Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: scromey on June 29, 2007, 07:36:50 am
-
I read through many posts last night and see this is a very active message board. I also notice nobody really talks about dimension1 spas (d1spas.com) , but I will ask my question anyway. I really like the size, style and therapudic features of the Nautilus($10k). The salesperson says that with the "ultrapure" ozone system, it is very easy to maintain. The extra $2k is killing me. The system shoots the ozone into a tube that takes 30-45 seconds to travel around the tub and then exits into the water after the ozone has done its deed. I have read some people say they don't even need the ozonator?? I am confused.
I also liked the 'shpeal' the salesman said about 24hour continuous ozone treatment with low power consumption. Is this a marketing tactic, or is it common to most spas?
We also wet tested a sundance chelsee that I liked, but it had a stereo and seemed like a high price with all the "extras" they had on the floor model. If I pay cash, it's $8k.
I think I have it narrowed down to the sd chelsee and the dimension 1 nautulis ($10k) or its little brother "sojourn" $7k. I have not we tested the dimension1's yet because they don't keep water in those models.
I am also temped to consider a similar sized cal spa, but don't know what model. I want 6-7 seats. My son plays football and I expect several of his buds to soak after practice and games.
Any advise? opinions, helpful resources would be great. Thanks,
-
I read through many posts last night and see this is a very active message board. I also notice nobody really talks about dimension1 spas (d1spas.com) , but I will ask my question anyway. I really like the size, style and therapudic features of the Nautilus($10k). The salesperson says that with the "ultrapure" ozone system, it is very easy to maintain. The extra $2k is killing me. The system shoots the ozone into a tube that takes 30-45 seconds to travel around the tub and then exits into the water after the ozone has done its deed. I have read some people say they don't even need the ozonator?? I am confused.
I also liked the 'shpeal' the salesman said about 24hour continuous ozone treatment with low power consumption. Is this a marketing tactic, or is it common to most spas?
We also wet tested a sundance chelsee that I liked, but it had a stereo and seemed like a high price with all the "extras" they had on the floor model. If I pay cash, it's $8k.
I think I have it narrowed down to the sd chelsee and the dimension 1 nautulis ($10k) or its little brother "sojourn" $7k. I have not we tested the dimension1's yet because they don't keep water in those models.
I am also temped to consider a similar sized cal spa, but don't know what model. I want 6-7 seats. My son plays football and I expect several of his buds to soak after practice and games.
Any advise? opinions, helpful resources would be great. Thanks,
Not quite sure about the D1 Ultrapure ozone system, but most modern spas come ozone ready with a mixing chamber (long tube) and pretty much all spas with a circ pump ozonate 24/7. The cost for ozonators tends to be in the $200 - $400 range. An ozonator is certainly not needed. I for one have disconnected mine. Although I feel they help with water maintenance, I also feel they do a number on pillows, covers, etc.
D1 is a quality manufacturer, but so is Sundance. Both will serve you well. As far as the football player and his buds...shock, shock, shock. ;)
-
Not quite sure about the D1 Ultrapure ozone system, but most modern spas come ozone ready with a mixing chamber (long tube) and pretty much all spas with a circ pump ozonate 24/7. The cost for ozonators tends to be in the $200 - $400 range. An ozonator is certainly not needed. I for one have disconnected mine. Although I feel they help with water maintenance, I also feel they do a number on pillows, covers, etc.
D1 is a quality manufacturer, but so is Sundance. Both will serve you well. As far as the football player and his buds...shock, shock, shock. ;)
IMO, the Ultrapure is the main reason for buying a D1! We have put several brands up against them on our showroom floor and nothing, NOTHING has come close to the water quality in the D1's runing them side by side.
Off gas is not an issue with the D1 ozone and it wil not attack your pillows or cover or anything else. That has been their claim to fame for more years than anyone else...they were the first to come out with a "no off gas" O3 system.
My question to you is if you where drinking that water and needed to feel comfortable in how clean it was would you by the best purification system?
I personally would spend more money on the purification system then just about anything else in the spa. My families health and well being is worth it!
-
I recently bought the D1 Chairmain II loaded with all the options....the only thing I paid extra for was the LFX effects package that included the fountain, lighted logo tile, outside lighting, ect. The ozonator was a standard feature in my tub...you may want to double check and see if the dealer is just trying to get some extra $$$ out of you....with the extra $700 for the lfx package, I still only paid $ 9800.00 (i had a Dr's script, so I didnt pay tax).....$9200.00 before the LFX.
