Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Telila on July 26, 2007, 12:22:19 pm
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We live near Wichita, KS and want to buy a hot tub soon. We have been looking around but are not quite sure what our criteria should be for a great tub. We think we want a lounger but one dealer told us that repeat customers seldom buy a lounger the second time around. We are flexible on lights and sound but not quite sure about jets. What should we want in jet quality? We do want a larger tub, 5 or 6 person. I would like one with as little of maintenance as possible (we are lazy) but don't mind tossing a scoop of whatever into the tub after each use.
The brands we have found so far are Caldera and Hot Springs. I will not buy over the net, I want someone local if it needs servicing. Any other dealers in the area?
What about the location of the hot tub? We picked the site, its very close to the electrical box but the surface the tub will site on is still in debate. We want to build a deck around it next summer so we are looking at a concrete pad, one of the pads the dealer sells or using pavers. I am leaning towards pavers or the pad since we could in theory move it if needed but are they a good option?
I want a lift cover that one person can operate, what options are available?
One final question, do hot tubs have a sale season? Obviously getting a good deal would be nice and it seems like since they issue new models each year there would be a time of year that has more sales.
Thanks for the advice in advance!
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Welcome to the forum!
I would say that you're off to a good start with the spa brands you listed. They are both very well respected and reliable brands.
Regarding the base for your spa, that will depend on what size spa you end up getting and the design of the spa. From a HotSpring perspective, pavers will work fine unless you are planning on getting one of the bigger spas (Vanguard or larger), then you would probably do better to pour a 4" thick concrete slab.
Bigger and fewer jets are preferable to smaller, more numerous jets according to my customers. The only way to know for sure is to try the spas yourself. If someone won't allow you to wet test, take your business elsewhere.
I like a loung, but I sink. My wife says it's because I'm dense. Again, that is a personal preference.
Cover lifters are great and there are many varieties. The CoverCradle offered by HotSpring is the easiest to operate that I've encountered.
I'm sure other folks will chime in with more suggestions. :)
Termy
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HI Telial,
Caldera and Hotsprings are very good names And an excellent place to start looking. By all means though look and wet test several competeting brands just so you what's out there.
Lights and sound (and waterfalls) can be nice accessories, but they can very expsensive too. Don't get distracted by the bells and whilstes.
Jet Quality: I assume you mean the number and style of the jets, as opposed to the material and installation? AS far as jets go, look for a variety of jets and seatings. Don't buy a tub based soly on jet count, (the more the better is not true.). Well thought out, well placed jets that give you a good massage is what you want. Wet testing is the best way to get a feel for what you prefer. I prefer large spinning jets on my lower back, and smaller jets on my feet. But that's me. It's all a personal prefereance and the only way to tell is to wet test.
If you think you are going to a lot of entertaining in the tub, and you're not a big fan of the lounger, then don't get one. They take up a lot of space. However, if you think it will be mostly one or two folks unsing the tub at ay one time, and the primary reason for the tub is therapy, you may consider having a lounger. It's nice to have options and a vaierty of seating options.
As far as placement of the tub, since you can get a bit of snow in Kansas, I'd recomend placing the tub close to the house. Mine is just a few feet from the back door, so I can jump in and out on a cold winter night. You don't want to be trudging across the yard, naked, soaking wet in the middle of the night in Feburay. Also consider privacy when selecting the site for your tub.
Cement pads are considered to be the best options for a base. If you are going to build a deck around the tub, this is a pretty permanant install and I woud go cement. Youd don't want to have to lift the tub out of there if you have a problem with the base. You wont be able to drain it and slide it off to repair the base if something goes wrong. Pavers (which I have) can work well and I have heard good things about the pad, but as Isaid, if you are building a deck around your hot tub, I'd do a cement pad.
Sales season? Well I haven't heard of a sale season, but I have heard of folks getting deals on left over tubs from the previous year, in the winter and spring. But these can be catch as catch can.
