ugh!!

[beaugart_mr]

We are first time buyers of a hot tub and we are getting sales pitches from every direction.  We have deceided to stay away from the Costcos and Home Depots but are still dealing with spa overload.  We have been told Sundance, Hot Spring and Catalina are the top three.  After reading many posts on this site, it seems most mfgs are good.  At this point we are looking for a good spa that my wife, kids and I can enjoy.  Therapy at this point is not as important (maybe in our later years).  We see Caldera is much less than Sundance but Sundance has the warranty.  Hence my ugh!!!  We will wet test them, but those who have been in our similiar situation.....any suggestions?

Thanks for the help.

[Gary]

Wet test as you stated and do a little homework on the dealer and make sure they are good.

A bad dealer can make the best spa a bad experience and a good dealer can make the most of lower line spas.

[hottubdan]

Are you getting Caldera and Catalina mixed up?  Caldera has a comparable warranty to Sundance.

I would look at the Tiger River Caspian.  Tiger River is made by Hot Spring.  Virtually the same warranty.  All of the key componants are the same.  Our customers tell us the Caspian is a great family tub becase of the seating.

Good luck on your search.

[drewstar]

I don't know if Catalina spas are in the "Top Three" But hot springs and Sundance  are always mentioned when discusing the better spas.


What was missing from the Caldera warrenty that has you going "ugh"?   I thought Sundance had a 2 year warrenty on the jets while the Watkins (Hotsprings, Caldera, Tiger River) all had 5?

[beaugart_mr]

actually don't recall what the difference was with Caldera, but I was told Sundance is the best in the industry, Catalina is prorated, etc..

[drewstar]

actually don't recall what the difference was with Caldera, but I was told Sundance is the best in the industry, Catalina is prorated, etc..

Was it a sundance dealer who told you that?    

[beaugart_mr]

he was pitching both Sundance and Caldera, the Catalina guy said Sundance was good but stay away from Caldera...

[drewstar]

he was pitching both Sundance and Caldera, the Catalina guy said Sundance was good but stay away from Caldera...

Huh. That's the first time I heard that, and a bit unselttleing as I am getting one.     I think most folks would put Caldera way above Catalina, but when you'r talking to sales folks, you never know what you're gonna hear.  
Anyhow, what's your buget? Any space/size restrictions? where are you located?  Have you seen anything that you really liked?

Anything you know that you don't want?

[hottubdan]

Drewstar,

What do you think about my Caspian comments?  I know you bought one before you won your Caldera.  How does your sister like it?

beaugart,

My best guess is the Catalina guy is trying to get you to compare Sundance to Catalina and the Catalina will typically cost you less and you will get more bells and whistles.

Where do you live?  I know of one Caldera/Sundance dealer in northern CA.  It is a  rare combo to be selling.

[drewstar]

Drewstar,

What do you think about my Caspian comments?  I know you bought one before you won your Caldera.  How does your sister like it?

beaugart,

My best guess is the Catalina guy is trying to get you to compare Sundance to Catalina and the Catalina will typically cost you less and you will get more bells and whistles.

Where do you live?  I know of one Caldera/Sundance dealer in northern CA.  It is a  rare combo to be selling.

I think the Caspain is a great tub.  My sister is in love with it.

The only bad things I have ever heard about the Caspian is it's too shallow for some tall folks, and lately I've seen some prices for it that make my head spin. It's a great tub for the right price. (under 8  complete.)


I think it's a great recomendation.  

[Gary]

Straight from Sundance;

WARRANTIES FOR OTHER COMPONENTS
The light bulb, light lenses, fuses, headrests,
cabinet finish, stereo remote control, and
filter are warranted to be free of defects in
workmanship and materials at the time of
delivery. All other spa components, including
but not limited to the cabinet (both wood
and synthetic), mechanical components, jets,
diverter valves, the stereo components (CD
player/radio, speakers, subwoofer, mechanical
speaker lift device, stereo access door,
power supply, etc.) and the filter lid are warranted
against malfunction due to defects in
workmanship and materials for two years from
the date of purchase



Looks like they exclude quite  bit.

[drewstar]

here's the caldera warranty:

http://www.calderaspas.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tubs/warranty1.html


Diverter valves are 2years with Sundance? I am left with the impresson Caldera will warrent them for 5 yrs  as plumbing and 3 years (vs Sundances 2) on the cabinet.   The only think I saw was you get another year (1 vs) 2 on the stereo.  (if you even get one).

I'd be wary of the salesman that was trying to steer you away from Caldera on the warrenty.  It sounds like either he was misinformed, or misleading.  Both are not good qualities in a salesperson.

  

[loosenupspas]

always consider a Coleman Spa.  You can find their warranty online at the following addy:

http://www.colemanspasofsanford.com

[beaugart_mr]

I went and saw the Caspiran..nice looking spa..have not done a soak test as of yet.

I like the Caspiran and the Chelsee by Sundace.  They both seem to have the same price points.  When you say "complete" what does that mean?

[Spatech_tuo]

 When you say "complete" what does that mean?

After reading some of his 40,000 posts, I pretty much know how to speak Drewstar (kind of a cross between Portuguese and Gibberish). I believe he means under $8k, complete with standard accessories like cover, steps, chem kit and cover lift.