Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Chas on January 08, 2007, 10:58:18 am
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Well, I am in San Francisco - or very near it anyway - for the annual HotSpring Kickoff. This is a dealer meeting for all of California and the western states. This is where we will see the new spas, colors, options, layouts, accessory items, and hear about the price increases....
You know, all the stuff we need to know for the new year.
I will bring you a report every night, if that is ok. Post, PM or delete if this is wrong... IMO this is exactly the kind of thing this board is about, that is, finding out what tub makers are offering. In this case, the maker will be Watkins Manufacturing, but will be limited to HotSpring, Tiger River, HotSpot and Solana Spas.
The meeting actually doesn't start until tomorrow, so for now I'll go do the touristy things my wife wants to do, and try to post some pics later on.
If you have questions you would like me to ask the factory guys, post them here and I will do my best to be your rep.
8-)
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Some people will gripe because it seems like HS gets preferencial treatment, but if a dealer wants to report from their conference, feel free, its industry news as far as I'm concerned, and that is all that counts :P
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I agree...it's hot tub related, bring it on! I'd like to read it.
And thank you in advance for bringing us the latest and greatest news.
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Chas:
I will be overjoyed if you are able to report the following:
1. Hot Spring has redesigned their privacy screen so that it can withstand an "breezy" day on my patio.
2. Hot Spring has entered into an agreement with Balboa Controls whereby the Dolphin Remote can now be used on all Hot Spring tubs and stereo systems!!!!
3. A new sanitizing system has been developed that is so good, you only have to change your water once a year. Chemicals for this new system can be bought at your local grocery store.
(Just my little wish-list!)
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Hope you and the wife and fellas have a good time in Old San Fran, Chas!
I'm heading to Kansas City at the end of the week for our kick off extravaganza. I'll report back on important stuff like steaks, beer, and quality of the local hookers.
Term
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I'm heading to Kansas City at the end of the week for our kick off extravaganza. I'll report back on important stuff like steaks, beer, and quality of the local hookers.
Term
Tell "Candy" I said Hey!
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Hooker testing, niiiccceeee. Is that written or oral?
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Tell "Candy" I said Hey!
I'll tell him.
Term
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I'll report back on important stuff like steaks, beer, and quality of the local hookers.
Term
I can help you out on a few of those items.
Steak - Golden Ox http://www.goldenox.com/
Chicken - Strouds http://www.stroudsrestaurant.com/
BBQ - Gates http://www.gatesbbq.com/
Beer - Boulevard Brewing Company http://www.blvdbeer.com/
Hookers - Don't know any personally - sorry, can't help you with this one.
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Ask them if they know a Hot Springs salesman in Texas code-named "Terminator". Ask them if he is a straight shooter. Ask them if he knows his stuff. Ask them if he can be trusted. Ask them about his character, reputation and loyalty to America and the American way of life. Ask them if he pays his taxes. Ask them if he is God-fearing. And above all, ask them what the hell he is doing going to Kansas City to drink beer, eat seaks and find hookers when he has a tub to deliver to me any day now!!
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(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/grabembythenads.jpg)
Last week of January....SIR!
Terminator
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great lasso job!
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I'll tell him.
Term
You beat me to that one Mr. Bonaduce.
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You beat me to that one Mr. Bonaduce.
There's a reason you guys both came up with that thought so quickly and it has nothing to do with any of my inclinations!!! ;)
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Some people will gripe because it seems like HS gets preferencial treatment, but if a dealer wants to report from their conference, feel free, its industry news as far as I'm concerned, and that is all that counts :P
Geeze, what would give any one that idea? Its not like you delete any posts that are not favorable to HS.
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Steaks?-- Herford House! Golden OX was a main stay for many years at the old stock yards but it changed hands and is not near what it use to be. Why are you coming to KC Term? The Sport Show?
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All right, then since everyone seems to be in agreement, I'll start posting reports as they come in.
First, the travel photos, of course. We drove up from SoCal - only takes about 5 hours at 80 MPH. We drove around the Downtown area, and along the shore snapping pictures.
The wife suggested we stop and do some shopping, but I just kept the music up loud and pretended not to hear her. Kidding. I'm apparently one of the few men in the world who actually enjoys shopping with his wife. I don't like it in general, but I let on that I do, and I enjoy being with her so it works.
