Hot Tub Review
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Caldera
Manufacturer: Watkins
Avg. Price: $6642
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TheSunshyn
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I wrote the 2012 review about the Tahitian back when I was thinking that over 10 years was old for a spa and I should find a new one. That same tub is still running fine, but 5 more years later, I finally just put a down payment on a Caldera Kauai. I tried to find a smaller tub, but came to the conclusion that the Kauai is the best possible model for us even though it has a larger footprint that I thought it would given that it has half the seats of our current tub. Smaller spas often lacked the comfortable seating and lounge or else they required a jet pump just to heat it because they lacked the circulation pump. I considered Bullfrog, but the feel of the Caldera and our dealer's dependability definitely tipped the scales.
My Tahitian is my main pain killer for constant muscle spasms. I've been using it 1-2 times a day for over 15 years now, and its still working great.
Date Purchased: ?/1999
Price Paid: $6000
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Comfortable seating
All around jet choices for hydrotherapy
Extremely well made and dependable
Cons:
Still too big for an indoor hot tub |
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Rodguru
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I bought my spa from a local dealer in Sept of 03 as a "demo model".. Paid about 9000 for it. Problems:
The lighting unit blew out (about year 2). Under warranty. Slave control blew out about year 3 (also under warranty). That's about it.. The dealer I bought the tub from have total idiots working for them, and in year 6 I ended up firing them after they attempted to fix the lighting unit "4" times, and when I opened the cover I found that they didn't even plug the unit into the controller. I am just about to replace the heater (myself), and anticipate several hundred in repair costs, but overall, I couldn't ask for a better product (aside from the the dealer), the Manufacturer has been very very helpful since Day 1, and I'd highly recommend buying one of their top of the line spas. Nearly 8 years later, we use it nearly every other day. WOW. wish my cars held up this well! 7 years later and the cover still looks nearly brand new. Call Doris, (apparently the Wife of the owner), She'll take care of you like you were one of her family!
Date Purchased: 9/2001
Price Paid: $9000
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Maintenance is nearly -0-.. Put in about 3 table spoons of granular chlorine in about every other day, replace the filters (2) annually, and change the water about every 4 months. Very easy!
Cons:
Make sure you buy their products from good long term reputable dealers, that care about their customers, and you'll be satisfied.. Nothing wrong with their products which you can't fix yourself with a little basic knowledge of how to use a screwdriver. |
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wmccall
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This is our 3rd spa, the first 2 being junk compared to this one! Not only does it look like the Rolls Royce of the spa scene, but it performs way beyond my expectations. Easy programmed buttons operate the sound system which is incredibly rich. Temps go to 106. Heats up super fast (ok my last one was a 110 and this ones a 220, so I am sure that helps) super quiet operating, even on the biggest baddest settings, theres no blower, so it doesn't offend the ears. All this and fun lights too! A dream some true for this gal! I got a steal too, I bought the floor model and saved a bunch. 7k including steps, delivery, and hauling of my old crappy one! The warranty is awesome too. Best thing I've done for myself in ages. Spa on folks!
Date Purchased: 07/20/07
Price Paid: $7000
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
large
pretty
powerful jets
nifty lighting
awesome stereo
charming waterfall
great warranty
Cons:
This review got attributed to me during the forum rebuild, I don't want to delete it. |
This message was modified Jan 28, 2010 by
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divegodive1
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I agree with tabasco. My Caldera is only 24 months old, has been broken 3 times and down for 6 months of total non use. I obviously have a lemon as the high limit keeps triggering and then the main board dies. The worst thing is the customer service both by Rec Warehouse in Leesburg and Tampa. Tampa site has now dropped the ball by not ordering parts again. They keep asking me to descibe the sysmptoms, which I do, and did even to the main guy in Tampa and put in an email which he accepted. Now I find out no part ordered again and they think I am being rude and pushy. DONT BUY A CALDERA as their is no reliable service and my store admitted they know the Hot Springs brand by Watkins better than the Caldera line.
Date Purchased: 9-07
Price Paid: $6800
Recommend: No |
Pros:
Best lounger jets when it works
Cons:
Reliability and lack of qualified service folks.
I emailed Caldera and they never responded. |
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tabasco813
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Very dissapointed with our Caldera tub. We loved it at first and it has some great features but the reliability is horrible. We had it repaired too many times to count while under warranty. It seemed that every time we would go out to get in it it would have another problem. The company did stand behind it while under warranty and replaced several parts, but now that the warranty is expired it's a money pit. The latest problem is leaks from joints in the plumbing. We have aways followed the recommended maintenance procedures, etc. If there were a lemon law on hot tubs we would have excercised it.
Date Purchased: 6/2002
Price Paid: $5050
Recommend: No |
Pros:
Design, appearance, and features.
Cons:
Reliability. Reliability. Reliability. |
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