seattlemama

You're definitely not getting a warranty with either one. However, for a model only a year old, you're not losing much (if anything) in terms of features or lifespan, and you could save those thousands towards any future repairs you may need. It can be a good idea. I'm curious as to where you can find a selection of year old name brand spas. Dealers occasionally have some, but to have a decent selection of late-model tubs is rare from what I've heard. If you're finding them on Craigslist or eBay, be careful, as many posters here have reported them to be scams. As for Hot Spring and Jacuzzi, they're both premium brands with many supporters here & on other boards. Well, I'm neither an expert nor a long-time owner, but I'm happy to share our recent experience with you in hopes that it is somewhat helpful. We found ourselves in a similar situation a few months ago, and would completely agree with D.P. - no warranty, but the money you can save to solve future problems will hopefully balance out - and looking at two quality tubs like you are, let's hope that there aren't too many problems from the get-go. We also paid someone who had a ton of experience to move the tub, which gave me more peace of mind. That said, you'll need to figure out your stress tolerance level at the time of purchase - is it worth the money to you to not have to worry about any problems (or at least if there are problems, your dealer will deal with them instead of you)? Do you have a little extra time to 'iron out the wrinkles' that may come with a used tub? Overall, we're thrilled with our purchase (a two year old tub) - but it didn't come without a couple headaches. Luckily, too, we have found that local dealers have been really supportive and helpful (even a dealer that doesn't sell our type of tub - talk about above and beyond!) Best of luck to you!!

Thanks, Whatley - that helps a lot and I'm going to check it out more today. Luckily, the heater problem worked itself out, so we've been soaking happily for a week now (without lights, but we like the dark anyways...wink wink )

We had our Caldera Geneva (Utopia) wired up yesterday by the electrician, and are having some problems (this is a used tub - 2 years old) - and I guess I'm wondering if any of you have any ideas, advice, or experience with this problem? First, the lights won't turn on...at all. Jets work, heater works, etc. - but the lights won't go on. Wiring problem? Second, the heater is a bit jacked up - we turned it on yesterday, set it for 103 - woke up this am and it was registering at 107!! We immediately took the top off, started the jets, and turned the 'set temp' down to 99. Half hour later, it was up to 108!! We took a physical reading of the tub and it came up as 105.3 - so luckily not as hot as 108. I have called the local dealers (no calls back yet), looked in the book (no topics covering too hot temps), reset the breakers...and just don't know what to do now. We have turned off the jets and are going to see what it does. Leaving the top off as well - ANY thoughts would be appreciated!!

Bringing a close to this thread...WE FINALLY BOUGHT A TUB!!! Thank you SO much to everyone who has contributed to this thread, as well as all others that have been so fantastic in educating all of us newbies!! So, I took all of your advice, the plethora of opinions, and educated myself as much as I possibly could (with the time left over after a job and 3 year old...) - and finally found a tub that I think matches ALL of my priorities!!! We ended up buying a used 2005 Caldera Geneva from the Utopia series!!! After electrical, delivery (we're going through a local company that specializes in moving spas...and the owner/mover used to deliver Calderas years ago - so he has been super helpful in getting the low-down on Caldera line), tub, cover, cover lift, steps, and a mess of chemicals it's going to run us $5,100!! Just in our budget - hooray!! And, I feel like we're getting so much more tub than we ever could have gotten if going brand new. I am concerned a little about not having a warranty on the tub any longer (and can ANYONE explain why a warranty is not transferable??) - but figure that (as someone pointed out in another thread) the money that I have saved will allow us some extra to pay for things that may go wrong in the next few years. I also went into the local Caldera dealership and the woman I spoke to was LOVELY and very helpful - inviting me to call them if I ever need anything...so I feel like I still have dealer support...I'll just have to pay for it I realized, too, that there were some questions about the Tiger River earlier in the thread - we did wet test it and I loved it - and it was on sale for $6895 (the 110 - the 220 was $7100) - but counting in the electrical and tax, it was just way too high for us - maybe next tub So, tub is supposed to be delivered on Wed - I'll have to let you all know how it goes!! Thank you again for helping a newbie through this very confusing process!!!!!!!!!!

The Caldera dealer should support you fine. Why wouldn't they? They'll have no issue with you buying used instead of new from them, it happens and is understandable. The only time you'd have to worry is if you bought new from a different Caldera dealer and then treid to go to them for service. Good to know - thanks. I was also thinking of wet testing the Caldera some time this week - and I'm planning on being honest with them about the plan to buy used - unless you'd recommend otherwise? And, how much difference between the 2007/2005 models? Would a wet test even be worth my time?

Thanks for the encouragement Rob W - and yes, staying within the budget is a great thing...which leads me in the Caldera direction - my other fear, though - if we do need support, how willing will the closest dealer be in supporting us? Would we have to go through a random "spa repair place" (as you can see, I haven't really researched this part of it) vs. a specific Caldera dealer (and is that ok)? I'm not really sure how that works? So, all of you dealers out there...how do you respond to a buyer that bought your product used and needs help/support? Willing to help or resentful you didn't get the sale??

