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a42n8mom

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Posts posted by a42n8mom

  1. New guy here. OK, so the wife and I have finally committed to taking the plunge and buy a spa. After checking all the choices in my area (Hot Springs, Sundance, Cal Spas, Coast & Marquis) we keep coming back to the Hot Springs due to features and quality. We'd originally settled on the Vanguard but the wife decided she likes the Envoy. The local dealer has a floor model 2006 Envoy in Champagne Opal/Espresso with the Spaudio (which I didn't want) and the matching everwood steps which he's offering for (gulp) $10,000! Now I don't know if that's a good price or not, he claims it's a discounted price due to being a floor model and a local sale deal. Can anyone tell me if it's a good deal or not, or should I try for a better deal?

    Thanks,

    Razzman

    That doesn't sound too bad. I think I was quoted $8500 with out the Spadio which I believe retails for $2000. Maybe since you really don't want the Spadio he will come down another $500 worth the try anyway. What part of the country are you in?

  2. Yes I am aware that spas get hit hard with depreciation. However I can't imagine any of these Vistas ever coming onthe market used. Once you have one you just dont ever get rid of them unless your in a situation like me. I am thinking betweenn 6k-7k depending on shipping etc.

    Ya you could say i was a lucky college kid to have one. I doubt the store will by it back and I think ebay is probably the way i'll have to go. I caleld the store they said between 7-6k.

    i think i might put an advertisement locally, thats a good one, I'll try that.

    P.S. I can get my Aunt to store it on her property, but being in FL and the hurricanes, might be kinda dangerous, plus I dont know when Im going to get a piece of real estate again. I so dont want to sell it, its the best hottub ever!!!!

    Wow, I wish you were in California we could certainly have made a deal. I am in the market for a spa and would love to get a good deal and give someone a good deal at the same time

  3. I have really done alot of research and so far I have gotten the BBB reports on every dealer in town, some of which have resolved all of their complaints and some have administrativly closed all of their complaints and of course, some with a bit of both; if it is closed rather than resolved I assume that it was never resolved. I really wanted to ask about this as I was looking but I didn't really get the vibe that they wanted to answer any of my questions.

    These are the main questions I am asking:

    Do you have an in house service department?

    What is the hourly rate for labor for warranty repair, if any?

    Do you allow wet testing?

    I did ask one dealer if I could speak to some people who had had warranty issues to see how they felt about how their issues were handled. He seemed a bit put off and then asked someone in the showroom who was buying supplies. They seemed very happy.

    I have also found average pricing on epinions reviews and on another forum reviews, when I mentioned this to the D1 dealer, who was quoting 1K over the average pricing I found, he made it clear that he was not negotiable at all. I live in Boise ID which is a relativley small metro area, about 350,000 people. Having lived in larger cities like LA and Dallas I see that my options of dealers and brands is significantly limited.

    I have heard some incredible nightmares, not exclusive to off brands or inexpensive units. I am in a quandry and would like more information but certainly do not want to alienate myself to the point that they won't want to help me when I need it. I would love some help from dealers out there.

    I know someone that sells Hot Springs Spas in Boise. His name is John Broderick and he is honest as the day is long. I know that if you go in to see him he will be informative and give you the best price possible. He started out in the service end so he really knows his stuff. Please let him know that Elise from California sent you.

  4. I was just about to commit to a Cameo with Sunsound stereo , sunzone cd ozone, steps, cover and lift, remote drink tray, extra micro ii filter, start up kit, delivery and set up, the total when. i was literally on my way to the showroom and in the car when my cousin called on the cell and told me that a fellow worker strongly suggested I look at Hot Springs, so of course I changed directions and went to a Hot spring Dealer, who unbeknownst to me at the time also sold Sundance spas. He said he was one of only five in ther US allowed to sell both.

    The main difference, as it was presented, is that the Hot Springs will require less maintenance and keep the water cleaner. It has five filters in the scimming compartment and the Tri-x filter (which the dealer included for me in his quote) does not get tossed out like the Sundance filter (which only has one in the Optima's scimming compartment). The Tri-x is cleaned in the disher and reused. Also the salesman said that there is no need for an ozonator but after i read through the Hot Springs brochure i see that they offer a few options which appear to be to keep the water clean, " ever fresh water care system", "fresh water iii High output ozone system" and "fresh ewater continious silver ion purifer". can anyone tell me if its worth adding these extras on? do any of them reduce the maintenance needed? does the cost of adding them on outweight the benefit or vice vresa?

    i'm not sure that the price quotes for these to are comparable because the Optima at $9,800 comes with the Stereo & ozonator vs the Gandee at $9,300 does not. For both I'm told that this is the best time of year to buy a hot tub because the final 2005 orders are being placed and delivered, which are being sold at the 2005 prices. Any comments on the price quotes.

    i would especially loved to hear from any consumers that purchased either one these hot tubs, what options they got, any regrets that they may have about not getting an option or getting an option and finding that it was not really necessary. and if anyone is comfortable about telling me what they paid that would be great but i understand if you want to keep this to yourself.

