Anyone Own An Infinity Laguna Spa?

[Trigger]

R & R

I hope you get to read this reply, because you are dead on about this site. I have lurked and read many, many, posts in this forum and it is plain to see that the folks here giving all the "opinions" are tied to the business and what they sell and service is the "only spa to buy" while everything else is "junk"

That's not true. One can simpley see for themselves and read through the postss to prove your statement wrong.

While it is true that just about everyone agrees that the Iffinity spa isn't that great (except for the few who are trying to convince themselve that this purchase was the best tub in the world.) but its easy to see just about every dealer here will acknolwdge other, competing brands and dealers who are reputable. There was only one poster here that claimed thier tubs were the "only spa to buy" while everything else is "junk" and that con arttist was banned and is now out of business.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

R & R

I hope you get to read this reply, because you are dead on about this site. I have lurked and read many, many, posts in this forum and it is plain to see that the folks here giving all the "opinions" are tied to the business and what they sell and service is the "only spa to buy" while everything else is "junk"

I visit many forum sites to gain info and knowledge on many different products/issues and I have to say that this site is by far the WORST for finding a non-biased opinion/answer.

Well, I'm one of the more prolific posters on this site and I don't hesitate to state what I like and what I don't care for but I've said consistently that there are multiple good brands and I mention that I like Caldera, D1, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Marquis and Sundance and other brands like Arctic, Artesian, ...

I'm just not a fan of a handful of brands due to quality and service but its not just Infinity and Living Waters (aka Gulf Coast, aka Tatum...) which happen to be sold through big box stores that I would avoid. I also am not a fan of Cal and Master that are sold through dealers. I consider my opinion to be just that, MY opinion; you can take it or leave it.

I'm sure everyone has their favorite(s). I also think most everyone also realizes there are multiple good brands and that there is no single brand that renders all others secondary. Who are these people who steer everyone toward one spa?

[Roger]

Who are these people who steer everyone toward one spa?

I have about 5-6 I put at the top of the heap and 5-6 more that are right in there. And they change every year. I also have 5-6 value line tubs I think are a good buy. But none are sold at box stores!!

I'm waiting also for the name of this mystery person who thinks there brand stands alone?????

[Ol' Philosopher]

I spent a couple of frustrating hours today, searching consumer guides, ratings and forums trying to get an idea of any particular brands we should be considering. Our "box store" spa is headed home in a body bag, so we doing more research this time.

Spatech....thank you for actually coming out a tossing a few brand names around, even if the list changes a bit from year to year. At least you have the nerve to state an opinion. Every thing else I read said, "There are 5.6 million spas in use, and 1000 different brands. Find one you like." Gee...how helpful is that?

Roger...I'd be interested to know those 5-6 you put at the top of YOUR list, like Spatech's.

Just for the record (without having to review my posts), our Infinity Laguna has had 7 malfunctions in 4 1/2 months. Everything from the control console going goofy, to the stitching tearing out of the lid. We won't count the anchor pins tearing out of two pillows...that was probably our fault.

[Roger]

I spent a couple of frustrating hours today, searching consumer guides, ratings and forums trying to get an idea of any particular brands we should be considering. Our "box store" spa is headed home in a body bag, so we doing more research this time.

Spatech....thank you for actually coming out a tossing a few brand names around, even if the list changes a bit from year to year. At least you have the nerve to state an opinion. Every thing else I read said, "There are 5.6 million spas in use, and 1000 different brands. Find one you like." Gee...how helpful is that?

Roger...I'd be interested to know those 5-6 you put at the top of YOUR list, like Spatech's.

Just for the record (without having to review my posts), our Infinity Laguna has had 7 malfunctions in 4 1/2 months. Everything from the control console going goofy, to the stitching tearing out of the lid. We won't count the anchor pins tearing out of two pillows...that was probably our fault.

At the top of my list are Dimension One, Marquis, Beachcomber, Artesian, Arctic and there are others like Hot Springs, Sundance, Sweetwater, Caldera. Great Lakes makes a great value tub along with Nordic and of course the value line from Dimension One the @home line and the value tubs from Marquis the Everday Line. Just to name a few there are more. Who is in your local area?

