Spa Newbie Looking Advice On Spa

[Dawill]

So I believe I have finally talked myself into buying my first spa. I have been reading these forums for a few months and had a few questions since I'm a little overwhelmed with all the choices out there.

First off my primary reason for getting a spa is I have upper back/shoulder problems from being on the computer too much. So I'm looking for something more therapeutic than recreational. Although I'm sure I'll have guests in it occasionally, so flexibility is needed and I'm probably looking for a 6 person tub (fits ~4 adults comfortably). I'm really looking for something that has shoulder jets though.

I saw the strongspa at costco.com, the csxi80. Not really sold on something I can't sit in myself and although they have a great return policy, I know it it's a hassle to return a 1000lb hot tub. So I'm looking for other options as well. I live in Austin, TX so any brand with dealers in that area would suffice. Are there strongspa dealers in the area? I believe the csxi80 is the vienna 80, so I wanted to check out that model if possible. Also any other suggestions for brands/models with good shoulder/neck/upper back massage/jet features? I don't necessarily need all the fancy lighting and waterfall stuff, and I'm not looking to spend a fortune, although I am willing to spend what is necessary to get a spa that fits my needs.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

Also any other suggestions for brands/models with good shoulder/neck/upper back massage/jet features? I don't necessarily need all the fancy lighting and waterfall stuff, and I'm not looking to spend a fortune, although I am willing to spend what is necessary to get a spa that fits my needs.

Here is a list of what I consider to be some of the top spa makers in the industry. You can enter your zip code to see who is local to you:

http://www.calderaspas.com/index_caldera_hot_tubs.html

http://www.d1spas.com/find-local-dealer.html

http://www.hotspring.com/index_spas_hot_spring.html

http://www.jacuzzihottubs.com/

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

http://www.sundancespas.com/hot-tub-dealer-locator/

There are more certainly (some good, some not so good) but those above probably make more than half of the spas sold in the US. Visit 3, 4 or 5 of the closest and see what you like. They should have spas from fully loaded to others without the bells and whistles to meet whatever your budget may be. It's always best to wet test to find the spa that fits and feels best to you but you at least want to compare rather than buy the first one you see. Good luck.

[Stuart A]

I brought my spa just over 3 years ago, we tried models from quite a few different manufacturers including Monarch, Spaform, Hotspring, La Spas, Sundance and Dimension One. We found only the Dimension One and La spas had jets that hit the top of the neck and upper shoulders, the others only reached up to the shoulder blades.

However that was 3 years ago and now some others may offer this as well. I am sure you will get a few more replies here.

[Water Boy]

Also any other suggestions for brands/models with good shoulder/neck/upper back massage/jet features? I don't necessarily need all the fancy lighting and waterfall stuff, and I'm not looking to spend a fortune, although I am willing to spend what is necessary to get a spa that fits my needs.

Here is a list of what I consider to be some of the top spa makers in the industry. You can enter your zip code to see who is local to you:

http://www.calderaspas.com/index_caldera_hot_tubs.html

http://www.d1spas.com/find-local-dealer.html

http://www.hotspring.com/index_spas_hot_spring.html

http://www.jacuzzihottubs.com/

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

http://www.sundancespas.com/hot-tub-dealer-locator/

There are more certainly (some good, some not so good) but those above probably make more than half of the spas sold in the US. Visit 3, 4 or 5 of the closest and see what you like. They should have spas from fully loaded to others without the bells and whistles to meet whatever your budget may be. It's always best to wet test to find the spa that fits and feels best to you but you at least want to compare rather than buy the first one you see. Good luck.

I personally would add Arctic Spas to that list as well. They are also considered to be one of the better major manufactures in the industry. You can check them out at the site linked below:

My link

[Spa God]

You Know I have worked on two of the Strong spas and for a warm weather climate they are a decent spa... the insulation is not great but in Texas that's probably not a great concern... I dont like the look of the roto mold skirt but that's just my personal taste. the component list is solid, the plumbing is mid grade but easily accessible.

I also like the Four winds spas, their shells are Acylobond which are the most green choice and as good a the fiberglass or better, the component list is good and the plumbing is above standard... the skirts rock and they have real nice shell designs.

The biggest thing is going to be your local dealer... find some local sources of info and stick with guys that know what they are doing... too many of these dealers are not spa guys at all just franchise buyers whos product happens to be hot tubs :-)

Spatechs list is a good list except I personally dont like D1, and Arctic belongs there as a great marketing company but the component list is pants and its more spin and marketing than substance IMHO.

[silverswhispers]

I've had a Four Winds Spa for several years now and so far I've had nothing but a great experience with it and would buy another one without any question.

[ssalv]

I absolutely the neck, shoulder and back jets on my Marquis Epic spa as do other people that use the tub on occasion. In addition, you can croutch down and put the monster foot jets on your lower back, wowzer good stuff. In addition this tub has many other jets and features that make it a joy to own. Just my 0.02 worth