    inasmuch as the dealer does sell both brands is there any reason he was pushing hot springs (funny thing is that he was wearing a sundance shirt). are the margins or commissions higher on the hot springs?

    i must say that the web site - forum is wonderful and when i eventually (hopefully this week) buy my hot tub i will regularly continue to be a participant, helping others in this community.

    thanks,

    michelle

    What part of the country do you live in? I work for a dealer that sells both in Los Angeles. Both are great spas and you won't go wrong with either one. The Optima is a square spa and the Grandee is a little bit more rectangular I believe and a little larger. Their filtration systems are different but both excellent. Some like the waterfall on the Optima better. They are the two top brands so again it is a matter of preference. The Grandee has the moto massage which a lot of people just love. I would recommend if possible trying them both out with water and seeing which feels better to you.

    ELise

  5. Well, after weeks of lurking on this board, I've finally done my homework (wet-testing and finding a dealer I trust). So now the final hurdle...pricing. I gather from the board that most dealers quote on the high end, expecting to be haggled down. I'm not sure that this dealer works that way, so I figured a quick word from the experts is in order.

    I'm thinking of the Accolade. The normal sale price he's quoted would be $8200, including delivery, chemicals, steps and a good cover. If he can get the model ordered before his last inventory request goes out next week, the price drops to $7600.

    So, is that about right for this model, or should I be pushing him a bit?

    Thanks so much for this incredibly informative board, even if it's meant that my head's been spinning from information overload sometimes! Kenny in Philly

    I don't think all dealers quote on the high end and expect to haggle. I know the store I work for in Los Angeles cuts all of that out. We never pretend to sell at the MSRP, we have our regular price and a sale price after that we are fairly firm on the price. We value our time and our customers and don't feel it is respectful to play games. Wish you on the west coast would love to help you out. I think you will be very happy with the accolade.

    Elise

  6. I would like to hear from owner's of Catalina, Sundance, or D1 spas. I'm currently considering the Catalina XL 16000 because of its layout. It has two seats with neck jets, seats 6-7 people and has an open layout that the kids can swim back and fourth in. Is this a good spa? Warranty sounds pretty standard. Any advice from spa owners would be great. I've heard quite a bit from salesmen already and am trying to match apples to apples. :unsure:

    If you check consumer reports I think you will find that the sundance has the best rating. If you are looking for an open spa check out the maxxus!

  7. i was under the impression that showrooms really do not have much room to negotiate price. from some of the postings on this very informative web site i see that i may have been under the wrong impression.

    can anyone shed some light on how much room a sundance dealer has.

    i was quoted $9,895 for a cameo with stereo, steps, cover, hydrolic lift, sunzone cd, remote, drink tray, start up kit, $100 in store credit, set up, delivery (not tax which is an addl 6%) by one dealer in my area (central nj) and $10,311 for an optima with the same features from another. plus the cameo quote i got was for a tub already in the dealers inventory that he was trying to move before the 11/23/05 year end sale ends.

    I just read a post dated 10/21/05 from ed & heidi and the quote they got was $9005.67 with tax ( albeit tax % unstateted in their post) for a similarly equiped optima (still an 880 series tub). i know the showroom is in business to make a profit, and i can appreciate that. i'm willing to pay a fair price but i don't want to find out after i commit that i was taken for a ride by salesmanship. that would leave a sour taste with me.

    any comment are much appreciated

    thanks.

    c

    the price you got was a very fair price although we sell the optima and the cameo for the same price if they have the same extras. Are you sure Ed and Heidi got the stereo? The retail on the stereo is I believe $1,000.

    Ellise

  8. I'm leaning towards buying a Sundance Cameo 880 series. I'm told by the dealer that they are moving out the '05 models to make room for the '06 models, I did not realize they are like cars. Also that prices are increasing on new ones due to the petroleum price increase. I think that this makes since. The dealer has a 2005 model still boxed, he says it is fully loaded. it has the following options -stereo & remote (nice to have but it's not mandatory for me) , cover and hydrolic lifter, ozone (sunzone cd), drink holder, steps, delivery, and is throwing in a $100 in store credit. the shell color (Sahara) is not what i would have selected as my first choice (Platinum) but i can live with it (happily) knowing that the dealer is being square with me and i'm getting it for a decent price ($9,895). So I would appreciate any and all comments regarding price, options, mfg, model dealer statements to me, etc..

    link to Sundance cameo site > http://sundancespas.com/800Series/Cameo.php

    thanks,

    C

    If that is with tax it is a great deal without tax still a super deal. I am located in Los Angeles and have been selling the Sundance since September. All of the above that the dealer told you is on the up and up. It is a great tub, you will be really happy with it!

    Enjoy,

    E

  9. I have been trying to research hot tubs and spas. It seems everyone says to wet test and check the warranty. I also checked better business bureu. I am just trying to make sure I make the right decision. I looked at a Dynasty Lancelot 3000 with the stereo system for $5000. Anyone have any opinions or experiences about this Brand.

