Carli Posted June 27, 2012 Report Share Posted June 27, 2012 Hello, I've learned a lot by browsing this forum, thanks to all of you experts! Still have LOTS of questions as we try to decide what's the best spa for us. Here are details: 1) Looking for a spa for 4+ people, mainly for hydrotherapy of achey muscles after long distance running and other workouts. Also have 2 teenage kids who will use it a lot (although even if they want the music/lights, we won't pay extra for the glitz) 2) So far, we've checked out Jacuzzi, Sundance and the Costco spas available online (Evolution). 3) We like the concept of UV, such as in Jacuzzi spas, instead of chemicals, but does UV really kill all the bad stuff? Is a bromine system better? 4) We live in San Diego and for the next 10 days or so, the San Diego (Del Mar) fair is displaying lots of spas and we're wondering if the prices are really as "rock bottom" as the reps are claiming and if we'll be missing out on getting the lowest price if we don't buy during the fair. Is it really best to buy at the fair (I've seen a lot of negative posts about buying at an expo, and I assume a fair is similar)? I hate to be a sucker. 5) For example, the price being quoted on a Jacuzzi J-335 w/cover, steps, and delivery is $7995. Is that a good price? 6) Jacuzzi rep is claiming that they are the ONLY truly effective spa for hydrotherapy since they have a patented system that allows for an exact 50/50 mix of air and water, and that other spas don't have this ratio and therefore give you the itching sensation from the jets...even as I type this, I chuckle at myself for believing this...but is there even a grain of truth in this? Any reason Jacuzzi is a superior spa for hydrotherapy? They claim that they're the brand all the hospitals/rehab center use...? That's probably enough to throw at you all for now. Any/all advice and opinions are much appreciated! Any other brands we should be looking at? I'm reading lots of good things about Marquis on this forum, but haven't seen them yet. THANKS so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrewD619 Posted June 27, 2012 Report Share Posted June 27, 2012 Hey Carli! If you don't mind, I'd like to tag along on your post as well. We're in the San Diego area too, and have been in the market for our first spa. We checked out the spas at the fair last week, and I was ready to go the fair again this week to try and make a deal. But I'm really torn on which spa to get. From your questions above, it sounds like we're looking for the same exact thing so maybe we can share and compare the deals we've been offered. I'm also looking at the Sundance and the Costco spas. One other brand I saw at the fair that has my interest are the Tuff Spas. I haven't been able to find a whole lot about them online, but everyone I've seen that has purchased one (including a video review on YouTube) has been very happy with it. Happy spa hunting! I look forward to some of the responses on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimKW Posted June 27, 2012 Report Share Posted June 27, 2012 I will be in the market for a Hot Tub in the near future. I just sold a Sundance Optima and owned a Hot Springs several years ago. Sold the Optima because it took up too much room and I found I was the only one using it and heating 500 gallons of water for one person seemed unnecessary. Only brands i will consider: Hot Springs (also make Caldera) Sundance Jacuzzi (same company as Sundance is what I heard from the salesman) Marquis (never really seen one, but based on reading this board for years now) Dimension One (same comment as Marquis) If I were to buy a new one right now I would probably get the Caldera 3 person one. Can not remember the model name. I will try to find a good used one though. Seems like the smaller used ones are kind of hard to find. I think people have a tendency to buy too big, sell it and then buy a smaller one and keep it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carli Posted June 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2012 Hi DrewD619 - Sure thing! I hope this thread is useful to both of us, and others! I'm planning to visit the two Jacuzzi dealers in our area and see what they have to offer so I'll post back here when I have a chance. Also, I believe the Dimension One factory is in Vista so I might take a drive and check them out. At this point, I'm leaning towards the Jacuzzi J-355 if the UV system, called Clearray, works as claimed in keeping the water perfectly clean. It would be great to eliminate the chemicals. But, I'm skeptical and not sure how to verify the effectiveness the Clearray system. If it works as well as claimed, it would be the clincher for me and I'd go w/Jacuzzi. But, I've seen remarks on this