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Wet testing pointers - when you cannot test exact model?

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unixfairy:
Hi all -

Thank you for your advice previously - we have been able to dry test and figure out what is important to us and have come up with a list of spas that will fit our location and I think our requirements - we want a high quality, open seating spa no wider than 89" with jets capable of delivering a good hydrotherapy experience, a circulation pump, "attractive" lighting and a waterfall that runs without jets running for relaxing soaks.  We also have found out that we prefer the 36" tall spas more, we are not a tall couple and also like it feeling more open.  Budget is the least concern for us not because we are stupid extravagant but we would be willing to pay more for the "perfect" tub but if it comes down to no perfect tub then price will be a consideration for the final decision.  We also value quality over extra features if that makes sense.

We have wet tested a couple of spas and were very surprised that dry experience is very different from wet.  For example the Chelsee was really not comfortable seating when we wet tested it.  We also found that the Caldera jet experience was disappointing BUT we are thinking either there was something wrong with the tub we tested or the dealer was trying to send us to the Hot Springs for some unknown reason.  What we are finding though, is the models we are most interested in are not available to wet test :/ So how do you make sure that you are getting a similar experience from one tub in a line to another.  I know the model level but any other ways to make sure if we cannot test the model that we know what we are getting?

Right now if we can find out that the Caldera jets are powerful and provide a great experience, I would say the Florence is our front runner.  Has anyone else found the jets on the Caldera to be significantly less powerful than Hot Springs and Sundance?  We cannot find anyone in the Bay Area that has that exact spa to wet test. 

This is our current "short" list and I feel like Goldilocks and trying to find the right spa.  Any you would say "don't waste your time" in the list below...

Brand   Model   Size (inch)
Artesian   Captiva Elite   84x84x36
Caldera   Florence   84x84x36
Caldera   Reunion   84x84x36
Caldera   Salina   89x89x36
Dimension One   Nautique   84x84x36
Dimension One   Breeze   83x83x36
Dimension One   Sojourn   83x83x36
Hot Springs   Pulse   89x89x36
Hot Springs   Vanguard   87x87x36 - tested the aria - loved the jets - did not love waterfall and lighting
Hot Springs   Prodigy   78x84x33
Hot Springs   Flash   84x84x36
Hot Springs   Beam   80x80x33
Jacuzzi   J-445   84x84x36-43
Jacuzzi   J-LX   84x84x36
Jacuzzi   J-385   84x91x38
Marquis   V84   84x84x36
Marquis   Vegas Elite   84x84x36
Marquis   The Promise   79x86x35
Sundance   Chelsee   89x89x36
Sundance   Optima   89x89x37.5 - wet tested and it was "ok" - seating too deep and lights were not as attractive
Sundance   Cambria   76x91x34
Sundance   Hanover   84x84x36
Sundance    Odessa   89x89x34

Hottubguy:
Which Caldera Spa did you wet test? 

castletonia:
As a dealer of both Caldera and Hot Spring, I am surprised that you were unimpressed with the jet pressure of Caldera.  I don't display the Florence and haven't received my Reunion yet but I have sat in the Salina and I thought it had good, if not almost too much power for me. 

The Limelight Pulse I think would be a good option except the waterfall runs with one of the jet pumps.  I'm 5'8" and my wife is 5'5" and we are fine in it with the 38" depth.  Based on what you are saying, I would probably remove the Prodigy and Beam from your list.  They are nice spas but compared to the other larger spas you are looking at, they are going to be slightly lacking in the performance category.  Side note, glad you liked the Aria, it's my favorite Hot Spring.

If you are 100% decided on a circulation pump, then remove Marquis, they don't use one or offer it as an option.  If you can look past the circulation pump and can go 90" x 90" then add the Marquis Euphoria to your list.

My opinion, worry less about the lights and waterfall and concentrate more on comfort and therapy.  All the brands you listed are quality brands.

Hottubguy:
I was wondering if he wet tested a Marino or a Vanto?

unixfairy:

--- Quote from: Hottubguy on April 16, 2019, 07:54:42 pm ---Which Caldera Spa did you wet test?

--- End quote ---

We wet tested the Geneva and then tested the HS Aria immediately afterwards and it was a huge jump in jet strength. 

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