Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: wmccall on August 10, 2012, 08:31:23 am
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I think this weekend we are going to do it for real and go hot tub shopping again, the first time in 10 years. My wife absolutely loved our Dynasty tub, but its finally at the end of its useful life even though I just put a new pump in it. I think she sees that now.
It was 2 years after I bought my tub from a dealer with a long history in this town that this deal went under. Perhaps it was the economy, but the owner gave the company to his son and I suspect that had as much to do with it. Over the last 10 years in Columbus I've seen many dealers come and go along with many brands. Some brands have switched dealers, or rather dealers switch brands.
My Dynasty did bring us a lot of great times in the past 10 years, but I'm not sure they are a company I want to do business with. Their customer service is terrible. When I pay thousands of dollars for something and register the warranty, I expect them to know my serial number and whats in my hot tub. I can't count the number of times I had to open the tub up to get them my serial number. I finally took a picture of the plate and kept it in my phone. The final straw was trying to call them for support. Their phone menu lists their customer service hours as 8am-5pm, but they don't like to talk to anyone after 4:30pm. Twice I've been in the phone queue and have them pick up the phone and hang it right back up again at 4:50. When I call right back the out of office is on even though its not yet 5pm. That place must be a ghost town at 5pm everyday.
I'll have to look to see who the players are in town. The two biggest and been around the longest is the Jacuzzi/Sundance dealer. They also have a Master Swim Spa which is interesting to look at, but I'll never buy. I see two possible good deals on Jacuzzi models, but solely on appearance I see some Sundance Spas I like. I've never been in either so we will definitely wet test.
Just up the road is the dealer which for years was Hot Springs/Cal, but now they are primarily Hot Springs and maybe a couple of other brands. My sister has a Vanguard and I think I like it, there are a couple of other models there I like. They are also carrying the Dynasty's special line, but at this point I won't even consider that.
I might have to take a look to see who else, if anyone is in town. A couple of long time dealers are no more since I last did this. Our current tub is 425 gallons 92" x92" with a lounger. We will probably go smaller, definitely not bigger. As Inviting as a Grandee or Maaxus look, we just don't need it. We currently have a lounger and while I like it, its the least used seat in the tub. Whether I get another or not will probably depend on the deal. I use to use the lounger when I went out by myself to look at the stars, but in the past 10 years the number of stars you can see in my neighborhood has decreased by a factor of 10-100.
I just remembered what an ordeal it was getting our hot tub delivered. I hope it goes much better this time. The only negative thing I had about my dealer back then was they contracted a delivery company and that crew was a bunch of jerks who destroyed my cover and tried to sell me hundreds of dollars of crap I didn't need. I took the day off to get the tub running. It didn't come till 10:30pm.
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so open seat design? hmmm...here I'll assemble a "shopping list" for you ;D
Hot Spring Vanguard
Limelight Pulse
Jacuzzi J-365
Sundance Optima
most of those are only a few inches smaller than what you currently have but are all excellent spas imho
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so open seat design? hmmm...here I'll assemble a "shopping list" for you ;D
Hot Spring Vanguard
Limelight Pulse
Jacuzzi J-365
Sundance Optima
most of those are only a few inches smaller than what you currently have but are all excellent spas imho
Yes, the open seat design is what my wife likes best and you pretty much hit what I am looking at. I'm flexible enough to go for a deal. My dealer has had an anniversary edition 365 on his floor a long time.
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I looked in Craigslist-Columbus area to see if there were any free spas for the taking or anyone selling new ones out of a storage unit but I didn't see anything enticing.
Get yourself a nice 7' square non-lounge spa from whichever dealer in town carries a great product and who you think will be around for you. Good luck Bill, I think you know the routine on how to go about this.
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I looked in Craigslist-Columbus area to see if there were any free spas for the taking or anyone selling new ones out of a storage unit but I didn't see anything enticing.
Get yourself a nice 7' square non-lounge spa from whichever dealer in town carries a great product and who you think will be around for you. Good luck Bill, I think you know the routine on how to go about this.
Craigslist. I'll wait till I get my concealed carry permit first. We have had several Craigslist murders in our area this year including a women 9 months pregnant this past week.
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I think its down to two Jacuzzi models, possibly a Sundance Optima, and a Vanguard. I've been in a Vanguard before, not need to wet test. Maybe this week to wet test the rest.
