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** Addendum to Review: Several days after posting the HS Aria, D1 Triad review & High Life cost-benefit Analysis: I discovered an unintentional omission of significance: Descriptive, historic analysis of a key manufacturing specification that inarguably, has objective impact on perception of product value and customer satisfaction. A major factor prompting the onset of consumer Buyer’s Remorse is realizing you’ve had the ‘privilege’ of paying more …to receive less functionality. The added cost of functional omission …as a compulsory ‘feature’. The majority of (18 of the 35) jets on the High Life series Aria, are of the non-adjustable, small diameter, static variety. (Image attached below for reference) Another compulsory ‘feature’ that comes at extra cost: More than half of the Aria’s jets cannot be interchanged to customize a seat’s massage effects to the preference of the discriminating luxury-conscious owner, (the target market, for the High Life luxury product line) The cause of these major functional limitations, is the inclusion of the category of jets I have just described …commonly referred to as ‘bullet’ jets. Those whom appreciate cruel irony, will find the backstory amusing, (possibly infuriating). More than a decade worth of analysis and discussion on this forum, reveals that the ‘bullet jet’ has long been associated as a KEY identifying characteristic of economy-class, average-at-best compromised quality products found at big-box merchants and wholesale warehouse club stores. That’s right …The lowly bullet jet (comprising the majority type used) on the upscale Aria I had previously owned, had been justifiably derided hundreds of times on this forum …for their inclusion as a compromised, money-saving component, (lacking necessary parts required to provide both adjustability and interchangeability) that deliver sub-standard hydrotherapy. The plentiful use of these tiny, immobile jets …have long been a tell-tale symptom by which top tier manufacturers are distinguished from inferior brands, shady marketing tactics, and 3rd string ‘economy line’ products within the industry. From this forum, are pertinent quotes extracted from discussions concerning the ‘infamous’ bullet jet: (Thread title & year posted, for potential reader follow-up). After reaching the eye-opening forum consensus on the design, efficacy and value of products featuring the ‘bargain-basement’ jetting solution, …does anyone else feel the manufacturing specification seems incongruent with Hot Spring’s efforts in appealing to a more affluent, sophisticated consumer in their ‘High Life’ marketing? For me, this would be a non-issue on a less exclusive, ‘value-oriented’ product line, with a correspondingly lower price point, that’s not being marketed as a performance hydrotherapy option. "Moreover not all jets are identical. Sure you can cram a bunch of tiny bullet jets into a hot tub - but these can be uncomfortable and make the skin itch. My tub only has 14 jets, but they are mostly all full size jets.” (Hot Springs Flash or Jacuzzi 345, 2020) “…Bullet jets are very small, unadjustable, low-flow, high pressure jets. Many companies used to "up" their jet counts by using large quantities of bullet jets in their spas. Eventually, people came to realize that large, rotating jets were better on most muscle groups than bullet jets.” (New Costco Sale on Discovery Oasis, 2007) “For those of you who are Hot Springs Grandee fans: Do you like the "bullet jets" (the 26 "directional precision jets" like the ones right above the Moto-Massagers & the other corner seat). I've always felt that bullet jets don't help much, and make my skin itchy after a while. 26 of the 39 jets in the spa are bullet jets, and that concerns me. (Pulled the trigger on a HS Grandee, 2009) “...One has about 30 bullet jets and 4-5 real jets that provide hydrotherapy, the rest...well there holes in the shell! The other has real jets, all of them…” (Diary, the purchase of a Costco tub 2009) “...This spa has 42 jets with 24 of them being "bullet" jets (as they call them) this really gives you only 18 decent jets in the spa.” (Sundance Hartford--is This A Good Deal? 2009) “I disagree and think the number of bullet jets is huge towards inflating jet count which means nothing to the feel of the tub.” (Strong Spas purchased at Costco thread, 2011) “...You are going to get better therapy from the larger jets than the tiny bullet jets.” (Price Check on Jacuzzi J365 & Sundance Chelsee, 2009) “...These are called "bullet jets" and are cheap, and do not belong on the human back. If you are paying for a premium product, then get premium jets.” (Sundance Caldera vs Caldera Niagara, 2006) “There are tons of cheap bullet jets in that brand …and the price does not reflect the cost to manufacture.” (Decent price for Caldera Tahitian? 2006) “They're Mini Jets (a little better than bullet jets) they are adjustable in direction and flow...” (Blue Water Oceanside Extreme Spa Question, 2008)