Also, compare warrenties, research the dealer, wet test, ask questions, seek out negative information, never buy on impulse, wet test. Buy quality, name brand from a reputable dealer. Take your time and have fun. :)
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You picked the two best to start with :) wet test and you will know whats best for you.
John 104 degrees
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Dont pass up Jacuzzi,they have a lot to offer with fantastic feeling jets,check out the J-345 a good fit all around and a decent price as well.
As stated wet test when you narrow it down to 2 or 3 then go from there,make sure the dealer will take care of you ask for references if in doubt.
As far as a lounger I can go with out it but its up to you,they tend to take up space and most 2nd buyers dont want them from what I see.
Good luck!!
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I keep seeing references to stainless steel jets. Is this just an appearance thing or something i should get?
Haven't wet tested yet, hoping to this weekend.
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Yup Stainless steel is just flash. (and some of the cheaper ones can loose thier shine). Once there is water in the tub and the pumps are on, you can't even see them. They're the hubcaps of the spa industry!
I have them on my Geneva, and they are sharp, (when I open the cover so show folks, they all say "ohhhhh:" but if you are on a budget, I wouldn't spend extra for them. ;)
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My advice would be to find what is being sold near you and visit them all. You might find that one tub or dealer is better for you than another. There are many good brands out there.
All things like stainless jets, waterfalls, stereos can add to the cost and some of it is not a big thing.
My dealer sold the tub with stainless jets and it does look nice with the color shell I have but it is just for show. I don't have a waterfall and I don't miss it and as far as stereo, never been in a tub with one but my tub is loud when you put the jets on and add air.
But ultimately you will be living with it for a while and adding $500 or so now is not much when you break it down over the years.
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Dont pass up Jacuzzi,they have a lot to offer with fantastic feeling jets,check out the J-345 a good fit all around and a decent price as well.
...and if you're going to add Jacuzzi you might as well add Marquis, D1, Arctic, Sundance, etc. In other words there are a lot of good spas out there (BUT a lot of crappy ones too). The ones you are looking at are fine but take your time. Follow the advice you're getting here and let us know how things go as you go through the process. Some people make the mistake of coming here after the fact and say "I bought an 'Edsel' spa for $9k, was that a good idea?"!!!
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Yup Stainless steel is just flash... They're the hubcaps of the spa industry!
That is SO true!! ;D How long until someone puts spinning gold Caddy rims on their jets? I'd buy that.
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What should we want in jet quality?
The brands we have found so far are Caldera and Hot Springs. I will not buy over the net, I want someone local if it needs servicing. Any other dealers in the area?
1) As for jets, look for a tub that has a variety of different jets for different reasons. Then, WET TEST to make sure they work. Avoid manufacturers that put in nothing but dozens of "bullet jets" (often known as Euro jets) just to increase their jet count.
2) Caldera and Hot Spring are great brands. Sundance, Jacuzzi, and Artesian (among other brands) also have dealers in Wichita. Most manufacturers have dealer locators on their web sites.
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I was sold on Caldera until I wet tested which I would have never thought of until I was on this site. I'm so glad I did--I personally didn't like the feel as I am very petite. The Jacuzzi fits me perfectly!
WET TEST!!!!!
I like the bells and whistles--to me the look of the spa was as important as the feel--so lights--stainless steel. Although I didn't get the stereo or some models have TV's--now that's too much!
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You guys are great! I have really been stressing over buying the wrong tub and just delaying the purchase because i didn't know the answers to my questions. Thank you.
I thought of another question, I know this is probably more of a preference issue but would still like advice or your input. Some of the tubs we have looked at have more of a textured finish, while others are very smooth/slick. I was thinking the textured finish might keep me from sliding if I had a drink while in the tub and initially was leaning towards that finish, then the lazy part of me wondered if that textured finish would trap dirt and be hard to clean?
