Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: larryshomework on May 16, 2012, 06:12:55 pm
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So I'll be buying my first spa. Based on available brands in my area I've narrowed it down to the HS Grandee vs the SD Aspen. The ole wet test is next.
Any words of wisdom in choosing between these two? Both are virtually identical in price - about $11K installed (pre-tax)
I assume the ozone thingy and the clear ray are competing ways to do basically the same thing?
Is the ACE system worth a grand? (FWIW - I never experienced skin issues with chlorine in pools)
Thanks for any advice
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So I'll be buying my first spa. Based on available brands in my area I've narrowed it down to the HS Grandee vs the SD Aspen. The ole wet test is next.
Any words of wisdom in choosing between these two? Both are virtually identical in price - about $11K installed (pre-tax)
I assume the ozone thingy and the clear ray are competing ways to do basically the same thing?
Is the ACE system worth a grand? (FWIW - I never experienced skin issues with chlorine in pools)
Thanks for any advice
It really should come down to the wet test so my only words of wisdom would be to try to wet test both on the same day so you can truly compare them best rather than on different weekends or even just different days. The ozone and the clear ray definitely cancel each other out.
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Sound advice spa wise, and you can buy a lot of chems with a 1000 bucks!
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Larry,
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have made two good choices and are headed to the wet test which would be the best advice most of us would give you. However, if you ended up just buying one or the other without a wet test you would probably do well. After the wet test, post your opinion here. Sometimes just writing it down and looking at it on the screen is good shopping therapy. I'm sure it would benefit some other shopper as well. I haven't seen the Aspen much yet, would love to hear what you say about it. How many people in your family?
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Thanks for the advice - will keep the forum updated.
The Aspen is the Maxxus without the lounge. Basically I'm buying big so I can use it as a summer tub for friends (a pseudo-pool) then regular use the rest of the year with one or two people. As I've read here, I may be over buying in size but I figured for a little extra I might as well go big :)
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I actually like the layout of the Jacuzzi J-495 better than the Aspen. Not sure you have a dealer though..
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Thanks for the advice - will keep the forum updated.
The Aspen is the Maxxus without the lounge. Basically I'm buying big so I can use it as a summer tub for friends (a pseudo-pool) then regular use the rest of the year with one or two people. As I've read here, I may be over buying in size but I figured for a little extra I might as well go big :)
Understood, while your not me, i thought I'd be entertaining more in my hot tub than we have. Now that my daughter is grown and moved away its just the 2 of us 99.9% of the time. When I buy again, I'll probably go smaller. (but not too small)
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Thanks for the advice - will keep the forum updated.
The Aspen is the Maxxus without the lounge. Basically I'm buying big so I can use it as a summer tub for friends (a pseudo-pool) then regular use the rest of the year with one or two people. As I've read here, I may be over buying in size but I figured for a little extra I might as well go big :)
If you envision many enjoying this at once you want the spa to be open seated without a lounge but also without seat separations (barrier free). The Aspen may say its a 7-8 person spa in its literature but look at the layout, its more like 5. Go by the number of seats you see not by the number given in the spec sheet. Then again as Bill pointed out, how many people are you truly going to have in it?
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Thanks for the advice - will keep the forum updated.
The Aspen is the Maxxus without the lounge. Basically I'm buying big so I can use it as a summer tub for friends (a pseudo-pool) then regular use the rest of the year with one or two people. As I've read here, I may be over buying in size but I figured for a little extra I might as well go big :)
Both are good quality spas. The nice thing about the Grandee is that the seating is indeed very much open and barrier free which is important for those who are putting multiple people in it. While we all hear people occasionally say they realized later they went bigger than they need its a lot better than the other story we sometimes hear of those who found out later they went smaller than you need so I’d err on the larger side if you're unsure. The Vanguard is the smaller version of the Grandee if you do decide you don't need that much space after all.
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Considering the price is the same for either, I myself would be inclined to take the bigger spa.
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While we all hear people occasionally say they realized later they went bigger than they need its a lot better than the other story we sometimes hear of those who found out later they went smaller than you need so I’d err on the larger side if you're unsure. The Vanguard is the smaller version of the Grandee if you do decide you don't need that much space after all.
There is merit to that statement. While it mostly 2 people every night in our 6 person spa, its nice to have the room to move around. Every seat in my tub, the way I have it set up provides therapy in different areas and I use the floor as an additional seat as I move around.
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While we all hear people occasionally say they realized later they went bigger than they need its a lot better than the other story we sometimes hear of those who found out later they went smaller than you need so I’d err on the larger side if you're unsure. The Vanguard is the smaller version of the Grandee if you do decide you don't need that much space after all.
There is merit to that statement. While it mostly 2 people every night in our 6 person spa, its nice to have the room to move around. Every seat in my tub, the way I have it set up provides therapy in different areas and I use the floor as an additional seat as I move around.
