A newbie who needs help!

[Lori]

Hi all.  

I would like to start by saying that I've been viewing the posts here for a few days now, and have gotten GREAT information!!!  Thanks to all, even though you didn't know you were helping.

???Here is my problem.  I wet tested Jacuzzi 360, and I loved it until then.  I floated in almost ALL of the seats.  I have a wet test scheduled on an L.A. Spa HEET model for tomorrow.  I tried a search on it, and can't find any info.  Anyone have any thoughts?  Also looking at Sundance Altamar.  The dealer sold the one off the floor, so have to wait until they get another to wet test it.  They have an Optima available to test, but it is bigger than I want, and I would rather test the model I would buy.  Any thoughts on the floating issue with the Altamar?  I don't have many other options to choose from, so I wanted to hear your thoughts.

BTW thanks for encouraging people to wet test.  I would NEVER have dreamed of getting in a spa on the floor!!!  But it was worth it, or I would have bought the Jacuzzi, and I would have regretted it!!!

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, and time.

[ndabunka]

Lori - Glad to hear that this board has been helpfull. You were correct in deciding not to test the Optima.  Since it doesn't have a lounger, it would not have shed much light on your floating concerns. If your dealer has a Cameo on the floor, you could wet test that. Even though it's similar in size to the optima, the lounger is similar to the Altimar. There's room for another seat at your feet in the Cameo, but the size and shape of the seats are almost identical. Unfortunately, if you floated in one jacuzzi, you will probably float in all of them. One cure to floating is to use a "spa cushion" underneath you bum while testing. They are basically pillow-style seats filled with water. Such a cushion is usually available from the dealer when your wet testing. They will also usually solve the floating issue as they will slightly raise your center of gravity a little higher in the water line. Sometimes you can also lower the water level to reduce the "float". If your looking at the Altimar, you may also want to consider the Caldera Tihitian (sp?). They are almost the same spa but the Caldera is about $1,000 less expensive in most areas of the country.  Good luck with your ongoing adventure

[autoplay]

Find a dealer who has Hot-Springs and Calderas

I believe the Caldera Tahitian might work for ya,it's a smaller version of the Geneva I believe. Take your time and wet test many makes and models,and I'm sure you'll find the perfect tub for YOU

[tony]

Lori

If you are interested in the Altamar, test it.  The Altamar lounger is built for women and is different than the Cameo.  It is worth checking out.

[WoodMontllc]

I recommend that you try the Marquis Reward. The seating is exceptionally well-designed, and the Marquis line is very well-made.

[al]

lori
if you floated in jacuzzi, you will probably float in anythig.  i am 6'6", 350 and i floated in everything i wet tested.  did not particularly want a lounger, but got a jacuzzi 370 and love it.  i dont use lounger.  one thing about the jets that one does not understand in initial wet testing is how the flow at any seat can be adjusted by diverter valves and the air or bubble input.  i can be kicked out of a normal seat if i have all on max, and accordingly do not usually have on high for that seat.
have been in it at least once daily and no problems since delivery.
al

[Lori]

Thanks!!!  Great advice, once again.

I'm going back to the Hot Springs, Tiger River dealer, if they will be open this weekend.  They are about 20-30 minutes away, and sometimes it isn't easy to get over there after work and such.  (especially holidays)  I'll look and see if we have Marquis and Caldera in the area.  I live in Oklahoma and have found myself limited to brands and models of tubs.  Oh well, I guess that is life.  In fact, I looked up Dimension 1 after reading so much about it, and the closest dealer is over an hour away.  I might make the trip, but I would like to go with someone closer if I could!!!

Thanks for all the posts, and I know I'll be back to ask more questions!!!

[Lori]

BTW just checked for Caldera dealer closest to me, and they are in Kansas!!!    Guess that one isn't an option!  I did find that the Sundance dealer also carries Marquis, so will ask about them when I go back.  I have to say though, the wet testing has been really fun!!!  Know that when I find the "one" am going to practically live in it!!!

[ezcartman]

Here are some other models you may wish to try

Hot Spring:    Highlife & Vanguard- Good non-floating spa
Tiger River:    Bengal  & Caspian
Sundance:     Cameo & Optima
Caldera:         Tahitian & Hawaiian
Dimension One:  Diplomat & Nautilus

Most important.  Whatever spa you select ensure they are a reputable dealer.  This will determine your ultimate happiness.

Good Luck
EZ

[Lori]

Thanks EZ for the suggestions.  They are now on my legal pad (which is getting quite full) and I'm looking into them.

I should be we testing the Sundance tomorrow.  The Hot Springs wet test is scheduled for next Tuesday.  

I'll let you know how it went!!!

Have a happy Fourth!!!

Lori

[Julie Bier]

Hi Lori,  Don't know if you're still looking, but I floated in the Marquis & didn't in the Beachcomber, so that's what we went with.  It was very comfortable!

Good Luck!    Julie

[Lori]

Thanks for the input Julie!  I'm down to making my final choice, and it is tough.  I wet tested the Altamar and didn't float.  Now I just have to decide between the Altamar or the Hot Spring Vanguard.  I have listed both out with all relative info.  I just can't seem to decide!!!

I'll let you know when I do.

Thanks for all the input.  Beachcomber wasn't anywhere close to me.  I would have checked them out otherwise!!!  

[DougC]

Lori,

Good luck on the decision.  We narrowed the search down to both Sundance and Hot Springs.  It seems that they make excellent spas and in doing so make it difficult.  

I am not going to mention which one we bought but make sure to try and get a set of steps thrown in and a hydrolic lifter.  Both of those will be well appreciated(the lifetr will help the length of your cover a lot I was told and would figure).  We got those and a couple of other items included along with no sales tax.

If you want to discuss what model we went with just send me an message through this excellent forum.

You will do great with either spa.

Doug

[autoplay]

Like Doug said,get all that stuff included(it's kinda like buying a car,but without the windshield wipers). All the stuff should be included in the spa,and if that means putting that in the price,so be it. (IMO.....all of the stuff should be packaged priced).  As I've seen you doing your homework Lori,I'm sure you know what your doing

See if you can get your dealer to throw in an extra filter(kinda like icing on the cake and a deal closer).

Be absolutely happy with your decision,and then go for it!   Don't second guess yourself after you have made a committment.  I love my spa,and would do it over and over again

And Doug.......get some sleep

[Lori]

Thanks Doug and Autoplay,

Both have steps, cover, lifter, ozone, led light, start-up chems, delivery, set-up and orientation.  I will ask about the back up filter!  That could be the deal sweetener.  The Hot Spring guy listed "goodies" on his quote, so I figure it is a rubber duck with Hot Spring on it.  But I'm not sure!

And you are right, this is so much like buying a car.  Actually it is harder than buying a car, since I get a discount for my mom working at GM!!

I'll be sure and let you know as soon as I make the decision.  Then be prepared for the chemistry questions, although I've been taking notes already!!!

Thanks for all the information and suggestions and especially the encouragement!!!  I would have floundered without this excellent forum!!!

Lori