Hot Tub Review and Comparison: Hot Springs Aria vs Dimension One Triad Cost-Benefit Analysis: Hot Springs High Life product line Let me apologize in advance, for the duration of this post …but I guarantee the comprehensive scope of the content will be worthwhile to prospective spa owners. The sentiments will certainly resonate with many previous/current Hot Springs High Life owners, while confirming ‘gut-feelings’ and observations of those whom ever considered a tub purchase from the High Life product line. This expansive read is also intended to give well-deserved ‘props’ and recognition for the collective wisdom gleaned from long-term forum contributors like: Castletonia, Tman-122, The Wizard of Spas, Sam, Markee, Spa Man, Canadian Spa-Tech (amongst others) *A friendly suggestion to consider as you begin reading …If you had browser windows open to the Hot Springs and Dimension One websites, you could ‘fact-check’ my observations and evaluate the conclusions. Over the last week while compiling the data in this post, I have tried very hard to restrain and neutralize the ‘fan-boy’ effect that either subconsciously, or intentionally can creep into the subjective opinions expressed by owners, by which they rationalize an expensive purchase. The prerequisite to an intelligent, useful discussion on the topic of consumer hydrotherapy products, is the recognition that a number of factors which determine whether a given ‘hydrotherapy experience’ is favorable …are very subjective. However, that vital acknowledgment does not mean that clearly evident, objective, quantifiable factors that affect a user’s hydrotherapy experience …do not exist. My intention is to identify reasons for assigning both credit and criticism where due, without prejudice, or giving the incorrect impression that I have financial/material interest in any brand, or somehow benefit from any conclusion reached. Despite my efforts to be fair and impartial, if you disagree, or feel offended …please provide objective evidence for taking your position. I’ve been wrong before, ‘eaten my share of crow’, and reversed my position more than once. While D1 Spas is frequently acknowledged as a top tier manufacturer, not many of their tubs are the subject of detailed discussion or review here, or on the ‘WTBHT’ forum, so I thought my current ownership experience contrasted with my initial tub, the Aria, manufactured by Hot Springs (the industry market leader), might be beneficial for some. I now have first-hand appreciation for qualitative differences between the two brands, and insight concerning the respective MSRP of the two products. It should also be noted, that these two spas are not positioned as competitors within the same product class, as the Triad is from D1’s mid-grade ‘Reflections’ product line, while the Aria, is a ‘High Life’ product from the HS luxury line. Some folks may think that because my Triad arrived about 7 months ago, I could still be in the ‘honeymoon phase’ of ownership, impairing my ability to offer objective analysis free from bias …my final comments should dissolve any presumptions of that sort. Many thanks go out to the ‘regulars’ at WTBHT and Pool and Spa forum whom provided valuable guidance on both purchases of the HS Aria and D1Spas Triad. Folks like Castletonia, Tman-122, The Wizard of Spas, Sam, Markee, Spa Man, Canadian Spa-Tech (amongst others, I cannot recall, whom provided helpful input for this consumer throughout the years. After moving to a new home (leaving the Aria behind), the search was on for a powerful, but more compact spa equipped with neck jetting driven by multiple pumps (or optional upgraded pump), that would sacrifice NOTHING in therapeutic force. I had become intoxicated and addicted to the Aria’s ability to unleash fire hydrant-like