What's the Best Hot Tub

Author Topic: Hot Springs or a Catalina?  (Read 5127 times)

Roms

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Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« on: May 26, 2007, 04:46:52 pm »
I am trying to decide between a Hot Springs and a Catalina.  Any tips or info would be helpful.  

Thanks

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Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« on: May 26, 2007, 04:46:52 pm »

Jacuzzi Jim

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2007, 05:14:56 pm »
 Neither buy a Jacuzzi!!  8-)







  I dont know anything about a Catalina,so I would say get the HS,but go try a Jacuzzi anyway.

Roms

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #2 on: May 26, 2007, 05:22:26 pm »
My wife is pressuring me to buy this thing either today or tomorrow so any help would be really appreciated.  Thanks

D.P. Roberts

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2007, 05:27:26 pm »
Quote
My wife is pressuring me to buy this thing either today or tomorrow so any help would be really appreciated.  Thanks

Wow, that's a quick decision for a rather expensive item! Don't forget, it will take some time to get a surface prepared (unless you have a concrete pad or sufficient deck already) plus time to get an electrician to hook it up. A few more days of research can't hurt, can it?

Have you wet tested both brands- especially the models you're interested in?
How long have their respective dealers been in business?
Have you talked prices? Do you get a good "vibe" from them?
Have you read the reviews posted here (just to the right of the "Forum" tab)?

Do those things and you'll probably have a good answer.
"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." - Mark Twain

Jacuzzi Jim

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #4 on: May 26, 2007, 05:41:25 pm »
Quote
My wife is pressuring me to buy this thing either today or tomorrow so any help would be really appreciated.  Thanks


   Thats tough why the hurry?   And if thats the case,  I know you cant go wrong with the Hotsprings as far as quality goes.

 As far as liking the spa for how it feels that will be a crap shoot,chances are you will like it.


 I would still try the Jacuzzi.  Sorry cant help myself. :)

In Canada eh

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2007, 06:39:17 pm »
When we were shopping for our tub we wet tested a Catalina (Neptune, I think).  We both liked the tub and the dealer but found out while looking into it a little deeper that the Catalina has a prorated warranty :o.  I'm not sure if this is only in Canada but it would be worth looking into.  Personally I would go with the Hot Springs.
Bullfrog 451

Spiderman

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #6 on: May 26, 2007, 08:31:16 pm »
I would go with Hot Spring.  Skip the Catalina and try French (it's tastes almost like Catalina).  

Hot Spring is a great tub made by a great company with a great warranty.  I too would say to wet test, but it doesn't sound like you have the time to do that.  If you get a chance try a Hot Spring with MotoMassage, as people seem to either love it or hate it.  Your HotSpring dealer should also carry Tiger River Spas (which don't have MotoMassage), which are also a high quality spa with a great warranty.  Good luck and let us know what you end up with!
People suffer one of two pains in life:  the pain of discipline, or the pain of regret

Neptuner

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2007, 03:16:34 am »
I have a Catalina. HotSpring was at the bottom of my list after wet-testing several brands. I asked for and received (at no additional cost) the extended warranty. Catalina is grossly underrated by the dealers that post in this forum. It is a high-quality tub. I've had mine for 3.5 years with only one minor problem - the relay switch for the blower had to be replaced - minor repair I did myself.

mr.spasr.

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #8 on: May 27, 2007, 05:56:18 pm »
Interesting with the free" extended warranty " and all that you replaced a bad relay your self??? I have been to the Catalina manufacturing plant as wel as Hot Springs and there is No comparison - as a consumer you only see the outside of the tub. The catalina is really not well made at all- insulation is an after thought and the tactic of dazzel them with BS is definately in play when it conmes to the features of the Catalina - No disrespect to the Catalina Owners /Dealers our there but they are in atotally different league from Hot Springs - Don't consider buying the Catalina -

Neptuner

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #9 on: May 29, 2007, 11:41:24 am »
Yes I replaced it myself. My dealer is 110 miles from my home and charges a travel cost, even for warranty repairs. This is the dealer's choice. The factory mailed me the relay at no charge.

I never said my dealer was a good egg. But the tub is outstanding compared to many on the market. I chose the thermopane insulation style and a beautiful natural wood cabinet which still looks brand new after nearly 4 years. I ignored the glitzy options and paid only $6000 out the door for a 93" X 93" X 40" deep spa. I am 6'4" and my son is 6'6"". Most other tubs were too shallow and uncomfortable for us.

HotSpring makes a quality tub as you stated, but what you get for your money (value) is the main consideration. I did not want to pay $9000 for an uncomfortable tub with no whirlpool jet and no volcano jet and a bunch of diverter valves to have to keep changing while trying to relax and enjoy.

drewstar

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #10 on: May 29, 2007, 12:00:52 pm »
Hi Roms.

Take your time here.   Your spending some  decent cash on an item that once it's in your yard, it's a real pain to get rid of.

I would wet test the tubs.   Also I would consider the insualtion of each of these tubs, the dealers, the warrenty and the price.    These are two significanlty different makers of tubs and I think, different classes of tubs,

If I had to make a "Blind" quick decision, I'd go with the hotsprings. They are the industry leader.  But then again, I would *strongly* advise you not to make a quick decision.  
« Last Edit: May 29, 2007, 12:15:20 pm by drewstar »
07 Caldera Geneva

Gary

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Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #11 on: May 29, 2007, 02:49:42 pm »
Quote
Interesting with the free" extended warranty " and all that you replaced a bad relay your self??? I have been to the Catalina manufacturing plant as wel as Hot Springs and there is No comparison - as a consumer you only see the outside of the tub. The catalina is really not well made at all- insulation is an after thought and the tactic of dazzel them with BS is definately in play when it conmes to the features of the Catalina - No disrespect to the Catalina Owners /Dealers our there but they are in atotally different league from Hot Springs - Don't consider buying the Catalina -


As a service tech for over 19-years I would agree with of what mr.spasr stated. From an overall service stand point the two best tubs are Marquis and Hot Springs.
I am a scientist, I convert beer, wine and whiskey into urine.

Hot Tub Forum

Re: Hot Springs or a Catalina?
« Reply #11 on: May 29, 2007, 02:49:42 pm »

 

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