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PS, my wife actually liked the layout of one of the limelight HS spas. I found the controls a bit cumbersome, maybe after 10 years I'm just used to having it my way. These spas had 2 pumps and I'm used to a pump #1 button and a seperate pump#2 button. This seemed to be a press once for pump 1 low, again for high, again for pump 2, and maybe again for both? The Vanguard controls seemed a little easier to follow and a bit more high tech than my previous tub.
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Tonight I wanted to stop at one more dealer that I knew had been around for a long time. When I bought my tub this dealer was the Dimension One dealer. Now they are selling Catalina and to my surprise they also sell Lazyboy spas. That was news to me. The dealer says they are from Hydro pool?
(http://www.lazboyspas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/dream.jpg)
This one was interesting.
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The Catalina Quebec is similar to our current layout. My wife likes that one.
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Arctic has improved the LOCATE A DEALER FUNCTION on their website, but the one is 120 miles away, so thats out. Off to check D1. Whom am I forgetting?
Ok, D1 72 miles. I'm spoiled I live in Ohio's largest city yet these guys are putting their dealership in Nowhere, Ohio!
Lets check bullfrog for fun.
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Bullfrog's dealer locater is Geographically challenged. I entered my zipcode and it told me the nearest dealer was in Utah. But going the long way I found one 70 miles away.
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I have a 13 year old Grandee in my back yard. I've had a couple neighbors ask if they can buy it when I get a new one (I'm guessing they'd want the neighborhood discount) because they assume I'm going to get a new one just because I get a discount. I've thought of getting a new one but there's nothing wrong with the one I have so I don't feel the need. I wonder what % of spas are working at 13 years let alone how many are going strong and showing no evidence of their demise on the horizon? I know one thing, it varies a lot by brand.
Don't be tempted by the dark side. Get a premium made spa, they stand the test of time.
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Don't be tempted by the dark side. Get a premium made spa, they stand the test of time.
I believe you, I've made mine last 9.5 years, but that was spending more than 1K after warranty and probably $300 before warranty ran out.
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Having been in this forum for 10 years now, I have probably recommended wet testing a few times. :D. I never did wet test, but we ended up with a tub that worked for us. Tonight for the first time we will actually wet test in a dealer's show room. Technically I have wet tested in my sister's tub as she has a model I am giving serious consideration to.
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I think we have just one more wet test to go. The Sundance Majesta
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/wettest/majestic.jpg)
After that we will get serious with the dollars and decide between a couple of tubs here and the Vanguard.
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I hope to wet test the Majesta this week and hopefully close this process as well.
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Just as a slightly amusing FYI, went I went to the Catalina Dealer, I mentioned I've seen some positive things about them mentioned on a hot tub forum I frequent, he cautioned me to beware of such websites and companies buy their ratings. When I did get home I noticed on Catalina's site that they are 4 star rated on pool and spa.com. Just sayin.
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PS, my wife actually liked the layout of one of the limelight HS spas. I found the controls a bit cumbersome, maybe after 10 years I'm just used to having it my way. These spas had 2 pumps and I'm used to a pump #1 button and a seperate pump#2 button. This seemed to be a press once for pump 1 low, again for high, again for pump 2, and maybe again for both? The Vanguard controls seemed a little easier to follow and a bit more high tech than my previous tub.
We checked out this spa. I liked the layout, but couldn't stand the LED lights above the water. I want to relax in the hot tub, not have piercing lights in my eyes. If it wasn't for that, it would be on our shortlist.
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PS, my wife actually liked the layout of one of the limelight HS spas. I found the controls a bit cumbersome, maybe after 10 years I'm just used to having it my way. These spas had 2 pumps and I'm used to a pump #1 button and a seperate pump#2 button. This seemed to be a press once for pump 1 low, again for high, again for pump 2, and maybe again for both? The Vanguard controls seemed a little easier to follow and a bit more high tech than my previous tub.
We checked out this spa. I liked the layout, but couldn't stand the LED lights above the water. I want to relax in the hot tub, not have piercing lights in my eyes. If it wasn't for that, it would be on our shortlist.
not to state the obvious but did the salesman show you that you can dim the lights (3 different levels of brightness) in which case it is far from piercing but your mileage may vary, personally I wish manufacturers would have the option to skip lighting to save money because not everyone wants it
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No, he did not show us that (unfortunately). We asked if you could turn the above lights off and he said no. The lights under the water are fine, but I personally do not like LEDs above the water. I found the rest of it very nice, but those lights were a deal breaker for us. Others may like this, but it wasn't for us.
