Welcome to our forum.
First I would like to say what an informative forum this is and would like to thank all that have responded to my posts. We went to visit 3 dealers today, all which just happen to be blocks away from each other. I did tell each dealer the truth, I have been researching online, this is my first time in stores, I am going to buy very soon, and I will be visiting the other stores. I think I'm ready to buy, and want to check here one more time. First I went to a Sundance dealer and asked about the Cameo, they gave me their "very special " price of $10,600, this included delivery, cover system, steps, and starter chem pack. I thought this was a high price and really didn't care for the dealer.Next was Caldera, started with the Martinique, complete package $7500, Tahitian $9700. We liked the Tahitian better, so that would be our choice for Caldera.Last up was Hot Springs, we went in looking for the Flair, they didn't have one we could see. But once we saw the difference between the Limelight and the Highlife Collection it seemed to us that the Highlife was a much better spa. All of the spas we looked at had loungers, this dealer claimed that most first time buyers, like us, buy loungers. Second time buyers don't opt for them. So we looked at the Vanguard and liked it, complete package $9300. Whew! So here's the questions: is the Moto massage a good system or would fixed jets be better?Are Hot Springs more energy efficient like the dealer says?Hot Spring is moulded in ABS, is that a good thing or bad thing? It comes with ceramic filters, claimed to be good for 4 years, good filters? Better off with paper? EverFresh 3 system with silver ions good? Just pour a little chlorine in at start up, add anti algaecide once a month? Seems to easy! And one last thing and I know it's a what you want thing, lounger or not?
That's a shame about the Sundance dealer. That's the best spa I can find so far--hope to wet test Caldera Niagra soon, but dealer apparently doesn't take me seriously??? I am targeting an Optima--it's the non-lounge equivalent of the Cameo. That price seems inline from my research. Actually a bit low! I crossed Hot Springs off the list after the heater/fire recall and the major issues I read about with their Ace Salt System. I was disappointed. They were high on my list! I'm going non-lounge because I have 2 young boys. The open seating gives them (and us) more room!!
Well we got the Vanguard, $9380 complete. Tri X filters and an extra set also. Lots of extra chemicals a spa mop and a bottle of Silk balance. I did wet test it and liked it a lot. Thanks for all the advice here and to JJ who in another thread suggested asking for more extras once you get a fair price.
I love the MotoMassage - it is the jet which helped my wife and I choose HotSpring over 25 years ago, and we are still with them.I'm sure you'll love your tub - welcome to Spatopia: may you soak long and prosper!