Darn thought I was done with the questions but I have another one. I noticed that some advertise two pumps and some only one, one dealer that builds the tubs locally onsite says well thats just more to break. Well thats true but I would think that two pumps would offer more options on water flow and pressure and would be better.
I doubt we get the stereo built in, we want to put a deck around the tub so I think it might be hard to easily access the stereo, plus if the cover is on the hot tub then I would still need another stereo while outside. Lights on the other hand look pretty neat, I think I would enjoy those so I will most likely get them :)
Told hubby today I want to go wet testing this weekend, he looked at me as if I had discovered a new game ;D I explained that I meant wet testing hot tubs! He didn't seem quite as enthusiastic.
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Welcome Telila from a fellow newbie :)! Lots of great information to be found here. Along with everyone else I would really encourage the wet test. I posted about my experiences here: http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1184781185
I can't add much from a technical perspective, but would just encourage you to keep and open mind and enjoy the wet testing experience. The experienced members here have lots of good advice and perspective. Very helpful once you've take the plunge into spatopia also. Can't wait to hear the results of your wet test. Melissa
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Textured(Granite)Finishes are basically bullet proof tough to scratch dent hide dirt really well. Marble or Pearlized finishes look awesome but need more attention scratches show easily. Then there is the new GEloy finishes as well, look nice easy to maintain if scratches appear easy to fix. If you have kids or entertain lots I would recommend the granite finish & dont worry about microban its just a gimmick.
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Welcome aboard!!!
As I'm sure you have seen, there is a lot of personal preference when picking out a tub. Remember, this is YOUR tub, no one elses.
Unlike Term, I'm not a big fan of the lounge, but I'm not real tall either. Also, I like to sit a little higher out of the water.
There are a few loungers out there that fit me well, but most don't. As far as the lounge taking up space, i.e. you lose a seat, that's true. However, while you lose a seat, you gain room for another pair of legs in the footwell area.
The things I always recommend to look for are spas that key in to the areas you want to focus on for massage. Start there.
And the stainless steel jets? Make sure they are stainless and NOT chromed plastic. Those are the ones that will deteriorate over time. Hot Spring is using real stainless steel. I can't speak for anyone else at the moment.
Good luck in your search, and go wet test!!!
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We bought our first tub about a year ago, so I know what it is like sorting through all the models, options and advice. I think you had some very good advice on this thread already, but I wanted to add my thoughts...
After wet testing we bought a Hot Spring Grandee. The open seating is much more flexible than the lounger, the design provided for a nice flat "cool down" seat to step into and out of the tub, and the size is such that we have lots of room to stretch out. The most we have had in our tub is four adults, but normally it is only my wife and I. We bought the rougher finish interior (the azurite) because we thought it would provide slightly better footing for ingress and egress. We have had to clean a few times, but a sponge and baking soda did the trick. (this was at the waterline where we had a line forming when we first filled and ran the tub). So the short answer is that we have not seen a problem with cleanup.
You also asked about the base. We thought about a lot of different options but ended up with pavers. Our tub is near the house on a paver patio. We step down from our deck using a four step stairway to the deck. By using the pavers we were able to keep the area under the tub dead level but still have the rest of the patio with the gentle slope you need for drainage away from the house foundation. For the area under the tub we had and additional two inches of base material, compacted to the same specs used for a driveway. If it can hold a minivan, it can hold a hot tub!
Good luck on your search. I hope you are able to start soaking soon.
Bill
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I know the folks at Ultra Modern there in Wichita. You can't go with a better dealer. They will stand behind you 100%. Brand aside, the dealer can really make or break your experience. You will do well with Ultra Modern.
Good Luck.
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Sorry for the delay in response. We accidentally interrupted our cable service while siding the house - OOPS!