Also, I was told by the dealer that between the ozonator and vision cartriage, I would only have to add a small amount of MPS once a week.....THIS DID NOT WORK FOR ME.....it took me 2 weeks and my water turning gray before I learned from this board that I needed to add Dichlor or MPS after each soak and maintain the water balance.....the ozonator alone will not keep your water clean...
Dont get me wrong, D1 tubs are top quality and I love my Chairman II...I just think you can get a better deal...I also was pushed to take the floor model (2006) but ended up ordering a 2007 for the same price as the proposed floor model discount. The 2007 also came with the upgraded control panel.
I am also on the east coast (as far away from the factory in CA as you can get) so dont let them tell you the price depends on location.
Good luck!!!
-
tubguy, nice to know a little more about the D1. Thanks. It seems like you have to pay more for extras on the D1's, and I'm still not sure about other brand ozone system. D1 claims it only takes 98watts to continually ozonate the water with a separate pump. Do other tubs have similar dedicated small pump?
Also, I wanted to know about your dr script since the main reason I am getting the tub is for its therapudic qualities. Most of my back issues clear up within a week so I really have never seen a dr. Do you have to have a running history of dr visits to qualify for this. Some extra info would be helpful in case I can do something similar. I would really like to be able to afford the D1.
-
I dont think its 2 grand nicer than anyone else's. You will still have to use said amount of chemicals to keep the water balanced and clean.
I just think 2000.00 could be spent on something else other than an ozone system.
-
All HotSpring Spas come with 24-hr ozone as STANDARD equipment. There is also no other brand of spa made that is more energy efficient.
Just giving you more choices, my friend. :)
Terminator
-
All HotSpring Spas come with 24-hr ozone as STANDARD equipment. There is also no other brand of spa made that is more energy efficient.
Just giving you more choices, my friend. :)
Terminator
Term,
I think your statement about energy costs is accurate as I do not think you will find any other brands that are MORE energy efficient than Hot Springs but you will find some that are AS energy efficient. I think it is very reasonable that most WELL MADE spas cost "about" the same to operate. It is the poorly made spas that will cost significantly more dollars in energy cost each month.
-
D1's ozone system is simply a RIP OFF. $2K for a $300 ozonator? This is Purely a sales pitch. Do NOT fall for it. Ozone does help, but there are levels of sanity (the mental kind) that needs to be applied to your choices. Contrary to what the D1 salesperson is telling you ^^^, the competitors treatment processes are JUST as effective. I have a CD ozonator on my Jacuzzi J370 and have been satisfied with it's 24x7 delivery capabilities (although it only REALLY needs to be delivered periodically). Put simply, everything has a valid price and D1 salespeople appear to be "too proud" of their products to actually move large quantities of them (and thus the logic why you don't see many people chatting about them online). Seems like they'd rather "reem" a few customers by charging them a lot than they would to sell at a more "competitive" priced product (as most other dealers do). So, is a D1 worth $10K? Maybe. Is the Ozone worth another #12K? Probably not and the primary logic is that you can get a top-of-the-line Spa from Hot Springs, Sundance or most any other top teir mfg for the $10K price alone that ALREADY has the ozonator built in. My rec is that you tell the D1 salesperson that you like it, but in order to compete, he would need to "show goodwill" and "throw it in" for the $10K cost. Just watch the look on his face when he realizes that your serious! Take a camera if you can...
-
What Stuart said is something that I struggled with in both my pool and spa originally - I wanted drinking water quality water. The problem is its not drinking water - it's spa or pool water. People swim in lakes, streams and rivers not to mention some pools with questionable water quality. Drinking water is a closed system once it leaves the the source, pools and spas are constantly battling the elements.
For some people this system may be a neccessity for others not. It really is dependent on how "clean" you want/need the spa's water.
For me I would not pay the extra $2K for an ozone system. As others have said we all have systems that give us clean water, maybe not as pure as D1 but clean enough for us not to get sick (and actually probably a lot cleaner than that).
-
I sold a Vanguard to a lady Saturday. She had come in the week before. During my presentation, I scooped a handful of water out of one of our spas and drank it. She said that sold her the spa.
The water in a HotSpring Spa is cleaner than the water that comes out of most peoples' faucets.