Ok, so here's where we are at so far....I'm SOOOOOO close to tubbin, I can SMELL it (on the other hand, hopefully not!) Here's where I need your help!!! As I mentioned before, we were looking to spend no more than $5000 - well, we wet tested and really liked a Tiger River Bengal, but realized after we left that even WITH the great sale going on (7100) - it was still going to be another 800 for electric + tax, which pumped us up to almost 8500!!! Worth it?? THEN, i heard that Sundance spas were at Costco (but not until Friday) - so was planning on checking these out as well... BUT NOW - I have found a used 2005 Caldera Spa (Geneva Utopia Series) going for the perfect amount (read: within our original budget). Here is my dilemma - the warranty is up on the motor and the ozonator - and I'm worried about things going 'wrong' right off the bat, resulting in additional costs. I LOVE the idea of going through a local dealer, but our budget is just SO dang tight (hence, the Costco idea - but please, no debates...I've already perused the 16 pager... ) SO - used, keep looking, or bite the bullet??? I've also looked at Coyote spas, but can find no local dealers!! (the closest one is an hour away, and if we go dealer, I want someone local) Has anyone out there got a 2005 Caldera Geneva??? Am I just inviting problems by buying used (and, I should mention, I'm going to fork out the cash to have someone MOVE it for us...don't trust the 'five friends and a case of beer' offer...) Please help!! Thanks!

After lot's of researcj=h, I don't think you can have all that for under $5K. Maybe $6K if you get a killer deal, or buy a used unit. If you want energy efficiency, you should avoid the Hydrospa units. That said, it may not make a difference if your KW costs are under 10 cents. Same goes for quality. Decide if you want a Kia, Hyundai, Ford or a Lexus; budget for it and then drive a hard bargain. Don't let people BS you. You still get what you pay for. Good luck. That is my fear...that $5000 really isn't going to get me a quality (how sad!)! I am hopeful, though, to look into the Tiger River line - and a few others people have mentioned. That said, you had also mentioned getting a used spa, which has actually been on my mind as well. I'm not against buying used, but have been warned that I'm just looking for trouble going used/refurbished. Would you all agree? Any experiences out there buying used? Obviously, I'd go with a dealer for that one. And, what about the 'killer deal'? - I know that when buying cars, there are better times of the year (typically) to buy them...is the same true for hot tubs? Do dealers have big sales at a certain time of the year?? I hate to sound so cheap, but when you've got a budget, you've got a budget Also, haven't had the chance to wet test yet - and, anybody know if I can I take my kiddo to wet test most places (he's three)?? Again, thanks to all who are helping...

think anybody's open for a wet test at 9pm?? : ) I'm ready!!

Thanks again- and how could you tell I'm not particularly website savy?? : ) (A forum virgin, if you will - this is my first!) I'll try out the search capabilities soon - great help!

thank you for your kind reply - I'm anxious to tap into the extensive knowledge base of this community!! (and to get on the other side - the side soakin' in their tubs!

Yes, yes, ANOTHER person who is overwhelmed and confused by the plethora of choices surrounding a hot tub purchase!! Wow, for all of you who have gone through this and had troubles with your tubs from the get-go - my heart goes out to you!!! First, I've read through many posts (for what seems like hours!) - and tried to gather advice from past posts so that I'm not repeating what many have already asked/said - but seems as though most have already narrowed their search down to two or so tubs and are asking for all of your advice. My dilemma is that I've attempted to do the research with limited time (full time work/full time mom - eeks! Hence, the need for a hot tub!!) - and the more I do, the more confused I seem to get. Same song and dance as most of you...tough to get a straight opinion from anyone actually SELLING them! Here are my top priorities: * energy efficient * good filtration (if I understand correctly, getting an 'ozonator' will decrease my need for chems, right?) * can't go over $5000 (can I even get a decent system for that??) * longevity - hoping to keep it for the next 10 years we're in the house (without replacing a pump every 6 months) * sits 4-5 people * don't need all the 'bells' - really, just a quality product I can soak in (I've seen the ones with the ipod plugins and disco lights - yowza! Maybe when I'm making more than a social worker's salary : ) Really, the above are my biggest concerns - and I've read a lot about the "costco" debate and definitely hear both sides. But, my bottom line is that if I can get more for my money at costco (without sacrificing quality concerning all of my priorities), then I'll go through them. But, if I can find a decent deal with a local dealer, I'm up for that, too (and would like the additional local support) - am I being naive?? I have to admit, I almost bought the latest costco craze (infinity) - but decided not to after hearing that the energy efficiency wasn't the greatest?? Lost opportunity?? I'm so confused!! Please, all you kind hot-tubbers out there, help a seattle mama out. Let me know your favorite tubs, your wise advice, and most importantly, if I'm out of my mind thinking I'm going to get a quality tub for under $5000. (and thank you all for contributing to this community!!)