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spatech (the unreal one)

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Everything posted by spatech (the unreal one)

  1. Very good point. While I do believe ozone gives you somewhat of an advantage in water care, if you don't have a 24/7 circ pump doing your fitlering and its the bigger pump only on 4 hrs or so per day then its really not going to amount to much.
  2. You're not gaining or losing by the ozone going away with the UV replacing it IMO though I'm with others about the idea of not wanting to replace bulbs yearly (or 18 months or however often they recommend). I'd ignore that part of the sales pitch.
  3. Fit and finish often say a lot about the overall quality you can expect from a brand. This recent complaint about a new Maxx would make me hesitant because this kind of thing shouldn't be getting out the door at the factory. http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/forum/index.php/topic,15860.0.html
  4. A 2012 on Craigslist? Did they but it and haev remorse after 3 or 4 months? Its true, the warranty is not transferrable and therefore its not worth anywhere near $7500 IMO.
  5. I think its a shame its not standard and don't know why its not but I would certainly pay to add it (maybe thats why its not standard).
  6. When you talk about "weighing the therapy", do you mean you are wet testing or are you just looking at it dry and deciding what looks like its going to feel good? Hopefully you are wet testing because if you buy on what "looks right" therapy wise you're missing the point. 1) Power savings? They have no power savings over others; if they're telling you that I’d ignore it. Get this brand if you like it best and it wet tests well and the higher price isn't an issue but all that talk of frames and their seating gimmick is just salesmanship (IMO). 2) Good spa if the wet test goes well. 3) I'd buy #2 or #4 before this even if they were the same price but since its higher... 4) Good spa if the wet test goes well.
  7. I thought I knew most brands out there but I don't know anything about Southseas. Therefore I can't speak about them specifically but I do I have to comment on one thing. If you do compare them to others please realize they are not giving the true running HP of those pumps. Their 5 HP pump ratings are really 5 BHP, which is Brake horse power and equates to 2.5 HP or less when in use. I'm always leery of any brands that use the deceptive brake HP in the presentation. If you look at the major brands and wonder why their pumps are only 2.0 or 2.5 HP in comparison and not 5.0 you'll know why. I'd suggest you at least look at some other brands for comparison and I'd start by checking out the dealer locators on the websites of Caldera, D1, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi and Sundance as examples as are all good quality brands that are fully insulated. If you do go with Southseas at least they're fully foamed which is good for those nasty Rochester area winters which I will NEVER miss.
  8. Energy claims and energy use are two VERY different things. Every spa make claims great energy numbers. Personally I doubt the Maxx will be in the same ballpark on energy use. In the end, when considering quality of build, energy use, trust in warranty fulfillment (most warranties are alike, not all are backed to the same degree) and overall lifespan expected, I think the Hot Springs wins. Personally I'm not sure I see Maxx as a premium brand but then again I don't claim to be a Maxx expert. In reality you don't hear too much about Maxx on these spa forums but here is a post I remember from a week or so ago which sticks with me because fit and finish and quality of build are key indicators of what you can expect down the line IMO. http://www.whatstheb...ic,15860.0.html. I'm not trying to say what you should buy, I'm just saying I think there is a reason one is more expensive than the other.
  9. Its not my $3k so I'm not telling you what to buy but I think Hot Springs is a step up from the other two. Also, if I sat in a Hyundai at a dealership I'd imagine it might be just as comfortable as sitting in a new BMW. In the end its about more than just the comfort of the seats.
  10. One really can't give a good opinion on this because you're missing one vital peice of informataiton. What is your usage? One person twice a week? Three people 3 times a week? Five people ...
  11. Caldera is made by the same manufacturer as Hot Spring so both those choices are fine and not the crapshoot that Master and Cal are.
  12. I'd steer clear of Master and Cal. Hot Spring is a far better choice than either of them IMO. Can't add anything about Premium Leisure.
  13. I don't know anything about that manufacturer but it sounds like you found a good dealer so congrats
  14. I know the first couple Onzen versions were problematic and needed upgrading so it sounds like you need to talk to a longtime dealer or the factory. There are a couple Arctic guys who come here so hopefully they'll stop by and help but if not call the factory.
