Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: scuba steve on August 07, 2010, 07:03:16 pm
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Looking for advice for our first hot tub. Due to space limitations, can't be bigger than 84" and would like a lounger.
not a lot of dealers here in the tampa area. looked at a dimension one aurora (~$8700), vita spa protege ($8200) and jacuzzi j460 ($8800). also a caldera dealer in the area still to visit. would like to spend a little less if possible. are these reasonable prices?
Any opinions on these models or other models/brands i should look at? we really like the neck pillows with massagers on the D1 model.
All advice appreciated. Thanks!
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Welcome to the forum. All of these seem like reputable spas with fair prices. Prices vary across the country. These are definitely not highly inflated prices. I'm sure you will get lots of good advice and I hope your buying experience is a good one, it can be stressful. We hope to hear how it goes.
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Looking for advice for our first hot tub. Due to space limitations, can't be bigger than 84" and would like a lounger.
not a lot of dealers here in the tampa area. looked at a dimension one aurora (~$8700), vita spa protege ($8200) and jacuzzi j460 ($8800). also a caldera dealer in the area still to visit. would like to spend a little less if possible. are these reasonable prices?
Any opinions on these models or other models/brands i should look at? we really like the neck pillows with massagers on the D1 model.
All advice appreciated. Thanks!
My short list would be Caldera, D1, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Marquis and Sundance. I would think an area like Tampa would have all those choices available. Take you time, wet test (especially if you think you want a lounger which should only happen if its wet tested IMO) and get a feel for how well you think your dealer will care for your needs after the sale.
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Take you time, wet test (especially if you think you want a lounger which should only happen if its wet tested IMO)
Good point, as much as we talk about wet testing, the Lounger is a great reason to wet test. What looks like a great lounger may not be so great when you try it out and what works for one person may not work for another.
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Take you time, wet test (especially if you think you want a lounger which should only happen if its wet tested IMO)
Good point, as much as we talk about wet testing, the Lounger is a great reason to wet test. What looks like a great lounger may not be so great when you try it out and what works for one person may not work for another.
... and the absolute WORST place to find out if a lounge works for you is in your own back yard, after its too late to change.
SOOOOO many times we've seen people convinced they want a lounge only to rethink after wet testing.
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We came to that conclusion after trying the lounger in a friends spa... no one uses it. Once we started our search in earnest, that was the first thing we avoided.
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On my list above D1, Jacuzzi, Vita, on my short list . D1 ,Sundance Jacuzzi. Hot Springs. Marquis, do not see Vita in our part of the country, i believe they are now owned by Maax Spas... But the price of the D1 is very good, the features it has the adjustable headrest, the ultrapure ozone( it does not offgas into the main body of water. the vision cartridge is a good way to go.But definately need to wetest these spas, always buy what is comfortable to you and the dealer you are comfortable with... good luck let us know how you do.
The Spa Guy
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Thanks for everyones help.
Part of my concern is that the nearest dimension one dealer is about 45 miles away so worry about service issues but my overall favorite is the aurora. The only spa dealers less than 30 miles away are jacuzzi, hot springs, caldera and vita. Actually really liked the caldera tahitian also. We also liked the Vita spa, but pricing is similar to the other higher end brands but never seems to be listed with the top brands. so confusing!
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Thanks for everyones help.
Part of my concern is that the nearest dimension one dealer is about 45 miles away so worry about service issues but my overall favorite is the aurora. The only spa dealers less than 30 miles away are jacuzzi, hot springs, caldera and vita. Actually really liked the caldera tahitian also. We also liked the Vita spa, but pricing is similar to the other higher end brands but never seems to be listed with the top brands. so confusing!
With the D1 being that far away, if you want to choose them make sure you get in writing what the cost/timing would be for them to come out for warranty work (yes, there may/will be a trip charge to come out, ask for all of them for that matter). Otherwise, all good choices though I'm not too familiar with Vita either.
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even though they are that far away, i can understand the hesitation, we deliver spas all the time that far away, we do inform our customers of a trip charge , which most understand that... i really have not had a problem, but get this out up front, so that way there are no surprises.... but i think you are on the right track.
The Spa Guy
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If you need more info on the Vita we are the UK Vita distributor so although I obviously have no interest in selling you one I can offer advice on specs etc.
