Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: wmccall on September 01, 2012, 02:26:50 pm
-
Well folks, I paid for the Sundance Majesta this morning. I expect the dealer to put in on order by Monday and I'm told a 4 week delivery. Now that its over, I will say this time the buying was a fun process. It is definitely a buyer's market right now and I'm happy with the deal I got and I suspect it would be considered a very good deal and I also suspect the dealer is making some money on this deal, so I would call this a win/win.
10 years ago I think I finally gave up and settled because I was tired of the process. That said, we did get 10 years of use out of the Dynasty. In Columbus today, there are 3 dealers remaining that were when I bought my first tub. Of teh 3, one near my home has changed brands they carry at least 3 times. They now carry Catalina. It looked ok, but it looked to be about the quality of my Dynasty. From a dealers perspective, I pretty quickly decided to go with a tub from either Allseasons, who carry Jacuzzi and Sundance primarilly) or Scioto Valley, right up the street who carries Hot Springs and the rest of the Watkins line along with Dynasty's upper teir of products. Both of these dealers are within 5 miles or my work and I could walk the floors at lunch time without much interference. I personally know 2 people who have bought from each of these stores and considered is a great experience.
The wet tests actually turned out to be a lot of fun. All Seasons gets big points, and this may have been a huge factor, for their wet test facility. This really is first class with a dedicated room that is very well designed and has a changing room big enough for couples, towels and room for 4 tubs. That first day it was late in the evening and we actually sat in one of the lower Jacuzzi models, 245 I think it was. I immediately felt comfortable. We then moved back into the test room and into the Jacuzzi 345. I fell in love with this tub, its extremely comfortable and very stylish looking. This was my first time in a top tier Jacuzzi and I had heard some people say they were underpowered. I was impressed with the jets and the comfort. We hopped over into the Sundance Optima. It was nice, but I liked the Jacuzzi a little more. From there we went to the Sudance Cameo. I liked this a little more than the Optima and actually liked the lounger and for the first time considered getting a lounger again.
I was telling my wife how much I loved the Jacuzzi but she told me how she floated in each of the corner seats even with no jets going. This was because of how reclined those seats are vs sitting up straight. This was wonderful for me, but I think it doomed the Jacuzzi for us. We looked at the 365 which was on the floor dry. The dealer would have moved it into the room for us, but she didn't think having to have her use the foot dome to keep herself from floating would be comfortable.
During the wet tests the dealer was there to help us and away enough for us to talk privately. I can't emphasize enough how good this experience was. Gina, my wife told me she had to love whatever tub we bought and how much she loved out Dynasty where she is comfortable. If this store was the only one in town and these were the only two brands, we may have ended up with the Cameo. I remembered the Majesta from my web research. They did have one on the floor dry. We concluded this might be a strong candidate and the dealer said if we gave him a few days he would move it into the demo room. We weren't in a hurry and told him we would be comfortable with a week given the upcoming holiday and our respective schedules.
We went up to Scioto Valley and looked at what they had. I quickly decided it would be a Vangaurd or Vista. We looked at one limelight and Gina liked the layout, but I didn't like the lighting or the controls. We were headed to visit my sister that weekend and I new I would be in her vanguard. While we were at this store, we saw the salesman once and I don't think he even thought we were serious buyerys and probably just looky-lous. In hindsight, I think this was also a factor. I stopped back later during a week day lunch and gave him more details of our situation and got a card from him. I was told they have just recieved a truck load of Vanguards with the pearl shell and coastal gray cabinets.
I spent a lot of time in my sister's vangaurd that weekend and familiarized myself with it. Thanks to several of the HS people here on this forum who guided me with good information and things to look for between the 2010 and 2012 models.
We ended up back at All Seasons for the Majesta wet test. During that test, Gina said, "I love this tub" so I think I knew it was over at this point. If It was just me and all my decision, I probably would have picked the J345, but would have asked for the best deal on that tub, the Masjesta, the Cameo, the Vanguard, and the Vista. Had I been a single guy holding a lot of parties, I night have went Aspen, Grandee, or Maaxus, but we had decided to downsize and I was comfortable with that.
