Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: needspa on July 13, 2019, 08:45:45 pm

Title: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: needspa on July 13, 2019, 08:45:45 pm
Need an advise regarding my selection:

Caldera Tahitian vs Hotsprings Aria

Which one is more reliable and better quality?
I have some doubts about moto massage.

Both have same salt system - almost same size and features - except Aria claims 100% water filtration + it has retractable remote control - which is convenient. Price difference about $1k (Aria is more expensive)

From layout and seats - both feels good - may be Tahitian lounge is slightly better (for elbow - bigger 'lip').
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: BullFrogSpasMN on July 14, 2019, 01:06:27 pm
if you 'like' the Tahitian just as much I'd probably save the cash, even though the Caldera is built in Mexico and the Highlife in the US they are both under the 'Watkins Umbrella' so quality should be on par for both units as they oversee manufacture of both spas.  The water filtration doesn't mean much, with regular spa maintenance/filter cleanings both spas will keep the water crystal clear...the remote is nice until you accidentally break it and it's $700+ to replace it
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: d00nut on July 14, 2019, 01:31:53 pm
More seats in the Tahitian, but the Aria has a flat step to climb in on.

I just sold my Grandee, and sell both the Caldera and Hot Spring line.  I got the Aria for the step.  Plus I like the look more, but that is a personal preference.  My kids are little, and my wife really likes the Cool-down step.

Again, that is completely a personal preference.

It's worth noting that my kids are 2 and 5, and I have yet to break the remote, which you could say is remarkable.  In fact, in the last two years, I've only had 2 remotes that weren't covered by warranty.  One because a guy sat on it climbing in the spa, which you shouldn't do anyway (a regular control panel.)  The second, because a guy bought a different aftermarket cover, which is normally fine, but he did the absolute worst job measuring what he needed, and had the cover literally putting all it's hinge weight on the remote, which caused it to constantly restart, which eventually killed it.
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: needspa on July 15, 2019, 03:06:05 pm
Thank you guys... Looks like I will stay with Tahitian.

Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: castletonia on July 15, 2019, 08:03:48 pm
As a dealer of both, I don’t think you can go wrong with either.  I’m a huge fan of the Moto-massage and the Aria personally, but you have to go with the tub that is more comfortable to you.

In my opinion, filtration is better in the Aria.  Are these from the same dealer?
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: needspa on July 16, 2019, 02:46:37 am
Quote
In my opinion, filtration is better in the Aria.  Are these from the same dealer?
Yes - same dealer.
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: Spatech_tuo on July 16, 2019, 10:38:10 am
Quote
In my opinion, filtration is better in the Aria.  Are these from the same dealer?
Yes - same dealer.

At least you won't get any negative salesmanship that way where they promote their own product by demeaning your other choice!  ;)

Go with your gut at this point assuming you've wet tested already.
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: Hottubguy on July 16, 2019, 11:17:54 am
From layout and seats - both feels good - may be Tahitian lounge is slightly better (for elbow - bigger 'lip').


Sounds like you did wet test both.  Go with your gut.  Both tubs are good tubs go with the one that fits you better.  Filtration is plenty adequate on a tahitian
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: wmccall on July 16, 2019, 11:48:35 am
Thank you guys... Looks like I will stay with Tahitian.

Let me give you a belated Welcome to the forum. Let us know when delivery is and how that goes. Congrats.
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: needspa on July 17, 2019, 10:33:36 am
Let me give you a belated Welcome to the forum. Let us know when delivery is and how that goes. Congrats.

Thank you - will do. As for now it's about ~4 weeks wait time - looks like everybody buying hot tubs :)
But good for me - plenty of time to prepare.
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: needspa on August 22, 2019, 05:36:50 pm
Finally I done with little renowation project and spa was delivered.
(https://i.ibb.co/kcK5xWF/spa.jpg)

Need to plugin and deal with fresh salt water kit :)
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: Hottubguy on August 22, 2019, 09:14:20 pm
That’s a cool setup
Title: Re: Trying to choose hot tub
Post by: Sam on August 23, 2019, 04:44:03 pm
Yeah, beautiful spa area!  I love it.