Terminator
-
Term,
Thats impressive.... but I have a guy who's allergic to sitting so can't own a spa personally but comes to me each week for water from our Marquis spas as he makes his beer and homemade wine and tells us that it is the best water he has ever used to make his brew. He said he used to travel to the swiss alps until he found us...... ;)
-
Curious how he got the the Alps without being able to sit?? Must have walked. 8-)
-
they stuck in him in the coat closet for ride over.... ;)
-
Many thanks to everyone who posted to my question. I cannot believe how many posts from just one day. I am going to testdrive another hottub tonight, so thanks again for all your input. It is fun knowing that I can hangout online with some fellow hot tubbers. I cannot consider myself a hottubber, but soon.
I do need to clarify that the $10k did include the ozonator, and the nautulis is a little bigger than the sojour, so it's not all ozonator that increased the price.
wish me luck.
-
Scromey,
I dont think you need a long history of treatment. Basically if you have any chronic back issue and a DR feels that a hot tub will help treat the condition, they should have no problem writng you a script. It is worth checking out...I saved about $700 up front and I think you can even deduct it as a medical expense (need to check on that when tax season comes up). I checked the D1, caldera, and hot spring before buying and the D1 turned out to have the most theraputic value for me. The corner therapy seat has jets that totally surround you, and the sequencer is great too. I would recommend the D1, but just dont let the sales guy charge you extra $ for the ozonator. I checked with 2 D1 dealers and neither brought htis up as an extra expense. The only reason I added the fx package was for the extra lighting and water feature for looks and entertaining...also, go with an 07 because they upgraded the control panel (standard..dont let them fool you) and the base is also the same color as the cabinet instead of black like most others. In my opinion the D1 is a great tub for therapy and the service I have had so far was great. My pavers were put down and the slope was a diff of 2" from one side the tub to the other (too much). First my dealer came back out and leveled the tub...we determined it was not a good long term fix, so after a few weeks they came back out and moved the tub for me so the pavers could be leveled in that area....then came back the next day to move it back and recconect the wiring. I am very impressed with the service so far. You cant go wrong with the quality either.
One more thing....be sure to ask about the 12 mos no payments no int when you are ready to close the deal.....I got 6 mos, but shortly after they were offering 12 from the factory....you should get at least 6 if you want it.
-
D1's ozone system is simply a RIP OFF. $2K for a $300 ozonator? This is Purely a sales pitch. Do NOT fall for it. Ozone does help, but there are levels of sanity (the mental kind) that needs to be applied to your choices. Contrary to what the D1 salesperson is telling you ^^^, the competitors treatment processes are JUST as effective. I have a CD ozonator on my Jacuzzi J370 and have been satisfied with it's 24x7 delivery capabilities (although it only REALLY needs to be delivered periodically). Put simply, everything has a valid price and D1 salespeople appear to be "too proud" of their products to actually move large quantities of them (and thus the logic why you don't see many people chatting about them online). Seems like they'd rather "reem" a few customers by charging them a lot than they would to sell at a more "competitive" priced product (as most other dealers do). So, is a D1 worth $10K? Maybe. Is the Ozone worth another #12K? Probably not and the primary logic is that you can get a top-of-the-line Spa from Hot Springs, Sundance or most any other top teir mfg for the $10K price alone that ALREADY has the ozonator built in. My rec is that you tell the D1 salesperson that you like it, but in order to compete, he would need to "show goodwill" and "throw it in" for the $10K cost. Just watch the look on his face when he realizes that your serious! Take a camera if you can...
So your basically calling me a liar? Obviously my 20 plus years of dealing with just about every brand of spas mentioned on this forum doesn't give me near the experience that you have in owning a spa!
How about this...I will pay for your airline ticket and hotel room to come to my showroom for a week, I will set a D1, a Marquis, a Hotspring an Elite and any other brand we can get our hands on. You try every spa everyday; use nothing but shock and PH balance. At the end of the week if there is a noticeable difference in the D1 water I will eat the cost of the trip. If there is a noticeable difference you reimburse me for the trip, lodging and any other costs, post a public apology for calling me a liar and stop putting yourself off as an industry expert on this forum!
-
Actually, I called you a SALESPERSON. The thing that may have been a mis-understanding is the way the OP stated the COST of the Ozone feature in that particular tub. I may have mis-read it as a $2K option when he intended to indicate that the ozone option was already included in the $10K total. It is my personal OPINION that no ozone system is WORTH $2K. It seems that 99% of the people on this board appear to agree, they would not pay THAT much of a premium for that kind of a feature. Additionally, I am not an industry expert but rather am a simple hot tub owner sitting behind a screen typing my opinions. Not certain why you would expect ANY type of apology from me for stating my OPINION on a public form.