Exactly, I move around from seat to seat almost as much as my kids when they were younger which is why I like a barrier free type spa where I can float around without a lounge or even arm rests. Since my kids are older now I might get a smaller spa if I were to trade in my Grandee some day but i wouldn't go too small even though its typically only my wife going in and sometimes just one of us.
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Thanks for the input - the seating of the Grandee certainly looks the best for my intended use.
No Jacuzzi dealers within 100 miles so HS and SD are the best options. There is a Bullfrog dealer but they didn't grab my attention they way the other two have.
The too big regret potential sounds less than the too small regret.
Will keep you posted.
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price, size, features aside I wouldn't be interested in the Aspen because of the weak "foot ticklers" it appears to have for foot jets...other than that make sure you wet test both and pick the one that works best for you and your family
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price, size, features aside I wouldn't be interested in the Aspen because of the weak "foot ticklers" it appears to have for foot jets...other than that make sure you wet test both and pick the one that works best for you and your family
The grandee has 2 wow! At least the Apsen has foot jets that an actual person can reach. As far as being weak (doubtfull) they probably feel pretty good.
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price, size, features aside I wouldn't be interested in the Aspen because of the weak "foot ticklers" it appears to have for foot jets...other than that make sure you wet test both and pick the one that works best for you and your family
The grandee has 2 wow! At least the Apsen has foot jets that an actual person can reach. As far as being weak (doubtfull) they probably feel pretty good.
meh...Aspen looks to have the same "foot dome" that we have on our Rhythm that sells for 6k or under...not a biggie I've never been impressed with jacuzzi/sundance jets, but then again different strokes for different folks, that's why a wet test is so important
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price, size, features aside I wouldn't be interested in the Aspen because of the weak "foot ticklers" it appears to have for foot jets...other than that make sure you wet test both and pick the one that works best for you and your family
The grandee has 2 wow! At least the Apsen has foot jets that an actual person can reach. As far as being weak (doubtfull) they probably feel pretty good.
meh...Aspen looks to have the same "foot dome" that we have on our Rhythm that sells for 6k or under...not a biggie I've never been impressed with jacuzzi/sundance jets,
The fact that you think that, doesn't surprise me. To each his own..
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Did the wet test on the Aspen. The dealer was great; the Aspen was not filled up and was too far from the electric to set up. He drained one tub and rearranged the floor to set up the Aspen - all this in one day. Very informative and laid back.
As for the test, it went well. I liked all the seats. Where I had a tendency to float the foot dome was an easy way to stay connected - particularly with the jets on full. The thing is huge and deep. I stepped into a Select series (about the size of the Optima) and it felt very cramped in comparison.
In comparison, the Hot Spring dealer will not set up the Grandee and told me to test in another tub (Aria I think) saying it would be the same basic feel (have not done this yet). Add to that less attentiveness in general from that dealer and I'm thinking the Aspen is the way to go given I liked it and feel much more comfortable with the dealer (who is 2 miles from my house and is friends with a friend of mine's dad). Finally, the HS dealer charges for delivery (I know it all works out in the end) so it seems they are more likely to nickel/dime me.
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Did the wet test on the Aspen. The dealer was great; the Aspen was not filled up and was too far from the electric to set up. He drained one tub and rearranged the floor to set up the Aspen - all this in one day. Very informative and laid back.
As for the test, it went well. I liked all the seats. Where I had a tendency to float the foot dome was an easy way to stay connected - particularly with the jets on full. The thing is huge and deep. I stepped into a Select series (about the size of the Optima) and it felt very cramped in comparison.
In comparison, the Hot Spring dealer will not set up the Grandee and told me to test in another tub (Aria I think) saying it would be the same basic feel (have not done this yet). Add to that less attentiveness in general from that dealer and I'm thinking the Aspen is the way to go given I liked it and feel much more comfortable with the dealer (who is 2 miles from my house and is friends with a friend of mine's dad). Finally, the HS dealer charges for delivery (I know it all works out in the end) so it seems they are more likely to nickel/dime me.
sounds like you've found the spa for you...congrats, but just so you know "freebies" are always figured in the price when a dealer sets margins so one way or another your paying for it...either way doesn't matter always buy the spa that feels the best during a wet test and has a good dealer to back you up...sounds like you'll be in "spatopia" soon enough (copyright Chas ;D)
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;)
8)
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price, size, features aside I wouldn't be interested in the Aspen because of the weak "foot ticklers" it appears to have for foot jets...other than that make sure you wet test both and pick the one that works best for you and your family
The grandee has 2 wow! At least the Apsen has foot jets that an actual person can reach. As far as being weak (doubtfull) they probably feel pretty good.
Ok, you two play nice ;) There is a good reason for wet testing when all else is equal or undecided, how does it actually feel?
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Put my order in for the Aspen. Should be a couple weeks.