board and others that using UV lights for sterilization is not EPA approved for jacuzzis and therefore, you should still use chemicals, so if that's the case then I'd just buy a hot tub that uses chemicals instead of paying for the Clearray system. Very frustrating since it seems impossible to get unbiased info on these things, and the cost is too high to screw up the decision! Once I decide on the brand/model, then I'll start working on comparing prices. I have no idea how much of a price differential there is, if any, between dealers. But I'm looking forward to comparing and will be happy to share any pricing I receive and would appreciate it if you'd do the same (as well as others on this board!) I'm trying to make a decision relatively quickly since the fair is over next week, and if that fair pricing is really a one-time deal, then I'd like to take advantage of it. Best of luck in your search. Let's keep each other updated! Carli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spatech (the unreal one) Posted June 27, 2012 Report Share Posted June 27, 2012 Hello, I've learned a lot by browsing this forum, thanks to all of you experts! Still have LOTS of questions as we try to decide what's the best spa for us. Here are details: 1) Looking for a spa for 4+ people, mainly for hydrotherapy of achey muscles after long distance running and other workouts. Also have 2 teenage kids who will use it a lot (although even if they want the music/lights, we won't pay extra for the glitz) 2) So far, we've checked out Jacuzzi, Sundance and the Costco spas available online (Evolution). 3) We like the concept of UV, such as in Jacuzzi spas, instead of chemicals, but does UV really kill all the bad stuff? Is a bromine system better? 4) We live in San Diego and for the next 10 days or so, the San Diego (Del Mar) fair is displaying lots of spas and we're wondering if the prices are really as "rock bottom" as the reps are claiming and if we'll be missing out on getting the lowest price if we don't buy during the fair. Is it really best to buy at the fair (I've seen a lot of negative posts about buying at an expo, and I assume a fair is similar)? I hate to be a sucker. 5) For example, the price being quoted on a Jacuzzi J-335 w/cover, steps, and delivery is $7995. Is that a good price? 6) Jacuzzi rep is claiming that they are the ONLY truly effective spa for hydrotherapy since they have a patented system that allows for an exact 50/50 mix of air and water, and that other spas don't have this ratio and therefore give you the itching sensation from the jets...even as I type this, I chuckle at myself for believing this...but is there even a grain of truth in this? Any reason Jacuzzi is a superior spa for hydrotherapy? They claim that they're the brand all the hospitals/rehab center use...? That's probably enough to throw at you all for now. Any/all advice and opinions are much appreciated! Any other brands we should be looking at? I'm reading lots of good things about Marquis on this forum, but haven't seen them yet. THANKS so much! 1) Wise, buy on quality, not bling. 2) Jacuzzi and Sundance are good choices. I'd also look at Caldera, d1, Hot Spring and Marquis. 3) Don't be swayed by all the UV mumbo jumbo talk. Its fine if its included but I wouldn’t pay to add it and it won't change you need for chlorine. Thats salesmanship if they’re touting it as some super tonic. 4) Fairs are great because you can see multiple spa choices in one area but I would not expect the prices to be anything special. They pay BIG bucks for that floor space and I'd expect you can get just as good a price in the showroom. Be SURE of one thing if you do buy at the fair, you only want to buy one there IF its from someone who has a store in the area. Otherwise you buy and they leave town and if any issues you don't have a store to drive over to. If they blow smoke on answering that ask them for the address and showroom for the dealer that will service you after the fair is gone and call to confirm. 5) No idea on pricing but you can always check the local store to compare pricing. 6) LOL, that Jacuzzi salesman is spinning some tales. Their hydrotherapy is no better than what others do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted June 27, 2012 Report Share Posted June 27, 2012 Hello, I've learned a lot by browsing this forum, thanks to all of you experts! Still have LOTS of questions as we try to decide what's the best spa for us. Here are details: 1) Looking for a spa for 4+ people, mainly for hydrotherapy of achey muscles after long distance running and other workouts. Also have 2 teenage kids who will use it a lot (although even if they want the music/lights, we won't pay extra for the glitz) 2) So far, we've checked out Jacuzzi, Sundance and the Costco spas available online (Evolution). 