Brand Specific Forums > Hot Spring Spas
Hot Springs Hotspot Relay vs. Limelight Flair
H2OTub:
I just purchased a 2014 Flair today for $7600. My local Hot Springs dealer had Labor Day deals of a free cover lifter by financing through the local credit union (no penalty for paying it off early ;)), and they paid the sales tax, which came to $550. Comes with 3 months of starter chemicals. Did not include steps, ozone, or salt water system.
I tested a 2013 Hot Spot Tempo earlier in the year...closeout price for that was $5900, and no lifter/steps. They also had a 2013 Relay for $5400, and some new 2013 Envoys (which I should have jumped on :'() for $8900, or a floor model for $7900. No cover lifter or steps included with any of these.
I'll be happy with my Flair though ;D
nzautra:
Thank you, TwinCitiesHotSpring, H2Otub, and Pholly for your helpful advice!
I went back in to the dealer today to wet-test the flair. Jets were amazing. My wife and I both loved it. While I found it a tad on the smaller side as a 6'1" bigger guy, I still think it's a great buy.
The dealer and I got down to talk prices. It turns out the old quote of $7,100 + tax was for the 2013 models. The new 2014 models, however, are at $8,299 + tax - far over our original hot tub budget of $5,000.
We chatted with the dealer, and got a reduced quote for the flair at $7,250 + tax (if we pay cash), which includes the Ace Salt System (some special promotion from Hot Springs that takes place between September 19th-26th), cover, and utility box (steps & cover lifter not included, but could be added at a 30% discount.)
Is this a reasonable deal? Do we have any more wiggle-room?
Also, I tried reading up on forums regarding the Ace Salt System. The reviews seems pretty mixed. Any input whether to go with the system? As per the promotion, the system will come free with purchase. It seems that maintaining the system over a long period of time (i.e. beyond the 5-year component warranty) could be costly.
hottubdan:
Price is still great. As long as you manage the ACE system properly it should give you great water, virtually free for 2- years.
The system works well if you understand it. Not set and forget...
H2OTub:
I've only started researching hot tubs since the beginning of this year, so take my following statements knowing that. :)
Like you, I've been doing my research on forums like this, and general web searches. I think the salt water system is a nice feature, but for what it costs initially (which for you would be nothing), and the replacement cost for the generating cell, it would be a feature I'd pass on if I had to pay for it. I plan to use my tub everyday, so tossing in some chemicals isn't going to be a problem for me. The only advantage I see for the Ace system is if you go on vacation, chlorine will still be added everyday keeping your water cleaner while your away.
You're going to be getting it free, so I say get it. When the cell fails, and if at that time you don't think the cost of replacement is worth it, just don't replace it.
Also I have a tiny bit of experience with Salt Water Generators. I put up an Intex pool this year, with the Intex SWG. My initial dose of chlorine was 3/4 gallon of Bleach, and from then on the generator has put in all the chlorine I've needed. The only other chemicals I had to add were stabilizer to keep the chlorine in the pool, Borax to raise PH, and calcium up. I haven't had any algae, and haven't done any weekly shocks to the pool all summer. I should add I'm the only user of the pool....no kids in it, so that may factor into how clear my water has been. The cell does need to be cleaned in vinegar every month with isn't a big deal. I have 120lbs of salt in the pool...some people say it makes the water feel "softer", but I can't say I notice any difference from a straight chlorine pool.
The one thing I may add to my tub is the ozone generator. I'm going to wait though, and see how the water maintenance goes for the first few months.
As for your price quote there might be a tiny bit of wiggle room. My dealer had the Flair for $7600 regular price, they paid the tax which was about $550, so my tub was $7050 before tax. If you read the forums on pricing, you'll know it varies a lot.
nzautra:
--- Quote from: H2OTub on September 07, 2014, 10:56:10 pm ---I've only started researching hot tubs since the beginning of this year, so take my following statements knowing that. :)
Like you, I've been doing my research on forums like this, and general web searches. I think the salt water system is a nice feature, but for what it costs initially (which for you would be nothing), and the replacement cost for the generating cell, it would be a feature I'd pass on if I had to pay for it. I plan to use my tub everyday, so tossing in some chemicals isn't going to be a problem for me. The only advantage I see for the Ace system is if you go on vacation, chlorine will still be added everyday keeping your water cleaner while your away.
You're going to be getting it free, so I say get it. When the cell fails, and if at that time you don't think the cost of replacement is worth it, just don't replace it.
Also I have a tiny bit of experience with Salt Water Generators. I put up an Intex pool this year, with the Intex SWG. My initial dose of chlorine was 3/4 gallon of Bleach, and from then on the generator has put in all the chlorine I've needed. The only other chemicals I had to add were stabilizer to keep the chlorine in the pool, Borax to raise PH, and calcium up. I haven't had any algae, and haven't done any weekly shocks to the pool all summer. I should add I'm the only user of the pool....no kids in it, so that may factor into how clear my water has been. The cell does need to be cleaned in vinegar every month with isn't a big deal. I have 120lbs of salt in the pool...some people say it makes the water feel "softer", but I can't say I notice any difference from a straight chlorine pool.
The one thing I may add to my tub is the ozone generator. I'm going to wait though, and see how the water maintenance goes for the first few months.
As for your price quote there might be a tiny bit of wiggle room. My dealer had the Flair for $7600 regular price, they paid the tax which was about $550, so my tub was $7050 before tax. If you read the forums on pricing, you'll know it varies a lot.
--- End quote ---
Great advice, H2OTub, thank you! :)
You mentioned in a previous post you had the opportunity to wet-test both the Hot Spot Relay and Tempo. What made you go for the Flair over those two tubs? How was the pressure of the Hot Spot jets, if you can remember? I know the feel of a tub can be very subjective from person-to-person, but any insight would still be much appreciated. My dealer currently doesn't have the Tempo or the Relay available for wet-test.
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