Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: dishdude on March 31, 2015, 12:35:43 pm
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Considering this model from Costco. I'm hoping to get some owner experiences, I am fully capable of DIY so local hand holding support isn't a requirement on my shopping list. This model seems to check off all my boxes; it has a lounger, a 24 hr circ pump and plenty of jets in all the right places. It's also about $4k less than the Aria.
(http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/dishdude1/oos350-582227-847__5_zpshe6x9k7m.jpg) (http://s372.photobucket.com/user/dishdude1/media/oos350-582227-847__5_zpshe6x9k7m.jpg.html)
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Looks like an energy hog to me. With 5 real jets and about 50-60 bullet jets that will make you itch. Have you wet tested it?
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Not a great warranty. Thermal pane insulation which if done correctly isn't bad if done wrong it will cost a fortune to run. There is only one manufacturer who has that down good and it's not divine. Like t-man said lots of jets but they all seem like small jets that won't feel good. The easiest way to make a tub look like a great value is putting in fancy lights and a million little jets while forgetting about under the hood. Costco is great for ketchup and bottled water but hot tubs not so much. You probably can't even see one in person. At 5999 you can get a tub from a quality manufacturers lower level tubs that will be better then this. Plus if something goes wrong with it you aren't calling some 1-800 number
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This is a great tub and it is not just some 800 number, they are just another branch of Clearwater and are very anxious to keep you happy. Regular spa companies hate them because they are dealing with Costco. Also, they use Balboa controls and pumps and they are not proprietary so any good repairman can get them in the future.
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This is a great tub and it is not just some 800 number, they are just another branch of Clearwater and are very anxious to keep you happy. Regular spa companies hate them because they are dealing with Costco. Also, they use Balboa controls and pumps and they are not proprietary so any good repairman can get them in the future.
What are the differences between the standard clearwater sold through dealers's versus the costco versions? They must cheapen them down in some ways to hit that pricepoint
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One of the main reasons it's less is you're buying direct. Costco doesn't inventory or handle the tub at all, it is shipped direct from the manufacturer to the end of my driveway.
I was hoping to hear from someone that actually owns one, not just speculation.
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One of the main reasons it's less is you're buying direct. Costco doesn't inventory or handle the tub at all, it is shipped direct from the manufacturer to the end of my driveway.
I was hoping to hear from someone that actually owns one, not just speculation.
The only benefit to that is cost. You're taking a big risk not knowing anything about the tub or even being able to see it. That expalins some of the price difference. The other price difference is they use cheaper components in tubs that are sold through costco. It's nothing new they have been doing it for years. It was a big factor in putting tatum and hydro spa out of business
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If you look under reviews in this forum there is one on this same tub that is from the last month
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That Belize thing? That's not the same tub. The specs say it can be 120v!
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That Belize thing? That's not the same tub. The specs say it can be 120v!
You're right I looked quick and thought it said 420. Same manufacturer different tub
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One of the main reasons it's less is you're buying direct. Costco doesn't inventory or handle the tub at all, it is shipped direct from the manufacturer to the end of my driveway.
I was hoping to hear from someone that actually owns one, not just speculation.
Help us get past our uneducated speculation. Buy it, stick around for 5-6 years and let us know. It MIGHT be fine for you.
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One of the main reasons it's less is you're buying direct. Costco doesn't inventory or handle the tub at all, it is shipped direct from the manufacturer to the end of my driveway.
I was hoping to hear from someone that actually owns one, not just speculation.
Dismissing the talent and experience we have here as speculation isn't exactly fair. As a retired marathoner I do liked the layout of the jets in the lounger, but appearances can be deceiving, though the jets don't look like the itchy ones to me, but anything else would be speculation.
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All the equipment, pumps and jets are balboa, and not proprietary but the same found in many brand name showroom floors including Clearwater. The cover is 4 x 2 with 1.5# foam and it is not fully foamed, it has foam on the doors and walls. If there is ever a leak you have full access to all sides and can easily spot the leak. The plumbing is pretty tight and they put the motors in some tight spots but no different than other companies. The actual cabinet of the tub is built well with lighting all around. The access doors are a little flimsy (Thin) but look nice and hold up to the elements well. MP3 and stereo is included I believe which is nothing I care about in a hot tub.