3) We like the concept of UV, such as in Jacuzzi spas, instead of chemicals, but does UV really kill all the bad stuff? Is a bromine system better? 4) We live in San Diego and for the next 10 days or so, the San Diego (Del Mar) fair is displaying lots of spas and we're wondering if the prices are really as "rock bottom" as the reps are claiming and if we'll be missing out on getting the lowest price if we don't buy during the fair. Is it really best to buy at the fair (I've seen a lot of negative posts about buying at an expo, and I assume a fair is similar)? I hate to be a sucker. 5) For example, the price being quoted on a Jacuzzi J-335 w/cover, steps, and delivery is $7995. Is that a good price? 6) Jacuzzi rep is claiming that they are the ONLY truly effective spa for hydrotherapy since they have a patented system that allows for an exact 50/50 mix of air and water, and that other spas don't have this ratio and therefore give you the itching sensation from the jets...even as I type this, I chuckle at myself for believing this...but is there even a grain of truth in this? Any reason Jacuzzi is a superior spa for hydrotherapy? They claim that they're the brand all the hospitals/rehab center use...? That's probably enough to throw at you all for now. Any/all advice and opinions are much appreciated! Any other brands we should be looking at? I'm reading lots of good things about Marquis on this forum, but haven't seen them yet. THANKS so much! Sounds like you have a couple of good choices with Jacuzzi and Sundance. I would definitly see what else is around your area also. And if Hydrotharapy is what your looking for a Wet Test is in order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chas Posted June 28, 2012 Report Share Posted June 28, 2012 I want to reiterate what Spa Tech (TUO) has posted above, as I see it as vitally important information: They pay HUGE money to be at that fair. In fact,The Pomona fair got so costly that manufacturers had to subsidize the costs, and then spread the sales out among several dealers. Then they decided to limit the vendors, so they instituted a lottery. Bottom line: you can get a better price at the showroom, and you will have a connection with the dealer who will ultimately be your gateway to ongoing success in the ownership experience. Plus, you may be able to see more tubs gathered together in one place, but at a huge price: all the salespeople will be the 'shark' type who will NOT be around later. Most of them will be brought in for the show or fair, and do not work at the local dealer. Our county fair up here in Ventura is not much, but they wanted to charge us as if it was the LA or San Diego Fair - so after several years of that, the only local dealer who was still going was the Sundance dealer. He went belly up a couple of years ago... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaysdca Posted June 28, 2012 Report Share Posted June 28, 2012 Very well put Chas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arf1410 Posted June 30, 2012 Report Share Posted June 30, 2012 Don't let the spa salesman brainwash you on the hydrothreapy jibberish. If you are truely after "hydrotherapy of achey muscles after long distance running and other workouts" you need ice or an icebath, NOT heat! That said, I LOVE our Costco / Evolution hot tub after owning it a year, but Itry hard to resist temptation to get in it after a hard workout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chas Posted June 30, 2012 Report Share Posted June 30, 2012 Have you tried ice, heat, ice? I have friends who run and they swear by it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arf1410 Posted June 30, 2012 Report Share Posted June 30, 2012 yes, alternating heat and ice is also good, and heat can be good several days after a hard workout...but generally speaking, getting in to your hot tub after a hard workout thinking it's doing great things to your sore muscles , just ain't a good idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikel Posted July 1, 2012 Report Share Posted July 1, 2012 We just came from the SD Fair after looking at spas - interested in a 3 person model to fit on our patio. As an informed consumer I found this to be one of the most confusing areas to research. It is so difficult to choose because all the information you get is sales hype and there are no independent reviews (Consumer Reports doesn't review spas), with this forum as a welcome exception. Here's what I learned - the salespeople are really slick. We were deciding between a Maax spa and a Catalina model. The salespeople selling the Catalina spa told us why it is better than the Maax (wood rather than metal frame, larger and