honest opinions please

[opintub]

shopping for a while.in no hurry but i do want the best i can get.i have read all posts for over a month and i came to a conlusion that all spas are the best or all spas suck.

[UnderTheStars]

There are lots of models, lots of features, even quite a few price points.  But in my opinion, THE best hot tub is the one in your back yard.  That's where mine is and I'll be in it tonight.

('course I'm just a rookie - MY best tub is 2 months old today!)

[Spatech_tuo]

My advice would be simple. Go to the websites of the major manufacturers (my choices would be Hot Spring, Caldera, Marquis, Sundance, Jacuzzi and D1) and find out which dealers are in your area. Visit all of them and get an idea of what each dealer is like, what they have to offer, how it fits dry, how good a deal you can get, compare warranties, etc. Make a list of your top 2 (or 3, or 4) and WET TEST them. Decide which is best (have a fallback choice) and see what it will take to get a deal done.

[Mendocino101]

There is no real answer to your question...Most spa owners/ dealers are going to have a bias to what they bought or sell.....There are several well made spas out there....I would say don't over buy....thinking about a spa as a big party center...it really is for personal therapy....I would also suggest looking for something that fits you well and don't get caught with up frills that don't mean much after a very short while...I would also say stick to the better known brands…..as in the long term they seem to serve people better

[Brewman]

When you say the best, what do you mean?  Best in what way(s)?

Brewman

[stiffy]

I agree with Spatech t.u.o. but would add what you want to use the tub for, soak,hydrotharepy,tub to entertian,or for just you and one other, small family, how often, spend limit,ect,ect,ect.
answer these questions to give you an idea on the tub that fits you and your needs so when you hit the tub dealers they can help you pick the right one.

[spa.shark]

Each major manufacturer probably has at least one satisfactory model for you. VALUE-wise I would rank them as follows:

 1. Catalina
 2. Emerald
 3. Marquis
 4. Arctic
 5. Sundance
 6. Caldera
 7. Dimension 1
 8. Coleman
 9. Jacuzzi
10. Artesian

OMIGOSH! He left HotSpring off of his list.

Yup. Just my honest opinion after 27 years of experience with spas.

[Mendocino101]

Yup. Just my honest opinion after 27 years of experience with spas.

May I ask who you are affiliated with....

[ebirrane]

Each major manufacturer probably has at least one satisfactory model for you. VALUE-wise I would rank them as follows:

  1. Catalina
  2. Emerald
  3. Marquis
  4. Arctic
  5. Sundance
  6. Caldera
  7. Dimension 1
  8. Coleman
  9. Jacuzzi
10. Artesian

OMIGOSH! He left HotSpring off of his list.

Yup. Just my honest opinion after 27 years of experience with spas.

Wow.  Tell me some more opinions.  What did you think of the moon landing? Roswell?

-Ed

[windsurfdog]

OMIGOSH! He left HotSpring off of his list.

Yup. Just my honest opinion after 27 years of experience with spas.

The opinion of anyone who leaves Hot Springs off a list that large while making such a fuss about it should be taken with a grain of salt.........from a very satisfied Master Spas' owner.  The shark easily blew away a 27 year reputation with one fell swoop........IMHO.

[spaguyohio]

MY .02 cents (for what THATS worth). The best spa?

1. Mine
2. Mine
3. Mine

With that said, you really need more information. Whats the best for x amount of dollars that offers y & z types of therapy, insulation, etc. Thats fits in an area that is this x this.

My boss wanted "the best that money could buy." Yet, he didnt buy top of the line. After looking around at all features and benefits, a middle of the road spa was what got and he is extremely happy with it.

Get what fits YOUR budget, YOUR space, YOUR needs.

[SerjicalStrike]

Doesn't this thread read "honest 'opinions' please?"  If spa.shark doesn't think that HotSpring spas are a good value, that's his opinion.  All opinions should be taken with a grain of salt.

George

[stuart]

The opinion of anyone who leaves Hot Springs off a list that large while making such a fuss about it should be taken with a grain of salt.........from a very satisfied Master Spas' owner.  The shark easily blew away a 27 year reputation with one fell swoop........IMHO.
 

Hey windy!
I agree he blew the 27 years experience! Although I agree that Marquis and D1 are in the top I don't know if I'm comfortable with them being in his list with some of the others he has there!

[wmccall]

I've actually stayed out of this one based soley on the subject. What is an honest opinion?  Can you have an dishonest opinion?  if it is a dishonest opinion, can it really be an opinion?


Someone probably is honestly of the opinion Elvis is alive and returning on board the next comet.

[Spatech_tuo]

To each his own, no 2 people will have the same list. Some here think Master is great while other very much disagree. Some like full foam, some do not. Some are big on having a circ pump, some are not. Hey, many people bought those AMC Pacer cars in the 70's because they liked something about them and must have thought they were good value yet I'm sure many of those people were smart, logical and educated. Its great to have other's opinions but in the end you have to form your own or you may end up with a Pacer just because Billy Bob said they're great.