Will update once things are bubbly
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Hi! I was looking at the Aspen and in a previous post you said it costs around 11K, the local dealer wants to charge me 14,500 for it! Am I getting ripped off? There is no way to compare prices on hot tubs! Not even manufacturer suggested prices...
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Hi! I was looking at the Aspen and in a previous post you said it costs around 11K, the local dealer wants to charge me 14,500 for it! Am I getting ripped off? There is no way to compare prices on hot tubs! Not even manufacturer suggested prices...
It varies depending on various things including where you live and while $14.5k seems high you certainly may find them to be willing to negotiate.
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Would agree with that! Prices for spa's that people say they pay here always amaze me, they really can be all over the board. Usually on the lower end of what we sell our spa's for. Like mentioned test the waters of how firm they are on that price and what that price includes, it's much easier to make a deal when they know you are serious than just walking around a showroom getting "the pitch" Sometimes this can take a trip or two. Throw an offer out, if they are holding strong then that is prolly all your gonna get.
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Hi! I was looking at the Aspen and in a previous post you said it costs around 11K, the local dealer wants to charge me 14,500 for it! Am I getting ripped off? There is no way to compare prices on hot tubs! Not even manufacturer suggested prices...
Look around and see what your other optuons are before you pay $14,500 which does seem high (including seeing where the next closest Sundance dealer is even if its just to get a better idea on pricing).
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Hi! I was looking at the Aspen and in a previous post you said it costs around 11K, the local dealer wants to charge me 14,500 for it! Am I getting ripped off? There is no way to compare prices on hot tubs! Not even manufacturer suggested prices...
"seems" high to me as well. 10,800 for an Altamar in northeast PA with the stereo. Just another datapoint for what its worth.
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"seems" high to me as well. 10,800 for an Altamar in northeast PA with the stereo. Just another datapoint for what its worth.
Altamar isn't even remotely close to the same size as an Aspen. That seems more in line with what I see. Aspen is normally big money.
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"seems" high to me as well. 10,800 for an Altamar in northeast PA with the stereo. Just another datapoint for what its worth.
Altamar isn't even remotely close to the same size as an Aspen. That seems more in line with what I see. Aspen is normally big money.
Well aware of that. Thanks. :) But, I didn't see people lining up providing price quotes for Aspens, so I thought just maybe, if he asked the dealer what he charged for an Altmar, and compared that to other Altamar prices, he could use that as a proxy for the type of markup his dealer was charging. Or he could just ignore me.
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Update. Had the tub installed last week got to play with it for a day or two before going out of town. Initial impressions are that it was the right choice. The size is great, the seats are comfy and the dealer has been great to work with. I'm just starting to learn the water chemistry stuff but my dealer is less than 5 miles away so I've been taking the water there quite a bit to get advice. I'm trying to use it as a cool tub for the summer but with the heat wave last week the tub is up to 95. So far so good.
To answer a question about price - I think the tub listed for around 14900. The dealer sold them for $12500 and there was a $1000 rebate from Sundance. $14500 sounds too high and I wouldn't have made the jump to the Aspen if it were that much. Did it have the stereo?
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Just another update in case anyone is considering the Aspen. I love the size. Mostly it's just me but I still love how big it is. Have had 7 large adults and 3 small kids in it at one time. Definitely plenty of room for everyone.
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Go to hear that you are still enjoying the Aspen.
Mine gets delivered and setup this Thursday. It is our first hot tub and the whole family (as well as our neighbors) is looking forward to it.
While I eventually got a good price, I wish I could have snagged it at your price!
Any advice as I get acclimated with it over the first few days?
George
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Go to hear that you are still enjoying the Aspen.
Any advice as I get acclimated with it over the first few days?
George
The standard advice is not to fret the water chemistry, you will figure it out. However, given the details of your message, tell everyone, including your nieghbors to wash their swimsuits through a full wash cycle but don't use detergent. Residual detergent left behind in swimsuits is magnified in hot water. With everyone trying out your new tub you may quickly see a pile of foam on top of the tub when the jets are running. Act before hand and avoid this.
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, tell everyone, including your nieghbors to wash their swimsuits through a full wash cycle but don't use detergent. Residual detergent left behind in swimsuits is magnified in hot water. With everyone trying out your new tub you may quickly see a pile of foam on top of the tub when the jets are running. Act before hand and avoid this.
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Another good reason to not allow swimsuits in the tub! Ours will be a no-swimsuit zone when it's delivered next week! ;D
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, tell everyone, including your nieghbors to wash their swimsuits through a full wash cycle but don't use detergent. Residual detergent left behind in swimsuits is magnified in hot water. With everyone trying out your new tub you may quickly see a pile of foam on top of the tub when the jets are running. Act before hand and avoid this.
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Another good reason to not allow swimsuits in the tub! Ours will be a no-swimsuit zone when it's delivered next week! ;D
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I'm in complete agreement, however given his parameters ,that may not be an option. I'm just enough of a prude to wear them when my daughter comes for a visit.