volumes of water, and Hot Springs was responsible for the development of this ‘junkie’s habit’. (I refused to accept any less in my next spa!) The models recommended to me were: Artesian Santa Cruz, Marquis Spirit w/160 gpm pump and Bullfrog A5L. I also considered checking out the HS Jetsetter LX, Sundance Capri and Caldera Kauai. At a nearby dealership, my attention was drawn by a Jacuzzi 400 series tub, but as I walked towards it, I did a quick about-face when my eyes detected the WTF! shockingly-high pricing. The dealer’s Jetsetter LX, priced a couple of thousand beyond the Triad’s listed $11.5K, was a less compelling option, considering the reduced neck therapy and lack of wrist jets. I was intrigued with (and wanted to like) the Bullfrog for its innovative plumbing design, modular jetpack construction and persuasive marketing literature. However, I politely declined the dealer’s invitation to wet test the A5L, after placing my hand over the wrist and neck jetting (even with the other jetpack turned off) …having ascertained that the pump force remained anemic, by comparison. My growing hot tub ownership experience occurred in sort of a backwards progression. Due to my own lack of knowledge, sparse dealer coverage and few wet test options in my area, I had unintentionally entered the world of hydrotherapy in 2009, at the highest quality tier possible at the (still) formidable cost of $10K for a spa from Hot Spring’s most exclusive product line. Fast-forwards eleven years later, retired from the workforce now, with less expendable income …how could I obtain equivalent therapeutic efficacy, quality and reliability since MSRPs have only climbed higher? Compounding injuries upon retirement from an infantry career in the army, leave me craving intense levels of hydrotherapy, that likely borders on abusive. Several years of epidural injections preceded spinal/shoulder surgeries that were mostly successful in restoring functionality and a reduction of discomfort, yet still make relaxation and rejuvenating sleep, challenging to obtain. This review is from the perspective of someone managing chronic pain, whom requires pharmaceutical grade meds to sustain reasonable quality-of-life, versus a disposable income, family recreation purchase. The Aria provided robust hydrotherapy performance in mid-size capacity featuring a lounge w/Moto massage. The tub possessed an elegant design, superior build quality, and was ‘bulletproof’, without need of a service call in the 8 years I owned it. The proprietary Moto massage feature in the lounge delivered excellent deep-tissue relief alongside my spine. There’s of course, no such thing as the ‘perfect’ hot tub for every consumer’s use case. I had a love/hate relationship with the Aria’s two sets of ‘Quartet’ neck jets. They did provide a wide swath of penetrating, high-pressure massage to the cervical spine, however because no type of anti-splash design (reverse molded shroud or removable headrest/collar) was incorporated, when I pressed-in close to those jets …water ricocheted off my neck, and was sprayed everywhere. Hot Spring’s reliance on a non-adjustable ‘One-neck-fits-all’ design, meant that to obtain hydro-pressure further up/down my cervical spine …I’d have to either perch on the seat in an uncomfortable squatting position or ‘scrunch down’ in the seat. After my first wet test of a Triad (non-massage sequencer), I had a positive impression of both the product and the family-operated business 90 minutes away. Even without the added ½ horsepower the optional sequencer provides, I was increasingly convinced that no other spa in this class, could provide the therapeutic intensity I was seeking, and was drawn to the inclusion of wrist jetting, as both my wife and I experience carpal tunnel symptoms. The Capri and Kauai (despite their wrist jetting), were ruled out without wet testing due to modest pump specifications and website comments from their (largely over 55) owner reviews, confirming low performance expectations in hydrotherapy. After experiencing the still, more powerful sequencer-equipped Triad, the decision was clear …I must have this tub. Sadly, the dealer wasn’t willing to negotiate from the $11.5K asking price, and the projected delivery time for a new order in August of 2020, was upwards of 12 months. I hesitated and sat on my hands several months, despairing about the prospect of letting go of nearly $12K, as I’d just retired, and adapting to a tighter budget. **By November, in hopes of a compromise-purchase, I was willing to accept the floor model demo (with optional ‘Ultra life’ spa shell, Bluetooth speaker system and massage sequencer), if the price could be negotiated lower. The dealer, now motivated to clear inventory **(hint, hint’ to spa shoppers) …agreed upon my $10K offer: delivered (with steps, cover/lifter and starter chemicals). I would have much preferred the aesthetics of another shell color with an easily maintained finish, but the extended warranty of the ‘Ultra life’ material is appreciated, and I must concede that the stippled surface texture of the shell, provides a surer grasp and is safer to move upon. The commonly given advice here; ‘Water and sound systems don’t go well together’, was not lost on me …so I keep low expectations in mind concerning the longevity of the Bluetooth sound system, (while acknowledging that the clarity and bass, are pretty impressive). Considering this is the same company that put the iconic Moto-massage jet on the map, Hot Springs exhibits an oddly reserved design philosophy regarding jetting, particularly toward lower extremity hydrotherapy. That same conservative viewpoint is evidenced by their aging seat molds: Seriously? One Captains chair offered in the entire line-up? (Coincidentally, also the ONLY place wrist jets are offered). How many chairs that you frequently sit in at home …do not have arm rests? Even the driver’s seat of my car, has arm rests …who wouldn’t enjoy having arm rests on their spa lounge? Nope! Can’t have them. (Just be happy your left arm gets a small protrusion in the shell molding, buddy!) In contrast, the hydrotherapy design philosophy displayed by D1 Spas, could be considered the polar opposite of HS. D1’s use of deeply contoured molds, bulging arm rests and counter-sunk seats produce a peculiar and polarizing aesthetic …but allow for innovative, laterally mounted jet placement, that enable targeted hydrotherapy on the side (and occasionally, front) of the user’s torso. On the other hand, one may suspect that HS doesn’t want to disturb the minimalistic design ethic of gently curved expanses of smooth, lustrous fiberglass …to be interrupted by unsightly jetting. Hip jets appear just twice in their high-end lineup, nearly as non-existent as is hamstring therapy …while calf jets make occasional, token appearances. Tiny, unobtrusive non-adjustable bullet-style calf jets, seem indicative of an afterthought or included as an obligation. Reminiscent of the ‘Soup Nazi’ character seen on the Seinfeld television sitcom, a credible argument can be made that …Hot Springs has employed their own version of the ‘Tub feature Nazi’, whom with rare exception …withholds desirable, functional appointments from the purchaser: “No HAND jets for YOU!” “No HAMSTRING jets for YOU!” “No HIP jets for YOU!” “No NECK jet adjustment for YOU!” “No ARM RESTS for YOU!” The D1 Spas ‘No float’ Ultra lounge. (A promotional claim that is (mostly) true. After seeing and sitting in the Triad’s lounge, unmistakable design differences are immediately evident. It’s UGLY! The design evokes a busy, blocky, angular, chiseled-in-stone look. (But it works) The presence of arm rests, deep contours and steeper angled surfaces work synergistically to provide a securely anchored feeling. By comparison, the Aria’s sculpted curves, gently sloping surfaces and armless styling, certainly appear elegant (however, functionality is compromised, and is honestly …inadequate). HS is plainly emphasizing form over function, here. The Triad’s prominent arch at the knees and extremely sloped lounge seat and backrest, dramatically tilt a user’s lower extremity upwards and rearwards, (so much so, that it is difficult to exit the lounge without use of the molded grab handles at the top of the shell!) Persons whom are claustrophobic or have suffered a near-drowning incident …may object to the physically restrictive positioning, but it is effective. Legitimate armrests of generous proportion (as opposed to one shallow bulge in the Aria’s shell) are fitted with 2 textured hand grip ‘knobs’ at the front. (More about that later) The armrests are wide enough to provide supportive comfort, and house the plumbing for the wrist jets, which are not to be confused with those typically used (per the HS Envoy, or BF A5L), of which I would classify