Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: lagator43 on September 13, 2006, 04:24:29 pm
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I am presently shopping for my first hot tub. So many models and so many options. Which option(s) are important. Is there any advice that you hot tub owners wish someone had told you before buying? Thanks.
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I just bought one two months ago and went through the entire process.
First answer these questions please...
Are you looking for a small , midsize, or large tub?
What's your budget? Ballpark
Where is it going to be placed?
What state do you live in?
What are you looking for out of your hot tub? Just some relaxation few times a week for you and possibly your significant other?
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Above all else try to wet test before you buy. And I recommend wet testing several brands even if you find one you think you like because there are so many variations out there.
If a dealer will not let you wet test, no matter how much you think you like what you see, consider going somewhere else if at all possible.
Good luck!
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Just because a dealer will not let you wet test (or can't let you wet test) doesn't mean you should't buy there. That's ridiculous.
If the price is right(make sure it is), go for it.
Of course first you would want to wet test the tub your about to buy at another dealer(if possible)
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Sledjunkie had some good suggestions about questions to help get your ideas in order. As far as options go, there really are a lot to choose from. Out of all of them, there are ones designed to make your spa use/care easier like a cover lifting mechanism, a sanitizing assistant of some sort (lots of those to choose from as well), and low maintenance siding are the most popular "helpful" options. The rest are fun bells n whistles, glitz and glamour, and "bling bling". Take your time and organize your thoughts about how you plan on using your spa once it is home and think about the most important reason why you want one. This will help narrow the choices down and make your shopping experience easier. Try not to be too hasty in making a decision. Best of luck to you. ;)
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Hi Lag,
Read a lot of the stuff in this forum for 30-40 hr. before you go out to dealers, but you might still be very confused.
Yes wet test.
Look into your electrical work that you will have to do and pad to set it on.
I did not wet test my Geneva ( will be delivered in 2 weeks)but because we did wet test 5 other spas we knew were we wanted the jets for my wifes back. ( I know this might be a no no but we did it anyway)
After you go out to the dealers and get more confused come back here and ask more question and hopefully you wont be as confused.
but thats
just me
ps good luck
pss I would have found a way to come up with 2-3k more if I could have put some of the great things in all spas into 1 fantastic spa
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Just because a dealer will not let you wet test (or can't let you wet test) doesn't mean you should't buy there. That's ridiculous.
If the price is right(make sure it is), go for it.
Of course first you would want to wet test the tub your about to buy at another dealer(if possible)
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Just because a dealer will not let you wet test (or can't let you wet test) doesn't mean you should't buy there. That's ridiculous.
If the price is right(make sure it is), go for it.
Of course first you would want to wet test the tub your about to buy at another dealer(if possible)
So, you are saying that he should buy the spa from the dealer that wouldn't make it available to wet test - after taking up another dealer's time wet-testing?
THAT is rediculous!
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Or, ridiculous.
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Any dealer who would not allow me to wet test would not get my hot tub business...no matter what. I believe wet testing is just that important...not only for one to get a feel for the tub's therapy but also for one to get a good feel for the service after the sale. If a dealer does not offer wet tests, red flags are a-flying, IMHO.
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Again, I disagree.
You can't tell me dealers can provide wet tubs for every model in a line.
No way. Most dealers don't have the room, or simply don't have the inventory for that.
That is no reason not to buy from them if they can't provide you with a wet test.
DPS - Yes I would take up the time of a dealer, and then buy from someone else. I did just that actually.
That's called shopping in my book.
Don't you do the same when buying a car?
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I think you HAVE to wet test any spa you're going to buy. How do you know how it's going to feel unless you do? You wouldn't (or at least I would hope) go out and buy a car without giving it a test drive.
There are a lot of quality tubs on the market and I think you will find most of the "top" brands have similar insulation, warranties, etc. Of course each brand will/should have something unique to offer, such as HotSpring's moto-massage. In the end it will be personal preference. The moto-massage was the clincher for us.
My wife and I initially were looking to spend around $3500, but after we saw what was available for that, we decided to upgrade and fork out more $$$$ for a much better tub. If you live in a cold climate like we do (Upper Michigan), we absolutely had to have very good insulation. Sure we could have saved some money up front, but over the course of owning the tub, would have spent more just on heating the darn thing.
