Wet test...necessary evil?

[mgc91941]

My wife and want to go out and wet test some different spas.  We plan on visiting at least three different dealers.  Aside from not really wanting to sit in a tub that has been slow-cooking dozens of other prospective buyers, we are both a little shy about exposing our less than attractive middle-aged bodies in swim suits out in the public.  Do the dealerships have changing areas and areas to towel off after the dip?  I'd hate to think we'd have to show up in a bathing suit and slosh around in our car from dealer to dealer.  We've never been to a spa dealer.  Is there any privacy during wet testing or will there be salespeople showing other buyers the tub we are soaking in?  

[Mendocino101]

HI...

It depends on the dealer some have private changing areas with showers...others a tub filled in the middle of the show room....many dealers do understand how you feel and may try to accommodate you by staying for you after they normally close, so that you can have a semi private dip....don't be to shy....as they are there just to help....

[bulmer4nc]

For our wet testing, one dealer met us after hours on his day off.  The Hot Spring and Marquis dealer both had tubs set up in private rooms, complete with change rooms, towels, etc.  The Sundance tub was on the showroom floor, but the rep was agreeable to us going in whenever would be most appropriate for us.  

Every dealer (even those we didn't test at) we talked to was offering after hours or as close to closing as possible if we wanted - to be sure we were comfortable and focusing on the tubs - not the surroundings or onlookers...

Definitely decide what you are comfortable with, and ask for it.  I can't imagine a dealer not understanding and obliging.  I think you'll enjoy the wet testing once you get going - it's really kind of fun, and truly the best way to figure out which tubs will make your short list!

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

Jodi

[Chas]

There is no better way to find out how a spa feels than a wet test. As has already been said, most dealers will help with after-hours or other things to ease your embarrassment.

As to the safety of the tub - don't worry, dealers are usually pretty careful about keeping them clean, and you will be fine. I change the water after just about every dip - can't do it every single time, but just about.

[Shut_Down_Stranger]

I highly recommend the wet test. Sorta like buying a car, the ergonomics do make reflect the engineering.

Things that make a difference.

Height of Seats (to accomodate tall and/or short) people. Important if you want the neck massage.

Power of seats and location of controls/diverter valves. For example I thought the Hot Springs MotoMotion would not be that effective, but it worked as well as the Sundance or Marquis spinners.  

Foot massage

Contour of seats (do you like buckets or benches).

Spacial feeling of tub. e.g. a deeply contoured tub with bucket seats will feel smaller than a more open bench seating arrangment.

Depth, believe it or not there is a differnce in a 38 inch tub versus 35 inch and the foot island if that is under consideration.

and most important.... quantity and proximity of beer holders...

[markb]

When we wet tested we did it during the week and found hardly anyone else in the showrooms. Did a couple on a Saturday with the kids to see how they "fit" in the seats. Plenty of traffic then.

Wet testing is the only way to go. Spas we thought we liked from brochures and shows were tossed out after wet testing.

Good luck and have fun. Turn every knob, try different speeds and every seat twice.

[Gerrym]

I reckon that if you would buy a new car without at least sitting in it, then you will be fine not wet testing.

I can only say that I believe wet testing is the number one factor to help you choose the right spa. If you do not wet test then are a taking a huge gamble, but some may be comfortable with that!!
Not me for sure


G

[Lori]

I would like to add that if I had not wet tested, I would have bought the wrong spa.  It was a great brand, nice looking, had everything I thought I wanted.  Once I got into it wet (the dealer set one up in his back room where I wouldn't be disturbed) I floated out of EVERY seat, especially the lounge.

After the experience, I went to the Hot Spring dealer and wet tested, after hours, and loved it.  I then went to the other dealers and wet tested, one after hours and one during the middle of the day, with very little traffic.  Of course, I am not shy, have never been shy a day in my life, and if they didn't want to look at me, they didn't have to.  Anyway, most dealer will accomodate private testing.

The point is, I would have bought a tub that I would have had to fight to stay in every seat.  Not very relaxing!  I ended up with the perfect tub for me!!!

That is the beauty of wet testing!  Plus, you get some free soaks!!!  

Good luck!

[saz]

wet testing is GREAT fun!!!!!!  I agree with all above, we made so many decision based purely on what we had read about, and manufacturers glossy brochures, but it all goes out the window when you start to wet test.  The dealer that I went to had either a private room where you could wet-test, or were more than happy to accomodate us after hours. Plus, they normally have a bottle of wine on ice for you to fully enjoy the whole experience!!  
saz

[CalicoskiesNC]

I agree with Lori that if my family had not wet tested, we would have bought the wrong tub.  I have very tall guys here, 4 of them.  All over 6ft except for my 12yr old and me.  When we wet tested, we ruled out the 3 tubs that had been tops on our list.  Mostly due to size, but also due to seats that didnt feel right (Bahia's filter cramps 2 seats if you have wide shoulders) or cramped footwells or loungers that no one could get comfy in.  So we had to move up in tub size.