Still not happy with the interaction with Scioto, i finally sent them an email from their website and told them I wanted a Vangaurd, wanted to get rid of my Dynasty and spend less than $9k. The reply came a few days later and i was offered the Vanguard, my Dynasty traded in for $8999, but it had to be one of the ones they had in stock (pearl, costal gray)
cont.
-
After that I emailed the Sundance dealer and basically told him to beat that, which he did by a few dollars and threw in 2 Sundance towels and two Sundance robes, along with a drink holder that fits above the filter compartment of the Majesta. With the current rebate, I also saved $600 more so came out about $700 less out of pocket with the Majesta. Since I conceded the tub to my wife, I was able to make my pick of the Platinum shell and Mahogany cabinet. In conclusion, I came down to 3 or more tubs I was happy with and went for the best deal. Hopefully in 4 weeks I will be relating about the delivery, installation, and first soak of the Majesta. I did relate to the dealer how bad my delivery experience was with my Dynasty and he did assure me his team would do the work. For awhile All Seasons was an authorized Dynasty service rep and i became comfortable with their service group. That was a consideration in the back of my mind. I really think we made the best decision for us with several good choices. More in the coming weeks. I'll have to try and avoid visiting the dealer during lunch till my delivery.
-
Congrats Bill. Great report. I must say that I was impressed as well with the Sundance dealer's wet test room after seeing your pics in the previous thread. I bet that wet test room helps them sell lots of spas.
-
Congrats Bill. Great report. I must say that I was impressed as well with the Sundance dealer's wet test room after seeing your pics in the previous thread. I bet that wet test room helps them sell lots of spas.
I agree it was a huge factor for me, but I believe the dealers here will tell you that 90% of buyers don't wet test. I didn't my first time. I wonder if the ratio goes up for repeat buyers.
(http://www.sundancespas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/majesta-overhead.jpg)
I think the seat ine the upper left will be my favorite. A feature we didn't have in our first tub that I decided was essential this time was a cool down seat. The Cameo and Majesta have this double level cool down seat that i can see myself using on long soaks, or my short daughter will use a lot. You can pivot in the seat in the lower level giving you some options. I can also sit on the tub floor and get a great back massage from the foot jets, one of my favorite features of my Dynasty. You really can't sit on the floor of the vanguard unless you want to boil your backside.
-
Nice review, and I must say I am surprised! Hope your spa gets to you quickly and it's everything you expect!
-
Very nice explanation. Congratulations on the selection! Looks like our clocks are starting right around the same time. Autumn, ahoy!
-
Well, I can't say my usual "welcome to spatopia," because you have been here for so long. But congratulations that your search is over, and I think you picked a fine tub. Sundance has proven itself over the years, and I'm sure you're going to love it.
I CAN say the rest of my usual benediction: "may you soak long and prosper..." And may the delivery crew do all they promised!
Enjoy!
8)
-
Thanks for the advice the past few years Chas. It's meant a lot. We really did enjoy the search this time better prepared. I really think I could have been happy in one of about 6 tubs, but we picked the one best for both of us.
-
To help kill time, I downloaded the manual from the Sundance tub. The first thing I learned that is different from my current tub is in the start up procedure. They talk about how the tub is tested full with water twice before shipping and they recommend filling, dosing with 8 oz of chlorine, run jets for an hour, dump and refill. I've heard this one here before. I guess this is to remove any bacteria that might be growing in left over water. Ok, I can live with that. Hopefully my tub comes early in the morning so I can do this, add water a second time and still get in a soak later. I know my Dynasty was probably never water tested at the factory as an o-ring was pinched in one diverter causing a spray into the soaking area.
My old Dynasty had a 425 gallon capacity and a 5.5kw heater. This new tub is around 320 gallons if I remember and I haven't checked the size of the new heater yet. My old tub I could count on the temp rising 2 degrees the first hour, then 4 degrees an hour after. Not sure what to expect from the Majesta yet, but I do expect do to the hot summer, my starting water temp to be above 60F, assuming a late September/early Oct delivery.
