jayhawker

We didn't go with the Ace system. From what I've read, it seems like salt water systems for hot tubs get mixed reviews. Good for pools but still being refined for hot tubs. This was our first tub and didn't want to take a chance. I read and re-read Nitro's write up on water care and could feel my eyes glaze over after a couple of paragraphs. Excellent document but way too technical for me. I just want to soak not be a Jr. Chemist. I follow the directions that the salesman told us, buy the chemicals online in bulk, and test the water every week or two. No water issues to-date.

And now the long wait for delivery. Hope you enjoy your tub.

gman, still on the fence here =) Did you by chance also wet test the Vanguard? I'm interested in your candid impressions. Others feel free to chime in as well. Hot Springs is running a very good Labor Day promotion, and I could get a new factory order Vanguard with ACE, Uprite cover lifter, matching Everwood steps, startup salt, Calcium softener pillow, PH balancer, test strips, a booster seat for the kids, and delivery installation at a steal of a price (just under $9K before tax). I'm still waiting until after this coming weekend to make a final decision, but Hot Springs is really fighting for my business! The Grandee is also heavily discounted, even more than I posted above, but the better half likes the sizing better for the Vanguard (both physical tub footprint and internal size). We dry tested a used one, but they don't have a new one to wet test. Specifically, I wanted to know if the two single speed pumps were strong enough and how they compared to the Grandee and Optima. I don't think we'd miss the extra jets from the Grandee if the remaining jets were as strong. I'd still miss the Optima foot dome and Air/Sunscents though, but the $1500 in initial savings and ongoing chemical and water savings over the life of the spa do add up, even over the least costly chemical alternatives. Factor in the ease of maintenance and it is certaily a compelling argument. Decisions... Decisions... I'll be sure to post up whatever we decide, and I thank you all for your feedback! This forum has been by far the best resource I've found in gathering information to make an informed buying decision. IMO, if the Grandee is close to the Vanguard in price, I'd go with the Grandee. We were also torn between the same two. Finally decided on the Grandee. Just around $500 more for us in price. Having two moto-massage seats is great. Delivered in May and we've only missed two nights of soaking. Yes, it's a bigger footprint but if you've got the space, it's worth it.

After we decided on the Hot Spring, we liked both the Vanguard and the Grandee. Finally chose the Grandee as it wasn't much more money for the larger tub. Sure glad that we did as having 2 moto-massage seats is great! We've had our tub for 6 weeks and couldn't be happier. We thought that a lounger took up too much room and you can lounge in the Grandee using 2 seats - not the lounger contour but it works.

We almost made this mistake. Saw the infomercial and liked the spa. Got the sales pitch, fell for it, and ordered a tub. Fortunately, I found this site the same day that we signed the contract. We immediately cancelled the contract. We were lucky as our deposit was returned to us within 2 weeks. We then slowed down; took the advise of the forum members; and wet tested several of the top brands mentioned on the board. Decided on the Hot Spring Grandee and couldn't be happier with our decision. Thanks to all the contributors to this site for their input. Without you guys we'd be stuck with a Thermospa.

We have wet tested Jacuzzi, Caldera, Tiger River, and Hot Spring. We really like the H.S. Vanguard. Dealer quoted $9500 after tax, with steps, coverlift II, cover, starter chemicals, delivered and set up. Is this a good deal?