ClayC

I live North of Baltimore around the MD/PA line (Mason Dixon) Got a better price in York, PA then in MD.

He must of clipped and pasted from his spaspecialist (Haven spa) website

The Cameo was selling for $9763 or $9298 Cash price With Freight (regularly $200) Synthetic Cabinet (regularly $200) Starter Chemical Kit (regularly $80) CD Ozonator (regularly $400) Cover Assist (regularly $269) Cover (regularly $400) 30" Synthetic Steps (regularly $125)

Hey Terminator, Went to wet test the Envoy at the dealer that quoted it for $9,100 but the only had the Vista to test. So I tested the Vista, dealer was telling me the jet pressure and feel etc. would be the same as the Enoy. Is this true? Then I left there and tried the Caldera Geneva Utopia spa at another dealer. Did not feel it was of the same quality as the Hot Springs. So I thought I would go up the road further to another Hot Spring dealer and they had the Envoy but I had to "dry test it" the Captain's seat did seem a little nicer (hard to tell with no water). This place gave me a quote that put the other to shame. A package including CD ozone, cover removal system, startup kit and steps for $7,9995. This is over a $1,000 difference. They also had the Coleman 481 for $7,495 but have not heard alot about them. Both Hot Spring dealers have been around for over 15 years and are in good standings with BBB. Think I may go with the Envoy for $7,995 Should I insist on wet testing the Envoy before I buy or just use the Vista testing as a gauge? Clay

Right now I am torn between the Hot Spring's Envoy and Caldera's Geneva. Which one is cheaper to maintain? The Envoy has 5 filters that need repaceing every 3-5 years, the Geneva 1 that needs replacing every 6 months to a year. With the price of utilities going up, Do they both cost about the same in electric to heat? I would be getting the Corona Discharge Ozone, So would they be about the same $ in chemicals? Should I use Bromine or Clorine? Are there any other expenses I should consider? Does anybody think I should go with one model vs the other? Clay

Fax me one too! I'll fax you back with my dollar Thanks Sounds like sales are going so well even the owner is delivering spas.... Or is it a one man operation?

I'm sorry Jim but I must have missed your "good list". You know I have to ask. What Spas are on your "good list"? Clay

Is this the spa that Cosco is selling? See forum called Costco Platinum elite spa Clay

Chas, Hope you are feeling better..... Just to get am idea on cost... How much does the Utopia Geneva run? I got a guote for around $9,200 for the Envoy and $9,700 for the Cameo. Is it in the same price bracket? I read the filters can be washed and re-used several times, what is the going price for the filters and how often should they be replaced? Clay

Thanks Chas, I'll diffently have to check the shoulder jets, I'm 6'-0" and the wife is 5'-9". Clay

The Dimension does not offer a Corona Discharge Ozone System. The Hot Springs also has dishwashable, reusable filters. Clay

Hey Chas, I see you sell both Watkins brands. Comparing the Caldera's Geneva to Hot Spring's Envoy. Which do you feel has a more powerful jets. The HS has (2) 2HP Pump Motors and the Caldera has (2) 2 1/2HP. I am looking for a powerful spa (lower back problems). Do you recommend one over the other? They both seem to be great spas but very different in many ways (aroma ther., air jets, filtration systems) Any Input? Thanks, Clay

