Welcome to our forum.
Doing Spa Research is like "Nightmare on Elm Street" Looking to buy my first Spa and after substantial research I've bought into the thermal barrier insulation method over full foam due to interior access, component heat reclaim, shell strength / structure,...etc. Just makes sense to me. Location is outdoor in Tucson, AZ (winters high teens and summers mid 110)I believe that all hot tubs will have a problem at one time or another and because of the $$$ involved, I would like to buy the highest quality I can afford. Warranty, Dealer integrity and wet testing are a given. Narrowed it down to Arctic and Clearwater and my questions are as follows:* Quality of components* Workmanship* Replacement Parts after Warranty (OEM / Generic)* Inherent problems or issuesCould anyone shed some light on these questions / concerns? Willing to listen to other brand suggestions. Any and all guidance would be greatly appreciated.
I have a 1998 Grandee. A cracked light lens was the cause of the only leak I ever had (simple drain and change) and that foam has saved me hundreds of dollars per year in energy savings (multiple hundreds IMO). Mine is not an exception for our brand and others.The idea that "ALL" will leak at some point is not true unless you mean if you filled it with water and waited until the end of mankind. There is plenty of reason to believe you can buy a well-made spa with foam and never dig into it for the 15 or more years you own it (the key being a well-made spa). If you want to go non-foam that’s fine but the whole "they'll all leak and need digging at some point" comes from salesmen.Get whichever spa you want but do it for the reason being that you like that brand and the way its built, not because you have bought into the negative light someone has shined on another brand. Arctic and Clearwater are probably about even overall, shop both and buy based on what you like along with how you feel each dealer will treat you after the sale.
This is a private link that gives detailed info on FiberCor.Please do not re-post it anywhere.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD0H8K8dfns&feature=youtu.be
Quote from: soak-king on April 28, 2012, 10:48:47 amThis is a private link that gives detailed info on FiberCor.Please do not re-post it anywhere.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD0H8K8dfns&feature=youtu.be Thats cool. Wonder what happens when it gets wet?
I always like how they show you how easy it is to remove in the factory. Instead of under a deck in the rain or snow with the wind blowing 30mph. When I went to Jacuzzi service training quite a few years ago it was the same way. Oh you just have to do this or that to change this or that. Takes just a few minuets and you will be on your way.
Quote from: Jacuzzi Jim on April 28, 2012, 05:18:47 pm I always like how they show you how easy it is to remove in the factory. Instead of under a deck in the rain or snow with the wind blowing 30mph. When I went to Jacuzzi service training quite a few years ago it was the same way. Oh you just have to do this or that to change this or that. Takes just a few minuets and you will be on your way. oh of course, for anyone who doesn't spend time in the field service is as easy as 1...2...3, here all you have to do is jump in here and un-thread that moto-massage and thread a new one in...easy peasy ...hmm ya now lift that tub on a 10ft. deck, with the tub pushed in the corner where you have to belly crawl on bar-top while the tub is filled and its raining outside and attempt to blindly change the jet...that's more realistic in my experience lol
All true. And the whole time trying to keep the back of your shirt and the top of your pants together.As to the new insulation absorbing water -I understand that it doesn't. They say that the water drops straight through, and that is supposed to make tracking down a leak easier. I have not had a leak repair with this insulation personally, so I'm only repeating what the factory has told me.