Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: soclosetobuying on September 28, 2004, 05:44:41 pm

Title: Help!
Post by: soclosetobuying on September 28, 2004, 05:44:41 pm
are Calspas as bad as everyone on these forums say?
I'm deciding between a Calspa (which is the most affordable)--haven't looked at the Calderas yet (which the HotSpring dealer who won't give me back by "refundable" deposit now carries and insist I try)

I was also tempted by the Sundance, but they are a bit pricey.

I plan to wet test this weekend--should I bother to drive an hour to try the Marquis?
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Chas on September 28, 2004, 05:47:44 pm
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are Calspas as bad as everyone on these forums say?
Yes.

Quote
I'm deciding between a Calspa (which is the most affordable)

It is frequently much more expensive to own a cheap spa.
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: newtotubbing on September 28, 2004, 05:48:18 pm
If it was me I would steer clear of Calspas.  Why won't the dealer give your deposit back?  You should check out the Caldera's you might just like them.

Jonathan
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: golferm on September 28, 2004, 06:24:48 pm
I have just purchased a Jacuzzi J-345, which I compared against Hot Springs and Sundance.  If price is a concern, also check out the Sweetwater line from Sundance. It should price out slightly less than Jacuzzi.  I heard nothing good about Calspas either BTW.  
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: empolgation on September 28, 2004, 06:40:27 pm
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I plan to wet test this weekend--should I bother to drive an hour to try the Marquis?

As far as the brand goes, most definitely - be sure to check out their EveryDay line as well. In some areas an hour is considered too far in others it can part of their regular territory - be sure to ask about any travel charges they may charge.
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Spatech_tuo on September 28, 2004, 07:09:27 pm
IMO Caldera, Marquis and Sundance are all good options. Calspas' reputation was earned and you might want to heed the warnings given by their past customers.
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: rocket on September 28, 2004, 10:08:13 pm
DIDO spatechs com.
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: HotTubMan on September 28, 2004, 10:15:46 pm
I have never encoutered or heard from a happy CalSpa owner. NEVER!

HTMan
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Chas_is_back on September 29, 2004, 11:52:33 am
happy calspa owner here. very happy!
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: wmccall on September 29, 2004, 12:01:39 pm
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happy calspa owner here. very happy!



I have a good friend who has a 4 sardine tub, (4 person tub, 2 comfortable) and after 3 years he is happy with it.  I wouldn't be happy with it, but I don't think I would have been happy with anyone's lowest end tub. Its just him and his wife now and he is happy with it because he only had $2500 to spend at the time.
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: PPOL on September 29, 2004, 03:57:51 pm
Definitely check out the Caldera line, there are affordable Highland series spas which don't come with the same warranty as a Paradise or Utopia series, but are very affordable.

Happy Hunting,

Neil O'Donovan
Phoenix Park Outdoor Living
Wilmington, NC
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Chas on September 29, 2004, 04:49:45 pm
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happy calspa owner here. very happy!

Wow. I may have to ask you to kindly consider a name change   ;) ;) ;) :D :D ;D ;D :D :D ;) ;)
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: stuart on September 30, 2004, 11:59:53 am
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I plan to wet test this weekend--should I bother to drive an hour to try the Marquis?

I'd WALK 4 hours to test a Marquis before I would decide on a calspa....


We sell several brands and when we have customer that is in one of the outlying areas we always suggest Marquis.

Understand that we make about $50 on a warranty service call so by the time we drive to your house, find the problem, realize we don't have the part and drive back for a second visit we didn't really make anything. Factories don't pay mileage to fix a spa, most of the time that is at the discretion of the dealer. If you’re within an hour we don't usually charge mileage but prefer to sell you a Marquis over many of the others as we have fewer calls.

