Help me,
I am about to pull the trigger on a 06 HS Accolade but I also like the TR Caspian. The Silver/grey color combo on the caspian is the best I've ever seen but the accolade has the HS name and better filters.
My priorities in order are:
1. Easy clean water without clorine.
2. 2 powerfull rotary jets on my neck/shoulders.
3. Reliability.
4. seat depth.
5. Looks/water feature.
6. Price.
7. Electric bill.
Can I put tri-x filters on the Caspian and does anyone have experiance with both spas.
Also what is the Difference in MSRP?
I own a Caspain, so all these answers are from that angle (As opposed to someone who onws and accolcade). I'd be more than happy to answer any questions about the tub.
1. Easy clean water without clorine. The Caspain comes ozone ready . My dealer installed the HS Freshwater Ozinator on it and it works great. However I also use dichlor and a Renew shock. I don't know of any water care system that works that doesnt use a sanitizing agent. ? What system are you planning on using?
Regardless, the Caspain should be compataible with any sanitizing /chemical system you would use with the Accolade.
2. 2 powerfull rotary jets on my neck/shoulders.The Caspain has 2 rotary jets in the upper should area in one seat, and in another seat has precision jets that get the Shoulders. I highly recomend a wet test as I belive the big differnce between these tubs is the seating, jets and therapy. There are no
true neck jets on the Caspain. I belive this is also true for the Accolade.
3. Reliability. I belive they have the same reliability as each are made by Watkins in the same plant. The Accolade has a slighty different heater, and a different filters. I belive the warrenty is the same.
4. seat depth. ' You have to wet test for this. The Caspain although simillar in overall dimensions, offers seating for 6 (2 scultped seats, and open seating plus cool off seats). This could be a benifit or a drawback depending on your size and tastes. The Caspain does offer more options for seating though.
5. Looks/water feature. The Caspain has a back lit waterfall, and one single large light dome (bug zapper blue light, 3 pos dimmer). The Caspain is available in a very sleek looking silver.
6. Price. paid $7000 for 05 Caspain. Includes: cover, lifter , steps, Freshwater III ozinator, and crane delivery in Central MA. others in this foroum have reported similliar prices within $500.
7. Electric bill. I don't have kw hours to show you but both tubs are 350 gals, Both are insualted the same. The Caspain has 2 pumps, while the Accolcade has 1. Each has an additional 24 circ pump. Last month I estimated my electical costs for the tub were about $25.
Can I put tri-x filters on the Caspian and does anyone have experiance with both spas. I do not belive you can put the trix fileters on the caspain.
We spoke the yesterday in the foroums about the filter size difference. The Caspain uses a standard cartrdige filter, and with the ozniator I have no problems. Other than some foam and cloudy water after a large (8 people with bathing suits new years eve). party. this was cleared up with shock and calirfier. (would filter type make a differnce on soap and oils, or does it make a difference only on particulate matter?)
Also what is the Difference in MSRP? I Don't know.
Overall, I belive these two tubs to be equal in quality and aparently simliar in price.
The big difference is the seating and therapy. A wet test should answer that very quickly on which you prefer.
The Caspain has 2 pumps (one is 2 speed, the other single). This is for 36 jets, 6 seats, 350 gal water.
Granted, the Caspain is not a top o' the line, all the bells and whistles, $12000, 10 person Cadilaic hot tub
BUT For the money paid, I am thrilled with the Caspain. It has met or exceeded all my expectations for a $7K tub.
The foot dome is great and the seating offers several options. I highly recomend it and it is worth a wet test. It's been my experience folks love the seating and footdome and buy the tub, or it dosen't fit them and wouldn't buy it at any price.
Bottom line. I think you are looking at two very similliar tubs in regards to qualilty, price and relability. The filter issue, well , all i can say is I don't have a problem with mine.
This really should all come down to a wet test. IMHO.
