Brand Specific Forums > Hot Spring Spas
2014 Hot Springs Vanguard Advice
f6487:
DaveMC,
Thanks for breaking down why you switched from the HS Vanguard to the Sundance Optima. Appreciate the information. Very helpful in my decision making process. The Vanguard was never one of HS tubs I was considering because it's in the Highlife collection and it's a little out of my price range. It also looks like the Optima is probably out of my price range at $10k.
I'm currently looking at the Flair spa which is part of HS Limelight collection. But I see that Sundance has quite a few different collections also. I'm going to look at all the Sundance models and see which one fits my needs and works with my budget of $7500 - $8000. Then I'll do my side by side comparisons of the two models and cost comparisons to see which one I'm leaning towards. It will probably come down to which salesman is willing to make the best deal. Even if that means sacrificing a few bells & whistles. Thanks..
Hottubguy:
--- Quote from: DaveMc on September 30, 2014, 12:25:08 pm ---f6487
We questioned the Sundance sales guy---"Why should we buy Optima instead of Vanguard (Sundance vs Hot springs)---his answer in part was---1. The wall thickness of the acrylic is thicker--it appeared to be 3/4 to an inch where as HS waqs 3/8th inch. 2. When we tested the units the seats in the S were higher--better for my wifey who is 5"-2" 3. there is a foot docking station in the floor of the S which goes a long way in keeping you seated and not buoyant as well as a foot massage 4. The cost was comparable-------5. The S has a titanium heater---a cut above Stainless steel. 6 Sundance had an Eco wrap option that reduced the heating bill by 20 to 25% (purportedly) 7. Ther UV light was a nice enticement too altho replacing the bulb will be interesting. 8. The punmp swize on the Sundance is larger than on the HS-------------------The negatives on HS were--with a salt water chemical system does that salt water contribute to failure of the Stainless Steel heater?--After all salt and metal are not friendly to one another and the heater going out is not good and HS does not have a Titanium heater----We loved the moto massage but also thought that there were more moving parts that could potentially break down.----in the end for a Sundance Optima for $9,995.00---with lift, steps, delivery and start up--that is what we decided on.
--- End quote ---
Sounds like the sundance guy was just a better salesman. You did get a real good deal on the tub though. I can't believe some of the prices I see on here
Watersaver:
--- Quote from: f6487 on September 30, 2014, 03:31:25 pm ---DaveMC,
Thanks for breaking down why you switched from the HS Vanguard to the Sundance Optima. Appreciate the information. Very helpful in my decision making process. The Vanguard was never one of HS tubs I was considering because it's in the Highlife collection and it's a little out of my price range. It also looks like the Optima is probably out of my price range at $10k.
I'm currently looking at the Flair spa which is part of HS Limelight collection. But I see that Sundance has quite a few different collections also. I'm going to look at all the Sundance models and see which one fits my needs and works with my budget of $7500 - $8000. Then I'll do my side by side comparisons of the two models and cost comparisons to see which one I'm leaning towards. It will probably come down to which salesman is willing to make the best deal. Even if that means sacrificing a few bells & whistles. Thanks..
--- End quote ---
The Sundance only has a titanium coil heater on their 880 Series. Hotspring has had a titanium heater for at least 8 years, and it is used on both the Highlife and Limelight series. And the Fibercore insulation on the Limelight has a density about four times greater than the 1/2 lb foam on the Sundance. I've sold and serviced both brands over a 20 year period. Each brand has its strong points, which are easier to discover on the respective websites rather than from a sales person's bent.
Hot Spring Ace:
--- Quote from: Watersaver on September 30, 2014, 11:53:53 pm ---
--- Quote from: f6487 on September 30, 2014, 03:31:25 pm ---DaveMC,
Thanks for breaking down why you switched from the HS Vanguard to the Sundance Optima. Appreciate the information. Very helpful in my decision making process. The Vanguard was never one of HS tubs I was considering because it's in the Highlife collection and it's a little out of my price range. It also looks like the Optima is probably out of my price range at $10k.
I'm currently looking at the Flair spa which is part of HS Limelight collection. But I see that Sundance has quite a few different collections also. I'm going to look at all the Sundance models and see which one fits my needs and works with my budget of $7500 - $8000. Then I'll do my side by side comparisons of the two models and cost comparisons to see which one I'm leaning towards. It will probably come down to which salesman is willing to make the best deal. Even if that means sacrificing a few bells & whistles. Thanks..
--- End quote ---
The Sundance only has a titanium coil heater on their 880 Series. Hotspring has had a titanium heater for at least 8 years, and it is used on both the Highlife and Limelight series. And the Fibercore insulation on the Limelight has a density about four times greater than the 1/2 lb foam on the Sundance. I've sold and serviced both brands over a 20 year period. Each brand has its strong points, which are easier to discover on the respective websites rather than from a sales person's bent.
--- End quote ---
I almost responded to some of those items including the misinformation on the heater, the fact that the added insulation might make it close to equal to the Hot Spring, I think the pump HP is pretty much identical... but at that point I figured why bother. It was definitely good salesmanship by someone but Sundance is a good option as well and hopefully the spa will treat the new owner well for many years to come.
BigBird:
Quickbeam- I'll be glad to provide updates on the ACE system along the way. Much like a few other comments from the forum, my HS dealer didn't push the system on me, and they were more than happy to provide me with several customer contacts willing to share their experience after my barrage of questions. One customer in particular had a poor experience with the ACE but admitted he assumed the system was foolproof and therefore neglected to test his water over an extended period of time.....hence the problems encountered.
I really enjoy the varying degree of opinions on this forum, regardless whether I agree or not. In my case premium spa dealer choices are somewhat limited in my area, so the dealer relationship was an important factor.....not to mention I really dig the Vanguard.
One thing for sure, no matter what spa folks settle on..........we all love hot water.
Happy Hot Tubbin,
BigBird
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