Also what I found interesting during our quest is that we initially were looking for a 5-6 person tub, because we just assumed that we had to have a tub big enough for "all the guests" that would be over on a regular basis to use it. ::) Well, we knew that would not happen, so after wet testing about 4 different tubs, we ended up with a 2-3 person tub because it was the most comfortable for us. We also have two small children, so it's not a problem at this point. We let them go in before us because all they want to do anyways is play in the water. Then when they're done splashing around, we get in. All of us can use the tub at the same time though.
Keep reading info here and asking questions. Good luck and keep us updated!!
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I am presently shopping for my first hot tub. So many models and so many options. Which option(s) are important. Is there any advice that you hot tub owners wish someone had told you before buying? Thanks.
Yup.
Shop around. Read through this forum there' some great advice from some very knoweldgable folks. Ask questions. Don't make a major purchase for an item that you will have for many years from a postion of ignroance, or pressure from a salesman. This is for you, your money. Take your time, and get the tub that's right for you.
Buy quality. Buy a known brand. Don't buy off the interenet. dont' buy at a home show, or a side of the road tent sale. Wet test several different tubs. Be aware of the total costs (Putting a pad down, electrical, and initial chems). Find a decent dealer, that treats you with repect, offers good information, and wants to make sure you get the right tub, not sell you what ever he wants to get off his floor. Don't pay 100% for the tub upfront. be smart, educate yourself and have fun. Hot tubs are fantastic! Don't let it become a headach!
AS far as options, well thats dependent on your budget and desires. Waterfalls, radios, fancy lighting, TVs, remotes....all unnessecary and soley up to you and your budget. I would not compromise the quality or comfort of the tub in anyway to get the above, or detract me form getting the best tub for soaking/therapy/seating.
Must haves include:
Steps, cover, cover lifter all needed. Additionaly. I recomend a CD ozonator as an option. I also strongly recomend buying a 220v tub.
Other than that...
Do you have a budget, price range?
Are you putting the tub outside in a cold climate?
How many people, what size are you considering?
Do you have specific therapy needs, or is this more for general enterainment ?
Any space restrictions?
The above will help narrow down/focus us in a direction. There are thousands of tubs to choose from. :)
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I think you HAVE to wet test any spa you're going to buy. How do you know how it's going to feel unless you do? You wouldn't (or at least I would hope) go out and buy a car without giving it a test drive.
Don't know about where you live, but here in Las Vegas, not a single dealer had a 2-3 person spa wired & filled for wet test - there just isn't enough demand for them (small models) here.
What we were able to do, was dry test the Artesian model we wanted, and then wet test bigger models that had identical jet layouts in a seat position that was (nearly) identical to the individual seats in the 3 seat model we wanted.
We had to wet test 3 different larger Artesian models to cover the 3 different seat / jet layout configurations of the Falcon, but the results worked. Love the Falcon.
To close the deal, Artesian (factory store) finally offered to wire & fill the dry floor model Falcon we wound up buying, but by then I didn't even feel it was necessary.
The Sundance dealer laughed at me when I asked to wire & fill the floor model Capri, and the larger models didn't have any seats with identical jet / seat layouts, so we left, even after liking the feel of it dry.
So, sometimes more than one way to wet test.
John F
LV, NV
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Thanks for everyones advice everytime I check this site I learn something new. Please keep it coming.
I live in Canada so yes insulation would be important. I would like it to seat 4-5 people. My family has no specific therepy needs. What is an average number of jets for a tub and what do people think of lounge seats????
I am deciding between an Arctic Spa or Jacuzzi. I want something that is quiet since it will be sitting under my sons bedroom window. In terms of price range, I want to spend a moderate amount. I cannot afford a lavish model but I am aware of the saying "cheap man pays twice."
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Ok. cold climate, outside tub? It must be a 220v set up.
Don't go with an "off brand" thier insulation methods are questionable.
Remember, a tub that says "seats 6" really means there are 6 aviailble seats. not "comfortable seating for 6 adulta at once. I also like hot tubs that have cool off seats. These are great in the cold winters (I am in MA), They allow you to raise youself somewhat out of the water, without getting completely out. I like it a lot in the winter and just something for you to consider.
