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George,I would strongly encourage you to stay away from that Costco spa. Its one thing to buy a spa from Costco for 2-3k, but if you are going to spend 7-8k, you could get a great spa from a reputable manufacturer, and from a good local dealer that would be there for you after the purchase. Here are some questions to think about with the Costco spa:Who is going to deliver it to you?Who is going to service it when it needs service?Who is going to help you with questions on chemicals and spa controls?Where are you going to get parts when parts are needed?What about replacement filters?You would get all that and more from a local dealer, and none of that from Costco. Personally, that spa looks like a cheaply made spa, that they make look good with a high jet count and fancy lighting? Is 100 plus jets really necessary? You are looking at one of the highest priced spas on the market in the Sundance Aspen. I would guess that you could get a Sundance, Hot Spring, Arctic Spa, Caldera, Jacuzzi, Marquis, etc in the price range you are looking to spend. I would highly recommend that any day over the Costco spa. You get what you pay for my friend. We have all learned that lesson a time or two in life, and the same applies to hot tubs. Its not that the Sundace dealer has the spa marked up 7k more than the Costco tub, it is just a much better built, better insulated spa than the cheaper costco spa imo.
Here is a thread from a few years back that you might check out George.This is a story why customers should avoid hot tubs from big box stores and stick with a local reputable dealer imo.http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/forum/index.php/topic,11306.msg143015.html#msg143015
One last thing...I actually want to buy the Aspen on many levels. We wet tested and really liked it. The local dealer has been in business for 30 years and promises to provide great after sale service and support.I just can't wrap my head around the asking price and justifying it.George
I find a comparison between those 2 options a bit odd, no offense. There are a lot of very good options out there at $7k and plenty of others at 8, 9, 10k.... Sundance is a good option but I wouldn't pay $14k for an Aspen. I wouldn't buy the Costco spa either.