All bets are in; here's the answer....

[anne]

Well, I sort of have an answer now, but only sort of. I'm confused, but maybe someone here can clarify this for me.

My friends purchased a "Southwest" spa. It is a "Sierra" but I'm not sure if that is a model or the name of line of tubs from Southwest. He indicated that the Sierra was the premier of what they make.  They claim to be the second largest spa manufacturer in the country? Sounds like they do a lot of custom work- you pick the mould, the jet arrangements, etc. It sounds similar to what the people at CalSpas offered me.

It came from Backyard Escapes in Rocklin CA.

[Brookenstein]

Never heard of them, but they were easy to find.

http://www.southwestspa.com/catalog1.htm

[sandiego]

They are based here in San Diego, not far from the Watkins plant. They are low end spas similar to a gulf coast. Hihghly uncomfortable spas, not the best quality, but they are "factory direct" and have 50+ jets with 5hp motors are are only $3k-$5k.

Personally I think that people can buy a lot better "low end spa" than southwest. There has been some somewhat shady things that have gone on with that company in recent times, and in my personal opinion I would avoid them.

[Brewman]

Premier of what they make?
By who's declaration?

[Guzz]

You could drink the premium Boon Docks line of wine,the #1 seller of cheap booze.

[Chas]

They claim to be the second largest spa manufacturer in the country? Sounds like they do a lot of custom work-

I think you may need to put those two sentences together. That is the ONLY way it could come close to being true: they MAY be the secnd largest CUSTOM maker of tubs. They most assuredly are not bigger than Sundance/Jacuzzi, who is generally thought of as the second largest maker of tubs.

[salesdvl]

Hey, I think I guessed Southwest Spa way back when.

[anne]

I think you may need to put those two sentences together. That is the ONLY way it could come close to being true: they MAY be the secnd largest CUSTOM maker of tubs. They most assuredly are not bigger than Sundance/Jacuzzi, who is generally thought of as the second largest maker of tubs.

I just want to make it clear that all I'm doing is quoting what I was told- it was fragmented information from people who are excited about the percieved deal they got. I'm afraid that my friends were probably taken for a ride. They still have not taken delivery of it. Doesn't seem appropriate for me to ask them to reconsider their purchase now.......does it? I can't exactly claim to be an expert, and they feel that they did their research.   :-/ :-/

[Wisoki]

Ever hear the phrase, let sleeping dogs lie. I'd do my best not to kick that dog. You bring it up, you friend is going to think you are calling them stupid. If there tub never has a problem, they'll think you were just an idiot that maybe paid too much for their spa, if thier tub breaks down often, everytime they see you thy'll be regreting seeing you. leave-r-lie.

I just want to make it clear that all I'm doing is quoting what I was told- it was fragmented information from people who are excited about the percieved deal they got. I'm afraid that my friends were probably taken for a ride. They still have not taken delivery of it. Doesn't seem appropriate for me to ask them to reconsider their purchase now.......does it? I can't exactly claim to be an expert, and they feel that they did their research.   :-/ :-/

[anne]

Yeah, I get your point. Dont like to kick dogs, and dont like to get bitten, either. I just hope it works out for them. They wont be destitute if they lose 8.5K to a dumb mistake, and likely it wont be a total loss.

[The_real_Clown_Shoes]

Aw.

=(

[Vinny]

I agree with what's being said (like anyone cared  ). Everybody has a percieved value on what they bought and WE ALL believe we bought the right tub. I spent months looking for mine and I have a friend who spent 2 hours.

VERY FEW people are on this or Doc's board looking for advice and considering the impact of the internet in most people's lives, I'm surprised.

Reguardless if it's a great tub or a POS, they did the "research" and are happy with their purchase ... I think that's good for them, sometimes ignorance is bliss.

[Gomboman]

They are based here in San Diego, not far from the Watkins plant. They are low end spas similar to a gulf coast. Hihghly uncomfortable spas, not the best quality, but they are "factory direct" and have 50+ jets with 5hp motors are are only $3k-$5k.

Personally I think that people can buy a lot better "low end spa" than southwest. There has been some somewhat shady things that have gone on with that company in recent times, and in my personal opinion I would avoid them.

They have a dealer not too far from where I live. I stopped by once and the salesperson was very knowledgeable and friendly. Didn't their plant catch on fire not too long ago?

[vlady]

You just never know.  The first tub I bought many years ago was before anything like this forum existed.  There was no way to research different brands.  I simply went to the one store in town that sold spas and above ground swimming pools.  I bought some no-name spa and loved it to death.  I had always been happy in those concrete mini pools with swirly water at resorts.  I simply didn't know any better and was happy to just have hot, bubbly water.  I used it for many years before moving and leaving it with the house but I ejoyed every minute in it.