Vita Spas: Rendezvous

[aegean]

Hi All,

We are shopping for our first spa and was quite impressed by the Vita Spa Rendezvous. I had never really heard of the company before and tripped across them accidently, but researched and realized that they were one of the bigger manufacturers. The quality looks very good and am very interested but have not yet worked out a price or options. Before I sit down with the salesperson, I'd like some general comments on the quality and reliaqbility of the brand.

I live in Montreal, Quebec and the winters are quite harsh.

Thanks ahead.

Aegean

[jwillard]

I actually looked at this spa when I started shopping. I did a wet test and felt it was a great spa. I really liked the wave chair(2 seater) or whatever its called. I live in Orlando, Florida and the price I was quoted was 11,500.00 fully loaded(without tax).

Since I hadnt ever owned a spa I felt for my first spa this was kinda pricey. Not that I didnt feel it was worth it...I just couldnt see spending that kind of money on something I had no experience with. Good luck with your decision!

[aegean]

I also read in another thread the following:

"The Vita Spas are much better than Hot Spring, and Sundance in my opinion. However, if you have any cold weather at all, you do not want a full foam product of any type. " - Jim the Jim

What exactly does this mean in real life and how reliable/accurate of a statement is it?

[Chas]

"How reliable/accurate of a statement is it?"

Very little posted by that particular individual has any merit whatsoever.

[Trigger]

I also read in another thread the following:

"The Vita Spas are much better than Hot Spring, and Sundance in my opinion. However, if you have any cold weather at all, you do not want a full foam product of any type. " - Jim the Jim

What exactly does this mean in real life and how reliable/accurate of a statement is it?

Absolutey unreliable and completely inaccurate. It's a propaganda message based on half truths and misunderstood principles, promoted by a salesman of rebranded tubs. Search around, and find out for yourself.

The statement is misleading and is a perfect example that some salesfolks will say or do anything to get you to buy from them, including promoting out and out lies and half truths like the one you stumbled across.

There is much debate between full foamed spas and Thermally enclosed spas (Artic, coleman jaquizzi), but a QUALITY tub employing either technoligy has shown similliar efficiencies. There are many other nuances to FF vs Thermal, but shouldn't be an issue for purchasing your spa.

Go quality. Go brand name. Check out the dealer. Wet test. compare several tubs from competing brands and manufactuers, wet test. Research and enjoy.

Ask actual folks who have these tubs who are running them in cold, and listen to what they say.

I'm in New England, where the winter gets frigid and I have a Watkins Full foamed spa and it's fantastic. It performs as advertised. There are hundreds of thousands of other watkins customers who will tell you the same thing, and millions of quality Full foamed tub owners for many quality manufcatuers, that will also speak to this. (and for what it's worth, I'm not involed in the hot tub indsutry).

[Jim_The_Jim]

I also read in another thread the following:

"The Vita Spas are much better than Hot Spring, and Sundance in my opinion. However, if you have any cold weather at all, you do not want a full foam product of any type. " - Jim the Jim

What exactly does this mean in real life and how reliable/accurate of a statement is it?

Vita, used to make a really good thermally closed design, but the fell for the need to sell it to spa stores who are sold on the full foam (fantasy).

We have sold spas that were made in the Vita factory using a really superior thermal pane design and have them up in the north east with some reports of low monthly costs. Some are 10 years old now.

There is no reason on earth to build a spa with full foam, except to reduce the cost to manufacture.

There are three independent tests now that conclude that full foam VS. a thermally closed (room) design is superior.

It also has a longer down time against freezing.

(It is the equipment that freezes first in the cold box in front of a full foam.)

Easier to repair leaks.

The statement has a lot of backing by independent resources.

There has never been a side by side test in which the thermally closed design did not excell.

If any of you full foam people can find one test that tests both side by side and said that the full foam is better please show it to me.

There are many reasons why full foam is inferior.

[aegean]

I tested the Rendezvous and thought it was great. Felt loose and free to tackle the 12 inches of snow we got yesterday. I am supposed to be testing a Clearwater Ultrasage 9100 as well to get a feel for an entirely different tub. I did realize though that although I did not float, there is a bit more bueyoncy then expected when the jets are hitting you. My wife did float a bit making me wonder if she would enjoy a lounger. The price of the 9100 and the Rendezvous are essentially the same but the 9100 is a smaller unit, and now I am starting to lean more toward the non-lounger models... of course I would have to try the lounger first.

I am also adding Sundance to my list of testers, haven't quite figured out which model specifically.

Any other comments on the Vita brand generally or the Rendezvous specifically?

Thanks

[Jim_The_Jim]

I live in Montreal, Quebec and the winters are quite harsh.

