Original > Hot Tub Forum
Committing to a Spa
kiva:
Hi Folks,
We're at the point where we need to commit to a spa or to some other option. We'd love to have some feedback, as my knowledge in this areas is limited. Here is what we're looking at. All prices without haggling / any discussion on price.
There are essentially 2 reputable, long-standing dealers in town.
Dealer #1
Has been around for 35+ years. Most popular dealer in town. Friends of mine have used him. Service their own tubs, etc. We were able to wet test tubs. Hot Springs only.
Hot Springs Beam (Limelight line): Nice looking spa, but a bit shallow-feeling for our tastes. Next available in March (earliest). Includes steps, cover lift. $7650 + $250 for delivery. Tax included.
Hot Springs Sovereign (Highlife Collection): above our original price range, but pretty damn nice. $11440 + $250 delivery. Includes steps, cover, lift. Tax included. 2 available. late Feb.
Hotspot Relay we liked best and is in that sweet spot price-wise, but it's not available until next August (price and features are a nice combo and it is the one he sells the most of). There is always the chance the vaccine will speed up production, but, for now, August. Thus, i'm not even listing it here.
Dealer #2
This dealer has been around a long time but is also a pool builder. Larger showroom, Deals in Sundance, Caldera, Marquis. We were unable to test any spas.
Caldera Martinique (Paradise Series): $7895 + tax ($8467). Plus $300 for coverlet, $150 for steps, $300 delivery. Total $8917 + delivery charge. Available 9/2021.
Sundance Peyton (680 Series): $6895 + tax ($7395). Plus same as above for total of 7844 + delivery charge. Available 3/2021.
Sundance Hamilton (780 series): $9595 + tax ($10290). Plus same as above for total of $10740 + delivery. Available end of Feb 2021.
Sundance Montclair (780 series): $8595 + tax ($9218). Plus same as above for total of $9668 + delivery. Available end of March 2021.
Dealer #3
A backyard store in the mall. Not as much confidence and least favorable dealer experience. Sells Jacuzzi brand
J-335: 13000 + tax. Includes steps but no coverlet. Out of price range but, like the others no haggling yet.
J-225: $8885 + tax ($9529). Other same as above. In stock now (we're not ready yet though).
J-235: same as 225 but available April. Has lounge we like.
So, that's it locally. Open to feedback re: internet buying? Used?
Thank you for your time.
matt
Guzzi:
Kiva,
I loved the 2009 Hot Springs Aria we had left behind when selling our home. It was purchased in 2010 ($10K, no optional equipment). I am close to purchasing another hot tub, but downsizing to a smaller tub now.
Undeniably, the products in the HS highlife line are very well made, and in my eyes ...the qualitative difference is immediately apparent, when compared against other makes at equivalent price points.
Having said that though, not being in the market since 2010, the pricing just appears scary HIGH (and unacceptable) to me. I can’t wrap my head around the idea that manufacturers have high end tubs priced north of $20k now. The devaluation on such a big ticket luxury item is obscene. I buy my vehicles used as well, which are infinitely more complex than a box of heated, swirling water.
Letting go of $10K for a spa delivered several weeks thereafter was hard then, and is absolutely no easier now, given the price increases due to high market demand and many months of delayed gratification. IMO, the best bang-for-buck is found in the dealer certified spa market.
If I could locate a well-cared for, preowned model of the spa I am seriously considering buying, I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase it, provided I was comfortable with the local dealer. Good luck in your hunt!
bud16415:
I don’t know how much help I can offer we have a Caldera Geneva and we love it. Going on 7 years now and I had one leak I was able to fix myself as it was a hose clamp under the main cover and last year I did a wet end pump change myself. Both jobs were not too bad to DIY.
You mentioned the depth and that is what we liked about our tub and a big reason we bought it. Plus she loves the recliner I hardly ever get it. Three of the 6 seats are really therapeutic two have jets but are more of a social seat and one we call the cool down seat sits higher. That is also where we have our steps and that taller seat makes getting in and out a lot easier.
My advice would be to stretch your budget a little if that tub has features you like better. You will be using it for many years. One feature I will have in any tub I ever buy is a circulating pump.
Also get at least 2 more seats than you will normally use. We have 6 seats and in 7 years I don’t think we have ever had 6 people in it. The extra room is great with just 2 people.
The Wizard of Spas:
What is the most comfortable spa? I'd start there. Not sidestepping the question. I'll leave discussion on pricing, etc. to others. Point is - this is a 15 year decision and it starts with comfort. What is a few months on a spa in terms of wait time if it is the *right* spa in terms of ergonomics and comfort, compared to the 15 years of ownership?
Feel tops all. Whatever feels the best tends to be the best spa for you, regardless of the brand.
I hope this helps. Good luck moving forward.
kiva:
--- Quote from: The Wizard of Spas on December 02, 2020, 05:12:22 pm ---What is the most comfortable spa? I'd start there. Not sidestepping the question. I'll leave discussion on pricing, etc. to others. Point is - this is a 15 year decision and it starts with comfort. What is a few months on a spa in terms of wait time if it is the *right* spa in terms of ergonomics and comfort, compared to the 15 years of ownership?
Feel tops all. Whatever feels the best tends to be the best spa for you, regardless of the brand.
I hope this helps. Good luck moving forward.
--- End quote ---
Thank you for this reminder. In this current world of short supply, we were unable to sit in any of the Sundance Spas: we would be buying blind, which feels completely insane for a $10k purchase. The HotSpring we liked most in our price point was next August. I think, if that is what it's down to, I would take a flyer on something used I could sit in before buying vs. waiting until next August.
Is the general feeling that the HotSpring prices are about right or too high? We were comfortable in all the hotspring spas except I wasn't fond of the beam.
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