as stimulating, but nowhere the formidable pressures the Triad can generate …which unless reduced at the jet, would be considered painful by many. I recall multitudes of negative remarks on this site for over a decade, denouncing tub designs with lounges, mostly due to an unfavorable experience with the dreaded ‘floating’ effect, (especially when aggravated by leg jetting turbulence) I understand the sentiment. To address my wife’s propensity to ‘float’ in the Aria’s lounge, we briefly tried using a weighted fitness belt (until some metal pellets leaked out). The design of the Triad’s lounge means the problem has been effectively solved, so much so …that a proper leg and wrist massage in a lounge can be simultaneously administered! The Aria was equipped with 4 non-adjustable, cluster (bullet-style) jets as leg therapy (providing moderate therapeutic effect). By contrast, the Triad has 4 fully adjustable jets for massaging the Achilles, calves and knees (in addition to rarely seen hamstring jets). I suspect hamstring jets on lounges, are either excluded intentionally (or purposely compromised by meager jet pressure), to avoid contributing to the ‘floating effect’ experienced on typical lounge designs. So, regarding the ‘textured knob grips’ on the Triad armrests …they allow me to provide light, rearward pressure that secures my position when choosing to simultaneously employ the 6 leg and 2 wrist jets. Which begs another question on tub design …are consumers expected to accept low-pressure wrist jets for the same reason I suspect hamstring jets are rarely found …to mitigate user-buoyancy in a lounge or captain’s chair? Undoubtedly, many other spa shoppers with musculoskeletal injuries are researching home therapy options to mitigate pain, and/or treat associated secondary conditions of insomnia, depression or anxiety …that often follow. So, perhaps my own journey to ownership may provide useful input. My 3-5 weekly therapy sessions well exceed manufacturer safety recommendations, lasting between 1-3 hours each (briefly interrupted by water resupply breaks). The absence of adult beverages help lessen the inherent risk of marathon sessions. Relaxation and sleep have improved with the resumption of frequent hydrotherapy. An upper body extremity overuse injury termed; ‘Golfer’s elbow’ (I’ve never played), has significantly improved with less noticeable pain, since repeatedly pressing my elbow into the pulsating dual rotator jets in the Triad’s seat, adjacent to lounge. Routine sessions of 102 degree hydro-pressure hammering the joint, from one of the tubs two 2.5 continuous hp pumps, diverted into just two jets …seems to have broken up accumulated scar tissue, improving mobility along with reduced discomfort. Although I do at times reminisce over the Aria’s proprietary double barreled Moto-massage jet, the four large bore pulsating rotator jets in the Triad’s lounge backrest engage a wider area of the back, while providing their own distinctly satisfying rotational ‘throbbing’ effect … to release muscular tension. To prevent eventual hydrotherapy irrelevancy, HS needs to redesign their iconic Moto massage, by incorporating a user-accessible means to provide lateral adjustment, to broaden the ‘sweep area’ of the jets. (Evolve …or suffer extinction) The Aria’s corner seat was brutally effective (but too deep for my 5’3 spouse), pumping out forceful torrents of water to the back, shoulders and neck. However, it was also that same, unrestrained (and unshielded) pressure through the neck jets …that would consign me to slavish, pool boy floor-mopping duties after each use. Triad Likes: High-end flagship features at mid-range cost, emphasizing deep tissue hydrotherapy in a compact layout. Distinct focal areas and varied massage effects in each of the 3 jetted seats, with no throw-away or duplicated positions. Every jet (except the ‘Typhoon’ foot well jet) is user interchangeable. By contrast, the Aria’s seat closest to the step (consisting primarily of non-adjustable bullet jets) was consigned to a purposeless existence …receiving little attention. The deep-tissue flailing administered by the leg and calf jets in the Triad’s lounge, left my hamstrings and calves literally aching for 2 days following wet testing of this tub. J Perfection! The optional massage sequencer increases pump output by ½ HP. (the added velocity was plainly evident after wet testing