You need a spa that is designed for cold weather, not full foam.

http://www.soundclick.com/havenhead

[aegean]

Yes, but the summers are also quite hot. Very hot actually.

[Chas]

Yes, but the summers are also quite hot. Very hot actually.

This is an ongoing debate. Both types have strengths and weaknesses. In my experience, the insulation scheme is not a real good way to choose a spa. The major brand-name tubs will operate well in a wide range of climates, and the cost of operation is not going to vary that much among them.

However - Thermal Pane or Air-Gap insulation designs do have the drawbck of overheating. This is not so much an issue in cold weather, obviously, but since you have hot summers, you will find yourself needing to cut way back on the filtration cycles if you do choose a TP spa. This warm weather may be the time you use the tub the most, or it may be the time you use the tub the least - people vary on that. But if you need to run the filtration a lot in hot weather you may have to open the lid to keep the tub from getting too hot. Most tubs will automatically suspend the filter cycle as soon as the tub gets a couple of degrees above the set point temperature. That's not real good if the tub happens to need filtering...

Also the TP style can get hotter as it runs. Set the tub to the temp you enjoy, but watch as it slowly climbs while you are running the jets. This is more pronounced in tubs which have the larger, more powerful jet pump motors, especially if there are two or more pumps. Not all TP tubs will do this to the same degree, but they will all do it to some degree. It is because the pumps are placed in a position where they can transfer their heat into the tub, which forms the basis of the whole system.

This is one of the few areas of the 'Great Insulation Debate' where all parties seem to be in agreement: full foam does keep the water temp very consistant.

[Trigger]

In the "Quality Tub market" if the salesman is pushing the full foam vs TP issue as the main reson thier spa is superior, you're being fed a line of B.S by a desperate person. As Chas states, there are streagths and weakeness of each, but if a salesman comes out and that's all they have to say (Jim, once again, we're looking in your direction)....run away.

Now back to our regulary scheduled topic:

Vita.

[Mike Blute]

For what it's worth, we cannot deliver nor support spas in Canada. We can delivery a spa to the border, (I have a 2nd aunt who lives in North Dakota, we could arrange to deliver the spa to "Lucky's Truck Stop" and you could take delivery there. ) If you are interested, please give us 8 months notice and require a sizable deposit.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions you may have.

As the Corporate Spokesperson for the Spa Specialist, Id like to thank you. Please have a nice day and we hope you find the right tub for you.

Or as they say in Quebec;

N'achetez pas une station thermale de nous. Nous sommes les voleurs fous. Nous apprécions [CENSORED] des ânes

Edited March 7, 2007 by Tom

[spatech (the unreal one)]

As the Corporate Spokesperson for the Spa Specialist, Id like to thank you. Please have a nice day and we hope you find the right tub for you.

Or as they say in Quebec;

N'achetez pas une station thermale de nous. Nous sommes les voleurs fous. Nous apprécions [QUELQUE CHOSE] avec des ânes

Comme nouveau spokeperson d'entreprise, j'espère que vous êtes capables de changer la direction désorientée que la compagnie a eue. Un fort travail éthique et une intégrité devrait vous mettre sur le sentier nécessaire.

Aussi, je doute que les ânes soient très heureux avec votre approche.

Technicien de cuve chaud

Edited March 7, 2007 by Tom

[Tom]

Comme nouveau spokeperson d'entreprise, j'espère que vous êtes capables de changer la direction désorientée que la compagnie a eue. Un fort travail éthique et une intégrité devrait vous mettre sur le sentier nécessaire.

Aussi, je doute que les ânes soient très heureux avec votre approche.

Technicien de cuve chaud

This is a hoot, but I've just spent another 20 minutes removing spam offering to show us various celebrities in various activities, which really isn't how I like to spend my lunch time, and now I know why Doc and Chas occasionally get grumpy.

Even if the posts are in French, or even if the donkeys are French, and regardless of whether or not the donkeys appreciate the attention, this thread is IMO tumbling towards "vulgar...obscene, profane, sexually oriented".

Stop watching the celebrities. Go sell hot tubs.

Aegean, I hope we haven't scared you off. Did you learn anything about Vita spas?

[Tom]

This is an ongoing debate. Both types have strengths and weaknesses. The major brand-name tubs will operate well in a wide range of climates, and the cost of operation is not going to vary that much among them.

See, for example, here .

However - Thermal Pane or Air-Gap insulation designs do have the drawback of overheating. This is not so much an issue in cold weather, obviously, but since you have hot summers, you will find yourself needing to cut way back on the filtration cycles if you do choose a TP spa.

There are other options. In warm climates, Arctic owners for example can replace the insulated doors with optional screened louvred vents.