The manual also told me I have access to a overtemp feature where I can set the temp to 106. I can imagine one or two days a year I will use this. The majority fo the time from May through Oct our tub is set to 102. Much of Nov through Feb it is 104. During that time if I overexert in a workout and am sore all over I can see using this, particualarly if the temp out side is near zero F. I use to be able to trick my Dynasty into going to 105 on occasion even though I could only set it to 104.
Now, I'm back to reading about the controls they are significantly different from what I am use to.
-
To help kill time, I downloaded the manual from the Sundance tub. The first thing I learned that is different from my current tub is in the start up procedure. They talk about how the tub is tested full with water twice before shipping and they recommend filling, dosing with 8 oz of chlorine, run jets for an hour, dump and refill. I've heard this one here before. I guess this is to remove any bacteria that might be growing in left over water. Ok, I can live with that. Hopefully my tub comes early in the morning so I can do this, add water a second time and still get in a soak later. I know my Dynasty was probably never water tested at the factory as an o-ring was pinched in one diverter causing a spray into the soaking area.
My old Dynasty had a 425 gallon capacity and a 5.5kw heater. This new tub is around 320 gallons if I remember and I haven't checked the size of the new heater yet. My old tub I could count on the temp rising 2 degrees the first hour, then 4 degrees an hour after. Not sure what to expect from the Majesta yet, but I do expect do to the hot summer, my starting water temp to be above 60F, assuming a late September/early Oct delivery.
The manual also told me I have access to a overtemp feature where I can set the temp to 106. I can imagine one or two days a year I will use this. The majority fo the time from May through Oct our tub is set to 102. Much of Nov through Feb it is 104. During that time if I overexert in a workout and am sore all over I can see using this, particualarly if the temp out side is near zero F. I use to be able to trick my Dynasty into going to 105 on occasion even though I could only set it to 104.
Now, I'm back to reading about the controls they are significantly different from what I am use to.
8oz of chlorine?? holy hanna, is the spa shipped with a dead animal inside of it? at startup I will recommend a double or triple dose which works fine...adding 8oz and then draining and refilling seems like overkill imo, but your mileage may vary...btw congrats on the new unit, after your lengthy shopping experience I'm sure you'll be happily soaking again for the next decade or more ;D
-
8oz of chlorine?? holy hanna, is the spa shipped with a dead animal inside of it?
;D ;D ;D
Congrats on a sweet looking tub Bill! That thing is awesome.
It certainly can't hurt to fill any tub that is new or used, put in a cleaner, then drain it. I used a 4oz pipe cleanser that is part of the spa system I use. I wanted to do this anyway just to get familiar with how long it takes to drain, etc. I bought a $45 submergible pump (vs messing with their drain tube) and it was great, about 25 min. to empty mine. I also have heard when they wet test tubs, that same water is used for a number of tubs or for several days before they change it.
Interesting about being able to go as high as 106 vs. the standard 104.
-
8 oz seemed a little high to me as well, but I've lost track of how I much I use daily over the past few years. I'll do it though. Can't wait.
-
Fill it it, hit it with some dichlor then enjoy it, I must have missed that in the start up section! Can't be more than a gallon or two of water left from the inline checks. Land sakes I don't think I have ever had anybody nuke it with dichlor then drain on a new spa. Granted you are kind of back east but still!
-
Wow - I don't know if I would nuke and drain. I fill all our spas and shock with dichlor - two dry ounces - and then tell them it will be ready when it's hot.
You will never regret the double fill, of course, it will clean out the system thoroughly, and the drain will mean you don't have to wait as long for the chlorine level to drop back down.
Be sure that you really flush when you empty it: rinse every nook, cranny, filter, filter housing, run water through jets, drain system and so forth: you will be amazed at how high the chlorine level will be in the second fill if you don't: 8 oz is a LOT of Dichlor...
8)
-
Congratulations Bill.
