Tyler

Soakerman, do you wear Kirkland Jeans by any chance?

What's the point of belittling this person? I'm sure he'll find something that will fit his needs. He may have to spend a little more money but that's his decison. You do get what you pay for in this world.

Congrats on your new hot tub. I hope you many years of quality Hot Tubbing.

They use the same Aeware stereo as the costco tub...but your tub apparently doesn't have the option so you won't have it. No matter, you can always install it later...for $500 or so for the pop-up speakers, 12vdc power supply, and aeware stereo/cd/mp3 player. The costco tub uses a Balboa 2000 LE M7 spa pack. If you want to upgrade your tub to that Balboa controller it will cost you $526 just to buy the spa pack online. On the other hand, if you want to just replace the Gecko spa pack in your tub with the same thing, you can get a new identical Gecko spa pack (that you say is days ahead of the Balboa) for ...$389 online. What a deal! A spa pack that is 'days ahead' of the Balboa and over $100 less! Wow, I wonder how Balboa can even stay in business. Paint, is that you?

soakerguy, Believe me, most of us will forget how much we paid for our spa once we get it home. It's a major investment that should last at least 10 years if you buy something decent. The 5K Costco spa isn't a bad spa but it's not what I call a premium spa. It's not a 10K spa on sale for 5K. There are other spas selling in that price range that are comparable. The return policy is a good one though. I'm just pointing out that you get what you pay for in this world.

I'm sorry, I didn't read all the previous posts. It seems like the Canadian spas are becoming very popular. I've never heard of most of the models mentioned in the original post. I currious how one of the California built spas would perform in colder climates? I'm thinking they would do just fine but I could be wrong. Wouldn't full foam insulation provide better insulation properties than using barrier type methods in cold climates? I understand that repairs would be more difficult though. I would suggest wet testing since the spa will feel very different with water in it. Also, spend a few hundred dollars more and go with a dealer backed spa with a full warrantee. You won't regret this in the future when you need service for repair work. Good luck.

At first I thought I was saving at a ton of money going with the Platinum Elite from Costco. After spending over $150 per month on electricity I'm not so sure about the savings anymore. It's also a hassle getting on the phone to order parts when it breaks down. Take my advise and go with a dealer backed spa next time. Some people might be happy initially but the excitement will wear off over time. It's not a bad spa but it's not what I would call a Premium spa. You get what you pay for in this world.

How much would it cost to replace the siding with new from the factory?

How old are your filters? I was under the impression that Tri-X filters should last at least five years or more. What kind of damage occured to your filters?

The heater in the Vista is only 4,000 watts. It will probably heat at three to four degrees per hour depending on your outside temperature. It's too bad they don't use the 6,000 heater anymore.

Only you can answer this question. Wet test and find one that fits your needs. It also helps to have good dealer support. Focus on the larger name brands if possible.

Welcome back to the forum Paint. How has your spa been running so far? Give us an update when you have some time.

Well, both of those models include a lounger. Some people like the lounge and others hate it. The Cameo has a longer lounger designed for people 6' or taller. Both are decent spas. There are other brands out there that are comparable. Regardless of the deal you're going to get, I would wet test first. It will probably last you at least 10 years so you don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't fit your needs. Happy Tubbing.

P*rn spam again starting these old topics? Seems like this site doesn't have a filter for some reason.

Ouch, I would shut the puppy down and have a pro look at it ASAP.

It seems like everytime I visit this site someone is posting links to p*rn sites. I don't see these links on other similar sites. What gives?

What tub did you go with for that price? Good luck.

I don't have anything against Cal Spas but they do have a lot of bad press on the internet. I would work with your dealer on this one. I'm sure they will take care of you. Cal Spas Complaints

Costco's return policy may be changing soon. I typically buy everything from Costco (except for spas) due to their generous return policy. I'm assuming they will change their policy because people have been taking advantage of it. I don't have anything against the Platinum Elite spas, but this would definitely affect my decision making process in the future. Just a heads up for folks considering a Costco spa in the future. Costco Costco_1

Tom, are you saying you don't own an Artic spa now? That sounds criminal. Don't they offer huge employee discounts?

Great job hottublady. Some of you are a little tough on her.

Sounds like you've done your homework. The price for the Envoy is a little higher than what they sell for in my area. Also, for comparison, the Cameo is probably more in line with the Envoy as far as pricing is concerned. I'm not familar with Clearwater spas. It should all come down to the wet test. Enjoy. Good luck.

Poolboy, what are your electricity rates on in CT? It must be much less what the California residents are paying. What do you think the Caspian and Prodigy would cost at $.30 per kwh?

Where do you live jmendoza17?

jmendoza17, you should get a hold of a meter for your spa. You're right, you could have bought a Hot Spring or Sundance spa after a couple of years of high electic bills.