Hi Chillin'
We've had a Hot Springs-Tiger River Bengel spa for ten years and have had nothing but problems with it. We've had the heater replaced 3 times (2 were under warranty thankfully), the heat sensor replaced twice, the shell has cracked several times and in several places, and now it's leaking so bad from inside the foam that it's going to be a minimum of $1500 to fix it. The spa is great to have, but for that kind of money, you expect a little better quality. We are now buying a Sundance spa tomorrow. Hot Springs gets fine reviews and the energy usage has been low, but we want something more reliable. We may have just gotten a lemon (from Mountain Hot Tubs by the way), but it has "soured" us on Hot Springs. You should definately try before you buy. Good luck with the purchase and your spa.