JR.

latest update: thank you again to those who took the time to help us on or search.. it looks like the Hot Springs Grandee is at the top of our list and next week we will do a bit more research.. i like the fact that Hot Springs is backed by a large corporation and that Hot Springs makes one of the most energy efficient spas. what's the worst thing anyone can say about Hot Springs, not much it seems. .

. i want to thank everyone for posting a reply. i must say that i am very impressed not only by your knowledge but also the speed at which you replied. as a newbie here, it warms my heart that you have such a fabulous site to exchange thoughts and ideas in an adult manner. hats off to you guys and gals who make this site the success that it is. my friend has a hot springs and he was the person who recommended this site. thank all of you! ..........

Roger, thanks for the reply.. i have edited my original post and that's what i love about these forums, in less than 2 hours i know twice what i knew before i joined. .. I would agree with the above except the deciding factor would be your butt. Which one feels the best when you sit in it wet, or dry. I would also add Marquis and Arctic to your list and don't ever discount D1. Dissclaimer: I don't sell any brand or even own one of my own. But I have serviced at least one of every brand you mentioned and some of those I have seen hundreds. And I have seen, sat in or serviced all of the above and those I mentioned.

hey HotTubDan, thanks for the reply. i don't know if the companies are similar in terms of strength, that's what i am asking. it's generally easy to determine if a company is shaky, they start acting weird and their cash flow is BAD. REAL BAD ! regarding functions and features, i have NO idea as we are at the beginning of our search

ok.. we are ready to purchase our first Hot Tub. we live near chicago. To tell you the truth it seems that all high end Hot Tubs are very similar, so for me it boils down to the brand. In this environment, i am nervous about many companies and want to purchase product made by a strong company. Today we looked at the Sundance Optima sold by the Great Escape. there are 10 stores within 50 miles of us and they have a large service department. A friend has a Hot Springs Grandee, which we are considering. We also checked out an Artesian Grand Cayman, although i thought the Artesian Bimini two personal lounger 8 seat 91" x 132" was cool. don't know if anyone else has anything like it. Leisure world also sells Dimension One note: footprint size isn't a problem.. questions: 1. at this level are we talking apples and apples? 2. is there another brand that we should investigate? here's my "new" list (after reading many posts) HotSprings Sundance - Optima Jacuzzi Caldera - the cantabria looks cool. ArticSpas D1 Marquis - found out tonight that a friend has one of these. 2a. so, aside from features, i can't go wrong with one of these? 3. are the warranties all the same from one company to the next? 4. what parts are the most problematic? heaters? pumps? ecu's? 5. at this level is the build quality all the same? 6. is there a strong 800lb gorilla in this field. ( i am thinking Jacuzzi - Sundance, but what do i know.. ) 7. are most tubs 36" deep 8. how important is the foot massage? 9. is there a question or two that i should have asked. thank you in advance for any help that you can provide.