Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?

[ericlemson]

Hi, New to this forum.  Im sure you get boring posts like this often, so I'm sorry!  I'm looking at the following and would like some feedback on the price and which to go with:

New Tiger River Spa - Caspian 6 seater = 6850 plus tax (includes cover, delivery, setup, etc.)

Used (only 6 months old and in perfect condition) Caldera - C30 6 seater = 5500 plus tax (includes cover, delivery, setup, etc. as well)

I have not seen a whole lot of reviews on the Caldera spas and it is used.  However, it's over a grand cheaper and it looks to be a larger spa over a 100 gallons more water.

Any thoughts? 

[Spatech_tuo]

Hi, New to this forum.  Im sure you get boring posts like this often, so I'm sorry!  I'm looking at the following and would like some feedback on the price and which to go with:

New Tiger River Spa - Caspian 6 seater = 6850 plus tax (includes cover, delivery, setup, etc.)

Used (only 6 months old and in perfect condition) Caldera - C30 6 seater = 5500 plus tax (includes cover, delivery, setup, etc. as well)

I have not seen a whole lot of reviews on the Caldera spas and it is used.  However, it's over a grand cheaper and it looks to be a larger spa over a 100 gallons more water.

Any thoughts?  

Both are good brands and generally they are pretty comparable but if the Caldera is truly used then it won't come with the warranty (spa warranties do not transfer from one owner to another) and I would go with the new Caspian and the manufacturer's warranty.

If this is a case where "used" actually means the Caldera is a floor model (floor models retain their warranty in full) then that's different and I'd lean to the less expensive Caldera in that case.

[ericlemson]

It is used.  It was sold to a customer earlier in the year and he used it twice and divorce is causing him to get rid of it. The local Hot Springs dealer is buying it back and I was told that yes, it would still have the 5\7 year warrenty.  They also said that they do all their warrenty work in house.  He said it would be in writing on the contract.  He's letting it go for 5k and said if I wanted the new (but likley more used) floor model, it would be 5800.  I wet tested it and loved the size.  Going to look at the returned one on Monday.  I was told it was in perfect condition.

Anything I should ask about proof of warrenty?  If it's on the invoice and it's from a Hot Springs Dealer, I should feel good right?

Thanks.

[wmccall]

Welcome to the forum. Most of us never find those questions boring.  You stated the warranty was being provided by the dealer, which to me it means its probably good as long as the dealer is around. Do get it in writing in case the ownership changes hands.   I bought from a dealer who had been in town for more than 17 years, but went under after 2 years. Fortunately the factory provided warranty service for the remainder.

[ericlemson]

I also found that the C30 is a little more comfotable for me as I am a rather large frame 6'4" 260.  I also called watkins and they said that the HS dealer I was talking with was very good and not going anywhere. Also if the previous owner did not register the hot tub then I can no problem.

[ericlemson]

Called Watkins with the seriel number and it has not been registered, so I can do that.  Looks like I'll be buying a C30 on Monday!

[Spatech_tuo]

Called Watkins with the seriel number and it has not been registered, so I can do that.  Looks like I'll be buying a C30 on Monday!

It sounds like you're doing your homework. With you being 6'4" I think the larger spa is the way to go so if the warranty is full and it states as such on the invoice it sounds like you're getting a pretty good deal.

[ericlemson]

Thanks, well I've learned a good bit of what to look for just reading through this site for a few days.  I'll let you all know if anything else comes up.

[ericlemson]

Going to look at the Hot tub today to make sure it's what they say it is.  I'm getting my deck extended for the hot tub. The footers were put in last week and today they are putting in the posts and tomorrow building the deck.   Hopefully I'll have the hotub in by Wednesday or Thursday. I will post some photos later today/night of the project.

[H823Putt]

Everyone here loves to see photos.
 Good luck with the tub.

[ericlemson]

Didn't get to see the tub today as they hadn't got it in, hopefully tomorrow.

Oh and how do I post a photo that's on my computer.

[ericlemson]

Well, there was a holdup on the used spa, so they decided to give me the Caldera C30 which was their floor model for $5k plus tax.  The only difference was it didn't have the cover lift which was $299, so he split that with me.  It's getting installed Thursday at 2 pm!  Maybe it will be ready to use that night??  We are excited!

[Spatech_tuo]

Well, there was a holdup on the used spa, so they decided to give me the Caldera C30 which was their floor model for $5k plus tax.  The only difference was it didn't have the cover lift which was $299, so he split that with me.  It's getting installed Thursday at 2 pm!  Maybe it will be ready to use that night??  We are excited!

Congrats, let us know how it goes. To answer your previous question, to post photos you have to use a link to an image hosting site like photobucket.com

[wmccall]

Good luck, I don't remember where your located, but right now here in Ohio the water temp would probably be around 40 degrees and my tub heats at around 4 degrees an hour.

[ericlemson]

I'm in Easley, SC, so maybe it won't take as long.  At least I should be using it Friday night.