First Time Buyer Sugestions

[spahopeful]

I'm looking for suggestions for my first hot tub.  My current list includes Marquis Epic, Reward, Destiny, Sundance Optima, Bahia, & Hot Springs Vista.  I'm really looking for lots of jet action around my ankles and possibly around my knees.  I tested the Reward, but didn't feel much action around my ankles/feet.  The main sales person I had been working with was not in and didn't think the other guys had the jets adjusted right.  I plan to go in tomorrow and test the Epic.  The Hot Springs didn't seem to have many jets around the feet.  The Sundance Optima & Bahia had the foot pad dome with the volcano jet.  So far, this had the best jet action around my ankles due to the volcano.  Any suggestions?

[Brewman]

Keep doing what you're doing.  
Test as many as you can, it's the only way to know for sure what you like.  
I have the Optima, and love the foot jets.  Don't have the volcano jet- Sundance just started offering that on the Optima.

[salesdvl]

Try Artesian & L.A. Spas.  They both offer a ton of jet action and good foot & knee options.

[Ruby]

I have the Epic and just want to make a suggestion for your wet test.  Although sitting in the Adrionick (sp) seat gives a great  leg/foot massage, try this: turn on the foot jets on that seat and sit in the corner seat at the other end.  Use that foot massage for your ankles.  It's heaven for the back of your ankles!  Make sure all possible power is on by turning the air injector on with the little lever on your right.  The calf jets also make good foot jets from this seat.

As for your knees:  the therapy Pillar works great by not only standing in front of it but also by sitting on the edge of the corner seat and getting your knees in front of it- scootch back a little and do your ankles from here also.  Again-make sure full power is on by turning the air on.

Remember to think outside of the intended seats and move your body around to get the needed spots.

Good Luck with your wet test!

[Chris_H]

One thing I noticed with the Marquis was the large jets in the Marquis were the same as in the Sundance Bahia.  In the Sundance Bahia the jet is named SMT.  I am not sure what it is called in the Marquis, but I believe they are the HK 8 or the HK 16 jets.  I have attached the link for the view of the Sundance 700 Series jets: http://sundancespas.com/700Series/BahiaJets.php

One other thing was I didn’t notice any rotary or oscillating jets in the Marquis.  

[wrobo]

One thing that I would bring to your attention is not to get hung up on the number of jets.  I find that the quality of the Lower Pressure/Higher Volume jets (i.e. the big ones) really make the spa experience.  The smaller, higher intensity jets actually can lend themselves to making you "itchy."  These hi-intensity jets are typically responsible for driving up the "jet-count."

Test, Test, Test - with all the permutations of diverter/venturi (air inserted into jet), so that you will truly know what you are getting when the spa makes it home.

I am a relative newbie (1 year) - so take this for what it is worth.

Jeff

[ssbraun]

Sundance Maxxus...love the dome / volcano for feet, and entire leg massage!

[East_TX_Spa]

Tiger River Caspian has an excellent footdome that might do the trick for you.  It is the same quality of spa as the others you are looking at for a significantly less amount of money.  It's one of the best buys in the spa industry.

Good luck with your search!

Terminator

[drewstar]

Tiger River Caspian has an excellent footdome that might do the trick for you.  It is the same quality of spa as the others you are looking at for a significantly less amount of money.  It's one of the best buys in the spa industry.

Good luck with your search!

Terminator

I don't know if the TR Caspan would be in the same catagory/class  as the Vista.   But yea. the foot dome is terrrific, It will get the foot, ankle and calf.  Not so much the Knee though.

[East_TX_Spa]

I don't know if the TR Caspan would be in the same catagory/class  as the Vista.

The only differences are the filtration, DX MotoMassage, cabinet warranty, a different water feature, and the light changes in the Vista which can be added to the Caspian.  That's it!

Terminator

[hymbaw]

Tiger River Caspian has an excellent footdome that might do the trick for you.  It is the same quality of spa as the others you are looking at for a significantly less amount of money.  It's one of the best buys in the spa industry.

Good luck with your search!

Terminator

Caspian is less $$ than an Optima for sure. But, the Bahia will run about $1000 LESS than a Caspian (It's bigger too!) That being said all the tubs mentioned are good quality units so get the one fits your needs the best.

[East_TX_Spa]

Yep, hymbaw is right.  I overlooked the Bahia.  My mistake.

Terminator

[socal]

One thing I noticed with the Marquis was the large jets in the Marquis were the same as in the Sundance Bahia.  In the Sundance Bahia the jet is named SMT.  I am not sure what it is called in the Marquis, but I believe they are the HK 8 or the HK 16 jets.  I have attached the link for the view of the Sundance 700 Series jets: http://sundancespas.com/700Series/BahiaJets.php

One other thing was I didn’t notice any rotary or oscillating jets in the Marquis.  

to add my 2 cents...the larger jets in the seats of the EPIC are HK16's. they are directional jets...just "point and shoot". the "16/12/8" after the "HK" is what the jet is rated at in GPM. however, the non-directional jets for the upper back/feet are HK40's.
eventhough Marquis does not have rotary jets installed at the factory, they are avaiable. if the dealer knows that rotary jets are an issue then he (should) will make sure its taken care of. never know, might even toss some in to sweeten the deal . the dealer wont know whats important to you (rotary jets, foot/back therapy/social use) if you dont tell him/her.
IMO the Reward does not stand up to the Epic. i feel the Epic is much better performance/jetting/therapy wise.
once again, just my opinion.  
hope the info helps

[shabba34]

I would look at the Grandee vs. the Vista in the HS line due to the open style seating.  2 Powerful jetstream jets located in the footwell for the ankles, and that same jet located in the sidewall seat of the spa set up for easy access for the knees, thighs, low back, etc...  Same pump package as well.  

[drewstar]

The only differences are the filtration, DX MotoMassage, cabinet warranty, a different water feature, and the light changes in the Vista which can be added to the Caspian.  That's it!

Terminator

Oh and the size, water capacity, lounger, seat depth, npzzle count, jet array   and heater.  Other than that, they're almost Identical!