  15. You stated that you went to their website, I suggest you go back to it and look for a customer service number and call to ask those questions. Your other option is to call and ask the local dealer. Tell them you're doing early research before coming in, a good dealer will want your business and look to answer your questions.
  16. It's tough to analyze from afar but while they run warm they shouldn't get too hot. Thats a sign of its nearing its end, especially if you've confirmed there is no blockage. See if there is someone that repairs pumps in your area to take a look or even ask a dealer if they have a salvaged one off a deceased spa.
  17. Spas prices are negotiable and I gotta think you can do better than almost 9k for a spa that size. All manufacturers have spa models that size and comparison shopping will give you an idea of what other options you may have and what you can expect to spend so if you're looking for alternatives I'd go to the websites of spa makers like Caldera, D1, Hot Spring and Jacuzzi and use their dealer locators to see who else might be in your area.
  18. On Pawn Stars they always try to double their money so I guess you should charge $4 and then tell Chumlee he has to figure it out in less than 4 hours next time.
  19. I always tell people that waranties often look similar on paper but in this industry its imporant who is backing that warranty. You're getting an equivalent new spa (or closest they can match since your model no longer being made) to replace your defective 5 year old spa. That is great and something you would not get from every spa company I'd suspect so be glad you purchased a product where the warranty wasn't just words on a piece of paper.
  20. Tell your wife bugs are attracted to lights and bathings suits so its recommended both be off while tubbing at night.
  21. 1) Wise, buy on quality, not bling. 2) Jacuzzi and Sundance are good choices. I'd also look at Caldera, d1, Hot Spring and Marquis. 3) Don't be swayed by all the UV mumbo jumbo talk. Its fine if its included but I wouldn’t pay to add it and it won't change you need for chlorine. Thats salesmanship if they’re touting it as some super tonic. 4) Fairs are great because you can see multiple spa choices in one area but I would not expect the prices to be anything special. They pay BIG bucks for that floor space and I'd expect you can get just as good a price in the showroom. Be SURE of one thing if you do buy at the fair, you only want to buy one there IF its from someone who has a store in the area. Otherwise you buy and they leave town and if any issues you don't have a store to drive over to. If they blow smoke on answering that ask them for the address and showroom for the dealer that will service you after the fair is gone and call to confirm. 5) No idea on pricing but you can always check the local store to compare pricing. 6) LOL, that Jacuzzi salesman is spinning some tales. Their hydrotherapy is no better than what others do.
  22. Do as Chas suggests and ask for him to detail on the invoice the items he promised.
  23. Good advice above and even for $300 you should want to see it running. Also, does it come with a heater or does it heat by using the friction of the pump running to heat the water? If it has no actual heater element (ask and be ready to see if they really know) then plan on the pump running almost non-stop on cooler days and 24/7 in winter time just to maintain heat. That may be fine for some applications and it may depend on what time of year you plan to use it but in a townhouse with it sitting on the porch (especially if its near a bedroom window) will you be ok with that pump on most of the day?
  24. There is no 3rd party website where you can find information to definitively tell you what you should buy. You can however get opinions from people on this site which can help but in the end they are just that, opinions. First of all, what brand you buy is very important. Many will look similar but there are certainly differences out there between good brands and those that aren't so hot. Workmanship, quality of components and having a manufacturer that stands behind its product are all important but equally important is who you buy from. Visit your local dealers and consider those who you feel will be there to serve your needs after the check is cleared and the spa is delivered. A good dealer who understands how to give good customer service can make up for issues that occur after the sale while poor customer service can make minor issues seem major. Having said that, my own personal short list would include brands such as Caldera, D1, Hot Springs, Jacuzzi and Sundance.
  25. Who is checking anything daily? You won't need to do that. One simple method many subscribe to is to add some sanitizer after each use (like 1 teaspoon per person upon exiting the spa), check you ph/alk weekly (or bi-weekly once you get the hang of it) and clean the filters every month or so. I know the idea of water care may seem to be a daunting task when you are new to it but you’ll get the hang of it in no time and in a short amount of time you'll see it requires very little time or effort.
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