This is one of the few areas of the 'Great Insulation Debate' where all parties seem to be in agreement: well-designed hot tubs keep the water temp very consistent.

I'd agree as above.

[Mike Blute]

This is a hoot, but I've just spent another 20 minutes removing spam offering to show us various celebrities in various activities, which really isn't how I like to spend my lunch time, and now I know why Doc and Chas occasionally get grumpy.

Even if the posts are in French, or even if the donkeys are French, and regardless of whether or not the donkeys appreciate the attention, this thread is IMO tumbling towards "vulgar...obscene, profane, sexually oriented".

Stop watching the celebrities. Go sell hot tubs.

Aegean, I hope we haven't scared you off. Did you learn anything about Vita spas?

Tom,

Je suis très désolé.

[D.P. Roberts]

I am also adding Sundance to my list of testers, haven't quite figured out which model specifically.

Thanks

The Sundance Optima and Cameo are about the same size as a Rendezvous. The Cameo has a lounger, the Optima does not. FWIW, I read a survey several years ago that said that most first time hot tub buyers pick a tub with a lounger, but most second time buyers do not - for the "floating" reasons you mentioned.

Sorry I can't help with the French. The only phrase I know is "Mon aéroglisseur est plein des anguilles."

[aegean]

Tom,

Je suis très désolé.

C'est moi qui est désolé. In other words I am not learning much about Vita Spas specifically, and if I disregard the banter and stick to the facts, there seems to be no perfect spa in terms of build and insulation. If what I'm reading is correct, then I should just choose the one that is most comfortable.

Other than that, it's fun reading the back and forth stuff but I'm wondering where all this French is coming from? Usually it's the "Voulez vous..." and "J'ai un gros crayon jaune" quotes that pop up...

I was impressed by the Vita sales person, but the Hot Springs one did a bang-up job too. The Clearwater dealer was less impressive though more ready to deal on price and less service oriented. I loved the 9100 but my wife has a floating issue with the lounge and the Hot Spring tubs just left me wanting, though I can really appreciate the less is more argument and the filtration system. Caldera didn't do it for me. So... if I ignore the full foam arguments, the Vita Rendezvous suits my needs the best out of the ones seen/tested. I have not seen Dimension One nor Arctic (Tom, what would be the Rendezvous equivelant?), but got the feeling that they would be more expensive than the Vita.

I'd still love to hear from some people who actually own a Vita, even if not the Rendezvous.

Aegean

[Jim_The_Jim]

C'est moi qui est désolé. In other words I am not learning much about Vita Spas specifically, and if I disregard the banter and stick to the facts, there seems to be no perfect spa in terms of build and insulation. If what I'm reading is correct, then I should just choose the one that is most comfortable.

Other than that, it's fun reading the back and forth stuff but I'm wondering where all this French is coming from? Usually it's the "Voulez vous..." and "J'ai un gros crayon jaune" quotes that pop up...

I was impressed by the Vita sales person, but the Hot Springs one did a bang-up job too. The Clearwater dealer was less impressive though more ready to deal on price and less service oriented. I loved the 9100 but my wife has a floating issue with the lounge and the Hot Spring tubs just left me wanting, though I can really appreciate the less is more argument and the filtration system. Caldera didn't do it for me. So... if I ignore the full foam arguments, the Vita Rendezvous suits my needs the best out of the ones seen/tested. I have not seen Dimension One nor Arctic (Tom, what would be the Rendezvous equivelant?), but got the feeling that they would be more expensive than the Vita.

I'd still love to hear from some people who actually own a Vita, even if not the Rendezvous.

Aegean

I used to get spas that were made cabinet, shell and plumbing, in the Vita factory, and I have worked on Vita Spas. Much better product than The other spas you were looking at, in my opinion, but if you live in a cold climate, get them to make one with the old thermal pane style that they perfected. It will save you energy and save on costs for repairs. Vita makes comfortable spas with some interesting seating arrangements. I don't like bullet jets in the backs of the seats. I have used spas for over 22 years. That is how I got my love for them.

La concurrence nous déteste toujours et c'est bonne, il apporte les personnes qui ont été brûlées par elles à notre site Web

http://www.soundclick.com/pro/view/01/defa...mp;content=song

[Jim_The_Jim]

For what it's worth, we cannot deliver nor support spas in Canada. We can delivery a spa to the border, (I have a 2nd aunt who lives in North Dakota, we could arrange to deliver the spa to "Lucky's Truck Stop" and you could take delivery there. ) If you are interested, please give us 8 months notice and require a sizable deposit.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions you may have.

As the Corporate Spokesperson for the Spa Specialist, Id like to thank you. Please have a nice day and we hope you find the right tub for you.