-
During my own shopping process, I considered the very nice Sundance Optima before settling on the J-470. And I noticed that the Sundance and Jacuzzi manuals were very similar. So Bill's startup fill/ubershock/dump comment caused me to pull out Jacuzzi's 2012 400-series manual (which I also downloaded in advance and have been reading to pass the time!) and see if I could locate what Bill is talking about in there.
The startup procedure for the 400 series is:
1. Prepare the spa for filling. Clear debris, etc.
2. Fill spa. Put garden hose in left basket, fill half-way, put hose in right basket, fill other half.
3. Turn on power.
4. Activate jets and leave on for next step.
5. Add start-up chemicals.
6. Establish a stable sanitizer reading of no less than 1ppm FC. If not possible, decontaminate by adding 2.5oz dichlor per 100g water (and following a few other steps).
7. Set spa to heat.
8. Place cover on spa (to help heating).
Bill, I hazard to guess that you're talking about the decontamination procedure, and interpreting that as required, assuming our manuals are similar?
-
Congratulations Bill.
Thanks, going in I was sure it was going to be the Vanguard, but since the 20's these women want us to respect their right to vote! It was a pleasant experience getting to wet test so many tubs and to see how my current perceptions were based on 10 years of usage of one tub. The process did reinforce that Sundance, Jacuzzi, and Watkins do make quality tubs (there are probably more, but this what is available in my area) I had no preconceived notions about SD as I've heard many satisfied buyers here. I had heard people talking about jacuzzi being underpowered. Of course the talk among the professionals here is its not the horsepower alone but the effectiveness of the plumbing. I was taken in by Dynasty's 7hp pumps as powerful massage was my top priority back in 2002 when I first bought. That said, I was very comfortable in every Jaccuzi I used including the 245. I still love the motomassage, but my wife was totally indifferent.
-
Bill, I hazard to guess that you're talking about the decontamination procedure, and interpreting that as required, assuming our manuals are similar?
I probably still have the page open on my laptop at home. Yes, what I did post would be a decontamination procedure, but I'm pretty sure I read it in the starting up your new spa section of the manual. I'll check tonight when I get home.
You're probably right, I might have been under the influence of my legally obtained muscle relaxers when I read/posted that. Or perhaps I was reading it while watching BREAKING BAD on ?Netflix while cats were circling my head begging for attention. Io downloaded the manual here at work at lunch time.
-
Bill, I hazard to guess that you're talking about the decontamination procedure, and interpreting that as required, assuming our manuals are similar?
I probably still have the page open on my laptop at home. Yes, what I did post would be a decontamination procedure, but I'm pretty sure I read it in the starting up your new spa section of the manual. I'll check tonight when I get home.
You're probably right, I might have been under the influence of my legally obtained muscle relaxers when I read/posted that. Or perhaps I was reading it while watching BREAKING BAD on ?Netflix while cats were circling my head begging for attention. Io downloaded the manual here at work at lunch time.
and now we gotta wait till next summer for Breaking Bad to finish up....NOT HAPPY about that >:(
-
To Bill and all new spa owners. We do recommend a little extra chlorine on the initial fill ( when the water is warm enough to dissolve the granules). Along with a stain and scale preventer and proper pH balancing. That's it. Except for the waiting until that first soak.
-
Is it in yet? Oh, wait, it probably was ordered Tuesday. Sorry, getting anxious ;D
-
Spa ordered and confirmed. Anticipated ship date per Sundance Spas is
-
Spa ordered and confirmed. Anticipated ship date per Sundance Spas is
That's cruel.
-
Oops... I must have hit a wrong button.
Anyway, the anticipated ship date is 9-17.
Your's and 11 other spas will be loaded
into an intermodal rail container and make
their way eastward. Usually a five day or
so journey.
-
To Bill and all new spa owners. We do recommend a little extra chlorine on the initial fill ( when the water is warm enough to dissolve the granules). Along with a stain and scale preventer and proper pH balancing. That's it. Except for the waiting until that first soak.
Have you found the stain and scale to be needed here in Columbus with our somewhat soft water?
