Welcome to our forum.
1. Full foam is better (HS) because it is better insulating.2. Open (ie, not full foam) is better because there is easier access if there is a repair or leak down the road (coleman)3. A pump must be ventilated to keep it operating cooler and lasting longer (HS)4. A pump should not be ventilated since the extra heat stays in the unit and helps to heat the tub. (coleman)6. Hot Springs continously circulates the water with a seperate pump.7. Coleman states the small pump doesn't do as good a job filtering as a 'part time' pump that is pumping bigger volumes8. Coleman is made with a metal frame vs a wood frame for Hot Springs. (does this matter?)Does anyone have any final opinions on a Coleman vs a Hot Springs? (This is worse than buying a car!!)
Am I missing any other brands in this same category?
Owning a HotSpring is like owning a Honda Accord, everybody and their brother has one.
We are wet testing the Coleman 481 premium tonight, but were very impressed with the local dealer. I was in on Monday and they had a floor model sitting there empty. We got a call the next day that it was ready to test. Has all the bells and whistles, stereo, ozone, coverlifter, steps, premium package for $6,700. I have been waiting for Hotsprings to fill their Vanguard, but they told me that I should sit in the Grandee to get a feel for what it would be like, and they want $8,800 for their floor model with no steps or stereo. Not real impressed with my HS dealer.
Actually my brother doesn't own a Hot Spring.
We were very impressed with the spa's feel, except for the fact I could not fit into the seat with the neck and quad jets. I was too tall for it. Also, when they hooked up the tub to power so we could wet test it, they crossed the feeds and fryed the circuit board, stereo and lights. Also, the thing that really bugged us was that when you would turn the 1 power jet on max for the foot massage, the water fall would shoot all the way across the tub. I was told they had fixed this problem on the 05 models, and I asked if they could fix this on the 04. He should be calling me tomorrow with the answer. Other than not being able to fit in the one seat, everyother seat was extremely comfortable.