We've been in the market for a new hot tub for a few years and have finally decided to pull the trigger on a new Caldera Cantabria! We've been quoted $18,000 and told that we can expect the tub in October. We're prepping the area where we're putting the tub (moving some sprinkler valves, running power under a concrete patio, installing a paver patio) and we've got everything about the tub picked out except whether we are going to include the salt system or not.
What are everyone's thoughts on the salt system? Does it make a big difference on the way your skin feels after soaking? Is there a significant difference on the difficulty or amount of time it takes to maintain the water? Those are to two factors that are most important to us so if the salt system has a significant impact on our skin and water maintenance then I think it'll be worth getting. Thanks!
I don't think there is much question that you'll prefer the water with a salt generator. Some dealers who don't sell them will give you reasons why you shouldn't get one for other reasons but they've improved greatly over the years and are becoming much more common place so some of the naysayers eventually will sell them and become backers just like every other advance in hot tubs over the years.
The first thing to realize is there is an added cost so if you're good with that (let your dealer spell that out and ask them not to sugar coat it) then realize there can be issues getting the hang of it and if your base water has issues (like heavy in phosphates) you'll need to get it taken care of.
The key to this really (and most other things relative to being a new spa owner) is having a dealer that has sold many of the systems you're looking at and has the hang of it so they can get you going on the right track from the get go. Some dealers are great at after sales water care help for their customers, some are ok and in some cases they just aren't a great deal of help.
If you get the vibe that your dealer will be a good source of help in this area + you value the benefits of a salt generator over the cost of operation then go for it.
