Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: ericlemson on December 28, 2009, 09:29:13 pm

Title: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on December 28, 2009, 09:29:13 pm
Hi, New to this forum.  Im sure you get boring posts like this often, so I'm sorry!  I'm looking at the following and would like some feedback on the price and which to go with:

New Tiger River Spa - Caspian 6 seater = 6850 plus tax (includes cover, delivery, setup, etc.)

Used (only 6 months old and in perfect condition) Caldera - C30 6 seater = 5500 plus tax (includes cover, delivery, setup, etc. as well)

I have not seen a whole lot of reviews on the Caldera spas and it is used.  However, it's over a grand cheaper and it looks to be a larger spa over a 100 gallons more water.

Any thoughts? 
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: Spatech_tuo on December 29, 2009, 11:17:22 am
Hi, New to this forum.  Im sure you get boring posts like this often, so I'm sorry!  I'm looking at the following and would like some feedback on the price and which to go with:

New Tiger River Spa - Caspian 6 seater = 6850 plus tax (includes cover, delivery, setup, etc.)

Used (only 6 months old and in perfect condition) Caldera - C30 6 seater = 5500 plus tax (includes cover, delivery, setup, etc. as well)

I have not seen a whole lot of reviews on the Caldera spas and it is used.  However, it's over a grand cheaper and it looks to be a larger spa over a 100 gallons more water.

Any thoughts?  

Both are good brands and generally they are pretty comparable but if the Caldera is truly used then it won't come with the warranty (spa warranties do not transfer from one owner to another) and I would go with the new Caspian and the manufacturer's warranty.

If this is a case where "used" actually means the Caldera is a floor model (floor models retain their warranty in full) then that's different and I'd lean to the less expensive Caldera in that case.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on December 29, 2009, 02:46:39 pm
It is used.  It was sold to a customer earlier in the year and he used it twice and divorce is causing him to get rid of it. The local Hot Springs dealer is buying it back and I was told that yes, it would still have the 5\7 year warrenty.  They also said that they do all their warrenty work in house.  He said it would be in writing on the contract.  He's letting it go for 5k and said if I wanted the new (but likley more used) floor model, it would be 5800.  I wet tested it and loved the size.  Going to look at the returned one on Monday.  I was told it was in perfect condition.

Anything I should ask about proof of warrenty?  If it's on the invoice and it's from a Hot Springs Dealer, I should feel good right?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: wmccall on December 29, 2009, 03:51:46 pm
Welcome to the forum. Most of us never find those questions boring.  You stated the warranty was being provided by the dealer, which to me it means its probably good as long as the dealer is around. Do get it in writing in case the ownership changes hands.   I bought from a dealer who had been in town for more than 17 years, but went under after 2 years. Fortunately the factory provided warranty service for the remainder.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on December 29, 2009, 03:59:48 pm
I also found that the C30 is a little more comfotable for me as I am a rather large frame 6'4" 260.  I also called watkins and they said that the HS dealer I was talking with was very good and not going anywhere. Also if the previous owner did not register the hot tub then I can no problem.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on December 29, 2009, 04:36:05 pm
Called Watkins with the seriel number and it has not been registered, so I can do that.  Looks like I'll be buying a C30 on Monday!
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: Spatech_tuo on December 29, 2009, 05:13:56 pm
Called Watkins with the seriel number and it has not been registered, so I can do that.  Looks like I'll be buying a C30 on Monday!

It sounds like you're doing your homework. With you being 6'4" I think the larger spa is the way to go so if the warranty is full and it states as such on the invoice it sounds like you're getting a pretty good deal.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on December 29, 2009, 05:19:07 pm
Thanks, well I've learned a good bit of what to look for just reading through this site for a few days.  I'll let you all know if anything else comes up.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on January 04, 2010, 12:30:17 pm
Going to look at the Hot tub today to make sure it's what they say it is.  I'm getting my deck extended for the hot tub. The footers were put in last week and today they are putting in the posts and tomorrow building the deck.   Hopefully I'll have the hotub in by Wednesday or Thursday. I will post some photos later today/night of the project.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: H823Putt on January 04, 2010, 03:11:18 pm
Everyone here loves to see photos. :D
 Good luck with the tub.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on January 04, 2010, 08:23:20 pm
Didn't get to see the tub today as they hadn't got it in, hopefully tomorrow.