Get a budget togehtor. ARtic has a good rep, but also a bit pricey. Seems folks either love the seating or hate it. They also have some options on thier ozinators. I can't comment oh Jaquizz, but I am sure someone here can.
Loungers are stricly a personal choice. I don't have one, nor care for one. I prefer to have more seating in my tub. Try (wet test) some tubs out that have them. Decide for youself. I once herd a statement from a dealer saying the mjority of folks who are buying thier second tub do NOT go for the louger models. Don't know if that's true or not.
:)
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I am deciding between an Arctic Spa or Jacuzzi. I want something that is quiet since it will be sitting under my sons bedroom window.
If those are your two choices I would pick the Jacuzzi. The 24 hour circ pump eliminates the need of the main jet pumps turning on and off all day for filtration. Your son won't hear a thing.
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Don't know where you are in Canada.
We bought a Canadian made tub about 3 months ago (Pacific Spa - Saturn model).
We live in No. Wis. and one of the reasons for the Pacfic is that it is supposed to be desinged for cold weather. High R values for tub and cover. Haven't gone thru the winter yet, so time will tell.
So far it has worked great, good comfort, no problems, and seems to be high quality. It is a deeper tub and at 6'2" fits me well. It does have different height seats. Also very well designed entry steps.
Pacific is made by Aber Mfg. in B.C., I think they may be a smaller mfr., and may not be well distributed in the U.S.. No idea about their Canadian distribution.
You can find info. at www.pacificspas.ca.
We have the 24/7 circ. pump, ozonator, and serenity lighting. Also have the waterfall, which we only sometimes use.
Did not get the lounger, find it nice to move around to the different seats and jet options.
Hope you find what your looking for, and enjoy tubbing as much as we do ;D
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Again, I disagree.
You can't tell me dealers can provide wet tubs for every model in a line.
No way. Most dealers don't have the room, or simply don't have the inventory for that.
That is no reason not to buy from them if they can't provide you with a wet test.
Let me clarify my point...no way would I buy from a dealer that would not let me wet test ANY tub (and this happened to me with one dealer as I was spa shopping). It is certainly reasonable to not expect every model of every manufacturer the dealer may carry to be available for wet testing but for a dealer to allow no wet testing at all is unacceptable.
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Thanks for the clarification.
However I still disagree. Some dealers just aren't set up for wet testing, doesn't mean you shouldn't buy from them. So you're saying because you can't wet test any tubs in a store, means the dealer is not going to be reputable, provide good service and support as your requiring.
When I was shopping, I was focused on finding a good quality tub (manufacturer), and dealer had no bearing for me. Only requirement for me was that they were an actual authorized dealer of that manufacturer.
Then again, that's just me!
::)
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If any person wants to wet test ANY spa we sell, we will make arrangements to get it set up and filled for them, if it isn't already. I keep 8 different models up and running, our other stores have 8-10 models up and running. If the customer is willing to invest the time and effort to try our spas, we are willing to accomodate them. Our competitor's locally do not offer this service. YMMV.
Terminator
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Some dealers just aren't set up for wet testing...
Then, IMHO, they just shouldn't be in the business.
Terminator makes my point EXACTLY. You KNOW you are dealing with the right people when they will go out of their way to provide that level of service.
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I am deciding between an Arctic Spa or Jacuzzi. I want something that is quiet since it will be sitting under my sons bedroom window. In terms of price range, I want to spend a moderate amount. I cannot afford a lavish model but I am aware of the saying "cheap man pays twice."
I cannot comment on Jacuzzi at all- did not even wet test them, as there is no dealer near me. I have an Arctic, it sits directly outside my bedroom, but about 15 feet from the house. I have an old house with single pane windows, and there are both regular windows and a big sliding glass door between me and the tub at night. If I happen to be awake, I "notice" the tub coming on for a filtration cycle, but it does not wake me up if I'm asleep. I do think that the Arctic might be a little louder than other tubs that I wet tested while I'm sitting in it with lots of jets running, but from outside the tub, I dont think it is that different. They do NOT have 24 hr circ pumps, which concerned me a bit initially, but no longer. ('Course, I have nothing to compare to, but I have no issue with my water quality or with filtration)
I do think that Arctics seem overpriced if you look at "MSRP" but if you can work out an acceptable price, it is a quality tub. Mine was a floor model that the dealer REALLY wanted gone, so that made it work for me.