a non-sequencer equipped Triad). I gave (and continue to do so), serious consideration to the experienced maintenance-based viewpoint expressed by CanadianSpaTech, concerning the added statistical failure rate and difficulty in trouble-shooting problems with spas equipped with sequencer hardware. I have no reason to question CanadianSpaTech’s skilled analysis, and it may well be that the added maintenance liability could account for the feature being rarely integrated into spas. (Amongst top tier brands, I can only recall Caldera and D1 presently offering the option) The sequencer effect itself, was not the attraction for me …it was simply the added thrust to the lounge jets, the ½ hp increase provides. The sequencer does offer the convenience of allowing a lounge occupant to tweak jet pressure/location/activation settings with the touch of a physical button. (Thankfully, instead of a second crappy touchscreen) The Triad’s 33 jets driven by its two 2.5 hp (continuously rated) pumps appears to represent the highest hp-to-jet ratio in its class, amongst top tier manufacturers. The diverter allows the user to deactivate the huge ‘Typhoon jet’, to shift the formidable flow rate to just 2 jets. (though the owner’s manual advises keeping 6 jets open) The placement of the jets to target greater diversity of body regions, the variety, sizing, adjustability and interchangeability of the individual jets, combined with the additional hydrotherapy effects the massage sequencer provides, leads me to suspect that the Triad exceeds not only any competing design in the compact 5 x 7 class …but, possibly ANY class. (That must seem like a bold proposition, but if one can cite an example …how much beyond $11.5K would a person have to spend to obtain any additional massage coverage of the body?) What region of the body does the Triad not provide therapy for? (Besides a proprietary jetting effect or an unusual mounting location within a sophisticated reverse mold) I’m thinking the only regions where massage therapy is unavailable, are the frontal or lateral torso and the top of the feet. Triad Dislikes: The touch screen display is hyper-sensitive and useless when wet. Rarely will your hand alone, be sufficient to completely clear moisture from the interface! (I keep a washcloth near to deal with this annoyance) Making matters worse, before the display times-out …a single drop of water can negate the menu option just selected, or trigger unintended input. (Requiring me to wipe dry the screen again …to correct it!L Located to each side of the larger, Mini-Storm rotator jet in the lounge head rest, are 2 Shower Storm neck jets, which incorporate an overly complex and fragile helix shaped O-ring, that quickly broke when experimenting with interchangeable jet placement locations.L The ‘Storm’ tier of Waterway brand jets are constructed of lightweight plastic with a thin veneer of stainless steel. Though possessing an attractive aesthetic, the function of the internals are less appealing. The jet assembly retention clips/rings lack sufficient tension to consistently maintain the jet’s manually adjusted flow rate, resulting in 3 of the jets vibrating out of adjustment by themselves. This was never a problem in the Aria, (quite the opposite, in fact). The resistance sometimes required the use of both hands to adjust the jet flow. I would since equate that resistance with superior jet escutcheon design, higher thread count and heavy duty O-rings. (Maybe waterproof, non-permanent loc-tite will solve my issue) The white textured surface of the optional ‘Ultra Life’ shell honestly, looks like a cheaply produced material (reminiscent to the interior of a $29.95 ice chest at Walmart), which smudges easily and is more difficult to clean and maintain. One would expect a far more aesthetically pleasing, colorful design with a high luster finish for the higher cost and additional warranty coverage. Fit and finish is utilitarian, when compared to the more upscale Aria, with the underside of its (thinner) shell slightly visible, due to less exacting tolerances between shell and skirting. The same can be said of the black ABS floor pan. The cabinet skirting seems adequately durable, with a fairly nice aesthetic, although the horizontal grooves in the front skirting always collect water, requiring them to be manually wiped off after each use. (A minor nuisance). The Aria’s cabinet skirting