Sydney

Hi, Someone has a Hot Springs Grandee model they're saying is from 2005 on Craigs List (asking $3,800 and they will move it--not sure I'd take them up on it, may have it moved professionally). Anyways, I was finally able to get the serial number from the guy, as I understand you can tell when they were manufactured by that. Here it is: GG1h1504. Could someone please tell me how old this is and approximately what it's worth? He was starting out well over $4,000, then dropped to $4,000 and is now offering it at $3,800 including moving it for us. We haven't looked at it yet or wet tested it yet (we would definitely do this first), but he's been a bit evasive, so I wanted to see if the serial number matches up with what he's telling me on how old it is (since he didn't buy it from a dealer). Thanks for any answers!!

Thanks Spatech. I know that the Arctic would have a warranty to the current owner, so we could talk to their dealer when we go up to do the wet test next week. Not sure that the '08 Caldera would have a warranty as it replaced an '02 Caldera with problems ... think I'm going to call back to the Caldera dealer to see if it has a warranty. We'll definitely ask about the trip/service charges to get it in writing. The Caldera dealer is only about 35 miles from us as opposed to the Arctic being 90 miles away, but they both do service our area.

Thanks for all the info Arctic Cub. Hopefully buying a new one (and now the seller thinks it might be an '09 floor model when they bought it--and the dealer told me it was a floor model when I called yesterday also, but it was new with the full warranty to the current owner, but that explains the $5269 they paid for an Arctic Cub Designer spa), we won't have any problems (if any) for awhile. I did ask the dealer (who is the closest to us and about 1-1/2 hours away), if they served our area, and they do, although they will charge a trip charge and then obviously their service fee/hour. I do get to that city regularly (once a month) as I go there to get my hair done, so we can buy our chemicals and such and talk to the dealer on a regular basis if we decide to purchase the tub. Working on setting up the wet test on Monday or Tuesday night next week. My strategy is to do the wet test on the Arctic, and then the Caldera Hawaiian owners ('08 model with no warranty issues per the dealer when I called last night) get back from their vacation on 7/6, we'll do a wet test of theirs and compare the two. Hoping I can kind of tell each of them we're looking at another tub so we can use that as a negotiating point. My hope is to pay $3,000 for the Arctic Cub (they're asking $3,500 but they're also divorcing and selling their house), and not sure yet about the Caldera as they're asking $4,200 (hope to get for maybe $3,500). I have to do some more searching on her about the Caldera though ... although I've heard they're both good spas.

Thanks Spatech. We're hoping to do a wet test on the Arctic Cub this weekend (it's the Designer version). They spent $5269 for it on March 28, 2010 (I called their dealer). He said they got a "blow out" price/deal (meaning they got a great deal because it was a floor model). I'm trying to ascertain from the owner whether it's really a 2010 or a floor model 2009, but it probably doesn't matter. Their dealer also does service our area, but he said we probably wouldn't have any issues with it for years (well we'll see I guess). If we could get it for $3,000 (they're asking $3500 and going through a divorce, so I think it's doable, because they're also selling their house), then we add in the $500 for the 220v and about $500 to move it, we're sitting at $4K for everything, which we're comfortable with, particularly for a "new" tub. I'll keep you all posted after our wet test. Thanks!!

Welcome to the forum newbie!! You are looking at two well respected brands in the industry, so you cant really go wrong either way. I can tell you that don't be leery of the Arctic. The quality is every bit as good as the Caldera. Also, the couple that made the original purchase of the spa got a absolute steal on that spa. That other posted that said that the spas would normally sell for 7-7500 was more accurately correct. You can even see one other post where a guy bought a Prestige Arctic for $5800 which has less jets than the designer. I am not sure why that dealer sold that spa so cheap, but that's their choice. But, what that means to you is that you are getting a great deal as well. Since they offered a wet test, I would take them up on that. The Cub is a very comfortable spa, and even though it only has one pump, it also has the therapy air blower, so you get 14 air jets as well. I think maybe since that couple is getting a divorce you might be able to get that price down some more, but maybe not. But all in all, if you like it, that is a great price for you. Yes you would need 220v. I would say anywhere from 400-700 dollars to get that done. Most electricians will give you a free estimate if you want to know that before. About 500 would be about right for the move as well. Good luck in your search for the spa! Thanks Water Boy!!! Care to comment more on the Caldera Hawaiian ... or anyone else also? Also, they (the couple selling the Arctic) are for sure getting a divorce (I checked it out on-line today) ... yeah, I'm cynical and always the deal maker I'm also going to call the dealer where they purchased it today at lunchtime to get more details on that tub. Also got more information last night from the lady selling the Caldera (at $4200). Little more complicated there, but her uncle (who she did give me the name of) had an '02 Caldera and something went wrong with the finish (it bubbled and caused some problems), so the dealer he purchased it from (about 30 miles from us) replaced it in '08 or thereabouts (and yes, I'm calling that dealer today as well, because I figure they'd have a record of 2 hot tubs being sold to this guy). The lady bought it from her uncle new in '08 and moved it to her house (so she doesn't even have a warranty on it, which makes sense). Anyways, she told me they have 2 kids and just thought they'd use it more, but they haven't been, and she wants to use the $$ for something else like towards their camper and also free up her patio space. They're on vacation now until 7/6, so that will give us some time to look at the Arctic and wet test it, and then wet test the Caldera when they get back from vacation. But if we fall in love with the Arctic, perhaps we'll just buy it as it is so new. Again, any comments on the Caldera situation also appreciated. Thanks!!