Only had a chance to go to the Ultra Modern store in Derby. The tub was set way too hot, 105 degrees. I got the impression they weren't too thrilled with a sale that involved them delivering to where we live (40 miles away) and it will cost an additional 50 dollars to have one delivered to us. That made me wonder if my tub needs any servicing are they going to be as reluctant. Anyways I will check out Ultra modern in the Wichita locations and then check out Quality Water in Arkansas City. We did look at the tubs there and liked the dealer but the price was a bit higher, or at least I thought so initially. Ultra Modern will charge us 100 for delivery, 149 for steps, 199 for lift cover, plus another 300 - 400 dollars if I want one that is not in the showroom and didn't sound to enthusiastic for my business. Quality had delivery, set up, steps and lift cover included in the price. No extra charge if I want a different color scheme than what is in the showroom.
I hope to have a tub by this fall but life has been too busy to even shop :'(
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As for the wet test...so glad we did it. It made me question a lounger even more. We took our best friends with us, he is 6 foot 11 inches tall and she is maybe 5 foot 3 inches. We wanted to see what it would be like for our friends and since they have both tall and short they were the best to bring with us. We also wanted to see just how crowded it got in the foot well. Foot well wasn't a problem, but the lounger didn't fit either of them. We all agreed that less is more, less jets seemed to be more comfy and beneficial than getting blasted out of your seat. We wet tested a Cal Spa and I don't think it will work for us. The lighting right beside the lounger and I know that 90% of the time we will use the tub at night so lighting is important. Entry into the tub seemed very awkward and one of our friends kind of slid in. So not a good first impression. Oh yeah the cal Spas have the painted chrome jets. Would rather just have colored plastic than fake stainless steel. I did decide that I do like the textured finishes better so at least I made progress.
Planning on testing the Caldera Friday for sure and then the Hot Springs probably next weekend.
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I got the impression they weren't too thrilled with a sale that involved them delivering to where we live (40 miles away) and it will cost an additional 50 dollars to have one delivered to us. That made me wonder if my tub needs any servicing are they going to be as reluctant.
I wouldn't think 40 miles would be too prohibitive for delivery but I guess they're just trying to cover some excess fuel/time versus their typical deliveries. Its more of a service question and 40 isn't too bad but I would definteily get in writing whether they would charge a trip fee for warranty service. I know people may disdain it and some may say there should never be one during warranty but it is clearly allowable in the warranty agreement with most manufacturers and not completely uncommon to see put in place with the high cost of fuel nowadays. What some dealers do as a part way concession is to do things like no charge the 6 months and then something after that.
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When I was shopping I went to a lot of dealers and before I went to one "far away" I asked if they had a problem. I live in central NJ and visited stores in PA, Toms River as well as Staten Island, NY. All said it wasn't a problem. I don't have milage but at the furthest dealers I was about 45 to 50 minutes away.
I would say that unless you LOVED the spa shop elsewhere. I have found that anyone who doesn't want your money before the sale won't be bothered after!
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Try Ebeling Pools in Hutchinson. They are great people and went out of the way to make us happy. We live quite a ways away from them and they stated they deliver to the entire SE portion of Kansas.
Good Luck!
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Welcome to our little "world".
Although we're in the minority here, you won't hear much but good things about Beachcomber. Although not as well known as others mentioned, they could still be worth a try. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but rock-solid, well-built, and, at least for me, problem free for about exactly two years now. They also have some innovative ideas.
Check their website to see the local dealers around your home.
Leak
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We are still looking but although I am not thrilled with the idea of purchasing over the net, we did come across this company in our searches - PDC Spas. The don't have a retailer nearby but sent us to their online purchasing site. The price looks right, the options seem like what we wanted but I worry about service if I am purchasing online. Any thoughts? Has anyone bought their tub over the net?
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TELILA
I would not feel very comfortable buying something so expensive and not knowing if you will have a hard time if you need repairs. Once you bought it, it's yours, and so may be the repair bill. IMO it means a whole lot more to know that you have a local dealer to call if you need one. As the old saying goes, you only get what you pay for. If buying over the internet means it may be less expensive, ask yourself if it's worth the aggrevation you may have in the long run.
I hope this helps with your decision. Good luck.