First Time Spa Buyer-don't Want To Get Soaked...

[WaterMama92]

New to the forum and the world of spas. I am looking for a smaller spa to be used for therapeutic purposes.

We spent the day at the fair in western Washington looking at all sorts of hot tubs. Of all the brands we looked at (Artic, Clearwater, Jacuzzi, Caldera, Softub) the Sundance Capri, distributed by Aqua Quip was the one we liked best.

The quote w/ coverlift, ozone,stairs, offset umbrella was $8,194 plus tax. This is supposedly $1,400 less than retail, but I haven't been able to confirm that statement. We left a refundable $100 deposit and plan to wet test it in a couple of weeks.

I'm an accountant and before I spend this kind of cash on a hot tub I'd like to know what others think of this model and the deal. It sure seems like a whole lotta money for a 2-3 person hot tub.

I would have preferred a model that would run on 110 power; this one does not. The price above does not include the additional $$$ to get a 220 plug out to my patio.

80% of the time there will be 2 people using the tub, but occasionally 3. I have not seen any other brands/models than those mentioned above

I'm open to all ideas and suggestions and appreciate your comments.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

We spent the day at the fair in western Washington looking at all sorts of hot tubs. Of all the brands we looked at (Artic, Clearwater, Jacuzzi, Caldera, Softub) the Sundance Capri, distributed by Aqua Quip was the one we liked best.

The quote w/ coverlift, ozone,stairs, offset umbrella was $8,194 plus tax. This is supposedly $1,400 less than retail, but I haven't been able to confirm that statement. We left a refundable $100 deposit and plan to wet test it in a couple of weeks.

Hmmm, Sundace is a very good brand and while I'm not big on knowing prices I know that the Capri doesn't sell for $9500 so that "$1,400 less than retail" comment seems like a stretch. It would have been interesting if you'd asked to see a recent invoice on a sale of that model. Maybe some Sundance owners/dealers can give some more clear insight.

[Rob W]

That's a ridiculous price for that spa. I can get the Altamar for that price w/ozone and cover lift.

[pagal]

Try to look at the Hot Springs spas, they have smaller tubs that are really nice. We purchased a mid sizes tub for 4-5 people and only spent a little over 6,000 with ozone, steps, cover, chemicals and a great warranty. We love it.

Good luck.

[WaterMama92]

Try to look at the Hot Springs spas, they have smaller tubs that are really nice. We purchased a mid sizes tub for 4-5 people and only spent a little over 6,000 with ozone, steps, cover, chemicals and a great warranty. We love it.

Good luck.

Which model did you purchase?

We are planning to wet test the Jacuzzi J-315, Marquis 315U and HS Jetsetter.

So I should be able to purchase any of these compact tubs for < $7,000?

I talked to an electrician who said the 230v tubs were more efficient. He also quoted a price of $900 to install the new otlet and hook up the tub.

How does that sound?

Thanks, everyone for your help.

[Rob W]

The Marquis 520M from their Limited Series is a neat little spa. It comes standard with the 110/120V 120 gallon per minute jet pump and you can upgrade to the 220V 160 gallon per minute pump. You should be able to get that spa with the upgrade for well under $6K.

Also, look at the Caldera Martinique. That's a little bigger but it's a nice spa for between $6-$7K and it's got 2 pumps. It's a 220V.

http://www.marquisspas.com/limited/spa_520m.asp

http://www.calderaspas.com/Spa_Showroom_Ho...martinique.html

[Philips]

I'm also a new member to this forum like u... And I can understand whats going in your mind as an accountant. You are a very sensible person and I also prefer to have some reviews or information before going to use a service or a product... No worries all service and products are good and best in use... Spas and beauty clinics are growing and getting popularity day by day...

[WaterMama92]

The Marquis 520M from their Limited Series is a neat little spa. It comes standard with the 110/120V 120 gallon per minute jet pump and you can upgrade to the 220V 160 gallon per minute pump. You should be able to get that spa with the upgrade for well under $6K.

Also, look at the Caldera Martinique. That's a little bigger but it's a nice spa for between $6-$7K and it's got 2 pumps. It's a 220V.

http://www.marquisspas.com/limited/spa_520m.asp

http://www.calderaspas.com/Spa_Showroom_Ho...martinique.html

Thanks. The Martinique looks a bit too big, but the 520M looks like it might be just right. I just know that once friends and family hear that we have a spa we'll be having all kinds of folks dropping in for a soak. Especially on those cold Seattle nights.

The smaller spas all have loungers and I'm not sure they will work, as one of us is 5'2" and the other 5'8. Unfortunately the nearest Marquis dealer is about 40 miles away, so we'll have to wait a couple of weeks before getting in for a wet test.

OK, what other models are out there for 4 people?

Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate all of your input and patience.

[queenwench]

When I went searching for a spa I had a few requirements. 1) Hydro therapy 2) Small in size due to space restrictions 3)Under $6,000.

I narrowed my search to three companies as we have so few to choose from that are near by for dealer support.

I wet tested the Coleman 351 http://www.colemanspas.com/storeitems/show/5/ A GREAT SPA!!!I am 5'3" and I loved the lounger. (it was the ONLY spa I tried that I did NOT float in) My friends came along one is 6'1" and he liked the whole spa even the seat that sits you straight up, it really hits the back area well. My other friend is 5'5" and she had no complaints either. A nice spa for two-three people w/ good therapy jets. $5100.00 w/cover lifter,steps,3 months of chemicals, 5 year warranty free set up

Wet tested the Hot Springs Jetsetter and the SolanaTX. Loved the Solana, it's ugly but, nicewith the moto massage and a nice foot jet. Didn't like the fact that you had to crawl over each other to get to the other seat. I did not like the Jetsetter but to each his own. I floated out of the lounge seat and w/ jets on high I was pushed forward out of the seat. My friend didn't like the fact that it didn't have calf jets. Also the seats had a tight feel for two people. Solana TX $3,400.00 w/cover, set-up, and 2 months of chemicals, 1 year warranty. Jetsetter 5695.00 w/cover and lifter, 3 months of chemicals, free set-up and delivery and steps. Both SolanaTX and Jetsetter are 220 or 110 set up. In warmer climates 110 vs 220 may not be an issue. http://www.hotspring.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_...CFSQYZAodOw4ewA

http://www.solanaspa.com/showroom_tx.html

Wet tested the Resort by Artesian. Nice fit for short folks, for me just fine,if you are over 5'8" it's a bit tight. $5,695.00. The jets felt great but this one only comes with a 1 year warranty. 220V or 110V set up. http://resortspas.net/500L.asp

Wet tested the Tiger River Bengal and Sumatran...Loved the Bengal but was to large for my space. I decided on the Sumatran. Open seating, great fit for tall and short folks, 6'6" X 6'6" X 33", the jets hit in all the right places w/two seats letting you ajust the jets to hit you where you want them, a powerful foot jet, and for me if I sit in the cool down seat I get a great calf massage before I get out. Not much in whistles and bells. I don't give much care for waterfalls, light shows and music. I'm there for the therapy and the relaxing soak. $5,100.00 w/cover, lifter, steps, three month of chemicals, free delivery and set-up. Bengal 220V set up Sumatran 110V or 220V set-up

http://tigerriver.hotspring.com/Models/spa...s_sumatran.html

http://tigerriver.hotspring.com/Models/spa...els_bengal.html

I hope this helps. You don't have to spend a ton of money on a spa to get hydro therapy and a relaxing soak. I really liked the Coleman but chose the Sumatran for the only reason of the open seating. In Washington state (unless you are in the mountains, insulation FF vs TP should not be a major issue for you IMHO.

Good luck with your search...and when you do find the spa of your choice many happy years of soaking. The only other advice I would STRONGLY suggest is WET TEST. I thought all these folks were nut's. They were right. Each spa is different; each fits is different. If not for the "Wet Test" I would have purchsed the Jetsetter and been very disappointed,as I would have been only able to use half the spa.

[WaterMama92]

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I had not considered the Tiger River. We will definitely go to the dealer and take a wet test soon.

I have expanded my search to include 4-person tubs and am finding that they have a better price point than the smaller ones; perhaps b/c the small spas are so specialized?

Don't know if my logic will play out in the spa world, but it's sure true of the laptop computer world...

Thanks again.

[queenwench]

I agree with you about the smaller spa's being much higher priced than I thought they should be. I may get laughed at but, I think as the poulation gets older and smaller 2-3 person spas and 4-5 person spas are what people may be searching for the price may come down, as your comment suggests......[ finding that they have a better price point than the smaller ones; perhaps b/c the small spas are so specialized? ]

Good luck in your search...I'm sure you will find what is best suited for your needs. There are other spas that will fit the 4 person seating arrangement....besides Tiger River there is:

Marquis, http://www.calderaspas.com/Spa_Showroom_Ho...cumberland.html

Coleman:http://www.colemanspas.com/storeitems/show/10/

Cooperage:http://www.colemanspas.com/storeitems/show/1/

Jacuzzi:http://jacuzzihottubs.com/j-300/j-335.html

Nordic:http://www.nordichottubs.com/spas/nordic-spas.aspx?seating=5

Gosh I could go on...and I'm sure others will be able to add to this list.....As I said before, one does not need to spend mucho bucks for a good solid spa, w/good dealer support. Take your time and find what you need. Wet test and enjoy what you purchase....Again, good luck.