Researching for first tub

[aal619]

 Hi folks,
I just found this site & would like your help. My wife & I are looking  for our first hot tub. I'm recently retired, have osteo arthritis. My wife will retire in the next 2 yrs. We want to get the most & best we can afford in our budget, as I don't plan to replace it anytime soon. I like the info/discussions I've found here, but as a newbie, some of the "facts" are confusing. We live in deep So. IL, (not just So. of Chicago), about 40 miles N of KY. Dealors are very limited here. I've looked at Islander Spas, Cal Spas, Vita Spas, Diamante, & Dimension One @ home hot tubs.
I was most impressed w/Cal Spas. We like the Journey J-504. It has 2 GE 5 hp pumps, a 24 hr filtration pump, 150' of filtration, lifetime guarantee heater, lifetime guarantee CD ozonator, full foam insulation. It seems like alot for the money, & a good warranty. I know there are bad reviews for them here, but what are your opinions of this tub? Where does the Journey series fall in the Cal Spas line? We don't want/need/afford a TV, CD, fiber optics. What do you suggest as another comparable tub? Any advice & suggestions?
Thanks very much for any help,
aal619

[keesterdog]

most anybody here will tell you to wet test . what feels good to one person may not to another.  tubs can be very peculiar in that area.

[Brewman]

A lifetime guarantee is meaningless when the company won't stand behind it.  I've heard a lot of complaints about Cal Spa not honoring their warranties.

I know someone at work who has a Cal Spa, and she hasn't had any problems with their spa.

Brewman

[Mendocino101]

Brewman that is interesting I know someone who worked for cal spas for 13 years and would not own one today... ....I would recommend reading the fine print of that warranty....and remember "lifetime is defined differently from state to state......example 7 years is considered life time for calif.....but if you like the cal spa and feel it is best, than it just might be for you....the very best in your search.......

[rocket]

I would encourage you to look more closely at the D-1 with the numerous brands that you referred to.  Also, there is a Hot Spring dealer in N. Kentucky (can't remember the name of the town) check the Hot Spring dealer locator.

Look closely at the Cal Spa warranty.  Exclussions are numerous.  One area states, in the exclussions, that they willnot cover a failure if it was due to either a known or unknown problem.  This is the out of outs.
Also, go to lifetime.com and get educated on lifetime warranties.

Good Luck