WooBah

Hi all. I had to learn the hard way. Two years ago I bought an eight person Cal Spa. The Spa was bought new from the local dealer. Since that time, the Spa has broken down on numerous occasions, and has cost a FORTUNE to run. Cal Spa's is crap, and good luck getting help from the Manufacturer, they have been worthless. I love having a spa, but I want to have a spa that is a spa, works like a spa, does not break down, has good manufacturer support, and does not cost a fortune to run. I know I could sell the spa in the paper, but that would be a hassle, and I am not going to lie about the trouble with this piece of crap spa. A spa manufacturer has the know how to recondition spas, even this crap spa. Thus, I was wondering if there are any companies that offer Trade-Ins to purchase a new spa. Does anyone know of a Manufacturer that offers a trade in for your old spa, which can be used to buy a New Spa?

Yeah, I realize the amount of a trade is not going to get my money back. It is like a car trade in. But, at least I get a QUALITY Spa that will last 10 or more years and bring me enjoyment, and I learned a lesson, expensive, but I learned. Do you know of any manufacturers that offer a trade in program through their dealers?

Thanks for the tip. However, there is not an Artic Dealer in my area.

First, my sincere apologies to all Dealers on this Forum and Spa People who I took to task for selling spas at a higher price than Cal Spas. Well, If you use the search or archive features of the forum you can find a lot of posts from me from about a year to seven months ago. I chastised some of the dealers on here for high markups, I said, "a spa is a spa". Save money, find the the best deal. Well, there is nothing wrong with finding the best deal. A smart consumer should always find the best deal. BUT; YOU MUST BUY QUALITY! I have found out the hard way. My story is sad but true. I went and bought a Cal Spa, despite all the warnings from the good people on this forum, and I bought from a local dealer that was the third local dealer to become a Cal Spas Dealer. I saved probably three thousand from a comparable spa from one of the other major spa manufacturers. What an idiot! My spa has been breaking down constantly, the local dealer went out of business, Cal Spa has sent a repair person out, the spa gets repaired, something else goes wrong, and I am back to waiting for the repair person to come back out. Talk about frustrating! So, if I can, I have decided to cut my losses, dump the Cal Spa, and do what I should have done the first time; buy a quality spa from a quality Dealer. Does anyone know if there are any companies that have trade in incentives to buy their spas? Also, can I get some recommendations for Quality Spas? I need a spa that seats six or more. And, I want QUALITY!

I think you are taking this way to personally. You brought up the "my neighbor story". I just pointed out that the "neighbor" story applies to all spa makes, not one in particular. This thread is kind of like the Costco Elite Spa thread. I saw a lot of Dealers and owners who had paid Thousands of dollars extra for their spa feel threatened by running down the Costco Spa in an attempt to justify their more expensive purchase. The Original Poster asked for experience with Cal Spas, all the owners of Cal Spas that have posted in this thread have all had positive experiences. I think that says it all.

Yes, Cal Spas is selling a Lifestyle, kind of like BMW does, Starbucks does, Apple Computer, IBM, Disney, all of whom have many other subsidiaries, producing many other products, which compliment their main product. Since, they sell other productes, nobody better buy from those companies.

It is unfair to compare a 5 year old spa with new spas. There have been innovations in the spa industry. As far as neighbor stories go, my neighbor has a four year old Hot Spring Tub, he says it is a piece of crap, dealer is worthless, it is for sale as is for $1500. So, I guess, everyone should avoid Hot Springs Tubs, right?

No Service needed for my Cal Spa. I think the people who talk about their "great" Cal Spa Dealers are referring to the way they have been treated by the store, employees, the setup of spa was good, the instructions on how to use the spa were good, etc. Again, NO problems from my Cal Spa whatsoever.

Well, I also just bought a Cal Spa, GREAT SPA! And, a great price compared to other spas. I think it is really comfortable. I bought the Classic 22S, Santa Barbara Model, seats seven, 22 jets. Paid $3900. It is an awesome Spa. There are a lot of dealers on this forum, and they are tout their spas as being the best, but the bottom line is there is no best spa. I love my Cal Spa, and the company is not going out of business anytime soon, since they are the biggest Spa/Outdoor Company in the Nation. I say to the original poster, if you like the Cal Spa, buy it. I love mine.

Hi all. Does anyone have a source for buying a Spa Surround Wrap? I would like to have a Tile. Stone, or Granite Spa Surround Wrap, or a FAUX Tile, Stone, or Granite Surround Wrap. I have seen some in pictures and they look really nice. Is this something I can do myself, if so, where and what do I need to buy? Or, is this something I can purchase pre-made? If so, where?