Or as they say in Quebec;

N'achetez pas une station thermale de nous. Nous sommes les voleurs fous. Nous apprécions [CENSORED] des ânes

The Canadian customers either ship the Haven spas to themselves, like the European customers do, or they can pick them up at a city on one of our truck routs. We don't like to go into Canada for one spa and have the truck held up for days as in the past, because of the "war". It is not worth it to set up any arrangements for one spa at a time. We can choose what we are willing to do and what we are not willing to do, because the product is so great. The Canadian customers are very grateful just to get a Haven Spa at all and are willing to do the "work" to get one. We have no problems in supporting customers anywhere. One of our customers in Toronto, previously owned an Arctic but now has the spa of his dreams. Another customer in Toronto has a SC Lakeshore.

Both have degrees in engineering.

Nous n'avons aucun client stupide.

[Mike Blute]

The Canadian customers either ship the Haven spas to themselves, like the European customers do, or they can pick them up at a city on one of our truck routs. We don't like to go into Canada for one spa and have the truck held up for days as in the past, because of the "war".

Nous n'avons aucun client stupide.

Thanks for clearing that up James. As corporate spokesperson, I have much on my plate and sometimes it's best to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. ( I like the "it's because of the War" excuse. It's brilliant! Do you think people will buy it?)

Yes, it's "The War". "The War” is effecting all shipments across the boarder. That's the reason. Nothing gets across the border. It can take days waiting for clearances. It's East Berlin, 1948 all over again. Soon, we may be airlifting hot tubs.

Damn this war! Its casualties extend far beyond the battle field. War truly is hell.

Just as "the snow" has held up our deliveries for 3 months. No trucks could come in or out of Colorado.

I’d like to ensure our customers, that despite "The War" and "The Weather" we are committed to delivering our products to all of our fine customers.

Both of them.

seulement employés et propriétaires stupides.

[Tom]

Tom,

Je suis très désolé.

Dommage.

C'est moi qui est désolé. In other words I am not learning much about Vita Spas...

Tom, what would be the Rendezvous equivelant?

If you are talking of layout, the Coyote Renegade looks similar and is probably competitively priced (www.coyotespas.com) or the Avalanche LSE.

[aegean]

Thanks for clearing that up James. As corporate spokesperson, I have much on my plate and sometimes it's best to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. ( I like the "it's because of the War" excuse. It's brilliant! Do you think people will buy it?)

Yes, it's "The War". "The War” is effecting all shipments across the boarder. That's the reason. Nothing gets across the border. It can take days waiting for clearances. It's East Berlin, 1948 all over again. Soon, we may be airlifting hot tubs.

Damn this war! Its casualties extend far beyond the battle field. War truly is hell.

Just as "the snow" has held up our deliveries for 3 months. No trucks could come in or out of Colorado.

I’d like to ensure our customers, that despite "The War" and "The Weather" we are committed to delivering our products to all of our fine customers.

Both of them.

seulement employés et propriétaires stupides.

No, no, no it's the war of 1812. The US has just declared war on Great Britain and is attempting to invade Canada using auxillary troops made up of former Internet Hot Tub Slingers. Uhm... did the internet exist back then? Oh yeah... it didn't, but since many of the posts on this thread are a bunch of gibberish talking to some ghost from 1812 whom is apparently trying to buy a tub, what the hell!!!

[aegean]

Trying to get back to the Vita topic at hand, does anyone have any hard facts about the energy useage on this spa? The salesman was also suggesting I go the Bromine route with this spa as opposed to Lithium or Chlorine. I have seen the bromine versus chlorine threads but have not heard anything on lithium. Anyone???

Thanks.

Aegean

[Brulan1]

Trying to get back to the Vita topic at hand, does anyone have any hard facts about the energy useage on this spa? The salesman was also suggesting I go the Bromine route with this spa as opposed to Lithium or Chlorine. I have seen the bromine versus chlorine threads but have not heard anything on lithium. Anyone???

Thanks.

Aegean

Seabord makes Lithium hypochlorite and works extremely well in spas and "pools as a daily chlorination". the down fall is that you have to go out and add it everyday and is very expensive but the plus side is that it is not a stabalized based chlorine which means the pool chemistry won't become in a chlorine lock state which means not emptying the pool to do a water exchange. di and trichloral are stabalized based so are slo dissolving tabs. If you use lithium use an ounce a week with rendezvous activate everytime you use the tub. Keep PH ajusted and go the N2 route. Bromine sucks because the PH becomes volitile and if you are neglagent towards your ph than your components are proned to leaking because of rotten seals. Plus bromine smells like shiat and gives you dry skin. You can also add Rendezvous enhance and activate to make a bromine salt solution.