Here:
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/Chaswolf/MiscSF1.jpg?t=1168303060
)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/Chaswolf/GGBridge.jpg?t=1168303249)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/Chaswolf/FineArts.jpg?t=1168303276)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/Chaswolf/TABuilding.jpg?t=1168296094)
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Seeing those pics make me hate MO even more than I already do. :(
It's absolutely gorgeous there. :-*
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It really is nice weather here today.
8-)
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It really is nice weather here today.
8-)
Here too.....if you like 42 F and 15 mph wind gusts. :( :'(
The low tonight is 27. :)
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So Chas, where did you go? What did you see? GG park?
Nice shot of the bridge.
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What good is the weather if you can't stand up? :) Just kidding. I was there in the 90's and it has a beauty all its own. Nowhere else like it, its a special place.
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Chas,
The Palace of the fine arts is beautiful and one of my favorite places in the bay area. I have a real cool story that is really amazing. I got engaged last year in Mendocino which is north of San Fransisco, we stopped at fisherman's wharf on the way home after walking around the wharf for about 45 minutes my soon to be bride panicked as her new engagement ring was lost, she was in tears as we walked back to our rented car and as we were walking I saw something shinning in the crack of the sidewalk YEP it was her ring, I am sure thousands had to have walked over it as for anyone who has been there knows how busy it is. I think it was a unique blessing for us..... :)
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Chas,
I got engaged last year in Mendocino which is north of San Fransisco, we stopped at fisherman's wharf on the way home after walking around the wharf for about 45 minutes my soon to be bride panicked as her new engagement ring was lost, she was in tears as we walked back to our rented car and as we were walking I saw something shinning in the crack of the sidewalk YEP it was her ring, I am sure thousands had to have walked over it as for anyone who has been there knows how busy it is. I think it was a unique blessing for us..... :)
It was meant to be.. 8-) :-*
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Chas, I'm glad the weather is nice is SF. It hit 79° at my place today. Try the seafood bisque soup at Fisherman's wharf.
Ask the HS folks it they have fixed the Aux Panel problem. Also, ask them if they plan to pursue a dichlor based Autofresh system in the future?
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Chas,
See you tomorrow.
Gombo,
In all seriousness, I will ask the latest on aux panels. Autofresh needs to deliver liquids. The amount of liquid chlorine needed would be prohibited.
However, this is the 1st version on the market. Who knows what might be next. :D
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Geeze, what would give any one that idea? Its not like you delete any posts that are not favorable to HS.
That's not true. I know aux panels have been discussed. I know just yesterday I read about the privacy panel falling down in a "light" breeze.
Those aren't positive and they are still here.
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OK, how about returning to the 6000w No Fault Heater for the HP models. The 4000w heater takes forever to heat up. Perhaps they could offer a 60A service like Sundance? I'm assuming this was changed due to power limitations?
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OK, how about returning to the 6000w No Fault Heater for the HP models. The 4000w heater takes forever to heat up. Perhaps they could offer a 60A service like Sundance? I'm assuming this was changed due to power limitations?
You are certainly detail oriented. :D
You know more than a lot of HS salespeople I know. ::)
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Well, we basically just drove a big loop along the water starting by the Monster Park, the Embarcadero, the various piers - including the famous Pier 39 - Fisherman's Warf, then around to Chrissy Feild and Fort Point. We stopped here and there for short walks, a little shopping, and some picture snapping.
My wife used to work in the financial district many years ago, so we made one quick forray into the heart of the city for a quick visit to Lombrd street and the Trolley Car Barn, and then headed south to Burlingame to walk around a really nice old-town area. That's where we found the Pottery Barn and some other clip joints.
Even though we were surrounded by some of the best restaurants in the world, we had lunch at the Mexican Phone Company (Taco Bell) because I haven't eaten fast food other than Subway for over five months and they had the first non-crowded parking lot we saw since leaving the hotel.
Now, to business. I will ask about the 6000 Watt heater, but I have a feeling that it would be OK to do so if you switch to 60amp service and put in two 30A breakers. I know the heater relays are the same for both sizes of heaters, so it should be fine. Better be since I have done it myself...
I will also give a report on whatever they say about the Aux panels, but I will say this ahead of time: I have had several folks go through more than one replacement panel, but once we put in the 'blue label' panel they seem to be fine. I'll report if any more improvements are in the wind or even needed.
And I will ask if the Aria will be offered without the stereo.
I think I already answered the question about the Espresso siding in combination with other shell colors.
Oh! I almost forgot - have you seen the new blue? They seem to be dropping the Azurite. It's not on the web site yet, and they haven't issued an official announcement, but my RSM told us when he came for a recent visit. I'll see if I can snap a picture of a sample, or at least get a date for the release or something.
