price(Caldera Tahitian(new unit) and HotSpring Sovereign(floor model)) were the same exact price. The Caldera, to me, didn't have as good a warranty, and I liked the filtration of the HotSpring much better(being an avid saltwater aquarium buff, the more contact area with filters, the better IMHO) and also, the overall package. Not to mention that the salesman stated the unit would have the full 5 year warranty and he really sort of attempted to "sell by education and taking time" with us. I mean, the guy took an hour and the spa had a separate room(with doors) that we could wet test the unit either during the day or before or after hours. He also, knew how to use the unit, explain the features and pluses and minuses(he even gave credit to the D1 spa's and indicated that they are on line as far as quality and most features with the Hot Springs, but at the same time pointing out some of the differences, so this was a very, very relaxing and reassuring salesperson). So, he really made me feel comfortable, not only in the actual "purchase" of the spa, but also, he sort of set my mind in a different place as far as what to look for in not only the spa's, but a dealer. So to say he raised the bar is an understatement. The Caldera on the other hand, the dealer, once again unfortunately didn't give me the fuzzies. Maybe it was because of the outstanding presentation of the HotSprings guy, or the fact that she first had a hard time showing us how to work the lights or maybe because when I bluntly asked her what differentiated the Caldera from say a HotSpring or D1 spa(this is the same question I bluntly asked the HotSpring dealer and he immediately smiled and said "you've been doing your homework, I like that in a customer" and then proceeded), she told me that Caldera is a fortune 500 company and then proceeded to only "answer" some questions that we asked, and not educate on the product she was selling. Basically, she gave me the impression that, she didn't know much about the unit unfortunately. But once again, the Caldera's from what I have read are higher ended spa's also. Unfortunately, for the unit features, as I have read since arriving home, she really didn't showcase it IMHO. But, she did advise that we could do a wet test before or after hours, which is nice also. And to her credit, she was a nice young lady, but even my 18 year old stepdaughter said she wasn't a very good salesperson. Nothing personal at all, but she really wasn't. And this definately didn't say anything against the spa/unit itself, but, in the overall scheme, I am not just looking for a tub, I am looking for a sort of "interactive" relationship as I am going to be learning as I use this unit and I don't want to feel that I am "bothering" or "asking a question that someone can't answer" from a dealer. The D1 dealer sort of made me feel like I was bothering him with my questions(though, at times, he was very cool and answered and advised further investigation and education, which was nice, so I may need to go back and give him a second look) and the latter young lady made me feel like I would be better off on my own, than to call them if we did purchase the unit from them. But my good old Hot Springs dude and honestly, also the Emerald guy.. Those two were top notch thus far... I don't know if this makes sense, but that is my take on it. I am going to over the next few days, look seriously at the D1 units(maybe even larger, since, our price range obviously has jumped to "out the door" of approx. 8500.00), Caldera's and also the HotSprings, as they are in our area. Moreso the D1's and the HotSpring's to be honest. The Emeralds, though they indeed are nice, my wife didn't care for overall, after looking at the 3 target candidates, so, after all my babble, if you or anyone else can give feedback, it would be greatly appreciated. But right now, for us, the three companies are D1(which, the rep, chiming in, I truly do weigh that heavily and actually, I need to PM him my number, as I do have questions and possibly visiting another dealer in the area if one can be recommended), Caldera and Hot Springs. One of those, will definately have a home on our new deck! :-) Thanks for everything and all advice to all, and we will be leaving for an "over-the-weekend" retreat, but next week, we are looking to make a final decision! Damon.. BTW, you guys rock!!

