Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: p951 on August 24, 2008, 12:53:03 am
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Bought a home in CA. Previous owners had a spa with a gazebo in backyard. They took the spa, but there is a 12 x 12 concrete slab with electrical hookups. My wife and I are looking for a spa with a fully enclosed gazebo (windows must be able to open) because that area is exposed to our three surrounding neighbor's windows. To help narrow our search, what companies sell these type of packages? I know Cal Spas has them, but are there any others out there to look at? Also, what are some opinions on other types of sanitation than chorine. Since we are looking at a gazebo enclosure, I want to minimize the amount of chorine we use and get something less harsh on our lungs. We've budgeted about $11,000 although are open to spending more if need be.
Thanks - Jeff & Deb
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Artic has them. I don't think you'd get the spa and gazebo for $11K though.
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I believe Sundance offers packages as well
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Since you are in CA Your best bet is to go with something from Cal Spas. There selection is huge and I will say the quality is quite good. The packages I sold when I did sell Cal were of great quality with no flimsy parts. You may also want to check out Visscher specialty products. They sell what I have seen to one of the best lines of enclosures. Alliance Woodcraft I believe still makes the Gazebos for Arctic. While being a decent product Im sure the shipping charges from Northern Alberta would be Killer.
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Thank you - I will start taking a more thorough look at Cal Spas. I know there are at least 3 places that carry them all within 20 miles of me.
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Thank you - I will start taking a more thorough look at Cal Spas. I know there are at least 3 places that carry them all within 20 miles of me.
I use to sell Cal, you won't go wrong. Let me know if I can help with pricing.
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I think you'll find dealers of most brands will offer a spa/gazebo package. Don't limit your searching to a spa manufacturer that also builds gazebos. Gazebo Works and A&B Accessories make some very nice gazebos. Most dealers will offer these as part of their line.
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What part of California are you in?
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I live in Murrieta. Just north of San Diego
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Sequoia also carries some nice looking spa surrounds! ;)
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Sequoia also carries some nice looking spa surrounds! ;)
Forgot them. Yes, they have very nice gazebos.
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Be sure you don't miss looking at the Watkins line of tubs -
HotSpring
Limelight
Caldera
Tiger River
Hot Spot
Solana
Any of a number of Gazebo makers will create units to fit as Watkins is the largest seller of hot tubs on the planet.
8-)
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Logging to reach post count of 5 ;D
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Post count of 5 reached :)
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951, check out Valley Hot Springs Spas in Murrieta. Nothing personal but I would go this route over Cal. The local Cal Spa dealer just recently went out of business.
Valley Hot Springs Spas
25098 Madison Ave
Murrieta, CA 92562
(951) 698-3115[ch8206]
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Yeah I know, Leisure Living isn't going out of business but they are closing down their Temecula shop. Would this affect the quality of the maintenance though? Wouldn't the spa be covered under the CalSpa name?
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As far as I know all the stores are closing. The Murrieta store has already closed. The Temecula store is in the process of closing. Good luck with your purchase.
http://www.llsuperstore.com/
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Yep. I wet tested a HotSprings spa at that location, but it wasn't perfect. It was also about $3,000 more than a comparable Cal Spa Tub. I'm going back tomorrow evening to wet test another model
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Yep. I wet tested a HotSprings spa at that location, but it wasn't perfect. It was also about $3,000 more than a comparable Cal Spa Tub. I'm going back tomorrow evening to wet test another model
Just curious what you consider a comparable Hot Spring to which Cal Spa.
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Well I thought the HotSpring Spa was definitely a step up from the Avalon A857L, but I don't think it was worth the price difference. I'm having a problem with the lounger and "therapy" corner seats in that I seem to float and can't quite get a perfect customized fit for my body. I'm going back tomorrow evening to wet-test HotSpring's Vanguard. I think I might have to forego a Lounger because in all the spas I have tested the "smaller" middle seats have been my favorites. I was also going to try out some Jacuzzi models, specifically the J480 and possible the J365. I know that Caldera and Dimension One have models and dealers located close to me- so that will be some more testing. I think I have picked out the gazebo that I like the best, though. It is Cal Spa's NorthEast. It offers privacy for two of the sides, allowing plenty of view to gaze at the stars and also enough room to easily remove the cover. I will keep you updated as I progress though my testings
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HotTubDan,
to answer your question - I think I tried out the Vista complete with lights, waterfall and the Speaker system with subwoofer. The stereo package would have added an additional $1700, though. So about $4700 more than the Avalon from Cal Spas
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951, I own an Envoy and love it. I don't float out of the lounger so I might be slightly biased. If I was a floater I would probably go with the Grandee.