-
My original posting may have been misleading about the extra 2k for the ultrapure ozone system. The extra $2k is for the jump from one line (D1 @home sejourn), to the next (D1 reflection nautilus). The Nautilus is actually bigger by one additional seat and has the ultrapure ozone system, which does work differently than any other system (according to thier literature). It's the only ozone system that works while people are sitting in the tub and pumps are running. All ozone is converted to o2 (regular oxigen)before bubbling into the seating area of the tub. http://d1spas.com/D1Difference/D1Difference_Ultrapure.asp
I did a wet test on Saturday and the salesman shot me a deal (I hope), out the door at $9K, with all charges included (cover, lift, steps, chemicals, delivery and setup). The original was almost $10k without counting tax.
My second choice was the sundance chelsee, but I just did not love it . Maybe it was the sales guy, or just that some of the features seemed a little chinsy (waterfall, control panel). It was a really nice tub, but like I said, I needed to feel the love.
Sitting in the D1 Nautilus, I was in heaven. Total therapy chairs with neckflex adjustable pillows. I am definitely NOT a hottub aficionado, but I did fall in love. So, I guess that is what is important.
I called the sundance salesman back since he was trying to work the deal of the century for me, but I told him I JUST pulled the trigger on the D1. I asked him not to tell me what kind of smokin deal he had for me because I did not want to feel like I had made the wrong choice. I am sure I would have been happy with sundance (and an extra grand in my pocket), but sometimes you just have to go with your gut feeling.
I will let eveyone know later if I still feel like I made the right choice. I still have 2-3 weeks to wait for delivery, but I have to finish my brick patio first anyway. 8-)
-
One more thing. The $9k was out-the-door including tax which would have been another $720. I think they gave me a good deal.
-
Fact is Hot Spring ozone runs while jet pumps are on.
You may have gotten a great deal. You will probably love the tub. But, the feature was misrepresented. :(
-
As an FYI, the ozone system in my Jacuzzi also runs with people in tub and with pumps running so I agree with the prior poster in that the D1 may have mis-represented their advantages in that area.
Just as long as you realize that you are paying a premium for the D1's, you should be set. There are a fair number of well-respected tub manufacturer's out there selling VERY similar 92 x 92" Luxury Spas for less than your $9K "out the door" price. So, did you get the best price possible in that size of tub with similar features? The answer is no. However, $9K out the door for a D1 is a pretty aggressive price (from a D1 dealer). I think that even the D1 salesperson ^^^ would agree with me on that one.
-
Hey Scromney,
I just got a Diplomat myself recently - I got mine used - but I do love the tub. I personally believe you got an awesoem deal since I was looking at a new diplomat which was like 9K plus tax. The therapy on these tubs are really nice - plus I have swapped out some of the jets with these dual rotating jets (in fact you can swap out with a few different jets for a different message). To Be honest my biggest complaint about a lot of the hot tubs I tested which were under 10K did not have the best neck and upper shoulder jet system. The D1 with the neck flex technology is really nice and shoots some high speed jets all over your neck and shoulders. Your tub has two of these setas so you are going to enjoy this tub. Good luck to ya and post a picture of your setup once it is all done.
-
Just as long as you realize that you are paying a premium for the D1's, you should be set. There are a fair number of well-respected tub manufacturer's out there selling VERY similar 92 x 92" Luxury Spas for less than your $9K "out the door" price. So, did you get the best price possible in that size of tub with similar features? The answer is no.
Bunka,
Your opinion is "no" but that doesn't make it "the answer". You may be more well read about spas than the average consumer but sometimes you come in here and state opinions but present them as facts. It sure would be nice if you'd throw in an IMO every once in a while.
BTW, there is nothing wrong with being a spa salesmen (some are great, some suck and the majority are somewhere in between) but I would consider Stuart to be far more than a "salesman" in this industry. I'll side with him and his hands on experience on this one.
-
As an FYI, the ozone system in my Jacuzzi also runs with people in tub and with pumps running so I agree with the prior poster in that the D1 may have mis-represented their advantages in that area.
Just as long as you realize that you are paying a premium for the D1's, you should be set. There are a fair number of well-respected tub manufacturer's out there selling VERY similar 92 x 92" Luxury Spas for less than your $9K "out the door" price. So, did you get the best price possible in that size of tub with similar features? The answer is no. However, $9K out the door for a D1 is a pretty aggressive price (from a D1 dealer). I think that even the D1 salesperson ^^^ would agree with me on that one.