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No, he did not show us that (unfortunately). We asked if you could turn the above lights off and he said no. The lights under the water are fine, but I personally do not like LEDs above the water. I found the rest of it very nice, but those lights were a deal breaker for us. Others may like this, but it wasn't for us.
unfortunate that he didn't show you all the features...oh well, did you end up with a new spa yet? or are you still in the wet test stage?
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Sundance Majesty Wednesday night.
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Sundance Majesta Wednesday night.
Wet test round 2 tonight, as mentioned we'll be in the Majesta tonight and perhaps review one of the tubs we tested. I really like the Jaccuzi 345, but my wife floated in the corner seats. This weekend I'll be visiting my sister and her Vanguard, so that will sort of be a wet test, but we weren't yet in the market the last time we were there, so I'll make sure my wife pays attention. With just my wife and I in the tub 99% of the time, I think one of 5 or 6 tubs would suit us fine. I think its going to be quality, looks, an deal that makes the decision. I hope to wrap this up before September, but to be honest, we are not in a hurry.
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Looking forward to hearing how your wet test goes!
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We were happy to see the Majesta set up in the testing room tonight and we were the first people in it. Previously our 2 favorites were the Jacuzzi 345 and the Sundance Optima. The Majesta is a smaller vs of the optima with no lounger. To me, they are both about equal with jet power and massage. I like the looks of the Jacuzzi a little more and the jet controls. I like the Sundancei user panel more as its easier to see. For myself if I was to score the J345 as a 100, i would score the Majesta a 98. But if my wife was to vote the Majesta a 100, she would probably vote the Jacuzzi an 85. She floats in the corner seats even without the jets on because of how far back they recline. Maybe that would be less with out suits, but we didn't test that in the store. ;) But I'll bet we could of. Again if it was me, i would probably make my choice based on price and best deal. I really could have been comfortable in any of about 5 tubs we tried. But with Gina being much more comfortable in the Majesta I think we will go that way from this dealer, but if he made a great offer on the Cameo with the lounger, I could go that way as well.
So I would say its between the Majesta and the HS Vanguard. I expect offers on both by next week.
(http://www.sundancespas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/majesta-overhead.jpg)
If we go with this tub it will be the Platinum tub with the Mahogony skirt.
(http://www.sundancespas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mahogany-29x29.jpg)
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FYI, this is the 10 year old Dynasty we are getting rid of.
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/cleantub.jpg)
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How do you like that shell color of the Dynasty you are getting rid of? Will you get that shade again in your new one? We are still trying to decide on shell color/texture.
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How do you like that shell color of the Dynasty you are getting rid of? Will you get that shade again in your new one? We are still trying to decide on shell color/texture.
Its nice and we really like the texture and my wife would get it again in a hearbeat, but this time we are going with a lighter color with a smooth texture, mainly for the appearance with the lights on. She was a little worried the first time about the smooth surface being slippery and easy to scratch, but having had a tub for 10 years now, those fears have subsided.
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It just occured to me, I didn't consider a shavenspa from Colorado.
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It just occured to me, I didn't consider a shavenspa from Colorado.
Hahah! For the record, I am a Phoenix dealer - maybe I can get them to change all the pump sizes, rearrange some of the plumbing, and set you up for delivery on the back of an old pickup truck? OK, I WAS a Phoenix dealer. Really!
But, sadly, they have closed their doors. They were actually very nice people: I'm talking about the folks at the plant and the sales team - they tried very hard to help us move some tubs. But they just didn't show all that well sitting next to HotSpring tubs - especially if I had one of the sides of the spa opened up. Which, BTW, I had no choice but doing: they sent me one spa with the siding all caved in, and when I asked for a replacement panel, they suggested I just use that spa as a display with the panel removed. It was not their wisest decision...
I tossed all my "Phoenix" shirts, posters and other stuff. Too bad: might be worth something now...
8)
http://www.redding.com/news/2011/feb/14/recession-sinks-phoenix-spas/?partner=yahoo_feeds (http://www.redding.com/news/2011/feb/14/recession-sinks-phoenix-spas/?partner=yahoo_feeds)
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It just occured to me, I didn't consider a shavenspa from Colorado.