-
Yes, we do suggest that 8 ozs. of Metal X be added at each fill even for most city water sources.
Those with wells or even some well-sourced municipal water should add an ounce every couple of weeks or so.
-
Spa ordered and confirmed. Anticipated ship date per Sundance Spas is
I may have to stop in and visit the demo unit again. Amazing how unsatisfying my old Dynasty is now that I am anticipating a new spa. (The jets are falling apart, but at least I have hot water and that has been nice now that we have cool nights again)
-
Amazing how unsatisfying my old Dynasty is now that I am anticipating a new spa. (The jets are falling apart, but at least I have hot water and that has been nice now that we have cool nights again)
At least you have a spa already! :)
-
At least you have a spa already! :)
Good point. After a 25 mile bike ride Saturday I was glad I had it Saturday night. Any word on your delivery? I'm hoping mine ships today.
-
Oops... I must have hit a wrong button.
Anyway, the anticipated ship date is 9-17.
Your's and 11 other spas will be loaded
into an intermodal rail container and make
their way eastward. Usually a five day or
so journey.
Crossing my fingers that it goes out the door today.
-
Bill, your Sundance Majesta has left the building !!!
We will receive a call soon from the intermodal
transport company to arrange delivery to our store.
Upon that information we'll then arrange a delivery
and haul-away day and time with you.
-
Mine's still planned for tomorrow, with electrician on Wednesday.
Hey, when you say "out the door", do you mean from the factory to the shop, or the shop to your home?
-
The spa has left the Sundance factory in Chino, CA.
-
Bill, your Sundance Majesta has left the building !!!
We will receive a call soon from the intermodal
transport company to arrange delivery to our store.
Upon that information we'll then arrange a delivery
and haul-away day and time with you.
I have golf outing scheduled for 9/27 so Murphy says that will be the first available day ;) I'm guessing in this case intermodal means in a truck trailer loaded onto a train?
-
Yes, you are correct. It's a 53 ft. trailer full of spas placed on a train car.
-
I started cleaning up the back yard to get ready. Its been a long hot summer and I've neglected the back yard. :-[
-
Get a move on Bill. We'll be able to schedule your delivery next week.
The truck-load is scheduled to arrive sometime Friday morning.
We have many deliveries already scheduled throughout Central Ohio next week.
Including a swim spa that takes some time.
-
Get a move on Bill. We'll be able to schedule your delivery next week.
The truck-load is scheduled to arrive sometime Friday morning.
We have many deliveries already scheduled throughout Central Ohio next week.
Including a swim spa that takes some time.
Great news, I'll email you with my schedule and you can have it when considering your team's schedule.
-
Good luck with your Majesta. I've purchased 2 different Sundance spas from All Seasons over the last 10-15 years, and those were two of the best purchases I've ever made. The tubs themselves were/are rock solid, never a problem, and the customer service at All Seasons was the best I've ever experienced anywhere. If I were ever in the market for for a hot tub in Columbus, I wouldn't even bother shopping anywhere else (and I probably would get a Majesta too, I like that cool down seat). Enjoy!
-
Heading out to the Dynasty, 8 more soaks left in its lifetime.
-
Queue this up (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Xrlf3taEo) for later.
-
Queue this up (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Xrlf3taEo) for later.
Wednesday night around 9pm, we will get out from our last soak and I'll have the wife click that link as I kill power for the last time. Farewell, Dynasty you gave us 10 good years!
-
The spa has left the Sundance factory in Chino, CA.
I thought the Sundance factory is in Mexico.
-
The spa has left the Sundance factory in Chino, CA.
I thought the Sundance factory is in Mexico.
But is still probably ships from Chino. I just hope I don't find any illegals in it. I'll have my own episode of Borderwars, but in my neighborhood asylum is just across the street with Jose Jimenez the infamous Mexican Chicken as found on Facebook.
-
DP, thanks for the kind words.
We look forward to taking care of your hot tub needs
again in the future.
Bill, we'll see you next Thursday.
-
DP, thanks for the kind words.
