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I am a newbie too and also recently went through the first hot-tub buying experience. We found that our "budget" of what we wanted to spend and our "appetite" for what we wanted to GET did not line up... also learned that the "Wet Test" is every bit as critical as everyone on here says it is.I thought we were completely set on a LaZBoy Spa. Great features "on paper" and it fit the budget... then we wet-tested it and the bigger, $2000-more-expensive model and sadly ruled both of them out. (Not comfortable and no way to stay put in the "ReclinaSeat" which was the key feature of the spa.)I'd been looking at/drooling over Jacuzzi spas since I saw them at a home show a couple of years ago. I tried to rule them out because of the high price tag, but kept coming back to them because of the features. We looked at Hot Springs, Sundance, Maxx, Dynasty and others. The wet-test sealed the deal for the Jacuzzi. We spent quite a bit more than our original "would like to spend" budget because we loved the tub, and decided that the extra would be worthwhile over the years of use.We chose the Jacuzzi J-470, and while I wish I could wrap this up with a glowing review of our experience with it, we haven't taken delivery yet because we have to complete our new deck before we'll have a spot to put it. But the good news is, we're only 2-3 weeks away now.... Can't wait!!! Good luck with your search!
I've ruled out the Mira and narrowed it down to the Jacuzzi j-245 which seems to be right in my range and a Bullfrog x7 which is their line without the jetpacks. The bullfrog costs a little more than the Jacuzzi but it has the circ pump and full foam which the Jacuzzi does not. So trying to decide this week any additional advice is appreciated being that I can't find any reviews on the Bullfrog x7.
That was from "Del Mar Pools and Spas" from Danbury, Connecticut. Actually very nice folks to work with. Caldera was quoted around $9500 (tub + steps + cover + lifter + electrical panel) for Niagara by the store from Westport, Connecticut but I did not like the quality of how Caldera was built in comparison with Marquis. Jacuzzi dealers quoted J-385 for low $11k but then they refused to take credit cards and it was either cash or financing at 4-5%, both were not an option for me. CalSpa dealer did not have any spa to show even thou I made it clear that I am somewhat reluctant to spend $10k on something that I can only look at the picture of, and spas that they have offered were in $14k range. All the other ones Bullfrog, Hot Spring, Artesian and Thermospa (not that I particularly like Thermospa) were in $12k-14k range. There are quite a few promotions and events in North East now, one is being BigE where I heard spas are being sold at reduced prices.I am curious what was it about the Caldera that you did not like about their quality compared to the Marquis. I can understand liking the Marquis more, but I have never heard of a quality perception issue.My spa came with no "Aroma Infusion" so I got some money back. This is what I got from the dealer:2015 Marquis Signature series - Euphoria includes:stainless steel jetsOzonatorfoam filled cabinetConstellation LED lightingInline chemical systemAroma infusions240 V pump upgradeMatching coverstart-up chemicalspre-site inspectionDelivery to your siteyour choice of shell colorsspa tutorial after your hot tub is hooked by electricianI will add the cover lifter with installation and the 2 step matching steps at no extra costPrice will remain at $ 9,800.00 plus tax of $ 686.00 = $ 10,486.00.