[Ol' Philosopher]

Our town is not at the end of the World, but on a clear day you can see it from here. The nearest dealers are 70 miles away, and there are about a half-dozen there. I have no idea what brands may be available in my area. As far as I know, there are no exclusive outlets, meaning "Billy-Bob's Hot Tub and Snowmobile Emporium" doesn't sell spas exclusively. The only shop I've ever been in around here had tubs between $5K and $9K, and the $5K tub was (I think) a "4 person spa". Too small. That's why we went for Costco's $3K special, solely based upon Costco's customer satisfaction policy. Costco was even prepared to hire a repair service to fix a tub they knew I was returning as soon as weathr permits. Amazing. I declined the offer, of course. I'm not going to take advantage of that kind of integrity.

If it helps you guys narrow your lists of recommendations, after owning 2 spas there are some minimum features I want.

1) 6 person, or roomy 5 person will do.

2) The number of jets doesn't matter, as long as they are set up more for hydrotherapy than novelty. Don't need any of those flat, bubbly nozzels that blow mostly cold air. We never use them.

3) Must have an ozonator. After trying most chemical systems, we want a chemical-free system. We've found hydrogen peroxide and a silver ion sanitizer works just fine for us.

4) Don't need any bells and whistles. No stereo system, no "aroma therapy" dispensers, and waterfalls are stupid...you can't hear the gentle sound of the falling water over the noise of most pumps.

Thanks for the advice.

[Trigger]

Our town is not at the end of the World, but on a clear day you can see it from here. The nearest dealers are 70 miles away, and there are about a half-dozen there. I have no idea what brands may be available in my area. As far as I know, there are no exclusive outlets, meaning "Billy-Bob's Hot Tub and Snowmobile Emporium" doesn't sell spas exclusively. The only shop I've ever been in around here had tubs between $5K and $9K, and the $5K tub was (I think) a "4 person spa". Too small. That's why we went for Costco's $3K special, solely based upon Costco's customer satisfaction policy. Costco was even prepared to hire a repair service to fix a tub they knew I was returning as soon as weathr permits. Amazing. I declined the offer, of course. I'm not going to take advantage of that kind of integrity.

If it helps you guys narrow your lists of recommendations, after owning 2 spas there are some minimum features I want.

1) 6 person, or roomy 5 person will do.

2) The number of jets doesn't matter, as long as they are set up more for hydrotherapy than novelty. Don't need any of those flat, bubbly nozzels that blow mostly cold air. We never use them.

3) Must have an ozonator. After trying most chemical systems, we want a chemical-free system. We've found hydrogen peroxide and a silver ion sanitizer works just fine for us.

4) Don't need any bells and whistles. No stereo system, no "aroma therapy" dispensers, and waterfalls are stupid...you can't hear the gentle sound of the falling water over the noise of most pumps.

Thanks for the advice.

Just about every major hot tub makers offers a tub that meets what you wanted. Stary with quality, wet test and compare, get the tub that fits you. But, a 5-6 person quality tub will run 6-10K. Id' start by listing what brands you do have available in yoru area , then maybe folks could point you to to tubs from those btrands that meet your needs?

[spatech (the unreal one)]

I have no idea what brands may be available in my area.

Try these sites. They are dealer locators for some of the better brands out there. Just enter your zip code and it'll tell you if there is a local dealer.

http://artesianspas.com/main/dealer_locator.asp

http://www.hotspring.com/Dealers/index.html

http://www.calderaspas.com/Locator/index.html

http://www.arcticspas.com

http://retailer.sundancespas.com/Retailers/index.php

http://www.jacuzzi.com/products/

http://www.marquisspas.com/storelocator/

http://www.dimensiononespas.com/findadealer.asp

[Ol' Philosopher]

This isn't personal, Trigger, but I've read a lot of columns and forums talking about a "wet test". I agree complelely in the wisdom of this, but it still cracks me up. In 20 years, and a dozen dealers, I have only found one that had a tub set up for a test soak...and that was a $12K tub back in the early '90's...the top of their line. It might be common practice in California, or New Jersey, but it's not goning to happen out here in the "sticks"

Folks might have thought I was being facetious with my "Billy-Bob" reference, but I just did a DexOnline search and found a dozen "Hot Tub & Wood Stove" dealers.

Thanks for the links, Spatech!

[Ol' Philosopher]

Spatech:

Quick reply...I followed every one of those links and most dealers are between 125 and 300 miles from me, and one is 60 miles away in Canada.

The only two are "local": Hot Springs, and Sundance.

Hahaha...I made my point. The Sundance dealer is an outfit that primarily sells wood stoves and chainsaws! I know the guy, been in his store several times, and never noticed any spas. In any case, the guy has an attitude that makes me go just about any place else, even for a screw for my chainsaw!