Sounds like you don't pay anything for hookup or very little. You are lucky! I forgot to add the number of feet in my original post, it is 100 feet. My post should have read: Well, I just got a quote for $1250, plus the GFCI box, the line has to run through my attic, across my house, down the rafters, so it will be hidden, than down the side of the wall, then about 10 feet undergroun to the Box; for a total of 100 feet. How does this sound? The electrician was recommend by the Spa Dealer.

Well, I just got a quote for $1250, plus the GFCI box, the line has to run through my attic, across my house, down the rafters, so it will be hidden, than down the side of the wall, then about 10 feet undergroun to the Box. How does this sound? The electrician was recommend by the Spa Dealer.

Spa 1 Jets 60 Pumps: 2 High Pressure 3 HP 220 GPM Pumps/One 2sp & One 1sp Pump & One 1sp 30 GPM 1/15th HP Circulation Pump Electrical Ratings: 240 Volt / 40 AMP / 50 AMP G.F.C.I (Energy Savings) Heater: 240 Volt Heater 6kW Ozone: Ultra-Pure Ozone System Filter: 24 Hour Crystal-Clear Filtration 100 SQ Foot System Pillows: Four Comfort Design Pillows Cover: Safety Locks Deluxe Cover 5"x 3" Tapered Foam Construction & Child Proof Safety Locks Extras: Waterfall, Stereo CD/AM/FM Radio System W/Pop Up Speakes and Cover Lift Lights Muti-Color LED Seats: 6 Adults Construction: Shell Insulated, Foam Barrier W/Full ABS Bottom and Maintenance Free Cabinet Liters 325 US Gallons (Average) Dimensions: 87"x 87"x 37" 87"x 87"x 37" Water Weight: 900 US Lbs. Filled Weight: 36110lbs Warranty Lifetime Spa Structural Warranty 10 Year Surface Warranty Lifetime Manifold Plumbing Warranty 2 Year Electrical Equipment Warranty Spa 2 Total Jets 25 Seating Capacity: 7 Person Dimensions: 93" x 93" x 39½" Dry Weight: 900 lbs Filled Weight: 5,065 lbs Water Capacity: 500 gal Control System: 6200 Smart Control Pack Power Supply: 240V * Heater: 5.5 kW XL Heat Exchanger Lighting: 1 x 12V Large Light w/ Clear, Red, and Blue Lenses Safety System: True Blue Safety Suction System * Booster Pumps: 1 x 145-T Frame GE 5.0 BHP 240V Switchless Booster Pump * Pumps: Eliminator Plus Wet Ends Total Jets: 22 Jets: 12 x Storm Jets CXW 2 x Storm Jets MJW 2 x Sure Flow SFW 6 x Micro Spin MSW Jet Ring Trim: Standard Grey Diverter Valves: 1 x 2" Comfort Diverter Valves Air Control Valves: 2 x Easy-Flo Air Venturi Pillows: 2 x Pillowsage Headrests Plumbing: 2" Pipes Filters: 75 ft² Bio-Clean Anti-Bacterial Filter Intakes: 1 x 1 Bottom Drain: Standard Shell: Acrylic Cabinet Frame: Pressure-Treated Wood Cabinet Panel: Redwood Bottom Tray: Standard Cover: Basic * Warranty: 10 x Years Structure 5 x Years Finish 5 x Years Parts 5 x Years Labor

Spa 1 Jets 60 Pumps: 2 High Pressure 3 HP 220 GPM Pumps/One 2sp & One 1sp Pump & One 1sp 30 GPM 1/15th HP Circulation Pump Electrical Ratings: 240 Volt / 40 AMP / 50 AMP G.F.C.I (Energy Savings) Heater: 240 Volt Heater 6kW Ozone: Ultra-Pure Ozone System Filter: 24 Hour Crystal-Clear Filtration 100 SQ Foot System Pillows: Four Comfort Design Pillows Cover: Safety Locks Deluxe Cover 5"x 3" Tapered Foam Construction & Child Proof Safety Locks Extras: Waterfall, Stereo CD/AM/FM Radio System W/Pop Up Speakes and Cover Lift Lights Muti-Color LED Seats: 6 Adults Construction: Shell Insulated, Foam Barrier W/Full ABS Bottom and Maintenance Free Cabinet Liters 325 US Gallons (Average) Dimensions: 87"x 87"x 37" 87"x 87"x 37" Water Weight: 900 US Lbs. Filled Weight: 36110lbs Warranty Lifetime Spa Structural Warranty 10 Year Surface Warranty Lifetime Manifold Plumbing Warranty 2 Year Electrical Equipment Warranty Spa 2 Total Jets 25 Seating Capacity: 7 Person Dimensions: 93" x 93" x 39½" Dry Weight: 900 lbs Filled Weight: 5,065 lbs Water Capacity: 500 gal Control System: 6200 Smart Control Pack Power Supply: 240V * Heater: 5.5 kW XL Heat Exchanger Lighting: 1 x 12V Large Light w/ Clear, Red, and Blue Lenses Safety System: True Blue Safety Suction System * Booster Pumps: 1 x 145-T Frame GE 5.0 BHP 240V Switchless Booster Pump * Pumps: Eliminator Plus Wet Ends Total Jets: 22 Jets: 12 x Storm Jets CXW 2 x Storm Jets MJW 2 x Sure Flow SFW 6 x Micro Spin MSW Jet Ring Trim: Standard Grey Diverter Valves: 1 x 2" Comfort Diverter Valves Air Control Valves: 2 x Easy-Flo Air Venturi Pillows: 2 x Pillowsage Headrests Plumbing: 2" Pipes Filters: 75 ft² Bio-Clean Anti-Bacterial Filter Intakes: 1 x 1 Bottom Drain: Standard Shell: Acrylic Cabinet Frame: Pressure-Treated Wood Cabinet Panel: Redwood Bottom Tray: Standard Cover: Basic * Warranty: 10 x Years Structure 5 x Years Finish 5 x Years Parts 5 x Years Labor