Not sure what kind of service you would get from a dealer going out of business. Dealer service is one of the most important factors IMHO when choosing a spa.....
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Not sure what kind of service you would get from a dealer going out of business. Dealer service is one of the most important factors IMHO when choosing a spa.....
I know people have said Cal is working on reforming their ways but many people on this site (myself included) have always thought that to go the Cal Spa route you really want to make sure you're working with a very good dealer to offset a ot of teh concerns people have had with Cal.
If the dealer is going out of business you often can get good deals and for some that may be appealing enough regardless of the brand but its something that one needs to go into with their eyes wide open. Its not like buying tires from a tire store that is going out of business.
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The dealer that would sell me the CalSpa would not be Leisure Living. I talked to a dealer for Pool And Spa Outlet - they have 4 locations in Southern Ca (1 is currently closing), and he told me he would beat the price Leisure Living was offering by about $600. He can do this by matching the price Leisure Living was offering, but not charging for delivery and setup (which Leisure Living was charging close to $600 for).
I didn't like the feeling of the Spa's that I wet-tested so far though, so I haven't decided on a purchase yet. I am going to try out another HotSpring tonight, as well as a Jacuzzi model this weekend.
Where are some Dimension One and Caldera Spa dealers located that are close to Murrieta, Ca? I want to give them a shot also
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I wet tested the Vanguard from HotSprings today and it was just so-so. I liked the bench seats, but I didn't like the slope of the corner seats. I tried the Prodigy and liked that the best, but it was a bit on the small side. I'm trying out a Limelight on Saturday. I looked on the website and i didn't see that brand name. Is this spa made by HotSprings?
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There's a new Jacuzzi dealer in town due to Leisure Living closing. Have you checked this place out?
http://www.calwestpoolsandspas.com/
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I wet tested the Vanguard from HotSprings today and it was just so-so. I liked the bench seats, but I didn't like the slope of the corner seats. I tried the Prodigy and liked that the best, but it was a bit on the small side. I'm trying out a Limelight on Saturday. I looked on the website and i didn't see that brand name. Is this spa made by HotSprings?
Yes, it is made by Watkins as part of the Hot Spring family. Limelight has its own very limited website.
http://www.limelighthottubs.com/
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There's a new Jacuzzi dealer in town due to Leisure Living closing. Have you checked this place out?
http://www.calwestpoolsandspas.com/
Sweet. I would love to give Jacuzzi a whirl also. They are very close to me too. Thank you for the info. I would like to test the J-480 and the J-365. This weekend will be the HotSprings Limelight. If that doesn't work for me, I will have him set me up with a test in the Sovereign. The week after, I will be in San Diego- so no testing that week. After that, I think I will give the Jacuzzi dealer a try out.
I just found out that my HOA requires me to get a permit, which can take anywhere from 30-45 days. I also have to get city approval, even though the previous homes' owners had a spa and gazebo on a concrete pad with previously approved city permits - go figure ( I guess they just want a little more money in their coffers)
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Yes, it is made by Watkins as part of the Hot Spring family. Limelight has its own very limited website.
http://www.limelighthottubs.com/
Thanks for the info on the Limelight.
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You first need to decide whether you spa is for "therapy" or a party bling tub that will be filled with cigar smoking, beer drinking lunatics. I opted for the latter.
I quoted the word therapy because your therapy has to be over at some point, in which case, it's party time.
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I opt for both. I opt for therapeutic lunacy! ;D
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In that case, any decent spa will do a good job of soothing aching muscles and provide a relaxing atmosphere. Party tubs tend to cost much less than "therapy" :) spas. I'd recommend a Dynasty only for the fact that everyone I have ever dealt with was great and you can oder replacement parts direct and get them in a couple of days.
When I purchased my spa, it was a floor model (supposedly never filled) but after I received it, I think the salesman probaly lied (big surprise). Mine may have sat out in the elements before I bought it because the stereo had corrosion on the detachable face contacts and someone put a fingernail cut in the rubber membrane of the wired remote.