[Trigger]

This isn't personal, Trigger, but I've read a lot of columns and forums talking about a "wet test". I agree complelely in the wisdom of this, but it still cracks me up. In 20 years, and a dozen dealers, I have only found one that had a tub set up for a test soak...and that was a $12K tub back in the early '90's...the top of their line. It might be common practice in California, or New Jersey, but it's not goning to happen out here in the "sticks"

Folks might have thought I was being facetious with my "Billy-Bob" reference, but I just did a DexOnline search and found a dozen "Hot Tub & Wood Stove" dealers.

Thanks for the links, Spatech!

What's your zipcode?

[Ol' Philosopher]

Zip code?

Not pertinent.... Everybody here already knows I'm retired, living within 60 miles of the Canadian border and not within 100 miles of a major metropolitan area. TMI

[spatech (the unreal one)]

Zip code?

Not pertinent.... Everybody here already knows I'm retired, living within 60 miles of the Canadian border and not within 100 miles of a major metropolitan area. TMI

LOL, my F-I-L lives in upper Montana and that's how a Montana person would respond to that question so that's what I'll envision LOL.

We're here to help! Good luck in your search O.P.

[Roger]

Zip code?

Not pertinent.... Everybody here already knows I'm retired, living within 60 miles of the Canadian border and not within 100 miles of a major metropolitan area. TMI

I'd say if your handy then go the value route. Great Lakes, Nordic or even god forbid the Costco route again. As long as your a long ways away you'll most likely be doing your own service anyway. Get one with off the shelf easy to replace parts and give it go for a few years. The GL or Nordic will give you trouble free operation for the first 4-6 and after that you'll want new anyway or the parts are easy to get and replace. The Costco tub will be a crap shoot right out of the gate but you may get lucky and get one that gives you those 4-6 then hey...return it!! And now your in it for 4-5 grand is all.

If your not handy then pick up a 6-8 grand Beach, HS, Marquis and install it yourself. Most likely it will be trouble free for 10 years then go forward.

[Trigger]

Zip code?

Not pertinent.... Everybody here already knows I'm retired, living within 60 miles of the Canadian border and not within 100 miles of a major metropolitan area. TMI

actually if you want folks to help you out, a zip code would be pertinet. By the way, I didn't know that. And since you had a total of 6 posts at the time of the question, i doubt many others had.

Anyhow, I was just tyring to help you as you mentioned you didn't know what brands were availbale in town, even though you assumed there had to be "half a dozen" and quite honestly, I bet there are a few that would let you wet test. Good luck with all this and have a nice day.

[Ol' Philosopher]

Zip code?

Not pertinent.... Everybody here already knows I'm retired, living within 60 miles of the Canadian border and not within 100 miles of a major metropolitan area. TMI

actually if you want folks to help you out, a zip code would be pertinet. By the way, I didn't know that. And since you had a total of 6 posts at the time of the question, i doubt many others had.

Anyhow, I was just tyring to help you as you mentioned you didn't know what brands were availbale in town, even though you assumed there had to be "half a dozen" and quite honestly, I bet there are a few that would let you wet test. Good luck with all this and have a nice day.

Trigger, thank you for your sincerity. The information I referenced was in those 6 posts you mentioned.

The links Spatech gave me were very helpful and I was able to find one dealer in my area that carries one of those brands. A second dealer carries a second brand, but it's a side-line out of his chainsaw and wood stove business, I know the guy and won't deal with him.

I just choose not to post too much personal information in a public forum, probably for the same reason a lot of people choose not to fill out the "profile" information on this board. In my area, posting my zip code would be nearly the same as posting my physical address. It's not like a zip code in L.A. that points to 500,000 residences.

In any case, thank you again for your interest in helping out a "newbie".

[Ol' Philosopher]

Back again...

Anyone have an opinion on Tiger River and/or Hot Spot brand spas?

[Roger]

Back again...

Anyone have an opinion on Tiger River and/or Hot Spot brand spas?

Both good choices, middle of the road or better. But remember as mentioned by another poster we are all naysayers and biased towords the brands we sell.......oh wait, I don't sell a brand, dang!

[Trigger]

Back again...

Anyone have an opinion on Tiger River and/or Hot Spot brand spas?

OP,

I understand your deisre to be annonoumous. Hey...what if you post the zip code of the big town you'll be shopping in?

Anyhow, I owned a Tiger River Capsian and it's a solid tub for the money. When looking at these mid line tubs I would recomend you make sure you are looking at the 240v versions, not the 110. The 240's will allow you to run the pumps and the heater at the same time and if you are in a cold region then that's an absolute must. Tiger River are made in the same factory as thier sister tubs "hotsprings".

