Newbie to spas

[newbie]

OK, I have read lots of postings and hope that someone can shed some light on tubs for me.

I am a first time buyer, and need some words of wisdom.
I think I have narrowed down my decision to Cal Spa vs. Caldera Spa.

Here is the skinny:
Cal Spa - new, with LED lights, waterfall, looking at both the 8 foot and the 7 foot models, seat 6 with a lounger
Caldera Spa (Elation model) - used, waterfall, exterior lights, stereo, lounger, 7.5 foot model, with a 1 year warrenty.

The Cal Spa has a 4 year warrenty on electrical/mechanical stuff, and 6 year on shell.

The Caldera Spa has a one year warrenty on electrical/mechanical, nothing on shell (as is) and is for sale at a dealer here in town.  

Comparing the spas above, they are all within the same price range, and both seem very comfortable.
Can anyone shed some light on reputation, reliablility, personal experience?  Anything would be helpful.

Thanks so much!

[Anoroc]

I know there are some caldera dealers on this site somewhere.  I have heard nice things about the caldera and my next door neighbor has one and loves it.

I don't know as much about the cal spa except i have heard that sometimes (for whatever reason) they may not honor the warranty.

Hope someone pipes in with better information for you.

[hymbaw]

If those are the only choices.......Caldera, Hands down!

[Spatech_tuo]

If you do a seach on both I think you'll go Caldera.

[newbie]

Wow.  Thanks for the feedback so far.
So even if I go used, Caldera is that good?

I hope that one day I will be able to be an avid spa user and help someone out.

[anne]

So even if I go used, Caldera is that good?

Or are they saying that CalSpa is that BAD?

[newbie]

I see your point.
Tomorrow I am going to visit another place that sells Jaquzzi and I think Hot Springs.
Thanks for all of the feedback.  I have marked CalSpa off of my list.
I may have more questions/comparisons later.

[Zep]

I recently purchased a new spa
and it is a Cal Spa and I love it.

The dealer and spa thus far has been
a wonderful experience...
(but again I am a new Cal Spa owner)

Not sure how important it really is but Cal Spa
and my dealer informed me that all Cal Spas
are exclusively powered by GE® Motors
and I think Cal Spa is the only tub on the market
that has GE Motors.

http://www.todaysspas.com/index.asp?contentId=49&contentParent=6

It seems there are "horror stories" with
almost every brand if you look hard enough.

All I can say is I am a happy Cal Spa owner.

Good luck in your search & happy tubbing!

(Here is a pic of my 92 jet Cal Spa that I am enjoying)

[Chas]

I know of no reason GE motors would be any better or worse than Century, Franklin or AO Simth.

[wmccall]

I know of no reason GE motors would be any better or worse than Century, Franklin or AO Simth.

If they were DC motors, they would be helping out people in my home town, but I don't know if they do AC motors or not, I'll ask my brother in law who does the windings.

[newbie]

Not sure the difference of AC and DC.  

[Chas]

I have seen one spa with DC motors, they did it so they could put an infinite speed control on the jet pump.

But they are out of biz now, and I don't know of any others who use them.

DC= Direct Current. Like what comes out of a battery.
AC= Alternating Current. Like what comes out of a wall outlet in your home.