Hi All.
We're getting close to buying our first new hot tub. Budget is not great, but needs are modest. Would like hydrotherapy jets, seating comfortably for 2 (so most "2 man tubs" seem to be out) and reliability. Was leaning toward a Nordic Stella for balance of budget and features, but haven't ever seen one in person. That's based mostly on reputation and online research.
If we go local, there's only one option - Aspen. I've not heard it talked about in the forums, so I'm dubious.
I know that the recommended procedure is to visit lots of showrooms, narrow down, wet-test, then select. We will have to go 2.5 hours or more to get a selection of brands (Including Nordic), and 2.5 hours in the other direction to see some makers. The distance means that we can't lurk for deals like locals can. We're trying to do at least enough narrowing to save us some very long drives.
What else should we look at that would be similar to the Nordic Stella? I've heard that a lot of bigger names have secondary lines that are a bit more trimmed down, but don't know the names of those trimmed-down lines or secondary brands. Is there something secondary by bullfrog or Jacuzzi for instance that would be comparable? Is Aspen reputable enough to deserve more attention? Is there a time of year that I could expect to get a better deal and maybe luck out on a floor model or trade-in? We don't have to hurry.
We have 220 already, and a concrete pad, and also have a forklift and front-end-loader, so we're reasonably well equipped to get one here even if we can't get delivery, and shouldn't have to pay for site prep or electrician. Not sure we could even get delivery or service calls so far away from dealers.