OK - off to get cleaned up and dressed. I'm sure this will be a grueling day, but I'm ready. I think.
8-)
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I'm heading to Kansas City at the end of the week for our kick off extravaganza. I'll report back on important stuff like steaks, beer, and quality of the local hookers.
Term[/quote]
Ask Herm Edwards if my beloved Chiefs have found their offense yet. :'(
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Well, we basically just drove a big loop along the water starting by the Monster Park
PLEASE tell me you got a picture of Godzilla! My daughter also asked if you would get her a picture of Godzookie, too. Thanks!
Term
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Steaks?-- Herford House! Golden OX was a main stay for many years at the old stock yards but it changed hands and is not near what it use to be. Why are you coming to KC Term? The Sport Show?
I'm going to the HotSpring Kickoff event for the midwestern states and Texas. It's the same thing Chas is currently at, only in a different place. We were told that we are receiving a major award (hoping it's a leg lamp).
Thanks for suggestions vlady and galen, we'll try to check them out. We always try to find great steakhouses when we are out and about. I've eaten steaks all over the place, and the best one I've ever had was the one at Superior Steakhouse in Shreveport, LA. It was a $50 porterhouse that you could cut with a fork. If ya'll ever get over there, please do yourself a favor and try it.
Skellman, I will try to honor your request if I see Herman.
Term
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Term,
I still think the reason you like going to Shreveport so much is because when you drive back to East Texas from there it is like exiting hades and returning to heaven. ;-) For the record, the steaks might be good, but don't drink the water. Take it from someone who once lived in Shreveport.
Bill
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I was in Shreveport Saturday and drank lots of water at the Cracker Barrel restaurant just before you get to the airport cutoff. No wonder I was sick - or was it because of gambling there on the river boats. You see, that is where I lost my home, my entire bank account, my truck and my whole family has left me. Come to think of it, I know why I was sick. It was not the water. It wasn't my deed signed over or my credit cards maxed out or even my family dumping me. It was because I had to hock my truck! Thats it. I know thats it!
PS-hey Term, ah, lets see now buddy. And ah, we are buddies, right? Considering my current situation and seeing how my hot tub will be here at the end of the month, do you think that maybe, you know, sort of maybe we could ah, --- oh well, forget it. I'll call you when you get back from KC.
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OK - I'm sitting in the meeting, so I have to type real quietly.
HS is going to be celebrating thier 30th year anniversary this year.
About the Aria spa- it is truly a 'special anniversary edition.' That's one reason why it is not exactly like the rest of the line.
More to follow.
Oh - it's Mike Dunn's birthday today.
8-)
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In Kansas City, our crew hotel is a Marriott out in the middle of a cow pasture, but they serve up a mighty fine buffet!! At least they used to. I haven't had that route in a few years.
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OK - we have a celebrity amongst us. The last thing we did at today's meeting - and please forgive me but the new product announcements and all that sort of came out throughout last year and there are not as many new things to report on as I had hoped - but the last thing we did today was to watch a PowerPoint presentation of Dealer awards. And guess who won Dealer of the year for their region?
Well, OK, a lot of people did. There are 18 regions give or take. But one of them was East Texas Spas! And there on the big screen, before our wondering eyes was the whole dang team. And they may have tried to hide him, but our very own Terminator was proudly waving something from the back row. What was that thing in your hand, Chris?
Anyway, the biggest thing I have to report so far would be the things I have already posted: New blue for Tiger River, New water feature for the Grandee, and of course the knowledge that prices will be going up. So shoppers - look for good deals on 06 spas - many of the new features have already been encorporated but the prices will be better than a 2007 model.
And the AutoFresh system is really cool. We didn't go into it in detail today, but I have one on the floor, and we have sold one already... seems to take the best part of the Baqua system, and tame the one big problem which was overdosing. By automating the system, it seems to be able to do what it promises - at least that is my take so far, but I admit my experience is limited at this point.
More later. The spousal unit and I went to dinner with a fellow dealer and his son - so with the excellant breakfast the hotel provides, and the superb lunch that Watkins bought us followed by a large Ceasar Salad with grilled chicken for dinner, I have eaten more in one day than all of last week inclduing two weekends. I need to lay down and digest. I feel like one of those snakes that swallered' a whole sheep or something. Wow - it's like I don't even know how I used to do this constantly, and frankly I don't want to re-learn.
8-)