We look forward to taking care of your hot tub needs
again in the future.
Bill, we'll see you next Thursday.
Are you telling me salesman get their hands dirty, or do you just supervise?
-
At our team we do whatever it takes.
Even the sales staff have been muddied
and bloodied getting the job done in
support of our delivery crew....
-
6 more soaks left in the old tub.
-
Its in town and in 6 days it will be here. I'll avoid the temptation to go visit it.
-
(http://www.allseasonsfun.com/UserFiles/Image/2010%20Sundance%20tops/SD880_2010_Majesta_OH.jpg)
-
(http://www.allseasonsfun.com/UserFiles/Image/2010%20Sundance%20tops/SD880_2010_Majesta_OH.jpg)
Anyone seeing the pic?
-
Yes, I see the pic.
I have had lots of people come 'visit' their spa in my warehouse as soon as it shows up. Being close to the factory, I can usually have a tub in as little as 48 hours from the time I order it - one or two weeks lead time during the heat of summer - but they still get excited, as you are. As it should be!
8)
-
Wonder why i can't see it.
-
Wonder why i can't see it.
You probably don't have full clearance. I can see it fine.
-
That's a nice looking hot tub
-
Maybe it's too large of a file?
Try this:
(http://www.portersmvs.com/Images/spas/spa_models/880_series/indv_pages/MajestaHeader.jpg)
8)
-
Maybe it's too large of a file?
Try this:
(http://www.portersmvs.com/Images/spas/spa_models/880_series/indv_pages/MajestaHeader.jpg)
8)
Its the site the picture is on, I can't get to it via my browser, its listed as alleasonsfun.com or something like that
I guess this is a 2010 Majesta, my layout is slightly different. In this picture the filter is at 3 oclock, and its at the bottom right corner in the new tub, and a dual level cool down seat is at 3 oclock and no footdome.
(http://www.sundancespas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/majesta-overhead.jpg)
-
T-minus 80 hours.
-
Anyone seeing the pic?
Must have been a wierd internet issue between Ohio and wherever that server is located. I can the pic now. Same layout as mine.
-
Must have been a wierd internet issue between Ohio and wherever that server is located. I can the pic now. Same layout as mine.
Since you weren't going to see your tub, I made it nice and big to bring your tub to YOU!
-
I was putting my delivery appointment in my phone calendar today and saw I already had a dentist appointment for the same time. Guess which one I canceled?
-
Glad we we beat out the dentist !
-
Two more soaks left. Tonight as I was getting out, I set the filter time to zero, I figure the water won't go bad before I'll be dumping it Wednesday night.
-
Tonight is the night, the end of a Dynasty. I think it was planetary that posted the youtube link of "taps" I was a trumpet player in highschool. If I still had one it might be an interesting thing to do. It will be wierd not adding chlorine tonight. We will check out, I'll pull the drain plug and kill the power at the breaker. I might not even close the lid as the leaves are not yet falling.
-
Tonight is the night, the end of a Dynasty.
Sounds so melancholy. Perhaps you SHOULD close the lid, and put a coin on it. For the boatman...
:'(
The dawn of a new day in the Sun(dance) begins soon!
8)
-
Been lurking for awhile, glad you got your spa. I am also in the Hilliard area and currently looking at a couple models at Scioto Valley and All Seasons myself. Hope to do the wet test within the next couple of days.
-
Been lurking for awhile, glad you got your spa. I am also in the Hilliard area and currently looking at a couple models at Scioto Valley and All Seasons myself. Hope to do the wet test within the next couple of days.
Great let us know how it goes! My delivery has been moved up a few hours. I've made the last soak in the old tub and shut it down. It's draining.
-
My delivery has been moved up a few hours. I've made the last soak in the old tub and shut it down. It's draining.