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Clearwater's quality has gone down hill significantly over the last couple of years. Like really bad.
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Clearwater's quality has gone down hill significantly over the last couple of years. Like really bad.
How so?
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Clearwater builds a nice spa, that being said I doubt the Costco mdl is the same spa that is sold at a actual Clearwater dealer. Overall you would probably be fine with it, you will be replacing jets before too long, equipment will be hit and miss. Some people buy Costco spas and they do very well, then the next guy buys the same spa and has nothing but problems with it. There is a reason why Costco changes spa mnfgs so often. ;) They have probably sold over 10 to 15 different brands over the years.
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You guys don't understand. Costco goes to Clearwater and demands a price point. Clearwater says no problem. I'd buy higher quality if I was going to buy.
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Overall you would probably be fine with it, you will be replacing jets before too long, equipment will be hit and miss.
What is wrong with the balboa equipment? And I will match their jets up with anything you have. and when Sundance sold their offshoot to Costco, they were a nightmare and the service department sucked!. Smart move for Costco to go with Clearwater....
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Overall you would probably be fine with it, you will be replacing jets before too long, equipment will be hit and miss.
What is wrong with the balboa equipment? And I will match their jets up with anything you have. and when Sundance sold their offshoot to Costco, they were a nightmare and the service department sucked!. Smart move for Costco to go with Clearwater....
You just made the point that everybody here is making. When Sundance sold through Costco....Clearwater is doing the same thing. You can't tell the quality difference from Balboa's higher end equipment to there cheap stuff. They make all spectrums of equipment from pricepoint to quality. This is my last post here because it's not really helping the OP out with his original question.
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Overall you would probably be fine with it, you will be replacing jets before too long, equipment will be hit and miss.
What is wrong with the balboa equipment? And I will match their jets up with anything you have. and when Sundance sold their offshoot to Costco, they were a nightmare and the service department sucked!. Smart move for Costco to go with Clearwater....
Clearwater is no different than the other 10-15 company's that have hored Costco over the last 5-6 years. Manufacturers do it to make money, simple.
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Overall you would probably be fine with it, you will be replacing jets before too long, equipment will be hit and miss.
What is wrong with the balboa equipment? And I will match their jets up with anything you have. and when Sundance sold their offshoot to Costco, they were a nightmare and the service department sucked!. Smart move for Costco to go with Clearwater....
Clearwater is no different than the other 10-15 company's that have hored Costco over the last 5-6 years. Manufacturers do it to make money, simple.
Until they don't make money or get tired of Costco bullying them around. And to Kev B nothing wrong with Balboa equipment, but it's not going to be the same pack that goes in the dealers spa. Jet wise it's no secret that waterway jets do and will fail/pop out after some time. I am sure they have different grades available to manufacturers.
Anyway I am done with this as well.
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It has nothing to do with the packs and the jets. Balboa and Waterway make fine products in several different quality levels from basic economy to over the top performance and reliable. But when a tub is built at a manufacturer there are several ways to make exceptable margins by spending less on the construction. Come on people don't kid yourselves.
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It has nothing to do with the packs and the jets. Balboa and Waterway make fine products in several different quality levels from basic economy to over the top performance and reliable. But when a tub is built at a manufacturer there are several ways to make exceptable margins by spending less on the construction. Come on people don't kid yourselves.
Construction goes without saying. ;)
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Overall you would probably be fine with it, you will be replacing jets before too long, equipment will be hit and miss.
but it's not going to be the same pack that goes in the dealers spa. Jet wise it's no secret that waterway jets do and will fail/pop out after some time. I am sure they have different grades available to manufacturers.
Anyway I am done with this as well.
Last response and then I am done. It is so easy for one to make statements, but to properly make a point, let's get some facts. And I would love to know what jets never fail and what they do to cheapen down the Balboa boards.....but your done so I guess we will never know.