My only issue was a few jets that popped out due to a bad design which they have since changed to new ones that don't come out once they are inserted and a pump which the impeller detached from the drive shaft. I am starting to think something got down in there and jammed it up, causing it to break. These pumps and the impeller housing are built like a brick outhouse.
My brother was sitting on the ledge the first night I got it and slid down into the spa, tearing the corner pillow. But it was only $25-30 for a new one.
Apparently they don't have techs / service people in every area as I had to put a replacemt pump in myself. It didn't cost me a dime, only some time and sweat. I always want to learn as much as possible about my big ticket items and I love to build and take apart everything.
I can honestly say I'd buy another Dynasty, which I will probably end up doing if we decide to move.
I would only buy one still shrink wrapped and in a covered warehouse.
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I wet-tested the Limelight Pulse over the weekend and thought the lights were really neat, but I wasn't overly impressed with the seating. I then tested the Envoy and I finally think I found the one. I liked all five of the seating positions. I like the SpAudioCast with the sub. At an additional $1800 it is pricey, but so are most quality things in life. The only hurdle I have to clear now is that my HomeOwner's wants me to get approval from all of my surrounding neighbors as well as a city permit and then final approval from the HOA association. They said that will take another 30-45 days. I leave for a two week Hawaii Cruise in 2+ weeks anyway aboard NCL so I'm not too stressed out ;D
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Have fun on the cruise.
Good luck with the neighbors.
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I would definiely get a spa with a built in lounge chair, regular seats are nice but a couple of specialty areas makes a huge difference. Foot wells with X-large jets are great too. Some spas don't have them at all.
You wouldn't think lights are important but they add to the relaxing atmosphere.
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I would definiely get a spa with a built in lounge chair, regular seats are nice but a couple of specialty areas makes a huge difference.
... and I specifically like open seating. I would avoid a lounge and specialty seating if I were getting a new spa for myself.
This is why wet testing is so important. What works for one person may not be preferable for another!!!
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... and I specifically like open seating. I would avoid a lounge and specialty seating if I were getting a new spa for myself.
This is why wet testing is so important. What works for one person may not be preferable for another!!!
Not to be rude, but what would be the reasoning behind buying a spa with bench style seats or ones that are pretty much all identical, other than squeezing eight people in there at once?
People tend to doze off when they are on the lounge sometimes, it's very relaxing. The only other specialty seat I have is the extra deep neck massager. When it's brutally cold, it's nice to have just your head above water.
I couldn't see spending 8000-9000 on what would amount to be the same style as a hotel's public whirlpool with nothing but regular seats.
I respect your opinion, I was just wondering why.
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Not to be rude, but what would be the reasoning behind buying a spa with bench style seats or ones that are pretty much all identical, other than squeezing eight people in there at once?
People tend to doze off when they are on the lounge sometimes, it's very relaxing. The only other specialty seat I have is the extra deep neck massager. When it's brutally cold, it's nice to have just your head above water.
I couldn't see spending 8000-9000 on what would amount to be the same style as a hotel's public whirlpool with nothing but regular seats.
I respect your opinion, I was just wondering why.
When I say open seating its not the same as the public whirlpool "bench style seating" you're talking about. Open seating spas still have contouring and have jets just like any contour seated spa. I just think much of the contouring in spas is to make them look better in a showroom when it has no water in it.
Lounges take up space and are nothing special to me. It’s as simple as that. I don't knock them and if I had one I'd gladly use it but I prefer to not take up the space as we have 5 people in our family and I prefer the extra room as we tend to move around a lot.
To each his own.
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I understand, thanks for clarifying. You are absolutely right, everone has different tastes and since a lot of spas are seen empty in the showroom, one with a lot of extra countours and angles may appear more expensive. Eight seat spas also hold more water than ones with a built in lounge.
I specifically wanted to limit the amount of people that could fit to six. The water rises about an inch for each average sized adult that gets in. When the water is at optimum level for just myself and my wife, and we have people come over to use it, the water level is often even with the top of the shell and starts to overflow.
Getting permission from all his neighbors will be the major problem in my opinion. There are a lot strange families who just like to cause trouble in any given neighborhood.