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Choosing between new CalSpa Avalon and Used Caldera Martinique?

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Faith1112:
Found a used 2019 Martinique for $7500 (will negotiate) and priced a new Cal spa Avalon at 11,400. My box is set up for a Caldera 20-30 (previous homeowner), so to do a new 50 amp I would have to pay between 1500-2000 maybe. What is the best option?

-Martinique would need to have it moved (found a service), unsure of durability, but like the saltwater option. Guy said he paid 14k+ for it. Prob ends up at about $7k total (negotiate on price and pay for moving/installing), moved and installed.

-Avalon would be new, more jets, price includes everything (minus electric).  So, total could be $13k

Any other brands everyone recommends if we can spend $13k for it? First-time buyer. Saltwater would be neat option, but more concerned with longevity and performance.

Thank you in advance!

cranbiz:
Sounds loke a lot of money to do a fairly simple electric change over. The issue with the Caldera is no warranty.

Can you see the Caldera running to verify that it doesn't leak and everything functions? The Watkins tubs are good tubs but expensive to fix. Do you have a dealer in the area that will work on a Watkins product? A good dealer is your lifeline.

Personally, I like Artesian tubs but the right CalSpa is also a good tub. Most important is how you fit in it. Is if comfortable? do you stay put in the seats? Do the jets do what you want? Can you wet test your candidates?

Faith1112:
Thanks for the reply.
I am planning to go to the showroom and look at the Cal Spa. The Martinique has water in it and can check for those issues. Yes, that is my worry. The salt water sounds neat, but it is far fewer jets and no warranty. So you think quality-wise Cal Spa and Caldera are equals?

cranbiz:
The Avalon is part of the x series and those are the better Cal Spa's. Balboa controls with a circulator pump and stainless jets and full insulation. A lot easier to get parts for in the future.

IMHO, the Cal Spa is a slightly better tub than the Caldera. If the used tub was in the Hot Springs High Life series, my opinion would be different.

If both were new, it's a toss up. You would most likely be happy with either tub.

Again, the dealer support and future serviceability is extremely important. Upfront cost is of course important but costs looking ahead need to be considered as well as the availability of quality service.

If salt water is important, remember you can buy an aftermarket unit like the Saltron Mini to drop in and do exactly what the Watkins Fresh Water system will do and probably much cheaper to run over the life of the tub.

Faith1112:
Thank you for the info. The dealer sent me over three Jacuzzis that are coming in next week. Are they better? Are Hot Springs the best? Looking to stay at that $11k price point. The Jacuzzi was a J-275.

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