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First Hot Tub - Basic or Go for it?

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jtd1216:
You all have been so helpful in our search of our very first hot tub. I never imagined it'd be this challenging to research, pick, and decide. So first, thank you!

We're ready to pull the trigger and need some help. We decided on a brand (Hot Spring) and a great local dealer. Now, we're torn between two tubs: Limelight Flair and the HotSpot Relay. And this isn't a specific Hotspring model question, it can relate to any brand hot tub.

Go basic: Since it's our first tub, we initially thought, well lets go with something very basic (yet reliable) to see if we like owning one, and use it enough. We have nothing to compare it to, so we'll still enjoy it. But will we get bored with this one, and stop using it?

Go for it: We're also thinking that even though it's our first tub, it's a long term purchase and we might as well get one with more features and benefits, buts it's also about $2200 more. But does that really mean anything over a 10-15 year span? Will our experience be better and increase the chance of us using it?

Flair - $8800 - ACE System included, felt incredible on the wet test, 5 yr component warranty, loaded with more features, stronger jetting, more control of the jets, circ pump, nice exterior lighting, but is there just more to break?? And wouldn't we just be happy with the rock solid HotSpot and save over $2k? Our budget was originally $6-8k

Relay - $6600 - We thought it felt great, but definitely very basic tub, 2 year component  warranty, no circ pump, etc. We told ourselves if we sat in this one (after sitting in many other brand tubs) and liked it, we would just decide on that one for the price it's at. But then we decided we wanted to test the Nicer one, just in case.

So, what's everyone's experience (personal or with customers) that may or may not have decided to go for it on their first tub or stick with something entry level first? More often than not people regret not stepping up from the start? Or are Most happy with going entry level and it suits them for many years?

castletonia:
The first question should be is the extra money spent within the budget?  If so, then I would say yes, get the Flair.  I do get the occasional customer who buys a hot tub and after 6 months doesn't use it enough to justify owning one.  I see far more customers who will upgrade, or wish they had bought a higher end model after a few years when they bought a basic one the first time.

Keep this in mind.  If you buy the Relay and in 2-3 years want to upgrade, you would be lucky to get 50% of the original purchase price when reselling and even less on trade. 

You are getting free ACE, a longer warranty, superior filtration and you already indicated the wet test felt incredible on the Flair and just good on the Relay.  Spread the $2200 difference out over 10 years and that is $220 a year, or $18.33 a month.

jtd1216:
Castelonia, thank you. Yes we are out of budget with the Flair, but still can afford it if we decide it's worth it.

What's the difference in filtration between the two that you say is better?

d00nut:

--- Quote from: jtd1216 on May 12, 2018, 11:05:20 am ---Castelonia, thank you. Yes we are out of budget with the Flair, but still can afford it if we decide it's worth it.

What's the difference in filtration between the two that you say is better?

--- End quote ---

Circ pump + 2 50 square foot filters, versus 1 65 square foot filter.

You have a filter cover lid as well, which makes it nicer so you don't see the crap trapped in the skimmer area.

jtd1216:
Do either of these tubs have the no bypass filtration? If so, what is it exactly and why is it any better than other forms of filtration?

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