Thanks for the commpliment they don't come often around this board. Take your time, look around. And those warm fuzzys from the dealers are important. D1 is a great brand and in my top 3. The Nautilis IMO is the best all around tub on the market today and my personal favorite. If it can be had for 7000-8000 take it. I also like the Marquis if they have a model localy you can get for 7-8 G's Make sure to consider seating, if it says 5-6 count on 4 comfortably maybe 5. And a lounger will take 2 maybe 3. Most buyers opt to not get a lounger the second time. Loungers are very personal and require a wet test for sure. Both D1 and Marquis make a value line also that are solid and backed by a stong manufacturer. They can be as low as 4 grand up to about 7. Not a problem.. Thank you for the response and also same to the D1 rep! Well, we went today and actually believe we are going to go with a Hotspring Sovereign. The price is a little bit higher, but at the same time, the features are on line with the D1 and it had some pretty interesting features and innovations that we liked. It really wasn't that much more than the D1, so I think that is what we are going to go with. Not 100% as I advised the wife that I had to do a bit more research, but I did like the spa very much. What do you think about the Hot Spring models? Thanks for everything and all the input, Damon And yes, the warm and fuzzies are extremely important, and the dealer we went to today definately gave us that feeling completely.. It's just as important, if not more to me to have those good feelings about the dealer, as your going to have to have maintenence on the unit sooner or later(after all, it is a mechanical device), so that is extremely important to me/us.

Thanks for the commpliment they don't come often around this board. Take your time, look around. And those warm fuzzys from the dealers are important. D1 is a great brand and in my top 3. The Nautilis IMO is the best all around tub on the market today and my personal favorite. If it can be had for 7000-8000 take it. I also like the Marquis if they have a model localy you can get for 7-8 G's Make sure to consider seating, if it says 5-6 count on 4 comfortably maybe 5. And a lounger will take 2 maybe 3. Most buyers opt to not get a lounger the second time. Loungers are very personal and require a wet test for sure. Both D1 and Marquis make a value line also that are solid and backed by a stong manufacturer. They can be as low as 4 grand up to about 7. Not a problem.. Thank you for the response and also same to the D1 rep! Well, we went today and actually believe we are going to go with a Hotspring Sovereign. The price is a little bit higher, but at the same time, the features are on line with the D1 and it had some pretty interesting features and innovations that we liked. It really wasn't that much more than the D1, so I think that is what we are going to go with. Not 100% as I advised the wife that I had to do a bit more research, but I did like the spa very much. What do you think about the Hot Spring models? Thanks for everything and all the input, Damon

I am a fan of both those manufacturers. I would take the D1 if they were both priced equal or close. I am very suprised the Emerald is priced the same as the D1. Both those tubs are 4 person tubs. But this is simply may opinion. Thanks Roger.. I was actually hoping you would reply as from the responses I read, you and a few others gave the most unbiased and pure opinions(IMHO). We are going to look at some more dealers, as the one that had the D1's that we looked at yesterday was ok, but he didn't give us that "cozy" feeling.. LOL And I will report back. And yes, it was strange to me that they were that close in price also. But the one thing I did not consider was the lighting my wife wishes to have installed. That will probably add another 500 to it, making the difference more like 1000-1100, but that in my opinion is still more than acceptable.. Hopefully we will find our dealer today.. I thank you once again for your response.. Damon

Hello all and good morning. I am new to the forum and am looking for input/advise. My wife and I have narrowed down our selection to the two models mentioned in this topic thread. As the individuals on here are most knowledgeable from what I have read, I am looking for your input. The first thing to mention is that we have a height restriction for my mother in law who lives with us. She has had two strokes and the therapy of a spa has been recommended. However, because of her medical situation and height, we cannot purchase one of the taller units, but at the same time, I am a larger guy(6'3" and 250lbs) and my stepdaughter is tall also. So we need a unit that is shorter(max 33") but at the same time decent sized in width and length. The funny thing about these two unit's is that there is an approximate difference of final cost(this is including converting our electric to 220V) of only 500-600 dollars. From the remarks on the forum I have scoured over, we are heavily leaning towards the Dimension One unit, as the build, look, supposed quality and we are thinking overall package seems to be a better fit and finish. So any comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Damon