    How big is the hot tub? If it is more than a 2 seater for that price I would be leary. Thing that are less expensive on the front end cost more in the long run. I would do some searches on google and see if you can find any comments from past customers regarding the longevity, service etc. If you spend that much money and it only last 4-5 years it could be a costly mistake. If you spend a few more thousand which I know seems like a ton of $ on the front end it may save you in the long run. Again, if it is a small tub it may not be a problem. Good luck

  10. I'm taking delivery of a Sundance Bahia tomorrow and the dealer recommended the Sundance version of the Nature 2 system. It's a mineral system that fits into the "brominator" on Sundance spas, rather than in the center of the filter. This is because of the way the filter fits in the Sundance. Lasts 4 months.

    Has anyone used this and have comments?

    Of course, chlorine is also used with this system, just like the Nature 2 system.

    [/

    I have not used the system personally but I know that a lot of people have had good luck with the system

  11. First time Spa buyer looking to get a good quality spa for around 7000 dollars sitting 4 or 5 adults at times but mostly just me and my wife as our kids our mostly grown and we are soon to be empty nesters.

    Some information first on where the spa is going to go, we are building a new room to measure about 20x26 to make a rec room out of it so it will hold a spa, some type of furniture and a bar. I think the most limiting factor is the door in the room so it must fit through a set of french doors.

    We have looked at the following spas any help on these spas or others that you would recommend would be greatful. Thanks in advanced.

    Vita Allure w/ ozonator and countious pump set up with cover cady and steps for 6500

    Vita Essence w/ozonator and countious pump set up with cover cady and steps for 6200

    Marquis Quest set up with cover cady and steps for 6700

    Hot Springs Sovereign set up with cover cady and steps for 6995

    Coleman 461 Deluxe set up with cover cady and steps for 6500

    Thanks again for any help

    My vote would be for the hotspring Sovereign. You are going to find that it has a better filtration system, better insulation and the ease of use can not be beat. Even though it will cost you more on the frontside it will cost less because of maintenance in the life of the spa. Spas are generally delivered on their side so as long as you have around 38" or so you should be fine.

    Good luck

  12. Is this a fair price for a Sundance Caprio? I was quoted $5399 for the spa with ozone, cover, delivery and set-up. I need a 110V spa because I'm renting where I'm at now and don't want to spend the money on a long electrical run. I can convert it to 220 when I buy my own place down the road.

    Thanks.

    Sounds like a very fair quote. Let me know how you make out, Almost sounds to good to be true

  13. Hi, I'm new to this forum. Can someone tell me what are the differences between hot tub / spa and jacuzzis? This problem had been bugging me for sometime and it's hard to find the info i wanted from the search engines. Thanks alot

    It is like comparing facial tissue with Kleenex. People always ask for a Kleenex because that has become the generic name however Jacuzzi and Kleenex are actually brands. In other words there is no more of a difference then comparing any other hot tub manufacturer.

    The two top brands are Hot Springs and Sundance, you will not go wrong with either one. They may cost more up front but will end up costing you a lot less in the long run. Some people thing they are saving gobs of $ to only find their hot tub lasting 4-6 years. Hot Springs and Sundance have been known to last 20-25 years. So...if you compare the price of one of those or 4-5 of the competitors you will find that the savings will be significant.

    Hope this helps,

    Elise

  14. I bought a Lagunas Spa from a local dealer and just had it delivered over the weekend. I had the spa wired for the 40amp 220 service and with much disappointment the spa never worked. I know power is getting to the control board and passing through the junction box to the board circuitry.

    Has anyone heard of problems with this Sundance model? It is a 110/220 convertible model so I was wondering if there has been any problems with this design.

    I noticed some inconsistencies with the wiring schematic and the actual board layout too. I know the tub is wired per the directions but I am wondering if the directions were printed incorrectly for the 40/220 installation.

    Does anyone have any ideas on something I can test while waiting for the service tech to arrive? With the conversation I had with the dealer over the weekend he led me to believe that they always blame the wiring and not the spa controls for these problems. Based on that I am a bit nervous.

    Thanks in advance for any advice.

    I think you need to buy it as a 220. You might want to check with the dealer. Did you have them do the electrical? I think you may need 60 amp also. This is a great spa hopefully it will work soon.

    Elise

  15. Hello All,

    I think I may have gotten down to a couple Spas I’m interested in. Them being the Envoy by Hot Springs and the Cameo by Sundance. When talking to a local dealer he was telling me that Hot Spring Spas are the only one out there that filters (all 100%) of the water being discharged through the jets. Is this in fact true? And are there and other differences I should consider? By looking at the specs they seem very similar. Does anybody have any experiences with these to which one is better?

    Thanks……..

    where do you live? I would recommend wet testing both to see which one is more comfortable for you. I am too going back and forth between these two models however I am leaning more towards the envoy since I seem to stay in one place better in it however this differs from person to person

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