Wet testing tomorrow... any suggestions?

[Orthofunk]

I am looking for top-of-the-line high quality... willing to spend $12000.
Tomorrow I will be looking at the Hot Springs Vista, Sundance Maxxus, and D1 Chairman II (again).  Are there any other tubs I should include on my wet test tour?

Thanks

[samhunter]

I would also include the D1 sarena bay, also the caldera geneva & the sundance optima all are great tubs. you need to see what fits you best. Good luck & tell us about the pro's & cons.

[Orthofunk]

My brother-in-law has the Caldera Geneva.  I've soaked in it before, but I'll include it as one of my stops tomorrow for a comparison.
Not interested in the Optima, since it doesn't have a lounger.
The Sarena Bay looks nice... but isn't it over my $12000 budget?  Also, no dealers in the area have one to test.

Any others?

[samhunter]

Yes there are many more,marquis,hydropool,coleman, as far as the sarena bay, I never inquired about price, as the dealer did not have one,also the D1 dealer sold coast spas which I read a lot of negative things about. I was turned off by that dealer selling a great & a not so great product. It seemed as if I was bothering the salesperson (to many questions). Its kind of funny how a bad experience w/ the dealer can make you not like their products.

[jaj111]

I would include the Coleman 705 & 706 I wet tested a 706 and really liked it. My wife liked the HS Vista, so thats the one we got. These are both great tubs.

[Spatech_tuo]

I am looking for top-of-the-line high quality... willing to spend $12000.
Tomorrow I will be looking at the Hot Springs Vista, Sundance Maxxus, and D1 Chairman II (again).  Are there any other tubs I should include on my wet test tour?

Thanks

You're going for a top of the line spa so take your time and wet test them all. they will all look great dry and dry test fine but I guarantee that if you wet test 4 or 5 spas a couple will stand out from the rest and narrow the field for you.

[autoplay]

Fly to Denver,and wet-test a CaVeN ?

[Orthofunk]

I tested Hot Springs, Sundance, and D1

Hot Springs Envoy (no Vista in the showroom)
Pros:
- Very sturdy... with the dense foam, this tub was the most solid of the tubs I tested.
- No bypass filter.  The rep made a big deal out of this one.  All the water goes to the intake where 5 vertical filters handle everything
- Filters are dishwasher safe
- The Motomassage in the lounger felt very good
- RF remote is way better than any IR remote
- Goes to 106 degrees

Cons
- did not like the waterfall... kids would have a field day with it
- the controls were too simple... only 1 jet pump switch for both pumps
- lounger was way too small... at 6'1", I was very cramped in there.  I understand the Vista lounger is 2" longer, but I don't think that would have been enough.
- jets seems to be too strong... even on low speed
- no cool down seats


Sundance Optima and Cameo (Maxxus didn't have water)
Pros:
- great jets, with individual control and easy adjustment
- lounger was just right... most comfortable of all (sat in the Maxxus lounger dry)
- the foot well with the circular foot jet arrangement allows everyone to get good foot action without have to play footsies or move to the "foot seat"
- aromatherapy... there is a percolation setting where the jets are turned off, but bubbles come up.  You can add scents into an aroma chamber and it bubbles up through the spa... wife will love this.
- goes to 108 if you sign a release
- 2 cool down seats (on Maxxus)
- very nice cedar steps standard... best of the bunch
- throw away filter... replace once a year ($100), no maintenance.
- good waterfalls... 2 LEDs
- biggest spa (Maxxus)

Cons:
- IR remote only works when speakers are up... no option for remote control of jets/lights without getting the stereo option
- filtration area is wide open, and has a "scum ball" in it... a potential problem for people with kids.
- Sundance is still using 2004 steps, which aren't properly contoured to fit exactly on the 2005 Maxxus.


D1 Chairman II

Pros:  
- good controls
- dynamic sequencer is a nice feature... not sure if its worth $1000, though
- flex jets make it easier for different sizes to get comfy
- Max therapy seat is the best seat I sat in.  It surrounds you with jets

Cons:
- Expensive
- no waterfall
- neck flex mechanism seems a little flimsy... easy to break.
- only goes to 104


After testing these 3 tubs, it was clear that the Sundance was best of the bunch.  Not only is it the biggest tub with the most comfortable lounger, but it was also the least expensive (especially since I went across the state line... no tax!)
I put $500 down, and will have a brand new 2005 Sundance Maxxus delivered the day after we close on our new house.  Can't wait!!!

[johnvb]

Congrats! We ordered a 2005 Optima last week, counting down the hours....

I also ordered the optional washable filter, but first will give the throwaway a chance, to see how long it will last. I suspect when I need a new one, it will also have to be ordered, so I can use the washable filter to prevent "downtime".

What's the deal with the "scum ball"? I guess I missed that feature when we wet-tested/ ordered our spa, all I remember is a weir in the opening.

[Lori]

Congratulations!

May you always have clean, hot, bubbly water!!!

[Brewman]

What's the deal with the "scum ball"? I guess I missed that feature when we wet-tested/ ordered our spa, all I remember is a weir in the opening.

I'm thinking that some of the Sundance observations are dealer variables, like the scumballs, the wooden step mismatch, and the 108 if you sign a waiver deal.
Brewman

[Orthofunk]

What's the deal with the "scum ball"? I guess I missed that feature when we wet-tested/ ordered our spa, all I remember is a weir in the opening.

It looks like a white tennis ball floating in the filter chamber.  Dealer said it picks up oils/lotions/etc. from the water's surface, and has to be cleaned every once in awhile.

[johnvb]

 Yes, but isn't that an accessory that can be added/subtracted to any spa (aka after market)?

BTW, sounds like a great idea, as long as it stays in the skimmer. My son is on his school tennis team, he will think it’s ok to “practice” in the spa.

[Drifter]

I'd add the Master spa LSX 1050 to your list. Master makes a great spa and you can get either foam filled or thermal pane depending upon what you like for no additional cost! Clearly one of the strongest jets (if that's what you like) and lots of nice features.

[hair]

you can get a d-1 lotus bay for 12k, i'm pretty sure the sarena bay is 2k more.  they claim you don't have to use chlorine or bromine when i spoke to their dealers, but i have a hard time believing that.  check out artesian piper glenn or dove canyon, nice quality tubs.