Sorry, but I'm reposting hoping to get an answer with more details from me ... Yesterday I came across a new 2010 Artic Cub "Designer" spa on Craigs List. She/her soon to be ex have owned for 3 months and have all the original paperwork and manual, and purchased from a dealer about 1-1/2 hours from us. Obviously we would not get the warranty, even though it's "new," and she's asking $3500. Not sure but suspect we'd need to put in 220v (anyone??) and also have it professionally moved ($500 I'd guess). There's only one pump on this thing (mostly everything we've looked at or read about have 2--is that problematic??). Has lights, waterfall, ozone filtration system. I'm assuming she would have cover/lifter/stairs, I have to ask about that ... she did say she would include chemicals. Anyone care to comment? I've read mixed reviews on the Artics (good and bad). We live in Wisconsin (Midwest, cold winters, but NOT terrible winters the past 5 years or so). They paid $4995 on March 28, 2010, and as I said are selling due to divorce. Does not have a cedar exterior--it's a type of "Permawood." I was told last night that new these cost $7000 to $7500, that's when she told me $4995 was what they paid, I was shocked. She does have the original receipt, manuals, etc., so I can easily check that. Also willing for us to wet test. Today, I came across a Caldera Hawaiian spa on Craigs List also, an '08 model. This seems to be a bit nicer spa from what I've read on this board so far, although of course it's not just new. They're also willing to let us wet test. They're asking $4200 and it's been for sale since May 26. If Seller #1 (Arctic Cub '10) tubs really go for $7000, then I'd consider $3500 to be a good deal, but I always negotiate on Craigs List. I'd definitely negotiate on Seller #2 (Caldera Hawaiian '08)and maybe offer somewhere between $3,000 and $3,500. Any ideas on what an '08 Caldera Hawaiian would be worth in great condition as they say? Thanks, I'm a newbie

Thanks for the response! Since yesterday, I got a response back on another tub on Craigs List that I still have a lot of questions to get answers back from the owner on (they already told us we could wet test it). Caldera Hawaiian, Paradise series. '08 model, asking $4200 ... has been on Craigs List since 5/26. Just from the little bit of research I've done so far, the Caldera seems like a better tub than Artic (although this one is $700 more and not new like the Arctic). Could anyone comment on the Caldera Hawaiian vs. the Arctic in value, etc. Also if $4200 sounds a bit high for an '08 Caldera Hawaiian or not? I'd hope to get it for $3,500 if we were serious after a wet test, also taking into account we need to pay to have it moved. The one thing I always ask is if they purchased it new, from who (a dealer, and where), if they still have the receipts and manuals, and of course if we can wet test. So far the Arctic has everything and is only 3 months old, but the Caldera appears to be a superior tub based on the little bit I've read so far. Again, any comments welcome!

Hi, Just starting to look and have looked at some new tubs (Sundance, Hot Springs and Marquis), and although we'd love to get a Sundance or other new tub, our budget just isn't there right now (just bought a brand new house and our priority is there). Have seen quite a few tubs on Craigs List and I know alot of the questions to ask, and at the end of the day alot of the owners just don't "know enough" to answer them (which usually tells me they don't want to). Today came across a new 2010 Artic Cub "Designer" spa. She/her soon to be ex have owned for 3 months and have all the original paperwork and manual, and purchased from a dealer about 1-1/2 hours from us. Obviously we would not get the warranty, even though it's "new," but I'm wondering about what these go for new. She's asking $3500. Not sure but suspect we'd need to put in 220v (anyone??) and also have it professionally moved ($500 I'd guess). By the time I got home tonight the dealer where she purchased from was closed, so I couldn't call until tomorrow. There's only one pump on this thing (mostly everything we've looked at or read about have 2--is that problematic??). Has lights, waterfall, ozone filtration system. I'm assuming she would have cover/lifter/stairs, I have to ask about that ... she did say she would include chemicals. Anyone care to comment? I've read mixed reviews on the Artics (good and bad). We live in Wisconsin (Midwest, cold winters, but NOT terrible winters the past 5 years or so). There is also a HS Grandee in the same area that they're asking $4K for but I can't "verify" its age. The owner says 4 years but then they bought it from another private party so it could be 1-2 years older than that. When I asked him for the serial number last night I haven't heard back from him yet (I guess I can tell the age from that). Finally there is an '08 Tiger River Bengal on Craigs List for $3K. Of the 3, I think I could only wet test the Arctic and the Hot Spring Grandee. Appears as if the Tiger River is empty on-line so unless they'd care to fill it back up, that one's out. Both the Arctic and HS owners have said yes to a wet test. Anyways, any opinions are most welcome!

Thanks for your reply. Is that really true about if you buy from one dealer (and let's say it's a Sundance that you purchase), that you're "obligated" to get it serviced by them? We have looked at Wolf several times, but they will NOT deal, period. Even talked with their sales manager. The lady we talked to recently looked in her little sales book, quoted us a price, and asked us if we were wanting to buy that day. Yeah, right. That's why I was hoping if this Green Bay dealer was more willing to deal on a Sundance, we'd make the trip--but if the service down the road is an issue, obviously that's problematic because GB is over 2 hours from us. Would love to get a Sundance more than anything else, but open to Hot Springs, Marquis (have looked at both of those also). Haven't wet tested anything yet (haven't gotten to a price where I'd want to wet test).

Hi, I just registered today and my husband and I are looking to purchase a hot tub. Have been looking for several months ever since we bought our new house back in March and we now have 2 separate patios off of our 3 season room, one of which has a nice privacy fence. Anyways, in discovering this board, about a year ago (summer of '09), I came across a post from someone contemplating a purchase of a Sundance Optima from a Randy at All Seasons Spas in Green Bay. In doing a Google search of that business, they do not seem to have a website. There is a phone number listed, but no voice mail. Does anyone know if this business is still around? We live in Milwaukee so we're not all that far away from Green Bay. Any answers (and anyone that's dealt with them if they are still in business) would be appreciated. Thanks!