I personally do think he got one of the best feature sets for that price. The neck jet system alone is not found on other tubs at the same price - and this is on two of the seats. Plus the total number of therapy jets is greater then most tubs in the same price. He basically got a 8000K tub if you throw out tax and extras. the HS Vanguard would have cost me over 9k out the door and that one of the other tubs with good neck jets. The Marquis epic had great neck jets but base price was 10K.
-
As an FYI, the ozone system in my Jacuzzi also runs with people in tub and with pumps running so I agree with the prior poster in that the D1 may have mis-represented their advantages in that area.
Just as long as you realize that you are paying a premium for the D1's, you should be set. There are a fair number of well-respected tub manufacturer's out there selling VERY similar 92 x 92" Luxury Spas for less than your $9K "out the door" price. So, did you get the best price possible in that size of tub with similar features? The answer is no (IMHO). However, $9K out the door for a D1 is a pretty aggressive price (from a D1 dealer). I think that even the D1 salesperson ^^^ would agree with me on that one.
OK, edited. Didn't think there was a need as I didn't expect someone to take my response as an industry definitive but I did add the IMHO for the clarification. I too, like D1 and may well own one in the future (as long as I can get a good deal on one). I do believe that other spas have similar (not EXACT) capabilities at lower cost so if price is your driver, then there are other options. However, if a particular feature is a driver, then "BAM, that mfg has leverage over you". That's important information for the buyer to be self-aware of but that doesn't mean that the buyer should let the salesperson know of such a desire. Rather, buyers should IMHO protect their leverage points such as alternate comparable vendors. As you stated, some salespeople are GREAT and would not use knowledge of your desire to their advantage but many, many others would. It's a standard normally acceptable and reputable selling technique. I really have no issues with Stuart but he may still have some issues with me (I never said that D1 was a bad tub, only that they were generally pricey). As far as the efficency of the ozone design... maybe it has advantages, maybe it doesn't. I think the place this went of kilter was the cost of the ozone system. If it's not a $2K option, then this is all really unnecessary because all I was trying to do was to let a buyer know that they do not need to pay $2K for a good ozone system. I see the OP has recognized and corrected some text so it may all be mute anyway.
-
If it makes you feel any better, I also interpreted the original post to say that the ozone system cost an additional $2k. This whole thread changes when that is not the case. ;)
-
I too thought the ozone system was a $2,000 upgrade. When I bought my tub there was an upgraded system that could be factory installed for an additional charge and my dealer said - don't waste your money.
One thing that should be noted is that most info on any subject is based on opinions - professionals and owners alike. There may be some info that is not based on opinion but fact (ie: need to use sanitizer) but there are very few things mentioned that is a "fact". Stuart mentioning that the D1 in his store keeps it's water better than any other tub may indeed be a fact for Stuart but another person may not arrive at the same conclusion. The other fact may be that the D1 is using the Vision cartridge that is an expensive N2 cartridge and for that money it should keep the water better ($125 vs $25).
But if you soaked every day and added dichlor after soaking the fact (or maybe opinion) is that you don't need any other product to keep your water safe. All the other products are there to help maintain the water.
I agree with ndabunka that D1 is an expensive spa but so is Hot Springs, Sundance and Artesian premium spas. I was impressed with the interior equipment cabinet on the D1 on how neat and tidy it was. My tub isn't quite as neat and tidy. IMO the flaw with D1 is the neck jet system ... it might eventually crack and need replacement as the hoses flex (if I remember correctly it was an accordian type system). I remember looking at the neck jet and thinking that one of my kids were going to hand the device to me and said "it just came out". I have neck jets in a collar and I do use them occassionally and I don't find my system very comfortable at times, living with anything is the only way to know what works and what doesn't. I did see an Emerald Spa and their neck jets were not in a collar and not flexible and thought that was a good design ... again this is just my opinion.
I think the thing to realize is if something is a "must have" and the brand you selected is the only one that has it, then no sustitute will work for you and if your OK with the price it doesn't matter what another person thinks is a good or bad price.