There are a lot of people, both Dealer/Repair and Consumer, on this Forum with a lot of knowledge. I know that these two tubs are NOT on the top list for most folks on this tub, but this is the budget I have for a Tub. So, one of the two will have to do for now. Now given the situation, if you HAD to buy one of these two Tubs, which one would you choose? Thanks. Please vote in the poll, and please feel free to leave any comments. Thank you.

Excellent suggestion. As I have not had the spa delivered yet. I will go back to the store tomorrow and have them write full NEW CAL SPA Warranty on the receipt It will be interesting to see if they do it, since that is what I was told. If not, I will cancel the order. But; for now, I will give the Dealer the benefit of the doubt. Thanks for the tip.

I don't think there is anything wrong with the Costco Spa. It seems pretty nice and the owners seem to be very, very happy with the spa. The price is Great and the Costco Return Policy is the BEST! I have decided to go with a Cal Spas Spa from a local Dealer with a great reputation. The reason I am going with the Cal Spa is I am getting it for the same price as the Costco Spa, $3999, which is a $2000 discount from every Cal Spa Dealer I have contacted in six other California Towns. We just had a Home Show in our City and the Dealer had this Spa at the show, so that is why I am getting the discount. It is a new spa with a full new spa warranty, it was just out at the Home Show, and for $2,000 that is fine with me. Plus, the Dealer will deliver and setup the spa, plus show me how everything works. I know a lot of people on here are down on Cal Spas, but the Dealer is good and the price could not be beat.

Okay, I have been back and forth about spas, spa dealers, and types of spas. I think I went about this the wrong way. I should have narrowed my spa choices to my needs. Well, that is what I have now done. Also, in talking to various Dealers, I have come to respect their knowledge about their products. So, I am now understanding what many Dealers on this forum have been talking about in regards to service and help. So, here is what I am looking for: A large spa, seating for seven to eight Adults in comfort, a spa for entertainment purposes, not therapy. This spa will be a social gathering place. So comfortable seating is a must. I am wonering if bench seating (if there is such a thing) is the way to go, not sure though as I am a spa novice, and the vast majority of spas have contured seating. So please offer opinions. The main factor whether it is contured seating or bench seating is comfort and room. Again, this spa is for social gatherings and entertaintment. As far as Jets go, not that big a deal for me. I need just enough to get the job done in terms of water flow, bubbles, and fun! I know there are a lot of Delears on this Forum, so here is your chance to plug one of your products, or if you do not have a spa that meets my needs, a chance to show your service by recommending another spa from a competing manufacturer. As you can tell, I will gladly buy from a Dealer if I can find the right spa. Thanks for any help.

I have been looking for a spa, I have asked questions, responded to posts, received return responses. I have agreed with some posts, disagreed with some posts, but all posts have been extremely respectful and helpful. I appreciate the professional character of the posters I have encountered. I have been talking about the Costco Experience, which I love! I have been seriously considering the Costco Elite Spa. I have talking about how I cannot find a good deal at a Dealer. I have been countered by a number of the Dealers on this Forum. There arguement is that the Dealer can provide answers, service, and help, as long as you have a reputable Dealer. Therefore, the money spent at a Dealer is well worth the extra dollars. Well, I do have an open mind. So, I asked a lot of people in various complimentary industries and various home builders who they would recommend as a Good, Reputable, Spa Dealer. I was given three consistent names. They represented the following products, Hot Springs, Maquis, and Cal Spas. So, I went to all three of these Dealers today. I must admit that all three were extremely helpful and knew their business. All three explained details of their Tubs, how to use them, and all said, they would setup the spa, make sure everything works correctly, show how to work the spa, and if needed provide any additional help and/or service. Again, I have to admit, I was impressed. Alll three had very nice spas. But, the best deal happens to be at Cal Spas. There was a recent Home Show in my area. All the Dealers had spas at the show. Cal Spas has one of their home show spas left that they want to sell. It is a Classic Series CS22, seven seater, 22 Jets. Here is the link: http://www.calspas.com/hot_tubs/detail~a~145~b~2006.htm The spa is considered New by the Dealer, has the Full Warranty, and Full Dealer Service. The price for the spa has been reduced to $4100 Delivery and Setup included. Spa comes with Cover, steps. I will have to pay for Electrical. This was the best deal in terms of dollars from the above Dealers. The next best was a Marquis EveryDay Six Seat Spa for $5600 Delivered, as opposed to the the Cal Spa CS22 at $4100 Delivered. I have read that some Dealers on this Forum and Posters do think highly of Cal Spa, but the Local Dealer here that sells Cal Spas has a great reputation. Does anyone have opinions on the Cal Spa CS22, this particular scenario, or suggestions? I am seriously considering buying this spa. Thanks you.