Vita Spas are now built in Arizona but were originated in Florida so they will be plenty of tech guys in that area. We have dealt with them for 7 years now and believe them to be a good company with decent customer service. They have always looked after us! Again - A WET TEST is best. Good luck
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I agree with wet testing. My wife and I are looking for a 2-3 seater and were set on one from Costco, but decided to wet test some others and what a difference it made. We're down to the Sundance Dover and I have to disagree with above comments about loungers. If you fit comfortably in one, then why not. The problem is most loungers will push you up and out of them. We took D1 off the list because we couldn't stay seated in either seat or lounger, not to mention the pricing. We tested Maax, Cooperage and Sundance as well, and like I said, the Dover model has a lounger and two other seats with great massage jets. It fits us well. Now we just need to haggle on the pricing. As also said above, don't buy one because of a "deal" without wet testing. Even dry testing is not the same. We found that out. Yes, it's a hassle bringing bathing suits and towels, but at the end of the day, not only is it worth it, but you are totally relaxed and it confirms that hot tubs are well worth it! Hope this helps.
Old Bones
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and I have to disagree with above comments about loungers. If you fit comfortably in one, then why not. The problem is most loungers will push you up and out of them.
Who/what are you disagreeing with?
You're saying what what we all say basically. If you fit in a lounge (meaning wet tested it, dry testing doesn't tell you enough) and it works for you then go for it. If you're not going to wet test then you're better off skipping it. The problem is most who want one don't wet test it and how whether it fits is not somethign you want to find out in your back yard.
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Spatech,
I'm referring to BNMac's comment about his friend's spa and how no ones uses the lounger. Had they wet tested it first, and wet tested other models with loungers, they may have found one that fit them better and would be using it on a regular basis. I've seen other forums and blogs where "those in the know" say don't waste your time with loungers and I disagree with that comment as well. To each his own, right?
OB
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Spatech,
I'm referring to BNMac's comment about his friend's spa and how no ones uses the lounger. Had they wet tested it first, and wet tested other models with loungers, they may have found one that fit them better and would be using it on a regular basis. I've seen other forums and blogs where "those in the know" say don't waste your time with loungers and I disagree with that comment as well. To each his own, right?
OB
Absolutely, you can't assume what works for one person will work for others, even if they're of similar body type. IMO, if you aren't going to wet test you should skip a lounge. However, if you do wet test then go with whatever proves itself in that test whether its the lounge or not.
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Thanks for everyones help! decided to go with the caldera based on a combo of the product plus the quality of the local dealer.
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Everyone has the right idea here. A lot of first time spa buyers like the idea of the lounger. But 2nd and 3rd time spa buyers generally don't get the lounger again. People don't like the amount of room they take up.The big problem people have with the lounger is they tend to float rather then lounge and be relaxed. So always make sure that you do a wet test when it comes to buying a spa with the lounger (even if there is no lounger, do a wet test).
All of the hot tubs that you had mentioned above are really great tubs and all for a reasonable price. However if you don't mind I would like to push you towards the Jacuzzi J-470.
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All of the hot tubs that you had mentioned above are really great tubs and all for a reasonable price. However if you don't mind I would like to push you towards the Jacuzzi J-470. After all Jacuzzi is the superior brand of hot tubs!
Even if a poster says they've decided on a certain brand or reduced their choices to a couple and have excluded Jacuzzi you always jump in and tell them they should choose Jacuzzi as if its the only good choice out there.
Now you're actually tryin to tell us that your brand is "the superior brand"!?
While Jacuzzi is certainly a reputable brand they are not above the rest and personally I find your above-all-others approach on these sites rather rude and condescending (IMO of course).
Thanks for everyones help! decided to go with the caldera based on a combo of the product plus the quality of the local dealer.
BTW, congrats on your purchase. Stick around to let us know how it goes from here and post away as new questions arise.
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So being the tolerant moderator that I am, "premiumhottubs". I have left your Jacuzzi post, but deleted the sentences and links that do not comply with the forum guidelines. Please feel welcome to continue to post, but you will see that you will be quickly put in your place when you are not respectful of other members or try to push your product a bit too hard. ;)
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Everybody is different. I'm a 2nd time around spa buyer - 1st and 2nd spa both have loungers. My husband wanted a lounger and that is the only seat he will use. He hasn't never been in any of the other seats. Says he isn't interested - he wanted the lounger and that is where he intends to stay and he has for 5 years now.
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I agree with you, but it's my wife who loves the lounger. I'll use it now and again, but she's 5'2" and doesn't float up and out, at least not in the Sundance Certa. Others we tested she did and she hated it. For those looking for a lounger smaller footprint spa, I suggest the Certa or Artesian Nevis. Both nice and under $8k out the door. Cheaper if you negotiate.
Oldbones