First time buyer needs advice

[Telila]

We live near Wichita, KS and want to buy a hot tub soon. We have been looking around but are not quite sure what our criteria should be for a great tub. We think we want a lounger but one dealer told us that repeat customers seldom buy a lounger the second time around. We are flexible on lights and sound but not quite sure about jets. What should we want in jet quality? We do want a larger tub, 5 or 6 person. I would like one with as little of maintenance as possible (we are lazy) but don't mind tossing a scoop of whatever into the tub after each use.

The brands we have found so far are Caldera and Hot Springs. I will not buy over the net, I want someone local if it needs servicing. Any other dealers in the area?

What about the location of the hot tub? We picked the site, its very close to the electrical box but the surface the tub will site on is still in debate. We want to build a deck around it next summer so we are looking at a concrete pad, one of the pads the dealer sells or using pavers. I am leaning towards pavers or the pad since we could in theory move it if needed but are they a good option?

I want a lift cover that one person can operate, what options are available?

One final question, do hot tubs have a sale season? Obviously getting a good deal would be nice and it seems like since they issue new models each year there would be a time of year that has more sales.

Thanks for the advice in advance!

[East_TX_Spa]

Welcome to the forum!

I would say that you're off to a good start with the spa brands you listed.  They are both very well respected and reliable brands.

Regarding the base for your spa, that will depend on what size spa you end up getting and the design of the spa.  From a HotSpring perspective, pavers will work fine unless you are planning on getting one of the bigger spas (Vanguard or larger), then you would probably do better to pour a 4" thick concrete slab.

Bigger and fewer jets are preferable to smaller, more numerous jets according to my customers.  The only way to know for sure is to try the spas yourself.  If someone won't allow you to wet test, take your business elsewhere.

I like a loung, but I sink.  My wife says it's because I'm dense.  Again, that is a personal preference.

Cover lifters are great and there are many varieties.  The CoverCradle offered by HotSpring is the easiest to operate that I've encountered.

I'm sure other folks will chime in with more suggestions.

Termy

[drewstar]

HI Telial,

Caldera and Hotsprings are very good names  And an excellent place to start looking.  By all means though look and wet test several competeting brands just so you what's out there.  

Lights and sound (and waterfalls) can be nice accessories, but they can very expsensive too.  Don't get distracted by the bells and whilstes.

Jet Quality: I assume you mean the number and style of the jets, as opposed to the material and installation?  AS far as jets go, look for a variety of jets and seatings. Don't buy a tub based soly on jet count, (the more the better is not true.). Well thought out, well placed jets that give you a good massage is what you want.  Wet testing is the best way to get a feel for what you prefer.  I prefer large spinning jets on my lower back, and smaller jets on my feet. But that's me.   It's all a personal prefereance and the only way to tell is to wet test.


If you think you are going to a lot of entertaining in the tub,  and you're not a big fan of the lounger, then don't get one.  They take up a lot of space.  However, if you think it will be mostly one or two folks unsing the tub at ay one time, and the primary reason for the tub is therapy, you may consider having a lounger.  It's nice to have options and a vaierty of seating options.

As far as placement of the tub, since you can get a bit of snow in Kansas, I'd recomend placing the tub close to the house.  Mine is just a few feet from the back door, so I can jump in and out on a cold winter night. You don't want to be trudging across the yard, naked, soaking wet in the middle of the night in Feburay. Also consider privacy when selecting the site for your tub.

Cement pads are considered to be the best options for a base.  If you are going to build a deck around the tub, this is a pretty permanant install  and I woud go cement. Youd don't want to have to lift the tub out of there if you have a problem with the base. You wont be able to drain it and slide it off to repair the base if something goes wrong.   Pavers  (which I have) can work well and I have heard good things about the pad, but as Isaid, if you are building a deck around your hot tub, I'd do a cement pad.

Sales season? Well  I haven't heard of a sale season, but I have heard of folks getting deals on left over tubs from the previous year, in the winter and spring.  But these can be catch as catch can.

Also, compare warrenties, research the dealer,  wet test, ask questions, seek out negative information, never buy on impulse, wet test.  Buy quality, name brand from a reputable dealer.  Take your time and have fun.

[104 degrees]

You picked the two best to start with wet test and you will know whats best for you.

John 104 degrees

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 Dont pass up Jacuzzi,they have a lot to offer with fantastic feeling jets,check out the J-345 a good fit all around and a decent price as well.

  As stated wet test when you narrow it down to 2 or 3 then go from there,make sure the dealer will take care of you ask for references if in doubt.

 As far as a lounger I can go with out it but its up to you,they tend to take up space and most 2nd buyers dont want them from what I see.

  Good luck!!

[Telila]

I keep seeing references to stainless steel jets. Is this just an appearance thing or something i should get?

