jara97

Opened the pool about 4 days ago and tested the water. PH @ Alkalinity a little high but also said copper was .76. Not sure what the best way is to remove the copper. Water is crystal clear right now and I didn't have this copper issue last year. Thanks in advance. James

Well I would definately go with the TR. We have a HS Vanguard and maybe I like their products because they represent good quality but above all your electric bill will not shock you. Mine didn't go up hardly at all and we have had our spa just under a year. I love this forum because it educates people and steers them away from making mistakes. I hope you get the best spa for you but wet test and take energy consumption into consideration or you will be sorry. JA

Thanks, I tried that but it didn't work. Guess I will call the dealer and see what happens. Can't find the owners manual on the web and I don't believe I got one when I bought the spa but still looking. Thanks, James

Well we have had our HS Vanguard since May and love it. We have the SPAUDIO 2 which we also love but yesterday the remote quit operating everything. When you push any buttons on it it lights up but doesn't display anything. We can still run the internal speakers using the control panel inside of the spa but cannot run any options or the external speakers. I changed the batteries but just doesn't seem to be communicating. Any ideas?? Thanks in Advance. James

First off I think you are doing well with any of the types you have mentioned. We have a Hot Springs Vanguard and it is very nice and we couldn't be happier. I think the jetsetter is also very nice. The Moto-Massage jets are nice although I prefer the others better. The Tiger River Bengal is also a very nice spa that is well insulated. My only advice to you is test and retest and make sure before you buy one. You are far better off if you can to spend just a little more and be happy. I think you are on the right track and I wish you the best of luck. You will love it... JA

I believe you really wanted opinions so here goes one. I tried alot of spas and was torn between Sundance & Hotsprings. We wet tested numerous models and settled on the Hot Springs Vanguard with Spaudio II. We simply love it and has been everything we hoped for and more. Electric bill only went up a few dollars which was shocking to say the least. Water stays crystal clear. We also liked the Sundance Cameo but settled on the HS. Really I don't think HS and SD would be selling alot of spas for this many years if they were junk do you? You need to definately get a good dealer that will stand by their product. Good Luck... James

I really think you could do alot worse than Hotsprings or Sundance. I have Hotsprings but was a tough decision. Dealer is very important. I would think long and hard if I didn't have dealer support within a reasonable distance. Good Luck and I suggest test soaking in a ton of them before your purchase. I loved the Envoy but once my wife tested it she didn't like it so then we tried the Vanguard. Bingo and we love it. I also like the Sundance Cameo but had to make the choice and very happy especially with the electric bill. Hardly any difference. We were SHOCKED! Good Luck James

I have the spaudio 2 which I dearly love and am not thrilled with the installation also but haven't had any issues. The silicone is clear but I will have to redo it I am sure. It is a little loose. I am so glad I got this system and although I was skeptical it was a good decison. Pricey but I like it. Good luck with your issue. James

We have had our Vanguard for two months and absolutely love it. I love those filters. They are so easy to maintain and our water has been perfect. Just a little daily maintenance and you are soaking away. Sundance also makes a nice spa but I am thrilled with our choice. I think in the long run those filters will pay for themselves. Good Luck. James

Since getting our new spa on 14 May I just wanted to report what I think of the spa since when I was looking I valued the opinions of people on this board. First off it has been everything and more than we hoped for. It is a breeze to take care of with great jets and a very low electric bill. I was very impressed as my electric bill has just slightly went up since we got the spa and I use it almost every day. The only problem we have had is the inside panel doesn't work and will be replaced from the dealer this week. I use a maintenance dose of chlorine, nature 2, and a little enzyme weekly. Water stays in really good shape. We are thrilled with our vanguard and the Spaudio system is awesome and I know it is pricey but I am so glad I splurged for it. Pretty nice to listen to quality music and when we are in our pool we listen to music all of the time. There are alot of great spas but I am glad with my choice. My only regret is I didn't get a spa earlier. Take Care, James

I had a vanguard installed May the 14th but I use chlorine and haven't had a moments problems with chemicals. Water is crystal clear. I use the Nature 2 and just add a maintenance dose of chlorine, a little enzyme and I am good to go. I use to use baqua products in my pool but since I switched to chlorine my water is noticable clearer. I sincerely hope you get your problem lined up. I would take a sample to your dealer and get it tested pronto. Good luck. James

I am changing from Baquacil to Chlorine and have followed instructions by shocking, vacuuming until I show no baquacil left in my water. Went to walmart and bought some chlorine granules, and after another shock I have white foam on top of the pool. Will not go away. How can I get rid of this? Thanks, James

Navsav , Like suprsokr I also bought the Hot Springs Vanguard. Got a great deal on a floor model and got the Spaudio II. We just love it. I suffered a very serious back injury and our spa has really seemed to relieve alot of discomfort and is certainly great for relaxation. We tried alot of spas and I was also impressed with the Sundance Cameo and Sundance Optima but I believe they are a little over your budget. The people that have previously posted know far more than I but I will say that I believe the Vanguard offers plenty of therapy and I really like the open seating and the cool down seat is a must. Good luck with your future purchase. Take Care,,,,, James

We wet tested several models but just couldn't get away from the Vanguard. It is an awesome tub plenty of power and I think alot of bang for the buck. You will not go wrong with either spa but personally I just love the vanguard. Bought a floor model with stereo and saved a ton. Good luck. James