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I have a Covermate II lifter for sale. Only used for 2 months but in great condition. Redesigned my patio and went with different lifter. I also have a set of cover savers that I am including with the lifter, also in excellent condition. Both for $150 + shipping. PM me with any questions. Link to description of cover saver. http://www.spa-mart.com/spa-cover-lifts/cover-saver.cfm Thanks

Warp9, I am in the same boat (exact same hot also). I just drained it the other day and yes it took foreveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer. I ended up using a bucket as well as to scoop out some of the water. This was actually faster than the hose!. One thing I just thought of is using a pool cover pump. I have one for my pool that I use to siphon the water off the pool cover. Didn't think about this at first but will try it next time. I had picked this up for $45 some time ago. They should have a variety of these at any pool store.

Excellent, thanks. As I mentioned I'm trying different unit and if I like it will post my old one here since it's only 1 month 1/2 old. Oh by the way, Dr. Spa, thanks for spa blanket. Picked one up a few weeks back and it works great.

I read the forums rules but am still unclear as to whether or not we can post something here for sale. I am switching to different cover lifter and curious if I can post the old one here. Anyone know? Thx

I've been ordering from spa-mart. They seem to have a good selection of supplies and decent prices. Not the rock bottom cheapest but within a dollar or two of some of the other sites. They are also active on this board if there are carany questions. Cheapest option for the spa cartridges is to pickup the bundle pack. You save a few bucks that way.

Ok, I'd had my new Caldera tub for about a month now. All has been well till about now. Currently I am seeing what I believe is scumline develop along part of the wall. I've cleaned it and it appears to be reappearing. Not sure what I am doing wrong. I am currently using Bromine thru the inline SpaFrog available on the spa. Bromine levels were great in the beginning, however now are recording a little high. I plan to empty the water a little and refill to correct this (this is what I read as best method to get back in sync). Additionally my Total Alkalinity is a little low, but I've added alkalinity increaser to correct this as well. All other measurements are within recommended levels. I've been using Leisure Time chemicals and have been following their recommended weekly schedule of adding Enzyme, Bright Clear and Defender; thus I am stumped as to what is causing the scumline. I recently even added a floating scumbug but am still seeing the line develop. Beyond draining completely does anyone have any advise on what may be causing this and how to avoid going forward? Thanks

No problem, it's what this forum is for. Definitely helped me plenty in my search. Be sure to report back with your final decision or if you have any additional questions in trying to make a decision.

As already mentioned, both are made by same company thus you really can't go wrong with either. However make sure to test each. I personally tested the Tahitian during my search loved the jets. This is what made me decide on the Niagara for my spa as it includes the same jets plus some more. Since you are looking at the Tahitian I will mention there was one item I did not like about that particular model. I believe the main entry point is by the spa controls and it's awkward as you are climbing in at the lounger seat. You can't really get a good footing when climbing in. If you settle on this model I would recommend placing your steps on one of the other sides. It's minor issue but something you may want to consider; particularly when deciding what direction you will place the unit. Good luck

Searching for a spa can definitely been a long process. I personally spent 2 months researching and testing different brands. My my research I can tell you there are pros and cons with each brand. Ultimately you will need to wet test the models you are interested in to see if they are comfortable to you. Every brand is a little bit different and what may be best for one person is not necessarily true for the next. Probably not what you want to hear but it's the truth. I would say first list out what features are important to you. I.E. Lounger or not, 4-5 person, or 6 -7, tailored seating, or open aired design, need stereo & lighting or optional. Once you've decided what's must have and what is optional, then check with makes and models offer what you require. As you know there are several makes and models out there. The ones that are definitely on the top of the list as far as quality and features are: (listed in no particular order) HotSprings Sundance Jacuzzi Caldera ArticSpas D1 I ended up purchasing a Caldera Niagara due to it having the best layout and features I wanted. As mentioned, also make sure to wet test. What looks good on paper may not end up being the best once you test it. Good luck

Thanks for the info! I have seen a lot of great reviews on the D1 Spas, our dealer is a bit far, but now that I know I can turn off individual jets, I'm going to make the drive to go check them out! As far as the other brands mentioned...I have seen many people talk about the importance of going through a local dealer, but many of these dealers are pretty far. So how far is too far for a dealer to be located from my house? Do I want to stick within a somewhat short driveable distance? It's important to get a dealer that is willing to service you if you have issues. Tell each dealer how far you are away and if they service your area. Key thing to ask is if they charge for travel to and from for warranty work. You will find some dealers do and some don't. That will be important in making your decision. I just purchased from a dealer 45 miles away but they confirmed they service my area and do not charge for travel. That said, even the travel charges shouldn't necessarily rule out a dealer if they are reputable and better than some of your local shops. Key is how willing are they to work with you. Ask for references; particularly folks not in the dealers immediate location. Oh, by the way, Caldera's spas also allow their jets to be individually turned off. They allow each to vary the intensity as well.

I also think Caldera is a great buy when comparing against other models. I picked up a Niagara myself (just had it installed on Friday). Love it! Hot Springs is a good brand, but couldn't find a model I really liked; not in my price range anyway. Can't speak to the Marquis but Watkins makes the Caldera who gets high marks for warranty support. I'd say go with the Geneva.

Thanks guys. This definitely makes me feel much better about doing it.

My dealer came out to do the site survey for our tub yesterday. I was planning to install a concrete slab and he mentioned to install a conduit for the electrical to come up underneath the tub instead of on the side. I questioned it but he said they do it all the time. Does this sound right to folks? While it sounded good to me I am concerned about making a hole underneath the tub due to warranty purposes as well as not sure if this would make it easier for critters to get in. Let me know if this is common and if there are any cons to doing as dealer recommended. Thanks

I looked at a lot of brands and settled on Caldera. Primarily due to fact it was also made by Watkins. I truly liked all I read about Hotspring but could not find a model that I really liked. Grandee was close, but out of my price range. I ended up with the Caldera Niagara. Layout was perfect for my needs. As mentioned, jets are indeed strong but can be turned down. This is much better than having jets too weak. I haven't physically gotten by tub installed yet, but can say I am happy with my decision based on those that I have tested. Again, both are made by Watkins so in the end I think both are quality tubs.

Congrats on the tub! I also just picked up the Niagara, however I settled on the '08 floor model the dealer had. Didn't want to spend the delta over the new and the '08 was in the color combo I was interested in. Hopefully getting it installed within next 2 weeks. I also got the costal grey but with the sterling marble shell. Congrats again. Pictures look sweet.

I am interested in the Caldera Niagara and found 2 reputable dealers. One will offer me a new '09 for $9495. Includes standard: cover, chemicals setup and delivery. However would need to order as they don't have any in stock. Second dealer has an '08 model but wants $9100, which to me is much too high based on price for '09. Haven't even really pushed the dealer on the '09 price yet. I like the color combination so was planning on pursuing the '08. Dealer has been very hospitable and I could definitely see myself doing business here; just price is high. I haven't thrown out number to them yet so wanted to know what folks thinks is fair. Was planning on starting at $8000 even. What do you guys think?