Haven't wet tested yet, hoping to this weekend.

[drewstar]

Yup Stainless steel is just flash.  (and some of the cheaper ones can loose thier shine). Once there is water in the tub and the pumps are on, you can't even see them.  They're the hubcaps of the spa industry!


I have them on my Geneva, and they are sharp, (when I open the cover so show folks, they all say "ohhhhh:"  but if you are on a budget, I wouldn't spend extra for them.  

[Vinny]

My advice would be to find what is being sold near you and visit them all. You might find that one tub or dealer is better for you than another. There are many good brands out there.

All things like stainless jets, waterfalls, stereos can add to the cost and some of it is not a big thing.

My dealer sold the tub with stainless jets and it does look nice with the color shell I have but it is just for show. I don't have a waterfall and I don't miss it and as far as stereo, never been in a tub with one but my tub is loud when you put the jets on and add air.

But ultimately you will be living with it for a while and adding $500 or so now is not much when you break it down over the years.

[Spatech_tuo]

Dont pass up Jacuzzi,they have a lot to offer with fantastic feeling jets,check out the J-345 a good fit all around and a decent price as well.

 

...and if you're going to add Jacuzzi you might as well add Marquis, D1, Arctic, Sundance, etc. In other words there are a lot of good spas out there (BUT a lot of crappy ones too). The ones you are looking at are fine but take your time. Follow the advice you're getting here and let us know how things go as you go through the process. Some people make the mistake of coming here after the fact and say "I bought an 'Edsel' spa for $9k, was that a good idea?"!!!

[D.P. Roberts]

Yup Stainless steel is just flash... They're the hubcaps of the spa industry!
 

That is SO true!!   How long until someone puts spinning gold Caddy rims on their jets? I'd buy that.

[D.P. Roberts]

What should we want in jet quality?

The brands we have found so far are Caldera and Hot Springs. I will not buy over the net, I want someone local if it needs servicing. Any other dealers in the area?

1) As for jets, look for a tub that has a variety of different jets for different reasons. Then, WET TEST to make sure they work. Avoid manufacturers that put in nothing but dozens of "bullet jets" (often known as Euro jets) just to increase their jet count.

2) Caldera and Hot Spring are great brands. Sundance, Jacuzzi, and Artesian (among other brands) also have dealers in Wichita. Most manufacturers have dealer locators on their web sites.

[spaz]

I was sold on Caldera until I wet tested which I would have never thought of until I was on this site.  I'm so glad I did--I personally didn't like the feel as I am very petite.  The Jacuzzi fits me perfectly!

WET TEST!!!!!

I like the bells and whistles--to me the look of the spa was as important as the feel--so lights--stainless steel.  Although I didn't get the stereo or some models have TV's--now that's too much!  

[Telila]

You guys are great! I have really been stressing over buying the wrong tub and just delaying the purchase because i didn't know the answers to my questions. Thank you.

I thought of another question, I know this is probably more of a preference issue but would still like advice or your input. Some of the tubs we have looked at have more of a textured finish, while others are very smooth/slick. I was thinking the textured finish might keep me from sliding if I had a drink while in the tub and initially was leaning towards that finish, then the lazy part of me wondered if that textured finish would trap dirt and be hard to clean?

Darn thought I was done with the questions but I have another one. I noticed that some advertise two pumps and some only one, one dealer that builds the tubs locally onsite says well thats just more to break. Well thats true but I would think that two pumps would offer more options on water flow and pressure and would be better.

I doubt we get the stereo built in, we want to put a deck around the tub so I think it might be hard to easily access the stereo, plus if the cover is on the hot tub then I would still need another stereo while outside. Lights on the other hand look pretty neat, I think I would enjoy those so I will most likely get them  

Told hubby today I want to go wet testing this weekend, he looked at me as if I had discovered a new game   I explained that I meant wet testing hot tubs! He didn't seem quite as enthusiastic.

[KY Girl in OH]

Welcome Telila from a fellow newbie !  Lots of great information to be found here. Along with everyone else I would really encourage the wet test. I posted about my experiences here: http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1184781185

I can't add much from a technical perspective, but would just encourage you to keep and open mind and enjoy the wet testing experience. The experienced members here have lots of good advice and perspective. Very helpful once you've take the plunge into spatopia also. Can't wait to hear the results of your wet test. Melissa

[Pathfinder]

Textured(Granite)Finishes  are basically bullet proof  tough to scratch dent hide dirt really well. Marble or Pearlized finishes look awesome but need more attention scratches show easily. Then there is the new GEloy finishes as well, look nice easy to maintain if scratches appear easy to fix. If you have kids or entertain lots I would recommend the granite finish & dont worry about microban its just a gimmick.