Oh and how do I post a photo that's on my computer.

Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on January 12, 2010, 04:29:46 pm
Well, there was a holdup on the used spa, so they decided to give me the Caldera C30 which was their floor model for $5k plus tax.  The only difference was it didn't have the cover lift which was $299, so he split that with me.  It's getting installed Thursday at 2 pm!  Maybe it will be ready to use that night?????  We are excited!

Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: Spatech_tuo on January 12, 2010, 05:13:37 pm
Well, there was a holdup on the used spa, so they decided to give me the Caldera C30 which was their floor model for $5k plus tax.  The only difference was it didn't have the cover lift which was $299, so he split that with me.  It's getting installed Thursday at 2 pm!  Maybe it will be ready to use that night?????  We are excited!



Congrats, let us know how it goes. To answer your previous question, to post photos you have to use a link to an image hosting site like photobucket.com
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: wmccall on January 13, 2010, 11:31:25 am
Good luck, I don't remember where your located, but right now here in Ohio the water temp would probably be around 40 degrees and my tub heats at around 4 degrees an hour.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on January 13, 2010, 07:08:57 pm
I'm in Easley, SC, so maybe it won't take as long.  At least I should be using it Friday night.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: 96SC on January 14, 2010, 05:06:21 am

Welcome, I too am from SC and our son is a current Clemson Tiger.  I'm curious where you're getting/got your tub from.  If it's the Hot Spring dealer in Greenville, you've gone to a great place, that's were we bought ours.  I know they have a sister store in Asheville that sells Caldera.
Again, welcome.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian? ****PHOTOS****
Post by: ericlemson on January 16, 2010, 11:15:06 pm
Yes, I bought it from Hot Springs in Greenville.  My parents bought a tub from them about 15 years ago and they were always great.  I graduated Clemson in '01.

Well, believe it or not, I might actually have some photos.  Here's a link to all of the photos - http://s783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/

Let's see if this works:

Footers
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/064.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/062.jpg)
Starting the deck addition
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/005.jpg)
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on January 16, 2010, 11:24:10 pm
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/006.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/007.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/009.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10001.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10002.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10003.jpg)

FINALLY!!!!
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid156.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid158.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid159.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid160.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid161.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid162.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid163.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid164.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid165.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid166.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid169.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid171.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/Jan10droid174.jpg)
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on January 16, 2010, 11:29:53 pm
It's raining tonight, but here's the finished product!
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/tub001.jpg)
(http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/ericlemson/Hot%20tub/tub003.jpg)
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: Bonibelle on January 17, 2010, 08:32:48 pm
Wow! great pictures!! And your deck is beautiful. Enjoy!!
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on January 17, 2010, 10:20:34 pm
Thanks for the compliment.  We are excited about it.  Heck, I might go jump in for a bit!

Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on January 17, 2010, 11:39:54 pm
Just had a soak!  Great night in SC for it...finally the rain is gone and it's a clear night.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: 96SC on January 18, 2010, 05:08:20 am
Nice set up!  The past few nights have been pretty nice for a soak.   I would think the folks at Hot Spring in G'ville could come up with a 'Paw' cover. ;D

Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: wmccall on January 18, 2010, 08:34:12 am
Wow! great pictures!! And your deck is beautiful. Enjoy!!

I agree, but I have a request for one more.  How about a day time pic looking out showing us your view from the tub during daylight.  Congratulations.
Title: Re: Caldera C30 vs. a Tiger River Caspian?
Post by: ericlemson on January 19, 2010, 09:57:25 am
I'll see what I can do...