Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: guardrail22 on October 16, 2017, 10:25:03 pm

Title: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on October 16, 2017, 10:25:03 pm
We are currently shopping for a good size spa, 350 - 400 gallons. Wife was space for 6 which will happen twice a year. Looking at:

PDC Bali LX two year old floor model 94” square, 39” deep. $14k, discounted to $11k with $1k off for floor model discount. Wife were tested it and loved it.

Seven Seas 965L 91” x 108” x 36” $8495 with cover, steps and cover lift. Three year warranty is a plus. Pool and Spa Outlet is a long distance away, 54 Miles, but they travel for free to install and service.

Also been to a dealer in Raleigh (Atlantic) that sells Jacuzzi, Hot Springs, and Caldera all great but pricey big time. There are a couple of Caldera models, Makena and Salina but we haven’t tried making a lower offer yet.

Pricing is very difficult to determine accurately.

Any thoughts are helpful.

Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: Spatech_tuo on October 17, 2017, 11:25:07 am
Floor models can be a good deal but my two questions would be 1) was that really ever selling for $14k because I'd want to know how much of a discount I'm really getting at $10k and 2) being two years old has the clock started ticking on the warranty or am I getting it in full? Also regarding the second option, 54 miles is pretty far so I'd want in writing that the travel charge is $0 for the life of the warranty but if its free as stated then I wouldn't sweat the distance too much.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: wmccall on October 17, 2017, 11:40:58 am
Welcome to the forum.   Our first spa was a 7 person tub holding $450 gallons I think it was.  I would say it seated 5 comfortably.  In 9 years we had 7 people in it once.   We may have had 5 people in it twice.  When I replaced it, I went to a 5 person spa, I'd say seats 3 comfortably. Its my wife and I 95% of the time and our adult daughter may join us the other 5%.     However, having a larger tub can sometimes be helpful in getting a massage in just the right spot if you move around a bit.

Just my random thoughts. I hope you come back and tell us how it works out for you.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: silversun on October 18, 2017, 07:32:44 am
If those are the options I'd choose the Salina. Lots of room, premium features, well built and a great value. I was able to get a dealer to $8500. good luck in your search!
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: Sam on October 18, 2017, 06:16:16 pm
You mean south seas rather than seven seas.  That's a pretty good price for that spa.  Spending $10k on a PDC seems crazy.  If you have that budge, there are plenty available from other brands.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: Hottubguy on October 18, 2017, 08:03:57 pm
You mean south seas rather than seven seas.  That's a pretty good price for that spa.  Spending $10k on a PDC seems crazy.  If you have that budge, there are plenty available from other brands.

Agree 10k for a PDC is nuts. No way that tub would sell for 14k anywhere. What are you getting for prices on Salina/Makena?  I think $8500 is a bit low on that tub you should be able to get it under 10k
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on October 18, 2017, 08:33:05 pm
The PDC is $10+k and the South Seas is $8495

Makena and Salina are $8995.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: Hottubguy on October 18, 2017, 08:53:43 pm
The PDC is $10+k and the South Seas is $8495

Makena and Salina are $8995.

With prolift 2 and Eco tech steps I’m at about 9800 so you are doing pretty well there on the Caldera. I would do either South Seas or Caldera with those prices
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on October 19, 2017, 09:37:31 pm
Starting to move closer to pulling the trigger on the South Seas. Gotta go thru the options list now.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: silversun on October 21, 2017, 06:45:55 am
I got $8,500 from two separate dealers in New England this summer. So, from my perspective, thats a fair price and not low at all.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on October 25, 2017, 11:21:46 pm
Wet testing the 965L tomorrow
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on October 27, 2017, 07:28:18 pm
Well that may have cinched it. Flow and directional adjustments on the jets, adjustable air in jets, three pumps, well lit, well warranted. Wife likes it better than the PDC.

Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: Hottubguy on October 27, 2017, 08:34:03 pm
I got $8,500 from two separate dealers in New England this summer. So, from my perspective, thats a fair price and not low at all.