On the subject of loungers- you gotta wet test. I was sure that I wanted one, but my boyfriend and I could not find one that was really comfortable for us both. The arctic model that I went with (Summit) happens to have a couple really deep, reclining "captains" chairs that almost make me feel like I'm in a lounger, so that became our compromise. I still sort of wish that we had a real lounger with leg jets, but until I get a spa company to custom make something for me, i guess I'm outta luck.
Good luck!
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Just because a dealer will not let you wet test (or can't let you wet test) doesn't mean you should't buy there. That's ridiculous.
If the price is right(make sure it is), go for it.
Of course first you would want to wet test the tub your about to buy at another dealer(if possible)
You are welcome to your opinion. I don't think it is the least bit ridiculous.
Terminator and others would seem to agree.
I would not buy a tub in the future that I did not first wet test. If a dealer is not able to let you wet test a specific model but is willing to let you wet test others that might be one thing. But if a dealer will not allow for wet tests at all I will not do business there. Period.
I can not know if the price is right if I have not wet tested any more than I will buy a car I have not driven. Others may want to "go for it" if the price is right and that is OK. Might turn out fine for them.
In addition it suggests to me that this is a dealer that I would not be able to deal with in the future and time and time again here on this site and others it has been made clear that the relationship you have with the dealer after the fact may be almost as important as the spa itself.
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I am presently shopping for my first hot tub. So many models and so many options. Which option(s) are important. Is there any advice that you hot tub owners wish someone had told you before buying? Thanks.
Just went thru same process. I had no knowledge of how to buy a hot tub.
I relied on the advice I got from the helpful people on this website. It paid off.
I agree with the post about evaluating how YOU would use the tub for example, to lounge or not to lounge? Is the tub for pleasure or serious hydrotherapy?
The greatest advice I got was to wet test.
WHY WET TEST???? Because it identifies potential problems, for example; I tried different brands and found that not every tub fit me. Something I would not have known just sitting in a dry tub.
I discovered that your body size (tall or short) makes a difference where comfort is concerned. My tall hubby loved the Sundance Maxxus, however I'm petite and I thought I was going to drown in it! LOL The jets of some tubs just didn't hit the trigger points I need.
Deciding factors for us: in addition to the amount of insulation and the quality of the motors, I found that even tho I favored the slick surface shell, it scratched more easily than the textured, or at least the scratches show up more on the slick surface. Also, we chose a light colored shell, because we know with our hard water at some point we will probably have a water mark (the devil you say?). Yes, your scum may be less visible on a lighter surface!!! (of course you will clean it up as soon as you see it develope, right?)
Tub Exterior: there is faux wood and real wood, or at least one brand has a new faux stone look exterior cabinet, I think that's the Caldera or Cal Spa can't remember. Real wood has to be maintained with protectants applied periodically.
Go on line and check out your manufacturer. In the "search web" box, type in, "problems with _______" or complaints with _____________". Fill in the blanks with the brand name. Run another search in the same way, but fill the blank with the store's name. This was eye opening to us.
We narrowed our decision down to 3 tubs...
Brand A, after checking online we found the company had several complaints.
Brand B, jets were in wrong place and wasn't a comfortable fit.
Brand C: The chosen one, LA Spa model Paradise H-2.
Why? Several reasons:
There was a local dealer, the jets were where I needed them for optimal hydrotherapy as recommended by my physical therapist, there are jets on areas such as calves, wrists, feet, on the sternoclemastoid muscle, and all the discs in my back. (I had a hard time finding jets to massage my upper sternoclemastoid muscle).
There are two loungers, one that fits my hubby and one that fits me.
Plus, the tub is large enough with an open well in the center where I can do my water aerobics.
And, I was sufficiently convinced that service help would be readily available.
We ordered the faux wood cabinet with a light colored textured shell.
Of course, my needs aren't your needs, but hopefully this will give you some things to consider.
One more thing, don't be timid about negociating a lower price. All they can do is say, "no". By going to a different store, we were able to save $ on the EXACT same tub.
Good luck,
Bama