seemed built of heavier gauge material that was less flexible, which gave the impression of greater durability. The water filtration and sanitation systems differ significantly: The Aria came with a mechanical weir housed in front of a cavernous filter compartment containing (FIVE! large Tri-X filters), while also equipped with an ozonator and circulation pump, water care was easy to maintain. The Triad, containing 110 less gallons of water …efficiently gets by with 2 filters, (possessing much finer gaps between the filter fins, to expand effective filtration surface area), while also having an ozonator and circulation pump …in addition to the UV light unit installed. Water care thus far with the Triad, has also been simple and issue-free. Because I went spa-less for 3 years, I refreshed my recollection of the Aria ownership experience, with repeated visits back to the Hot Springs website. As I increasingly noticed the absence of features often found on spas from other top tier brands, my conclusions were being forced to evolve. High Life models remain a desirable option for the luxury conscious consumer not constrained by a modest budget, whom prioritizes brand reputation status, elegant design aesthetics constructed from first-class materials that deliver reliable, energy efficient performance with excellent product support. However, inherent compromises do exist, (you can’t have it all). The High Life ownership experience requires sacrifice of the following: Comprehensive hydrotherapy for all regions of your physiology, wider variety of seating molds, more effective design ergonomics, practical amenities/ features found on high-end competitor spas, maximum value. The continued absence in the High Life spa lineup, of several practical features found on high-end competitor products, seems a strange marketing strategy. (Non-existent/stingy hydrotherapy for: Hamstrings, Hips and Hands, non-adjustable bullet jets, float-inducing lounge design, a single model featuring Captain’s chair seating) …while still demanding a luxury-class price premium from the consumer. Anyone here whom has ‘data-mined’ this website or the ‘What’s The Best Hot Tub’ forum, knows how fast and easy it is to formulate a ‘price bracket’ for a particular spa. That said, a retrospective review of comparable tub design, specifications and features leave me concluding: For significantly less money than the $10K I’d spent for the HS Aria in 2009, an Artesian Spas Antigua (with more comprehensive hydrotherapy coverage) providing jets for the hamstrings, hips and hands, equipped with an anti-splash neck jet station, and a superior lounge design featuring arm rests …could have been purchased for $8.5K. However, due to the very limited dealership/brand options in my area, I didn’t have opportunity to wet test another manufacturer’s comparable tubs, so I resigned my hopes of obtaining greater ‘bang for the buck’ value, and reluctantly paid the High Life ‘luxury tax’. ** In conclusion, would I purchase the Triad and the Aria again? 1. Triad = Yes. (With qualifications). I’d want a dealer-installed solution for the awful touchscreen control pad. I’d seek replacement of the problematic Waterway ‘Storm series’ jets with a higher quality product. Despite the fact that the Triad isn’t positioned within D1’s ‘Bay Collection’ luxury line, a consumer shouldn’t have experienced the build quality concerns I’ve detected in 7 months of use. Pass on the cheap looking, hard-to-maintain Ultra life shell option, for a colorful, more attractive shell finish at less cost. 2. Aria = No. Because eleven years of spa ownership/increasing knowledge of spa industry product development and pricing anecdotes from forum postings, have allowed me to develop into a more educated, discerning consumer. I have since, identified model lines within several brands, which represent a more favorable cost-benefit ratio for my use-case. Accordingly, I can expect more value for the money, without shopping unnecessarily within a luxury product line. Additionally, I no longer feel the ‘newbie’ hesitancy to shop further away from home (as I did with my initial purchase), greatly expanding my brand/product line options. Finally, one’s perceived need for spa side operational ‘hand-holding’, could often be mitigated through the first rate trouble-shooting skills generously offered by the experienced Spa techs whom frequent this forum.