Richs100

Roger: With all due respect, I don't think your "what if" is supported by the facts as we understand them. The customer has said that the Baqua was suggested by the dealer who sold it to him with the tub. No one has suggested that the customer was ever told to stop using Baqua and refused. In fact earlier posts indicate that the dealer argued with the Manufacturer about it after Artic questioned its use. The main questions is: Does Artic prohibit the use of Baqua in its spas? If not, I can't see putting this on the customer. If there are potential dosing problems with Baqua, then that would be a great reason to prohibit its use in Artic tubs (and maybe all tubs). Artic may now be discovering that Baqua can cause problems with their spas. If so, they should cover their current customers and take steps to make sure new customers are not set up with this system by their dealers. And Kudos to Tom for taking a look at this situation!

Eazy-E: I understand your point in not using Baqua, however, IMHO, I don't think its fair to yell at the consumer in a case like this. (Caps = Yelling) The original poster said that Baqua was recommended by his Artic dealer. I used bromine tabs in a floater in my 1st tub for 11 years because that's what was recommended by the dealer when the tub was new. But when I bought my new tub last year, the dealer said never to use bromide tabs and, and instead, to use dichlor. I should think he knows better than me, so that's what I am doing. And another question.....since I'm sure the dealer sold him a supply of Baqua with the tub, is he getting a credit or exchange on the cost to switch to the new chemical system? I understand Baqua is not cheap. In any event, I'm still having trouble understanding why any modern tub would have a problem with such a highly promoted product like Baqua. Just my two cents.

I was just talking to my dealer who was telling me that the Canadian company that makes the spa siding for Hot Spring and Sundance has entered into a distribution deal with Home Depot so that homeowners can buy matching siding for decking and such. You may want to check with Home Depot about this. Rich

A few weeks after delivery of my Envoy, I received a gift bag from the dealer. It contained a back massager, some fragrance packets, a rubber ducky and a bottle of InSPAration, which is a liquid moisterizer. Nice touch by the dealer, but it didn't contain 5 lbs of MPS or anything like that. Congratulations on the new tub! Hopefully, just the water. In about 4 months. The Vista is a beautiful tub. I love my Envoy which is the smaller sister, but with a lounger.

I'm not sure about that Chas. I regularly washed my old Prodigy filters in the dishwasher and didn't notice any problems with them. My friend who has a Master Spa has always done the same with his and hasn't had any problems either. (not sure what kind of filters he has, though) What problems have you heard this could cause? Rich

Informal Survey: How many here think we would learn a lot more about suction fittings by clicking the Lindsey Lohan link, rather than reading another of Jim's rants against Hot Spring tubs?

Sounds like a good deal to me! Congratulations. Get that thing installed, heated up, and just relax! Im sure you will think it was worth every penny. Rich

Dark Project: That is one great looking spa and spa setup! I didn't think I would like the look of a black tub, but yours looks great. Especially with the red (we call it the 'severed limb') tub light. I remember that you posted some pics a while back. Your spa area really cleaned up nicely! Good luck and happy tubbing! Rich

I agree with JMendoza....PUT EVERYTHING YOU DO IN WRITING. If the dealer or manufacturer promises you something over the phone, immediately write a letter back to them confirming the conversation. Phone calls mean very little when and if this issue has to be heard by a judge. It's a "he said/she said" situation. If you have written documentation of everything that has gone on, a judge or other fact finder will find those writings much more persuasive as to what was actually going on at each stage of the dispute. If you do get to a litigation setting, it will be so much easier if you have copies of letters that confirm what each party was promising at each stage of the negotiations. Good luck with this. Rich

Newbie: Did you pay for the tub with a credit card??? If so, review your cardholder agreement to make sure you stay within all time requirements regarding a disputed charge. I think one of the reasons for a disputed charge in this case would be that the spa company did not deliver a new tub, but rather a repaired tub. They did not deliver the product you bargained for. READ YOUR CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT IMMEDIATELY. If you don't have one, call your company and get one sent to you right away. I would not wait for the dealer and/or manufacturer to "do the right thing". Be ready to do what you must if they do not come through for you. And regarding the rebuilding of your tub with a new "skeleton shell", I would never, ever accept that on a 1 week old tub. Again, you bought a new tub. Not a Dealer Refurbished tub! Way too many ways for the new "rebuilt" tub to have problems. Just my thoughts on this..... Rich

Boonzer: It sounds like your dealer doesn't like you much anymore. But then again, that may indicate you got a great deal on your tub. Luckily, he's only your hot tub dealer and not your wife! Happy Soaking with the new tub! (What kind of tub did you buy, anyway?) Rich

Hey Patrick: If you purchased the Marquis, Congratulations on your new tub. It sounds like you made the right decision based on your experiences with both dealers. I have owned tubs for the last twelve years (93 HS Prodigy, now an 06 HS Envoy) and have always felt my relationship with the dealer is one of the most important elements of enjoying my hot tub. I have a very close dealer which just doesn't seem to give a damn. Fortunately, I also have another dealer within range who is very good and very responsive. That second dealer is the one I deal with, and it makes all the difference. Happy Tubbing!