-
My original posting may have been misleading about the extra 2k for the ultrapure ozone system. The extra $2k is for the jump from one line (D1 @home sejourn), to the next (D1 reflection nautilus). The Nautilus is actually bigger by one additional seat and has the ultrapure ozone system, which does work differently than any other system (according to thier literature). It's the only ozone system that works while people are sitting in the tub and pumps are running. All ozone is converted to o2 (regular oxigen)before bubbling into the seating area of the tub. http://d1spas.com/D1Difference/D1Difference_Ultrapure.asp
I did a wet test on Saturday and the salesman shot me a deal (I hope), out the door at $9K, with all charges included (cover, lift, steps, chemicals, delivery and setup). The original was almost $10k without counting tax.
My second choice was the sundance chelsee, but I just did not love it . Maybe it was the sales guy, or just that some of the features seemed a little chinsy (waterfall, control panel). It was a really nice tub, but like I said, I needed to feel the love.
Sitting in the D1 Nautilus, I was in heaven. Total therapy chairs with neckflex adjustable pillows. I am definitely NOT a hottub aficionado, but I did fall in love. So, I guess that is what is important.
I called the sundance salesman back since he was trying to work the deal of the century for me, but I told him I JUST pulled the trigger on the D1. I asked him not to tell me what kind of smokin deal he had for me because I did not want to feel like I had made the wrong choice. I am sure I would have been happy with sundance (and an extra grand in my pocket), but sometimes you just have to go with your gut feeling.
I will let eveyone know later if I still feel like I made the right choice. I still have 2-3 weeks to wait for delivery, but I have to finish my brick patio first anyway. 8-)
Curious did the Sundance dealer even show you the 800 series of Sundance spas and or did you wet test one of those?
They would have been more comparable to what you were looking at in the D1 line as far as jets and styling go.
If he didnt and if he new you were looking at a D1, he blew it big time?? You still may have chosen the D1 but you have to compare apples to apples.
Either way, congrats on the purchase! :)
-
The Sundance Cameo that I recently ordered will heve the Ultra Pure ozone system in it. The dealer said it was a $300 option, but he was not charging for it due to the fact that I am the first one to use the Ultra Pure system from this dealer. Can you say "guinea pig"?
-62VW
-
The Sundance Cameo that I recently ordered will heve the Ultra Pure ozone system in it. The dealer said it was a $300 option, but he was not charging for it due to the fact that I am the first one to use the Ultra Pure system from this dealer. Can you say "guinea pig"?
-62VW
Can you say "Ultra Pure guinea pig".;)
-
I agree that the salesman blew it, since I had asked several times about the larger tubs, but they were $10-13k. They seemed to display the tubs already equiped with more extras than I wanted (specifically stereo), and to get one without he said was 4-6 weeks delivery. I told him my original range was 7-8k, but as you see I spent 9k. I wondered if the sundance topline model could go down to that range, but I guess I will never know.
I think I did a good amount of research and wet testing to know that I will love the tub. No looking back.
My patio project is moving along, but my pavers are back ordered one week so I am going to sit tight for a while longer. I will send pics when I get some bricks down, but for now my patio just looks like a gravel driveway. My contractor ran into a snag when coring out the base. He kept sinking into some sort of soft dirt 3-4 feet down, so he had to dig it all out and backfill with my original concrete patio that I jack-hammered out. Then another 3 yards of gravel. The contractor is a friend of mine and didn't charge me for the extra labor. My original patio cracked and sank, I guess I know why now. Good thing I got it fixed before putting a 4000lb tub on it.
-
So your basically calling me a liar? Obviously my 20 plus years of dealing with just about every brand of spas mentioned on this forum doesn't give me near the experience that you have in owning a spa!
How about this...I will pay for your airline ticket and hotel room to come to my showroom for a week, I will set a D1, a Marquis, a Hotspring an Elite and any other brand we can get our hands on. You try every spa everyday; use nothing but shock and PH balance. At the end of the week if there is a noticeable difference in the D1 water I will eat the cost of the trip. If there is a noticeable difference you reimburse me for the trip, lodging and any other costs, post a public apology for calling me a liar and stop putting yourself off as an industry expert on this forum!
Temper
-
I just got a D1 2003 Chairman II and have found that if I keep the PH & Total Alkalinity balanced, all I need to add is 2-1/2 tbls of Spa Shock Xtra after each use, and maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of chlorinating concentrate every other week. I am also using the vision cartridge and have the O3 generator. I am outside of Pittsburgh and have figured that I'm looking at about $45 more for electric with this model.
These aren't specific answers to your q's, but will hopefully help you in making your decision.
Best of luck to you!
John