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

I have a 15 X 30 above ground pool with sand filter that was put in August of last year and started on baquacil which I didn't have any problems with but while searching posts it seems as baquacil isn't good. I don't really have a clue what to go to and how to switch the pool. I don't want to ruin anything and would like something as painless as possible. Any help would be appreciated. James

Hello all, Well we were all set to purchase a 2007 Vanguard when my dealer made me a pretty good offer on the 2006 floor model with the Spaudio II. I personally didn't think the stereo was a priority but my wife said it would be nice. The floor model has been on the floor since November 2006 and looks perfect to me. I haggled with the owner for a few days and ended up getting it for 8295.00 with steps, cover, chemcals and installation. I thought that was a great price and we will be getting it installed in the near future. We are excited and are working on the patio so everything will be ready. We had the electric all done two weeks ago so we are ready to go. Spa searching is tough but I feel we are getting a nice spa at a nice price. James

My wife and I wet tested the Envoy twice and came close to purchasing but purchased the Vanguard instead. We really liked the envoy but didn't like it doesn't really have a place to step in the tub and we both had trouble staying down in the lounger. has plenty of power and a little more than my wife liked. I suggest a good wet test as it may fit you very well. It is a very popular spa and we could have purchased for 8795.00 here in Missouri. It may just fit your needs perfectly and is an awesome spa just not for us. We just got the electric completed and will be taking delivery in the next 3 weeks. I am getting excited. James

The wife and I have been looking at hot tubs and like the Vanguard by hot springs but also the bengal from tiger river. A grand cheaper for the tiger river but just not sure if big enough for 4 people although it states that it is. Wet tested and not nearly as roomy as the vanguard but does have a decent lounge. I know the vanguard is very good in the utilities department so wondering if any have experience with the tiger river as far as electrical usage and overall experience with this tub. Thanks,,, James

Seaspray Evolution pools are gorgeous and have awesome large top rails. Are expensive but have a nice warranty. James

Lee, I wet tested the Sovereign and at your height I am not sure that the Sovereign will have the depth you will need. I found the footwell to be very shallow for me and I am 6-0. I don't know about the Cayman but I wish you the best of luck in your future purchase. If you want Hot Springs and have to have the lounger I would probably get the Envoy but would be more money. Good Luck. James

Have you checked out the Tiger River Brand? They are made by Hot Springs and are going to be closer to your price range. I don't know anything about Cal Spa and I wish you luck in your future purchase. I ordered a Hot Springs Vanguard and I can hardly wait for it to arrive. Good Luck, James

I ordered a Hot Springs Vanguard for $7695.00 with Steps, Lifter, and Chemical kit. We really liked the Grandee as well but it was just too big for our needs. We looked at alot of spas but I would definately go with either Hot Springs or Sundance if I were you but just my two cents. Good luck with whatever you decide. James

All, I have found a HS Envoy for 8700 that includes steps, cradle cover, and chemicals. I wet tested it and liked it very much. I have now found a very nice looking SD Cameo with all options except the stereo that also includes steps, cover cradle, and chemicals for 7950 which seems like a pretty good price. I just want a good spa. I am going to wet test the SD this weekend but what is the opinion from people who own the sundance. Also the Ozonator comes with the SD as well. Thanks, James

Thanks for the advice. Yesterday my wife and I went and did a wet soak in a Hot Springs Envoy and really enjoyed it. Price is around $8700.00 with some additional options tossed in. I have a bad back injury and this spa seemed to really hit the spots that I feel may give me some benefit. I went there thinking about the Sovereign and came away liking the Envoy better. Plan on looking around more...... James