You're not worthy.
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Haven't seen you mention it yet but have you looked at Artesian spa's? We no longer sell them, but they were/are a solid brand.
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Haven't seen you mention it yet but have you looked at Artesian spa's? We no longer sell them, but they were/are a solid brand.
No, I didn't , but I did check their dealer locator and I do have one less than 20 miles away, its at a place I've never been to, maybe I'll make a trip.
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Spent more than an hour total this weekend in my sister's Vanguard, including 1/2 more by myself playing with all the controls. I hope to wrap this up and have an order placed by the end of the week.
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Spent more than an hour total this weekend in my sister's Vanguard, including 1/2 more by myself playing with all the controls. I hope to wrap this up and have an order placed by the end of the week.
sorry, depending on the year of your sisters you'll have to re-learn some things ;D control panels are improved, some jet designs are different/improved so you can now shut off jets completely and also easily swap the entire jet body if you like a particular design on your upper/lower back, etc.....good choice though 8)
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Spent more than an hour total this weekend in my sister's Vanguard, including 1/2 more by myself playing with all the controls. I hope to wrap this up and have an order placed by the end of the week.
sorry, depending on the year of your sisters you'll have to re-learn some things ;D control panels are improved, some jet designs are different/improved so you can now shut off jets completely and also easily swap the entire jet body if you like a particular design on your upper/lower back, etc.....good choice though 8)
My sister's tub is a 2010 I believe. I think she took delivery in late 2010. The control panel, at least as I viewed it here, I do give an edge to HS, I really like that control panel, but I'm a bit of a techno type person anyway. Also, while it is a relatively small tub, I did like having the secondary control panel on the opposite side of the tub where I was sitting that I could turn jets and lights off and on without getting up. (not hard to do, but I did like it) I'll stop at my HS dealer again and look at the jets since my sister's tub is still fresh in my mind.
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Spent more than an hour total this weekend in my sister's Vanguard, including 1/2 more by myself playing with all the controls. I hope to wrap this up and have an order placed by the end of the week.
sorry, depending on the year of your sisters you'll have to re-learn some things ;D control panels are improved, some jet designs are different/improved so you can now shut off jets completely and also easily swap the entire jet body if you like a particular design on your upper/lower back, etc.....good choice though 8)
My sister's tub is a 2010 I believe. I think she took delivery in late 2010. The control panel, at least as I viewed it here, I do give an edge to HS, I really like that control panel, but I'm a bit of a techno type person anyway. Also, while it is a relatively small tub, I did like having the secondary control panel on the opposite side of the tub where I was sitting that I could turn jets and lights off and on without getting up. (not hard to do, but I did like it) I'll stop at my HS dealer again and look at the jets since my sister's tub is still fresh in my mind.
oh ok, so in your case the control panel will still be the same, but some of the jetting will be slightly improved, again with the ability to easily swap them out, and also to completely turn certain jets off to direct pressure to a certain jet...the soothing 7 jet is also a nicer design imo...obviously your local dealer can show you these features
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I haven't heard him say he was buying the vangaurd yet, though the writing was on the wall from the beginning. :P I thought the Sundance was at least still in the running??
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I haven't heard him say he was buying the vangaurd yet, though the writing was on the wall from the beginning. :P I thought the Sundance was at least still in the running??
I'm sure he's got at least another month or 6 of shopping left ;D j/k its good to do all your homework before making a big purchase, sometimes it amazes me when people drop 10k after a 20 minute presentation on the sales floor without even sitting in a tub dry or wet
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You haven't mentioned Marquis...Too far away?
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I haven't heard him say he was buying the vangaurd yet, though the writing was on the wall from the beginning. :P I thought the Sundance was at least still in the running??
I'm sure he's got at least another month or 6 of shopping left ;D j/k its good to do all your homework before making a big purchase, sometimes it amazes me when people drop 10k after a 20 minute presentation on the sales floor without even sitting in a tub dry or wet
But it's nice when that happens!! ;D
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I suspect we will be buying this week. Currently 3 tubs in the running, one Jacuzzi, one Sundance, and one HS.