Veronica, I'm still trying to weed through all the BS and back stabing. I am very close to buying the Envoy by Hot Springs. I like the idea of washable filters that last for years (a true $ saver). But I think it all comes down to a "Wet Test" from local dealers. I think a local dealer is a key point (for warranty, parts etc.). With all the trouble you had, I see buying something over ther net or without a wet test could possibly become a big mistake and a true nightmare. I've already talked to local Hot Springs and Sundance dealers and plan on taking a wet test in both units (hopefully about the same time, to compare). I also plan on visting a couple other dealers. There is Home show in the area this weekend and if I get a chance I may go. There is a local dealer there that sells Caldera Spas (owned by the Watkins same company that makes Hot Springs). Whatwever you do just don't take one "Wet Test" with just one dealer, take several with different dealers. You need a basis to compare to. If you need to re-test then do it. We the comsumer's sould take all the time we need to decide. If a salesperson trys to push a spa down your throat, maybe you should not buy from them. Take your time, visit the manufacturer's sites, have questions post them in forums like this, do the research... the web is a great thing. Read this guide, I found it very helpful. http://www.spabuyingguide.com/spa-buying-g...ing%20Guide.pdf Let me know if you find anything. Clay

I'm sorry for my previous post, I thought the he may have been in violation of the following (quoted from the forum rules) For obvious competitive reasons, individuals who operate forums or bulletin boards that compete with poolspaforum.com are not eligible to enroll. You agree to not leave signatures, URLs or text including blatant sales messages, solicitations, advertisements, derogatory comments about members, or self-promotion of any form encouraging members to visit a particular website or store. Poolspaforum.com editors will tend to error on the side of caution and delete questionable posts. Sorry Me Bad

ClayC, Is this the same person that sent me an email on 9/30/05, giving me links for the purchase of his spas. I thought was againest forum rules? Clay

Jim, The Hot Springs Envoy Has 325 sq. feet of effective filter area conpared to 75-100 on other spas. So with over 3X the effective filter area allowing for the non-bypass system to filter all the water that is released through the jets (before it gets to the pumps).

I thought the Tri-X filters were for "Hot Spring" Spas. Can other Spas from other manufacturer's also use this filter? Or just Spa's made by Watkins Hot Springs and Caldera? Or just older hot spring models? Could you buy a Caldera and use this filter? Clay

How much do the replacement filters run a piece? (since there are 5) Clay

Hey Terminator, Thanks for all your help so far. Have a couple Questions.... I read somewhere the Tri-X filters can be cleaned in the dishwasher. How long do the filters last be doing this (for 3 years?) and about how mush is it to replace them? Also since your in thr biz. How much should it cost for the SpaAudio upgrade? Is it worth it? or does the sound get "drowned out" by the spa jets etc.? Clay Chas you can answer this one too... LOL Thanks

I was thinking of getting the Cameo. I understand the filters need to be replaced about every 6 months. Does anybody know about how much the filters cost? It's an operation cost that needs to be considered. Clay

Just thought of something else. If for some reason the filters are not inspected enough (like monthly) and the filters become more clugged per say. Does the load on the motor increase because it is trying to suck all the water for the filter? Which would cause to motor to more or less have premature failure? Is there some type of sensor (overload switch) that tells the system that the filters a somewhat clogged and shuts down the filtering system. Or better yet a warning on the temperture panel that tells you the filters need cleaning? Just an idea that passed through my mind... Is this in fact a problem with the 100% non bypass system?

Thanks Terminator.... At least your answers seem straight foward and you are not trying to bash other spas and/or people. Does seem that the Hot Spring Spa line may be the way to go. I'm sure the pumps etc. would have a longer operating life without the dirt etc. Now to the price Question Does 10,000 for the Vista with Corona Discharge and cover removal system or 9,100 for the Envoy withe the same package seem about right.... Is it worth the entra 900 for the Vista (has 2 "captain seats")? Do the prices seem a little high? Sould I try shopping for a better price? Is there a better time of the year to buy? (do price flex with the seasons?)

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……..

I just want people's honest opinions. I appreciate your honesty and it does not matter if eveybody elses opinion does not agree with yours. I'm just looking for places to check for the best spa for my hard earn money. Don't have the money just to throw around, so when I do spend it I want to get the best deal the meets my needs. Thanks...... Have note yet had a chance to check out the hot spring spas.... Will be checking them out when I get the time... later 2nite Thanks for your reply..

Don't want the UV to much to replace a few years.