Hi, I have an inground gunite pool, kidney shaped, 3 feet to 7 feet depth, dimensions are approximately 23 x 38. There is also a rock water fall. I had the pool built when my house was built. I had NO clue about pools when I first built it. The pool is very nice, but I find that the deep end is rarely used, and it takes awhile for the water to get warm. I live in Central California where temps are uppper 90's to low 100's in the summer, and the swim season is a good six months. I also wish I would have got a spa with the pool, I realize I can still buy a portable above ground spa, and those so seem to be popular. But, if possible, and if possible financially, I would prefer a built in spa, which I believe would be a better overall look. Is is possible to turn this existing pool into a shallow pool, say 3 to 4 feet depth for the entire pool, with a built in spa, which would seat 6 to 8 Adults in comfort, all in the space of the existing pool? Or, is this not practical? Or, are the costs not worth it? Thanks for any input.

That would be a good price, and I would seriously consider that spa at that price. BUT, I have not come close to that price for that spa. My local Dealer for that Hot Spot Spa has it on SALE for $7600. Costo gets better and better.

You did not make a case against Costco; you made a case FOR Costco. As you pointed out, "suppliers must offer Costco a deal that cannot be had elsewhere." I can guarantee you that suppliers do NOT want a short term relationship with Costco, to do so means not as much business for the supplier, since Costco moves more product than any other Wholesaler/Retailer. So, suppliers are going to produce a good product, or risk getting cut off. It is the supplier who will lose, not the consumer. The Consumer is always protected with Costco, since Costco backs their products, including spas, with their lifetime guarantee refund policy. Can any Dealer match this policy with their spas? Furthermore, the Costo spa in the U.S. is priced at $3999. A similar dealer spa will be around $8,000 on average, most likely more. Lets see, that is $4000 in a person's pocket, plus the lifetime refund policy. Lets say it costs $50 more a month to run, which is NOT the case as people who actually own the spa can attest, it would still take 6.6 years to get to the point of the original cost of the Dealer Spa. If you factor in the future value of the saved upfront dollars, the Costco spa is even more of a bargain

Hello all I want to extend my decking on my pool and around the pool area. I am looking at about additional 1000 square feet. I have Kook Deck around my pool now. Should I extend it with Kool Deck? Or, should I use some other option, if so, what? I will NOT be doing this myself. I will be hiring a contractor. Can someone please give me a ball park figure for cost, including installation? Thank you.

Well, as we see with the Topic on 2006 Cal Spa Warranty and the reply that most manufacturers have the same exclusions in their warranty, there is not a whole lot of "reality" basis to the "your local dealer will service your spa." It is going to cost you dollars. If something goes wrong with the Costco Spa I can do one of three things or all three: (A) I can use the Elite Warranty; B} I can hire a repair person; or C) I can take it back to Costco for a full refund. Now, there is nobody but Costco that will give you a full refund.

Well, I must disagree with your statement. As a consumer, and as someone who is currently looking for a spa with a budget under $4500 for the actual spa, I have not found a spa that can come close to the Costco Spa. ( I am looking for a spa that can seat at least 6.) All the Dealer spas are a good $3000 grand or more. I actually contacted a couple of spa repair people through contacts of mine, I asked them about the Costco Spa, and they both said, "it is a very good spa, which no Dealer will be able to come close to in price." They also told me the markup on spas is much like furniture. So, I am going to give the Costco Spa a serious look. I have not bought yet. As to a Dealer being able to service the spa. Well, that is not always the case, especially if you buy a spa with problems, which can happen with the best of dealers or brands. It has always been my experience, that when something has problems, the great service and standby your product mentality suddenly goes out the window. It is the very reason places like Costco have become a huge success. They actually stand behind the products they sell. In fact, they guarantee them completely, to the point where if you don't like it for any reason, bring it back at anytime for a full refund. Now, the aforementioned sentences says it all.