Depends on add on’s. Think that’s a very good price. I won’t go that low but I guess others in New England will
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: Hottubguy on October 27, 2017, 08:35:00 pm
Well that may have cinched it. Flow and directional adjustments on the jets, adjustable air in jets, three pumps, well lit, well warranted. Wife likes it better than the PDC.

It’s a million types better then PDC as well. What’s the warranty on South Seas?
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on October 29, 2017, 08:39:49 pm
Original owner lifetime on structure, which include the non-expose tub shell
Three year tub shell surface
Three year equipment and electrical
Three year plumbing

Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on November 02, 2017, 06:35:18 pm
The money is on the table.

South Seas 965L.

ETA four weeks
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: kimba on November 05, 2017, 10:21:38 pm
I bought a caldera cantabria in August of this year and use it everyday.  Its big but I love it , has every jet possible for all muscles, water fountains and lights are incredible.  I do exercises in it too , it is eight person but It is great and so  much space when 4 people are in it .. Love it!!! Good Luck,, and I have had no problems at all with it ,, :)
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: Sorrentino100 on November 06, 2017, 06:31:18 pm
Nice looking spa! Very roomy. I'd buy a couple of extra filters so you can exchange them, as with only one, you'll be needing to change the filter more often.

If you're going to be using Dichlor, please check out pgs 51 to 62 of this manual: https://www.hotspring.com/sites/default/files/hot-spring_spas_owners_manual_2008.pdf, they explain everything you'll need to know to take care of your water. Also, buy some test strips and a Taylor K-2006 test kit.

Good luck. I know the waiting will be difficult, but it gives you time to prepare the base, electrical and gain knowledge on water chemistry.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on December 12, 2017, 12:10:59 pm
time for an update. Spa was built and ready to ship early Dec. Failed final inspection due to defect in shell from issue with the mold. !2 units effected. Not sure how a defective shell gets all the way thru assemble before being inspected - cant help you there.

Mold parts air freighted from Germany and spa remade to ship tomorrow. Still hoping to be up and going before family arrives for holiday. Gas fired tankless hot water heater will let me fill it with warm water.

Power is in and electrical rough in approved. Just have to shorten the liquidtight and conductors when it is set and terminate four wires.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on December 26, 2017, 09:25:52 am
The spa is on the ground and working wonderfully. Dealing with a foam issue we’ve isolated to likely a clothing issue with a guest but we are very pleased.

Every jet in this tub adjust directionally and for water flow; a major advantage over Bullfrog and a big reason we did not go with them.

The 965L is a big spa and accommodates five easily. Using Amserse and Frog @ease and very happy so far.

Noticed two things which have resulted in “rules”

1. Last person out has to make sure all the jets are on and all the air is off. I’m not sure what the tub does while we’re not around but it does need ways to return water during heating and filtration cycles.

2. Guests get their bathing suits run thru thru the washing machine on hot water max water cycle and dried before they get in.

We have hot and cold water in the are for the dog wash and are considering a shower arrangement using this those water spigots.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on January 15, 2018, 10:16:29 pm
So we are at four weeks now and there are two frustrating things.

First, we can’t seem to get out in less than 60 minutes.

Second, foam.

Any one found the end all to end all to eliminate foam?
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: Tman122 on January 16, 2018, 07:03:28 am
Any one found the end all to end all to eliminate foam?

I have...........don't use the tub.

Sounds like you got it under control. Suits, perfume, body lotion, hair stuff, ect.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: guardrail22 on January 16, 2018, 11:03:00 pm
Looking for something to add to water to rid it of the cause
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: castletonia on January 16, 2018, 11:44:19 pm
Add de-foamer and clean the filters within 24 hours.
Title: Re: Trying to pick one
Post by: Conine2965 on January 17, 2018, 08:19:23 am
I like orange scum buster from Spa depot. I had foam issues mostly from soap in bathing suits. This has been a big help.