The Caspian: Loved the foot dome. and there was a nice mix of open seating and scultped seats. I also liked the cool off seat and belive it or not, the cup holders were a very nice feature. (some tubs don't have that and it can be a pain).

As far as cons: It was a shallow tub so I'm gonna say wet test it. It makes a huge difference. I'm not the tallest guy out there, and it fit me nicely, but I have read that others felt it a bit shallow. Also I wish there was a bit more vairety of jets on the Caspian, but overall I have to say it was a great tub for the money and would recomend it a heartbeat. My sister has the caspian now and she loves it.

And just as roger points out that we get accused of promoting the brands we sell. Like roger, I don't sell tubs, and I'm not in the industry....just an enthusastic user.

[Ol' Philosopher]

Anyhow, I owned a Tiger River Capsian and it's a solid tub for the money. When looking at these mid line tubs I would recomend you make sure you are looking at the 240v versions, not the 110. The 240's will allow you to run the pumps and the heater at the same time and if you are in a cold region then that's an absolute must. Tiger River are made in the same factory as thier sister tubs "hotsprings".

The Caspian: Loved the foot dome. and there was a nice mix of open seating and scultped seats. I also liked the cool off seat and belive it or not, the cup holders were a very nice feature. (some tubs don't have that and it can be a pain).

As far as cons: It was a shallow tub so I'm gonna say wet test it. It makes a huge difference. I'm not the tallest guy out there, and it fit me nicely, but I have read that others felt it a bit shallow. Also I wish there was a bit more vairety of jets on the Caspian, but overall I have to say it was a great tub for the money and would recomend it a heartbeat. My sister has the caspian now and she loves it.

I appreicate the information. Shallow is a big thing for us, so I can scratch that model off the list. Like I said in an earlier post, we want a lounge, too. My sons are both over 6'3" and the wife and I are over 6', so "size matters". This Infinity is 78" x 84" x 35". Anoter consideration in our next selection is the footprint, because of the size of the deck. I found one Hot Springs that was 96" square, and that wouldn't leave enought room to move around the tub without adding to the deck. I built the deck custom for the Infinity, so I sort of boxed myself in on that score.

Not to worry on the hook up. The Infinity is 240V and the deck is wired. The first tub we owned was 110V. At the time, it was convient, it was in a milder climate, and the tub was shealtered. At about the same time we plugged it in, we convered our home hot water to gas, so we never even noticed a rise in the electric bill. I think the electric hot water tank for the house actually cost more to run than the tub!

[Trigger]

....I appreicate the information. Shallow is a big thing for us, so I can scratch that model off the list. Like I said in an earlier post, we want a lounge, too. My sons are both over 6'3" and the wife and I are over 6', so "size matters". This Infinity is 78" x 84" x 35".

Ok. that's why you need to wet test. See the tiger river caspain, which some people reported as feeling shallower is 36" tall, and yet the infinity is 35". They both are similliar in gallong capacity as well. It's really how the seats are molded than the dimesnions of the tub. anyhow good luck

[spatech (the unreal one)]

Ok. that's why you need to wet test. See the tiger river caspain, which some people reported as feeling shallower is 36" tall, and yet the infinity is 35". They both are similliar in gallong capacity as well. It's really how the seats are molded than the dimesnions of the tub. anyhow good luck

I wouldn't consider 36" to be shallow at all and 35" is pretty deep as well.

[Ol' Philosopher]

It's really how the seats are molded than the dimesnions of the tub. anyhow good luck

I wouldn't consider 36" to be shallow at all and 35" is pretty deep as well.

I know about the seat designs. I was in error...the Infinity is 33", yet a couple of the seats drop you down to chin depth, and were too deep for a couple friends of our. The only advantage I can see to a deeper tub is that we who are long-legged wouldn't have to have our knees in our chests if we can't sprawl out.

[Ol' Philosopher]

Anybody ever hear of Mountain Springs Spas? Hummm...didn't think so.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

Anybody ever hear of Mountain Springs Spas? Hummm...didn't think so.

Yes I have; they're a regional spa maker. That can be good or bad, we just never hear about them on this board. As long as they're a solvent company (gotta worry about small spa makers these days) and you're dealing with someone who's been carrying spas awhile (and hopefully their product specifically) a small local spa maker can be a decent option in your situation. I'd want to feel comfortable that both the dealer and manufacturer will be around for the duration of the warranty. If you're talking used I'd be a little less questioning on all that since being regional, you can probably find techs around that know their product.