Original > Hot Tub Forum

1st time buyer...narrowed to 3 choices...help please

(1/3) > >>

cstew74:
First of all, long time lurker and I have been doing extensive research and shopping hot tubs of multiple stores. The hot tub will be for my wife and I 90% of the time with 2 teenage boys that will be in it from time to time. I have not wet tested any of these, but will be doing so before purchasing.

All 3 of these hot tubs are from a store that is locally owned by a husband/wife team and have been extremely helpful in the store and even texting me pics of hot tubs and installation jobs they have recently completed. We feel very comfortable with them. (I actually taught the husband in high school:). He is offering me a 5% for being a teacher, which helps out quite a bit.

Our budget is $8,000, but willing to stretch a little if needed.

Here are my 3 choices and after lots of research know these companies are all very reliable in regards to performance and longevity: (all prices are cash OUT THE DOOR and include steps, E-Z cover lift, start up chemicals, delivery):

D1 Aurora (Ultralife shell w/vintage cedar cabinet)(2018) - $8,000
D1 Wayfarer (sand shell w/driftwood gray cabinet)(2018) - $6,300
Caldera Reunion (with Fresh Water Salt System)(2019) - $8,100

We really like the features, power, and overall specs of the D1 Aurora over the Wayfarer, but not sure if its worthy of the $1,700 price difference. Trying to justify if the Aurora is a MUCH better hot tub than the Wayfarer.

The Caldera is really nice too and doesn't have a lounge which creates more open space and also includes the Salt System.

I would appreciate any feedback and opinions. Thanks!

castletonia:
That price on the Caldera is so low it’s almost not believable.  While I haven’t seen a D1 in years, both a considered good brands.

As a Caldera dealer, I am biased.  The Reunion is a really nice layout imo and I’m a huge fan of salt water.  I’m just curious how this dealer plans on staying in business when they sell at these prices?  I would be at least $1,500 more without the Freshwater Salt System.

Hottubguy:
Agree with you castletonia. I just sold that exact package (steps, lifter could be different) for $11,200 yesterday. So you are getting a great deal on that one. D-1 is also priced real low. Sounds like the guy is doing you a real solid in pricing. You must have been his favorite teacher! 

d00nut:
Decision is easy, the Caldera.  Agree with the other two posts.  The Hot Spring Flash and the Caldera Reunion are so similar in price, and we would at least be$1500-$2000 more without the salt system

cstew74:
Wow, thanks for the responses. Again, like i said we feel like they are all 3 great deals. After discussion, we at least narrowed it down to the D1 Aurora and caldera reunion. Just more info on these 2:

The caldera feunion is a 2019 model and it doesnt have a lounger which obviously makes the tub more open. We are going back and forth on lounger vs. Non-lounger (wet testing will help with this decision). Also ive heard from some how unimpressed they were with the power of calderas jets. Also we would be able to get this in any color.

The D1 aurora does have the lounger and seems there hydrotherapy jets seem better with the aurora (i could be wrong but just my 1st impression). The aurora's control panel is all touch screen so i would assume its a 2018. Also, the liquid fx is a pretty slick feature also.

Pros/cons:
Aurora: touchscreen panel...lighted cup holders....liquid fx....perhaps better hydrotherapy (neck) jets....different seating levels.

Reunion: caldera brand is very SOLID...getting a awesome deal from what others have said...no cup holders...all seating is the same level for the most part...ability of the salt water system.

Again, this husband/wife team is very nice, salt of the earth type of people. Super comfortable with them and they arent pushy in any way. 

So i keep going back and forth..i dont want to end up with buyers remorse.....and this is a huge investment for us.
I guess i just need you guys to tell me which of the 2 to buy....LOL.

Im off to do more reading and research....

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page