coupla newb setup questions -- hs

[lebowski]

Hi, guys.
After my last post full of questions, y'all really helped. Much appreciated.
Contractors/landscapers are working on our house now and a couple of more (probably foolish) questions have come up.  
--First, we're having a 15X14 slab poured with a half-inch drop so water will drain off. Will that amount of drop be okay or will it negatively affect the hot tub?
--Second, how high does the top hot tub step need to be? My wife says about two feet and that sounds about right. Figured I'd check with the experts, though.
--Third, other than water-holding capacity, is there honestly a big diff between the HS Grandee and the Vanguard? Those are our "finalists."
When testing, the seating and arrangement of the two seemed very similar. Am just curious if anyone with a Vanguard is now cussing themselves for not shelling out the extra grand.
Thx in advance.

[hottub.pool_boy]

A 1/2" is ok.
Generally, if the step allows you to park your butt on the top, swing your legs and your in.... then it's about right. 17+ inches would be good.
The two spas are laid out similar. You wouldn't be sorry getting the bigger, but you may regret getting the smaller.
Operating costs will be similar and they practically take up the same amount of room.

[Gomboman]

Yes, both are fine spas. If you aren't space constrained and can afford it, I would go with the bigger spa. Never heard of anyone regretting the larger spa. Think of it as a small swimming pool. You won't miss the 1K once it's installed. Just my opinion though.

[DoubleA]

If you have wet tested go with the one most comfortable to you.  I never wet tested the Vanguard or Grandee, but I like how the Vanguard has a single moto and a double moto.  A little diversity in chairs doesn't hurt.  but maybe the two double moto chairs in the grandee fell different?  In the end it's up to the wet test and what fits you best.

[Chas]

Here they are, side by side. Or on top of each other:

[East_TX_Spa]

The Grandee's a helluva tub, but so is the Vanguard.  Get the one you want because you'll never have to buy another one.

Decisions, decisions, decisions......

Terminator

[Chas]

I have a Grandee. I have had about four or five of them.

[Wisoki]

All true verifiable and accurate information.    

Post modified, cuz it was not done in good spirit, it was more...well, you know.

[Wisoki]

Touche (sp?) I was going to remove the other post after a couple of hours, but I forgot. I'll modify it now.

I try to swap out our spa every year. I don't always get to - and sometimes I will put in a used tub for a month long water-test.

I have also had Jacuzzi tubs on trade-in, we usually just take those out to the landfill.

 

[Jack_L]

We've had our Vanguard for about 2.5 months now.  For our needs it works great, no need for more room.  The most people we've had in it has been 4 adults and except in very rare instances I don't see us ever having the need for more then that.  

[hawkman]

Depending on which way the slope is going and which way the cover is positioned, water could accumlate on the top on one side.

For example is the slope is running <----> and the middle of the cover seem is running |  water may accumulate on the left side because it cant drain.

The cover has a natual slope on both sides of the seem <---|--->.  If the spa was turned so the seem was parallel with the slope, it would be fine.

I'm speaking from experience and like my cover to face the nighbors when it is open for privacy so I live with the little water that does accumulate on the top left.  

[lebowski]

thx, fellas.
ordered the grandee yesterday.

[mattNY]

Congratulations!

[Iceman]

We love our Grandee. Congrats  

[Tubaholic]

We have had our Grandee for almost 2 years now and couldnt be happier..   Bigger is always better in my opinion anyway....