And so it ends... :)
-
Are the gods against me? The rain was supposed to end last night. We delayed our last soak an hour later than I wanted to because of it. We got that last soak in between dowpours. This morning I was going to go into work for 4 hours and then come home, but I saw I still had 150 gallons of water in the tub. This particular model of Dynasty drains very poorly, so bailing with a 5 gallon bucket emptied it. I went to move the spa umbrella and forgot it was attached to a plate that went under the tub so I had to find the pry bar and lift the tub up and get the umbrella out. Then I realized I didn't know where the special wrench for removing the spa panels was. 15 minutes of hunting and the front is off, the tub is empty, and the electric was removed. Pictures so far to follow, but they are cell phone photos, its too wet to take out my camera.
-
By the way, this is the Dynasty back on day one back in late 2002
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/cleantub.jpg)
The next picture is the tub after I finished bailing this morning. The waterways jets fell out quite a bit when the tub was new, but then once we got all good ones, they stayed in for nearly 10 years and recently started falling out an an accelerated pace. Despite some bashing recently, this was a very comfortable tub that worked well. I did put about $1500 into it after the 5 year warranty ended and had replaced both pumps and the spa pack under warranty. After just having put $600 into a pump replacement and the "new pump" was 3 times louder than any other I have had I decided its time to stop putting money into it. The seat below is Gina's favorite so you can see why she finally came on board with a new tub.
IT was starting to rain so I think the rain caused this cell phone pic to be a little out of focus.
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/imag0018.jpg)
-
After finding the driver, I got the front panel open. It still looks good in here. Yes, some spiders have taken up residence, but its in good shape. I think this spa pack was replaced in 2004. I'll take more time and resize the pictures this afternoon.
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/imag0016.jpg)
The last pic this morning shows how Dynasty insulates thier tub. I never paid attention to how much my electric went up, we just enjoyed the tub. Oh, yea, that box with all the holes and wires, that is the fiber optic lighting system. Never liked it. Dynasty replaced it in the next year model.
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/imag0017.jpg)
-
30 minute warning! Looks like I won't be waiting till 10:30pm! Power and fill by noon? Soak late tonight maybe?
-
Exciting news; hope the weather is good later tonight where you're at.
Oh, surprised you never picked up a small submergible pump with your old tub if draining was always slow. Spent $45 on one and our tub is emptied in 20-25 minutes. I guess I'm more of a worry wart and not only did I buy the pump to allow for faster drains, but I rather not mess with opening and closing an access point where water exits the tub - yes, it's just me on this issue I know, but I don't ever plan on messing with our drain plug; I'll use our pump instead.
Looking forward to seeing some new pics of the new tub! How many gallons is your new one?
-
Pictures soon, It's powered up and at 64 degrees. The Service guy though 8-10 degrees per hour, we will see. My old tub at 425 gallons was 4 degrees and hour. Delivery was great. Got a call at 10:30, they were here at 10:45. The old tub was out of the way and the new one was in place pretty quick. By 11:45 we were filling and they left. A pretty good group and they did a nice job. I had the power on by 12:15. I added a little more water around 12:40. I'll check it again at 2pm to see if the temp is coming up. Now to look at the pictures. Once the rain quit (about the time I finished the wiring) I took two quick pics with my regular camera.
-
This is exciting! I'm sure you will soak this evening!
8)
-
90 minutes later it was up 11 degrees. 77 now. Quick recap while i look at pictures.
Call last night, Dealer's earlier appointment had to cancel, so they asked if I wanted an earlier delivery. YES! They call at 10:30 show up at 10:50. The tub looked tiny on their trailer. They got my old one out quickly then got the new one in place pretty quick. Within an hour they had everything set up and ready for me to do electric and fill it. 325 gallons I can fill in 30 minutes with 2 hoses. The delivery was extremely professional and exactly as promised. I've got a 5 mile run set for this evening Soak around 8:30
-
Ok, here is how my day went.
First the Dynasty is hauled away.
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/farewell.jpg)
Here comes the Majesta
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/arrival.jpg)
Putting it in place.
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/hereitcomes.jpg)
The finishing touches and its nearly ready to fill
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/finishing.jpg)
It only took me 30 minutes to fill using 2 hoses. (American Made hoses from Goodyear!)
