Request Opinions

[ptann]

Hey everyone really great site I am really glad I found it.  I have been looking at tubs for a month now and have narrowed it down to 3 based primarily on comfort level with the local dealer.  I am making plans to wet test but feel almost at the coin flipping stage to make a desicion.
Pacific
Artesian
Catalina
Looking at the Mid range product line in each.
A couple of things we really like are salt water systems and a cool light package.  My wife and I are looking at this spa as an entertainment and relaxation sort of thing and want to have a party spa.
Anyone have any opinions? Flames?

[TN__HOT_TUB]

What is a salt water system? I've never heard of such a thing.

I own an Artesian and very much like it.  The Artesian Island Grand Cayman makes for a nice party tub.  It is very roomy with 8 seats.  

It met my needs quite well.  I have no opinions on the Pacific or Catalina (no local dealer).

[Chas]

I have seen the expansion of salt water systems into the spa market. Know two things:

It has been around in swimming pools for over 25 years.

There is a reason it hasn't made the jump into spas in that 25 years - it doens't work as well in a small body of water at those kinds of temps.

[Spatech_tuo]

I am making plans to wet test but feel almost at the coin flipping stage to make a desicion.
Pacific
Artesian
Catalina
Looking at the Mid range product line in each.

If you really are torn between the three and the wet test does not solve anything I would

A) lean toward the dealer you feel most comfortable with, or,  
B) use the rock/paper/scissors method.

[spahappy]

I agree with Chas on the salt water systems. We sold them for about two years and had so many problems we ended up replacing them all with ozone systems.

[sandiego]

I also have to chime in about salt water systems, in my experience I would STAY AWAY from them in a portable spa, the equipment gets damaged too often.

As for the brands you mentioned, I would definately say artesian is the best out of those brands.....

[Bill_Stevenson]

Of the three you mentioned, Artesian is the one.

Regards,

Bill

[J._McD]

It seems the concensus is Artesian Caymen, Dyna Bright Lighting, Ozone/circ. pump, AND NO SALT GENERATOR.  The quicker you place your order now, the quicker you will be in Hot Water and loving it.

SD had a salt generator on it's upper line model the Maxxus and took it off the market for very good reasons.  Let us just consider the fact that it had something to do with warranty and service, I agree with all of the others, STAY AWAY FROM THE SALT, it's good advice.

[salesdvl]

Hey everyone really great site I am really glad I found it.  I have been looking at tubs for a month now and have narrowed it down to 3 based primarily on comfort level with the local dealer.  I am making plans to wet test but feel almost at the coin flipping stage to make a desicion.
Pacific
Artesian
Catalina
Looking at the Mid range product line in each.
A couple of things we really like are salt water systems and a cool light package.  My wife and I are looking at this spa as an entertainment and relaxation sort of thing and want to have a party spa.
Anyone have any opinions? Flames?

I used to sell Artesian and would recomend them.  Catalina would get a thumbs down and I've never heard of the Pacific.

[The_real_Clown_Shoes]

Artesian of those three.

Salt generators are bad news.  I don't like them in pools because of the service aspect of the cells down the line (Gold Coast units or none at all if you absolutely have to have a SG).

Anyone remember "Bioquest?"