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I don't see Caldera on your list!!!! Niagara? Incredible tub with Fiber Cor insulation, foot ridge, and Spa Frog inline sanitizer
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I will talk to the HS dealer at lunch time tomorrow, and then the Jacuzzi Sundance dealer on Thursday probably. At least for once things are going my way. I already knew the sale was coming, but I finally saw Sundance's email "select models and options" and for once my choice of model and color is on the list! Looking forward to finishing this process however it ends.
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I will talk to the HS dealer at lunch time tomorrow, and then the Jacuzzi Sundance dealer on Thursday probably. At least for once things are going my way. I already knew the sale was coming, but I finally saw Sundance's email "select models and options" and for once my choice of model and color is on the list! Looking forward to finishing this process however it ends.
To bad you can't see the side bets! ;) And I wish I could read some of the emails to your HS dealer from?
Well I won't list any names. 8)
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You guys may think you know me, but you married guys are forgetting the one major factor.
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/allure/first.jpg)
There is one tub I would score a 95 and she would score an 85 if we were actually totaling things up. The next tub I would score a 90 and she would score a 95. So this 2nd tub is not my favorite but it still scores high and we also know its about keeping the wife happy! I'd say right now, our 3rd choice we each score it a 90. Those scores are close enough that it should come down to best deal.
Now if it was just me, I could have been very happy with one of about 8 tubs. On the low end there was a Jacuzzi 200 series for around 5 grand I could be very happy in, but right now I can afford more so I will probably get more. Actually I could probably afford a Grandee or Aspen, but want to go a little smaller. Between the 3 companies I have mentioned most, I could be very happy in about 8 tubs, so we await the queen's decision.
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Lol! Yes, it is all about keeping our lovely wives happy, isn't it ;D
We ended up putting the order in for our Jacuzzi J365 last night - can't wait!
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Lol! Yes, it is all about keeping our lovely wives happy, isn't it ;D
We ended up putting the order in for our Jacuzzi J365 last night - can't wait!
I like that tub as well, did they say how long to expect for delivery?
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Should be here in 4 weeks :)
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Should be here in 4 weeks :)
I was told the same thing today for both the Jacuzzi and Sundance line. At least I'll have yours to judge by. I stopped in just to refresh my memory as my salesman returns from vacation tomorrow. I did go by the HS dealer at lunch and saw what people here told me was different about the 2012 Vanguard vs the 2010. The changes to some of the jets look like good logical ones as long as they remain durable. I did make an offer as to where I thought I need to be and it was accepted, so I will definitely be wrapping this up soon. The only negative on the HS, is the price he gave me is for one they have several of and they are all Coastal Gray cabinets, my least favorite.
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sorry, depending on the year of your sisters you'll have to re-learn some things ;D control panels are improved, some jet designs are different/improved so you can now shut off jets completely and also easily swap the entire jet body if you like a particular design on your upper/lower back, etc.....good choice though 8)
oh ok, so in your case the control panel will still be the same, but some of the jetting will be slightly improved, again with the ability to easily swap them out, and also to completely turn certain jets off to direct pressure to a certain jet...the soothing 7 jet is also a nicer design imo...obviously your local dealer can show you these features
You were of course right, I'm glad you mentioned it and glad I went back in and looked over the 2012 model.
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I don't see Caldera on your list!!!! Niagara? Incredible tub with Fiber Cor insulation, foot ridge, and Spa Frog inline sanitizer
While visiting the Vanguard today, I did see a Niagara. Wasn't fond of the chocolate shell color, but it did have an interesting layout.
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sorry, depending on the year of your sisters you'll have to re-learn some things ;D control panels are improved, some jet designs are different/improved so you can now shut off jets completely and also easily swap the entire jet body if you like a particular design on your upper/lower back, etc.....good choice though 8)
oh ok, so in your case the control panel will still be the same, but some of the jetting will be slightly improved, again with the ability to easily swap them out, and also to completely turn certain jets off to direct pressure to a certain jet...the soothing 7 jet is also a nicer design imo...obviously your local dealer can show you these features
You were of course right, I'm glad you mentioned it and glad I went back in and looked over the 2012 model.
good deal...there was a few more changes between 2010 and 2012 but none of them enough to sway a decision either way...indicator light on the outside of the cabinet was "fitted" a little more flush into the cabinet and they also made the "streaking" in the cabinets (most obvious in the redwood and coastal grey colors) more consistent...again nothing that will sway a decision, just some minor aesthetic upgrades