Hot Tub Review
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Caldera
Manufacturer: Watkins Manufacturing
Avg. Price: $0
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wmccall
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We bought our Geneva new in Nov. 2006 and haven't had a bit of trouble/problems with it so far (knock on wood) and are totally satisfied with the tub. It maintains the temp. setting very well and loses one degree at most. Not bad considering the below zero temps. we've experienced lately.
The Silver Monarch system is definitely a feature you want.
Date Purchased: 11/2006
Price Paid: $8800
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
great overall jet power, neck & foot jets, auxilliary control panel is handy. Lighting system is nice. Filter system is easy to change and maintain.
Cons:
None so far except some built-in drink holders would be a nice feature. |
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wmccall
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All in all a great tub. Lots of good info on this website and bought a wet floor model at a substantial discount. Bought a Covermate III for $100 more. Also installed a Safe T Rail and use the Monarch Silver system. So far so good with the chemicals (dichlor and MPS). Only had tub one week but have used it every day and its been great. No buyers remorse yet!
The different seats are nice. Euphoria jet is great as are foot jets in lounger. Wasn't sure how we would like the lounger but its working fine. If we had to we could fit 7 or 8 in tub but 6 is no problem. Jet power is terrific and you can add air to the jet pumps as well for even more power. No itching and I may switch out some of the standard Euro Jets for the spinning Euro jets.
One thing we noticed and not sure this is common to all tubs...the temperature of the tub will go down a full degree or more on a really cold night when we are using the tub. The heater still works with pumps on but tub does cool off. Doesn't impact my rating though.
All in all an excellent tub and one I would recommend..especially at this price!
Date Purchased: 09/2006
Price Paid: $7499
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Really good power, beautiful lighting system, air diverters and air blower, foot jets, captains chair, lounger, ozone, 24 hour circ
Cons:
enter through lounger, tub has trouble holding temp when used in cold outdoor temps |
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wmccall
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I had been researching spas for over two years and wet tested Caldera, Sundance and Hot Springs.
Ultimately I choose the Geneva Utopia because I thought the jets were the most powerful and both my wife and I really like the foot ridge in the bottom of the spa. My wife is shorter (5'3") and she floated out of a lot of spa we wet tested, but in the Caldera she was able to sit back and relax, that was a big factor.
It's also been fairly easy to take care of. After our first month we've gotten it down and now spend very little time taking care of the water. Overall, we're very happy.
Date Purchased: 1/06
Price Paid: $9200
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
great jet therapy for whole body
SpaGlo lighting
Lots of control over massage with air controls and diverters
Neck Jets
Cons:
expensive tub |
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wmccall
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This is my very 1st hot tub and so far it has been a great experience. The water care has been easier than I expected. The only dowside is there is no stereo. We were stuck between the Elation and Geneva and ultimately chose therapy over music. I thought I would just play my boom box...doesn't work so good.
The only problem with our tub is the kids getting mad at us because it only seems to open at their bedtime!
Date Purchased: 8-04
Price Paid: $8500
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
awesome lighting, and waterfall
room for company, foot ridge keeps you from blowing away, always waiting for me
Cons:
lack of beverage holders
stereo is not a geneva option |
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wmccall
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I owned this spa for almost 1 year and sold it with our previous house. The only thing that prevented us from just getting another one for our new house was a delivery mix up.
The Geneva is a very comfortable spa for both my wife (5-feet) and for me (6-feet). The bump on the bottom aids footing and helps the user to stay firmly seated. The lounger has multiple grooves for the user's heels to help stay planted. Each foot gets 4 jets when in the lounger. The neck jets on the lounger are strong and not easy to adjust. Skin itch if you stay in the lounger too long.
The whirlpool jet is really strong and excellent for hamstrings and an old athlete's injuries. All of the seats are good and by moving from station to station the whole body recieves well balance thearpy. The pumps are STRONG on this spa. Regulating the prssure requires the use of the diverter valves and they get noisy probably because of the powerful pumps.
The Geneva gets full marks for the little details. Lights are standard on both inside and out. Controls are lighted for night time us and very intuititive. The water is always sparkling clean, no different than our new Envoy with 5 versus "only" 1 filter in the Geneva. The Geneva was easy to maintain and cost me about $10 per month for electricity. It got daily use. We had no trouble at all with the Geneva, it was very reliable and well built. A solid investment that is highly recommended.
Date Purchased: March 2004
Price Paid: $8500
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Strong jet therapy
Raised bump on the bottom to stay put
Well designed lounger
Whirlpool jet
Very comfortable
Cons:
Diverter valves can be noisy
Pumps strong enough to cause itching
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