more jets, two rather than one pump, longer warranty). Out of curiosity I called the store location for the same company and the sales guy there said that the Maax is the "best spa on the market"! And the sales guy selling the Maax spas at the fair is from the same company! So I still don't know what to believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carli Posted July 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2012 Thanks, everyone, for the help. We found a great Jacuzzi dealer in our area (San Diego), called Aqua Paradise in Carlsbad. The owner, Jay, is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and professional and beat the Del Mar fair price on a Jacuzzi spa. We ended up getting the Jacuzzi LXL (mostly based on its modern look, but also because we wet-tested it and loved it even more). We've had it for several weeks and are in it every other day. Definitely a great decision. Jay and his Aqua Paradise staff were exceptional to work with - straight shooters with no BS, encouraged us to take a wet test and filled the LXL spa in his showroom for us, very open about pros/cons of various options, came out to the house before we bought it to make sure the area was right for it. We couldn't be happier with both the spa and our experience with Aqua Paradise. Highly recommend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chas Posted July 20, 2012 Report Share Posted July 20, 2012 Another happy hot tub owner! Welcome to "Spatopia." May you soak long and prosper. If we can be of help as you learn the 'care and feeding' of your new tub, let us know. And post some pictures!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manwgoldengun Posted July 23, 2012 Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 Jacuzzi makes a great tub. There are a few others I would recommend ahead of them, but I will abstain. I will say that I am glad you didn't bite into the Costco spas hype!!! What a nightmare! These spas are usually manufactured by off brand companies desperate for cash flow. The products are overhyped full of glitz and glamour, but lack very little in terms of structural integrity, energy efficiency, and insulation. To top it off, Costco seems to use a new "flavor-of-the-month" as their spa manufacturer. NO dealer network, a very weak warranty, curbside delivery AFTER bouncing around in a truck for a week.....Seriously? Costco is great for TVs, 10# of grated cheese, and chicken wings---NOT portable spas. Do your research people. Plan on spending $5000-$6000 for a quality spa that is therapeutic, won't cost you too much to run, is comfortable, and will last. 115 jets and 15 hp is great------FOR A RIDING MOWER!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spa_Guru Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 Jacuzzi makes a great tub. There are a few others I would recommend ahead of them, but I will abstain. I will say that I am glad you didn't bite into the Costco spas hype!!! What a nightmare! These spas are usually manufactured by off brand companies desperate for cash flow. The products are overhyped full of glitz and glamour, but lack very little in terms of structural integrity, energy efficiency, and insulation. To top it off, Costco seems to use a new "flavor-of-the-month" as their spa manufacturer. NO dealer network, a very weak warranty, curbside delivery AFTER bouncing around in a truck for a week.....Seriously? Costco is great for TVs, 10# of grated cheese, and chicken wings---NOT portable spas. Do your research people. Plan on spending $5000-$6000 for a quality spa that is therapeutic, won't cost you too much to run, is comfortable, and will last. 115 jets and 15 hp is great------FOR A RIDING MOWER!!! I had to laugh, you are spot - on of course, and folks, FYI, there isn't a single production spa on the planet that actually puts out 15 continuous HP. Oh sure, as a repairman I can tell you I have seen all the HP stickers claiming as much as 7.5 HP from a pump. Dose of reality, google "HP to watt conversion" 1 watt = 0.00134102209 horsepower Read the tag on the motor, look for the amperage reading. That will be the stall or "brake" horsepower amperage draw. Amps times Volts = Watts. Brake HP is twice what actual useable HP is. 12 Amps x 240 volts = 2880 watts x .00134 = 3.86Brake Horsepower -- 1.93 hp while actually moving your water thru your jets. A true 7 BHP pump had better have a 22 amp sticker A true 5 BHP pump better have a 16 amp sticker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 too much to run, is comfortable, and will last. 115 jets and 15 hp is great------FOR A RIDING MOWER!!! No it's not.....you need 20 HP minumum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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