spatech (the unreal one)

All those are viable options IMO. Visit each of those dealers, ask lots of questions, get to know the dealer and wet test those you're interested in.

I don't think you've been pushed at all; we just stopped you from being pulled in one direction before you truly assessed your situation. Now that you've researched further, you'll take the next steps in whatever direction you see fit.

Apparently, the judge at Jim's own trial isn't even worthy of his presence.

It is typical to have something in the warranty that states that there may be a "trip charge" for warranty work. It is then up to the individual dealers to decide whether to charge and under what conditions (distance being the key while some just do so accross the board or not at all). The key is to ask the dealer and have him/her state it on the sales invoice.

Wow, you're impressed with their quality and they've NEVER even shown you a real spa. I've seen awesome spa brochures before for so-so spas that sure make the spa look like a diamond (and so have you now). ALL they've shown you is a quality spa PRESENTATION, not a quality spa. You just have to have the leap of faith that they'll deliver what they say they are selling. It's your chance to take. If they weren't so overpriced it would be one thing but to take that leap for one of the most expensive spas around is a stretch. Don't be fooled by the huge price tag, it is there to give perceived value and does not guarantee it's a top notch spa. They're bascially selling you a picture of a $7k spa for $10k and you have to hope its as nice as it looks in the picture and BTW, if you have a problem the dealer won't be 10 miles away. Good luck.

Both of those spas should insulate well though they use differing methods (each may try to claim insulating superiority, shrug it off as salesmanshp). You certainly can find many brands of spas that are cheaper but often times they are just that- cheap, cheap, cheap. Stick with a name brand well respected spa manufacturer (those are certainly two of them), wet test those you like and largely make your decision based on that wet test and on how comfortable you feel with your dealer's ability and willingness to be there for you when you need them.

It's teh same as the Nature II prodcut, just in a different housing. They both do the exact same thing so either way will work.

That's a good shopping technique. The last thing a Sundance dealer wants to hear is that you're looking at Hot Springs also.

I would run out and visit a couple local dealers BEFORE the Thermospa presentation. By doing this you'll realize how overpriced Thermospa is when you get their presentation (and their quality is nothing special). They rely on getting to you before you see a local dealer and they overcharge thinking it will give perceived value. Actually, I'd cancel their visit altogether but that's only because I know it's not worth your time.

If this is indoors make sure you have VERY good ventilation. Soem will question the use of ozone indoors and if you're getting it it's even mor reason to make sure your ventilation is proper. I tend to prefer the Marquis and Hot Springs but everyone has their won opinion. Wet test teh saps if you can, it tends to reduce your selections by showing which fit/feel best.

I read that too but I didn't get the same meaning you did. I'm not sure that was meant to say Hot Springs and Sundance were the ONLY good spas. I think the comparison was with some of the cheapo spas out there that would have you believe you're getting an equal spa for $3000 less. Certainly Marquis, D1 and others are top notch spas as well.

Can you confirm that you're working with a clean filter?

The "reasonable travel fees" is a common warranty item. As you said, you then need to follow up with each dealer and get in writing what their practice is as 40 miles is more than average for sure. Spend the time to get the details form each dealer and by all means, wet test.

Not specifically but D1 is good as is Hot Springs. You can't go wrong either way. Typcially, my opinion is IF you can afford it, get what you TRULY want. I'd hate to see you sitting in your spa next year wishing you got the bigger, "better" one. This is an investment in improving your quality of life for the next 10 years so think it through and treat yourself if you can (don't dip into the kids collge fund though).

How can I tell you which way you should go? All the major manufacturers (D1 and Hot Springs included) position themselves with top of the line full featured premium spas but they also have mid-level spas which are still high quality but lower featured as well as having a more entry level line. Only you'll know which way to go but remember, either way this purchase has to last 10+ years so you don't want to buy now and rebuy 2 years from now. Think it through.

As they say in "The Holy Grail", RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, this has proven to be the scam that everyone's intuiition tells them it must be. There have been state attorney generals that have sued those running it and sooo many people posting here and on other sites haev posted how they were denied when it came time to get their money because they have so many tricks to disallow the rebate. The problem is that everyone is looking for a free ride in life so many take the chance and then feel like fools.

Lifetime warranties are Marketing ploys. They typically are fully warranted for 7 years and then there are exclusions. Ask questions on this and look it over closely and I'm sure you'll find it's not the "lifetime" they want you to think it is. They're not the only ones to try that tack.

This purchase has the be the right one for you for the next 10+ years so think it through and certainly let the wet test be your guide (along with dealer/manufacturer confidence). Caldera is a good spa option. Bullforg is a lesser known company and I think their concept is unique but I think it's more of a Marketing idea. I personally don't see much value in the idea of changing out those jetpacks and at their cost I doubt many people would. Whichever fits/feels best to you is probably all that matters.

The only way you'll find everything you're looking for at that price is to fid a used one and even then at the price you want it'll ahve to be someone who really just wants to get rid of it so start looking there.

I'm here all week. Try the veal, and remember to tip your server.

Heeeeee's back. Court must be in recess.

If you're using chlorine you can switch to bromine at the drop of a hat. If you're using bromine you must drain and refill before switching to chlorine. I am not a fan of bromine but to each his own. I find use of bomine to be like sitting in chemical soup whereas with chlorine the spa is fresh for each use. I've owned a spa 6 yrs and find the sprinkle of chlorine as I'm closing the cover after use to be simple and easy to remember. Good luck.

I'm not sure it's the same person or he sure isn't acting the same. I seem to recall the other username beings "Needsaspa", similar but different.

It's sounds great to have that larger circ pump in a way but at the same time, at that GPM I don't think you need to run it 24/7 and I'm a stickler at my house for keeping the electric bill as low as possible. At 40-50 GPM that's 57,000 to 72,000 gallons per day running 24/7. I'd lower the filter time although I do like ozone on 24/7 and you'd loose some of that (not too muc though so I'd still lower it). I wonder why they have that large of a circ pump. I'd think they'd look at how much filtering they want per day and spec the circ pump so running it 24/7 gives you the filtering you want at a lesser wattage and have the ozone on 24/7. Is it just me or does 57-72k gallons of water filtered per day seem a bit over the top?

I would add ozone to a spa if it is "ozone ready" which is the assumption here I believe. Meaning the spa has some XX length of hose in place already and all you have to do is cut the line, install the injector, attach the ozonator and plug it in. If it is not ozone ready then you need to add the length of hose as well as the injector and the ozonator.