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/fill.jpg)
Finally -ready to hook up, This might be my only minor disspointment. I would have been more impressed if the wires were dressed making easier access to the terminal block for power. If this is my big dissapointment I'll be doing allright. Ok, I also thought they could have vaccumed up more sawdust inside the tub before shipping.
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/hookup.jpg)
I can't say it enough, from initial shopping, through testing, and installation. All Seasons was great to deal with. Since my last post, I've added a few chemicals, time to check the temp again. i think it was an hour ago I said 77. Its now 84 so 7 degrees an hour seems about right.
-
Ok, one more. (http://mccallw.tripod.com/hottub/img_1814.jpg)
-
The Majesta looks good in your backyard.
Thanks again for your business and enjoy your soak tonight.
Your warranty and the factory incentive has been initiated.
-
90! Oh, yea the rebate. That will more than cover my airline tickets to Fort Lauderdale.
-
Let us know how the first soak goes Bill.
-
Let us know how the first soak goes Bill.
Currently scheduled for 8:30pm tonight.
-
Woohoo! Pictures!
-
Let us know how the first soak goes Bill.
The first two soaks were good and great. The first night we were re-familarizing ourselves with our decision. Last night the second one was wonderful, I'd taken the day off work and played 18 holes and then rode with friends up to Cleveland. I got home around midnight fatiqued and went for a relaxing soak by myself and explored the tub and all of its features and cotnrols. I'm confident we found a good tub we can live with for a long time and I'm enjoying how good it looks and having a new spa again.
-
8)
-
On my soak today I continued to look at all the jets and controls, but this time in daylight. I did come to a conclusion that the design in well thought out. On my Dystasy, there was at least two jets that were worthless and one congtrol that did nothing. Then I noticed the Sunscent Aromatherpy holder. On my Dynasty, this feature was totally worthless and very poorly designed. The Sundance has an air bubbler system. At first I thought it was probably one feature I would seldom use and that may be the caseu. I can get a good massage without it. I did figure, i'll use it when I add chemicals to the tub as a more energy efficient way of circulating those chemicals. But knowing the aroma therapy system was probably tied to that bubler, i thought maybe it might work better so I took the cover off the holder and yes, there is a lot of air forced through there. I'm guessing it will work much better. I'll find out tonight.
You remember those start up kits your get with tubs? Yea, I got one too. Well it happens the kit is from Robarb, which happens to be a line of chemicals my dealer carries.. I'm use to them and find them to work fine, so now I have extra. It did contain Robarb's test strips. I thought I'd give them a try today. I don't use regular test strips mainly because I think you need to be more accurate with PH than you can be with strips. That said, I do use strips, but I use teh Aqua Check meter with thier strips. Apparently their tester can read the strips more accurately than I can. I bought this from Dr Spa and its been one of my favorite accessories. A test with that told me my PH was low. I normally would throw in some baking soda, but since I have free bottle of PH up, I used it. That was 7 hours ago, I think I'll check it again now.
-
Oh, on the subjective subject of design, one small thing that I know was a small factor in our decision when it came down to this tub and the Vanguard which was my first choice going in. Some might call this nit-picky, but when two people are making the decision you have to weigh the factors and these tubs have many factors. On the Vanguard, the heater puts water into the hot tub on the floor in a locatio where we tend to put our foot when we get out of that tub. Now, I'm sure this is not a safety issue, but putting your foot down on hot water is uncomfortable. Mentally it maybe that your mind thinks you might get burned as its hotter than the water your in. On the Majesta, the outlet is on the side of the tub near the floor so you don't step on it.
-
The bottom fitting is a big deal in that it is our main drain when you hook up a garden hose to empty the tub. It drains the thing right to the bottom. They use the same fitting for heater return, and as you noted, it does tend to put out hot water when the tub is heating. It is also the spot where the ozone system returns water to the tub, and they wanted it as close to the center of the tub as they could.
It's a judgement call, of course: do you want the tub to drain all the way to the bottom, or do you want the hot water to hit the side of your foot/leg?
8)
-
This thread still has a noticeable lack of photos!