Welcome to our forum.
This is the first time we have ever shopped and researched hot tubs, and we want to make sure we make the right choice. And from what I've read the best three brands for energy efficiency, longevity and least amount of maintenance needed are - Dimension One Spas, Hot Spring Spas, and Maax Spas. We currently have a 1998 Diplomat D1 spa and the digital panel has quit and the spa has a small leak underneath. At a minimum it will cost us $1000 to have it fixed... so we are thinking replacement.Just looking at pictures on the web sites, the seat design and size of the below 4 spas are appealing: (anyone know what the pros and cons of each? which of the four is the quietest when the jets are on? and ballpark installed price? any rebates offered?)D1 Dream - $6495 plus tax installed with removal of old spa (price I've been quoted) Hot Spring - RelayMaax Spas - model 472 & model 461And I have lots of questions, if anyone happens to know the answers:What is the warranty on each one? Does the warranty include parts and labor, and if so for how long? And how many replaceable filters does each spa need? Are they all about the same or different with energy efficiency and quality of heaters? do they all use chlorine or are some salt? currently I use that purple cartridge (Vision Sanitizing System - Universal cartridge) that you replace every 3 months and shock it once a week and add a small amount of chlorine and replace the filters every 6 months.... is that going to be the same with a new spa?Thanks so much for your help!
You are looking at The Hot Spot line and the at home series from D-1. They are going to be comparable tubs but both tubs you are looking at are from there entry level lines. If you are looking for a tub to last 17 years again look at the next series up from both of these lines
Quote from: Hottubguy on September 22, 2015, 02:35:46 pmYou are looking at The Hot Spot line and the at home series from D-1. They are going to be comparable tubs but both tubs you are looking at are from there entry level lines. If you are looking for a tub to last 17 years again look at the next series up from both of these linesGood advice.
Two of the main differences are better quality parts, and better build quality.
The wavemaster 9000 is a just better pump than the wavemaster 6000. And although built by the same company, it's not the same build. That's just like saying the only difference between a chevy malibu and a corvette is horsepower. Same brand don't equal same quality. And wouldn't all the other differences you pointed out equate to a better built tub? I'm not saying budget lines from reputable brands aren't good, but it's just not the same build as their top tier lines.