Welcome to our forum.
Hi everyone: I am doing research like I do on everything and think I have narrowed it down to 2 manufactures. Caldera & Marquis They both seem like higher end brands and I am trying to find what the real differences are performance wise quality of pump, jets, maintenance and insulation since I live in New England. One thing that stands out is the Marquis in made in the USA, but they seems more expensive? I work in the manufacturing industry and appreciate products made here. If there is anyone out there that has some pros and cons of the 2 brands it would be greatly appreciated. I will wet test both at the end of the day but I tend to focus on how things are built and perform. I also wanted to mention this purchase is more for therapy than leisure. I do have achy knees and shoulders so if one has better aspects in that department it would be good to know. I am also looking at a cost of 8 to 10k. Thank you for any advise.
Although Caldera is a decent spa, I think the fit-and-finish and quality is definitely a step up on the Marquis. Do you know what Marquis model you're looking at? If you're looking at the Signature Series, open up the front access panel and take a look inside, then also take a look at the Caldera insides. It's going to look a lot cleaner and there will be a noticeable difference on how the spas are put together. Unless they have changed in the last few years, Calderas are still using the wood-framed bottom, the Marquis Signature Series will have an ABS plastic pan that is better protected from the elements. The HK-40 jets and Geyser jets in the Marquis Signature series are some of the best therapy jets in the industry, have you felt those yet?
Quote from: SOULRIC on March 24, 2016, 12:43:07 pmHi everyone: I am doing research like I do on everything and think I have narrowed it down to 2 manufactures. Caldera & Marquis They both seem like higher end brands and I am trying to find what the real differences are performance wise quality of pump, jets, maintenance and insulation since I live in New England. One thing that stands out is the Marquis in made in the USA, but they seems more expensive? I work in the manufacturing industry and appreciate products made here. If there is anyone out there that has some pros and cons of the 2 brands it would be greatly appreciated. I will wet test both at the end of the day but I tend to focus on how things are built and perform. I also wanted to mention this purchase is more for therapy than leisure. I do have achy knees and shoulders so if one has better aspects in that department it would be good to know. I am also looking at a cost of 8 to 10k. Thank you for any advise.Two well thought of brands and while it certainly matters what deal you can get on each, which might be visually preferable... since you say this is about therapy and that you're going to wet test then I'm not sure what else to say because that wet test should indicate which feels best and fits you best. The one thing I would add is that you should try to wet test them on the same day or at least the same weekend because it'll be easier to compare that way and if you know about how hot you like it then have them preset it to that temp ahead of time because some like it hot and some not so much (if you have no preference I'd hope they'd have it set at a typical temp like 100 or 101).
I went to the International Pool, Spa & Patio Expo in November with the expressed mission to find another brand to carry in my showroom. Disclaimer: Caldera wasn't at the expo *but* they are here locally at a competitor's establishment and thus I am well versed with that brand.Though I ultimately chose a different brand to carry in my showroom, Marquis was runner-up. I was drawn to the as they are American-made, the GPM that their pumps and jets can produce, the ABS basin, the @ease chemical system, the MicroSilk option, the finer filtration option they had, and the overall contours/feel of their units.But I always note that the brand is 50% of the equation: The local dealer/distributor is the other half. If the dealer is not reputable, hasn't carried the brand for a long time, etc... then those are major red flags. The two brands I carry are fantastic. But as I would tell anyone in other markets: If their local dealer is shady/of low quality, then go with a different brand. Most importantly, and astutely pointed out by another poster on this thread above: Find out what unit feels comfortable and what brands have the best-feeling jets. A wet test is what will ultimately make your decision. Unless your scruples dictate that you must by American, have a hankering for a certain aspect/feature of a brand, wet testing is most important. The dealer would be next in importance, in my opinion.I hope this helps. Good luck moving forward.
If you're looking for long term financing, Hot Spring just announced a 36 month, 0% deal... They have some great spas in your price range with loungers. I'm in New England also and recently bought one... Very happy with it... Worth checking out!
Quote from: pmang on March 24, 2016, 08:55:11 pmIf you're looking for long term financing, Hot Spring just announced a 36 month, 0% deal... They have some great spas in your price range with loungers. I'm in New England also and recently bought one... Very happy with it... Worth checking out!Problem is if you don't pay in full in 36 months you get all the back interest! Also Caldera is doing the same deal right now.
I agree, wood framing has performed for the life of every 20 year old quality tub I have disposed of.