lree32

Hi all, I have a floor model Sundance Hartford model spa that I have had for about 6 months. Still getting used to becoming proficient at chemicals, but overall I love it! My local dealer where I bought it is offering a year service contract for $199. This includes two visits (spring and fall) with a host of checks on sensors, circuit board calibration, switches, pumps, seals, filters ck and cleaning, control panel buttons, voltage into load box, log values in onboard computer, filter motor, therapy motors and blower motors and cleaning and lubricating diverter valve if needed. Whew that sounds like a lot and to a novice no idea about mechanicals person, it sounds like a good idea to me. However just want to check with some of you pro's on whether its necessary or not for an almost new spa that is till under warranty?. The price does not include tax or materials that may be needed, and any non-warranty repairs or chemicals will be billed at a 10% discount. Thanks very much for any and all feedback! Laurie

Thank you all for the helpful replies! I am also going to look at Hotspring this weekend (Vanguard) at my closest dealer which is about a half hour away (I live in western CT). Not sure what the price is in comparision to the Saratoga Grand, but I do understand Hotspring is a well known good spa so I supect that they are somewhat pricey. The Saratoga dealer is much closer to my home and I do understand that it is a good spa as well. I want a well known good brand from a dealer who will back up the spa. Looking for one that seats 5 to 6 adults (no lounger) for no more than $7k out the door w/cover & steps. I thought about the Costco spa, but even though they give a full return/refund who wants to deal with that!!?? I want a spa that's reliable and stays put once in my yard. These things aren't all that easy to move so returning one is not something I care to do. Thanks again!!

I am not cheap by anymeans. I am looking for value. If something is gonna cost me an extra 5K but safe me 300/yr I am willing to purchase it. I live at minimum an hour away from everywhere. At this point if I have to go from store to store to compare it is going to cost me a fortune in gas money and not to mention milleage on my vehicle. I understand bulk buy information but that is not an excuse for not posting values on the net. Everything in the world now a days works this way. I know what I want and what I actually do need. What I do not know is where I am going to get the value for my buck. Not everything is reported to the BBB, if a guy buys a hot tub and the sales men makes it seem like it is hurting him to give that price out is he really going to go research it? In this day and age who has time to visit 50 stores and listen to a salesmens spiel about what he thinks that I need. If the guy sells artic spa he is going to tell me that it is the best and this why, the guy that sells beachcomber is going to say it is the best. The features and options are things that I can look up and understand. I can find that information out but what are they worth. I have been told a hybrid is worth a lot more then a regular one, but when I called the hybrid upgarde was only $700 on one model. If enough consumers get upset about the condition of this industry they will have to change. There are thousands of people with out jobs right now that could design a website that allows you to pick the options, understand what the benefits are and give you a final MSRP, and do it all in under a week. This does not have to be the final price it is a ball bark, of course stores that buy bulk are going to be able to sell for cheaper. Right now, I do not even know if it is worth my time looking at them. I have no idea if I can afford it because I do not know how much they cost!! Now I think about it, the information should already be there. When I go into a store how does the salesmen know which features cost how much, oh wait, he goes to his computer and selects the options!!! As far as I am concerned, not posting prices on your advertisements is a scam. The only reason not to do it is to hide information from the consumer. A crocked salesmens worst enemy is an educated consumer. A vehicle is more complex than a hot tub and there are way more things to consider, I can find anything I want out about them including MSRP. Yes, I still have to go to the dealer to find out about warranties and the extra's but at least I know if I want a Nissan, a Chevy, or a Ford so I know which dealership to go to before I begin. So true!! Thank you for highlighting this. I am trying to comparison shop and it is impossible. I've posted twice now asking someone, anyone to let me know if a price on a Saratoga Grand 09 floor model is a good deal at $7495 and no one will answer. How do I know??!! I am at the point where I almost don't want to buy a tub now.

Hi I posted a couple of weeks ago, but did not get even one reply! I am looking to find out from possibly a dealer or tech to see if a Saratoga Grand 09 floor model spa price at $7,495. including cover and steps is a good deal or do you think I still have some negotiating room? In August it was dealer listed at $8,495, but it is still on the floor now in mid October. It has a few cosmetic scratches, but looks good overall. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Unlike a car it seems impossible to comparison shop on a floor model spa or spa's in general unless I'm missing something (which may be the case). Thanks and I hope to get one or two replies with some direction so I may negotiate with some back up info!!

Can anyone tell me if $7,495 on an 09 floor model Saratoga Grand spa is a good price (price includes steps and hydraulic side of house cover)? It was originally $8,495 w/out steps and cover. Or should I try to negotiate a lower price? This tub has been unsold since at least August and it does have a few slight scratches on the base, but nothing serious. I toyed with the Costco Evolution in early August and Spa Tech you stated at the time that the Saratoga was the better way to go and a good product. Thank you! So I definitely decided to go with a local dealer and spend the extra for a better quality tub and the relationship with the local dealer (in CT) and the sense of security that comes with that for on going maintenance and god forbid any major service issues. Hopefully the latter will not be the case with the Saratoga tub! Also I know I really want this tub and will use it (many have told me often times people buy them and the novelty wears off quickly and you're stuck with an expensive toy). I don't believe that will be the case for me. However I am I'm a bit intimidated by the owner maintenance necessary. I commute two + hrs a day round trip to work and I am not looking to add too large of a task to my already busy life. So if anyone has any words of wisdom on the actual amount of time it takes to adequately keep your tub in good shape, please share. Thank you very much!!

Thank you all for your replies! Is Saratoga then a good product? I have two Hotspring recc's here, but the Saratoga dealer is close by and a friend of my neighbor. The Hotspring dealer is about a 40 min away. The Saratoga's are very good, especially those in the upper half of the line-up with the M-Class control box. The tubs are well constructed and well insulated. John Thanks John! I'm looking at the Saratoga Grand and Canfield models.

Thank you all for your replies! Is Saratoga then a good product? I have two Hotspring recc's here, but the Saratoga dealer is close by and a friend of my neighbor. The Hotspring dealer is about a 40 min away.

Just found this forum after I saw the Evolution Mediterranean listed in a Costco ad for $3,499 and started reading on. Wow! If not Evolution (and I know price is an issue for many folks) what other brands would be recommended? I know nothing about physics, materials, construction etc. I'm just a common person looking for a good tub. Does anyone have any feedback on Saratoga Spa's? I'm in CT and one of my local dealers sells them. They are manufactured in upstate NY. I'm looking for a middle of the road tub for 4 to 6 adults for therapy and relaxation. Most important is reliability to me. The Costco price and return policy is tempting, but I don't want to constantly have to have it repaired and taking it back for full refund sounds great, but in reality who the heck wants to do that??!! What a hassle! So if any tech's out there can give me a list of reliable functioning tubs that will last, I would greatly appreciate it. I would like to spend no more than $8k complete package incl installation, cover, steps etc. Thank you!!