I can get to it. Check your spelling. No "s" at the end. www.hotspring.com

Halfshell: Good luck with your new tub and enjoy!

This thread is beginning to remind me of a Greek Tragedy....... There seems to be a 'god' who appears in this thread every couple of messages whispering 'warnings' that sound like they are really meant to trick and deceive our hero, Jetjockey, (edited) on his quest for a spa. You wouldn't think that a 'god' would be so concerned with such an everyday consumer decision, but, as we remember from high school mythology, those Greek Gods were pretty devious and usually had their own agenda. It's kinda funny, in a very sad way. Jetjocky: (edited) You've got a nice list of possibilities there. For what it is worth, I can add that I have owned two Hot Spring tubs, a 93 Prodigy and a 06 Envoy, and have been extremely happy with their performance and reliability. But there are also a lot of owners on these boards who have been just as happy with their Sundances and Marquis tubs, too. I think your perfectly safe with this selection to go with your 'inner child" and select the one that you like the best!

Hi Redheart: Initially, I'm not sure that you would want to plan to move any "portable" spa in and out of your house each summer and winter. I believe that the vast majority of portable spas are set up in permanent location and rarely moved thereafter. I have previously owned a 93 Hot Spring Prodigy, which is a relatively small spa, and I would have never considered trying to move it around on a regular basis (let alone, twice a year). Although some may think it misleading, the "portable" in portable spa refers more to the fact that it is a self contained unit (as opposed to an in-ground unit with permanent plumbing connections outside the unit). You can move it, but generally wouldn't want to. In addition, I don't think it would be very good for any portable spa to be moved around so much. I tend to think you would eventually wind up with plumbing leaks and a weakened cabinet from moving it so much. Regarding some of your other points, my old tub was 110. This basically meant that the heater didn't work when the jets were running, but I never found this to be a problem. If your taking a 45 minute or hour soak in the dead of winter, your tub temp may drop a few degrees, but nothing uncomfortable. (I also liked to soak without the jets running, so this may also explain why I never found it a problem. The only brand of tub I have had any experience with is Hot Spring. (On my second tub) So for what it's worth, you might want to look at the Prodigy. Its bigger than the older one I had, looks fairly roomy, runs on 110, has a decent amount of jets for its size and is a "open seating" style of tub. I'm not sure of the current price, but someone here should be able to help you in that regard. Good luck with your search Rich

JW: A new spa is alway exciting, but I get the feeling you are really enjoying yours! Like a kid with a new toy! Have fun figuring it all out. And BTW, Happy Birthday! Rich

Thats a very nice setup! I especially like the brickwork design. I assume you had a slab put down and then tiled over it with the brick. It looks great.

Veeper: It's so funny how all the pieces of the puzzle fall right into place sometimes. Your description of Jokersoaker fits perfectly with my thoughts of who he might be and might work for! The Predatory Mall Spa Salesman! I think the writers of 'The Simpsons' should consider using him as a new character on the show next season.

JW: That is a very nice looking spa and spa area. It looks very lush and private. I like it! Good luck with your new tub! Rich

Joker: Based on your "evidence", my verdict would be that I'm lucky you sell spas in Michigan since I don't live there. And I agree, you probably shouldn't reveal anymore information about yourself or the company you work for. Anyone potential buyer with a lick of sense who read your posts would know to run away very, very fast. You are your own (Not So) Better Business Bureau. Nice job, Slick!

I really want to know which spa is the number one brand in EAST michigan. Everybody knows that is really what counts!

Let's see......attacking a consumer for his purchase decision.......essentially telling him he's stupid.....attacking the competition...... It reminds me of someone else, but I just can't put my finger on it. Give me a few minutes.... Hey SRichards49: Congratulations on your tub purchase. Get in that sucker, relax, and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

.....the dreaded "full foam" question? Now, that's funny!

At times, this board is almost more entertainment that I can take! I love it when someone posts a question, then gets an answer that he or she doesn't like, and then proceeds to accuse the responder of being a secret agent of their enemy (real or supposed). On some days, we've got more conspiracy theories going on here than a JFK website! Its a crazy little world here, but I love it!