(happy calspa owner? very happy? chas?)
somewhere in there is an oxymoron! Or a very lucky person.... ;)
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Chas_is_back on September 30, 2004, 01:04:07 pm
I will not so kindly say no to a name change! :P
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: soclosetobuying on September 30, 2004, 01:12:39 pm
ok-I won't be buying a Calspa

I'm pissed at the HotSpring/Caldera dealer who is changing my supposedly "refundable" deposit into a store credit, so I really don't want to give him my business.   >:(

That said--now I'm thinking of Sundance/Sweetwater, Marquis, and Dimension one, or a Caldera at a dealer further away.
I still have to wet test and even see the Dimensions--I also didn't want to spend a fortune.
any thoughts?  ???
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Mendocino101 on September 30, 2004, 01:59:58 pm
What kind of dollars are you looking to spend and what size spa are you looking for....
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: HotTubMan on September 30, 2004, 02:18:01 pm
Sundance, Marquis and D-1 all have there economy lines, namely Sweetwater, Everyday and @Home. There are more options to consider, as Mediciono asked: What size? What kind of massage intensity? How much in the budget?
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: soclosetobuying on September 30, 2004, 02:24:49 pm
I'm looking on the smaller size 4-5 people

budget $4000-$5000--I still have to pour concrete and get the electrical hooked up, and I know that's going to cost me too.

I'm petite--I like the idea of a lounger but I'll wet test to make sure I don't float out of it. My friends have a Hot Springs with the Motomassage, which I like, but I feel like I need a booster-seat in it.
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Mendocino101 on September 30, 2004, 02:46:38 pm
marquis everyday line has a couple of models that fall into your want/need range....look at the 415 and the 530...the 530 is a lot of spa...I am sure someone from the other lines like Sundance/sweetwater will be able to mention a model that would also fit those needs....You may find a dealer who wants to move a Mirage from Marquis that maybe would be close to your desires as well....
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Mendocino101 on September 30, 2004, 02:47:41 pm
What part of the country are you in...Someone here might be able to refer you to a good dealer as well....
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: empolgation on September 30, 2004, 02:54:39 pm
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I'm pissed at the HotSpring/Caldera dealer who is changing my supposedly "refundable" deposit into a store credit, so I really don't want to give him my business.   >:(

That really sux! Typically a "deposit" by definition is refundable; I wouldn't support a business that changes a refundable deposit to a credit either - I would be demanding to have it refunded.

As you are reading, there are a lot of great tubs out there to choose from - wet test every one you are interested in and you will find a quality tub that fits your needs and budget.
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Chris_H on September 30, 2004, 03:09:01 pm
I don’t know if I agree about refunds.  

If I had to special order a spa in that you wanted, and it wasn’t a spa that I would normally stock say a Vista, Maxxus, or Serena Bay (those manufacturers largest, most expensive models, and usually the hardest ones to sell).  I could see the resistance to give your money back in those models.  However, if you bought a floor model there really is no excuse not to give the consumer their money back.  
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: soclosetobuying on September 30, 2004, 03:14:02 pm
they didn't order the spa--I'd understand if they had done that.
they told me that my "refundable" deposit was only refundable for 7 days (but failed to make that clear to me at the time) although there's a blurb on the contract that says "with 7 days notice"
whatever
it's done
I'd prefer not to give them the time of day from now on, although I am curious about Caldera spas (which they didn't have when I was there last)
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: poolboy34 on September 30, 2004, 03:48:33 pm
check out the Cove and the Cove HP in D-1's @Home series.  They are a smaller 4-5 person spa that might fit your needs and price range.  Also, I agree with Chris H on the refund of deposits.  But I also agree with you that this dealer should in fact give you your money back.  I could understand if you bought a product that had to be special ordered like a new spa cover for a spa this dealer doesn't carry, or a cover lifter they don;t stock.  In that case I could understand the store credit.  Keep in mind the pool and spa business is a specialty retail industry, therefore our share of the market is very minute.
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: wmccall on September 30, 2004, 04:02:57 pm
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I don’t know if I agree about refunds.  

If I had to special order a spa in that you wanted, and it wasn’t a spa that I would normally stock say a Vista, Maxxus, or Serena Bay (those manufacturers largest, most expensive models, and usually the hardest ones to sell).  I could see the resistance to give your money back in those models.  However, if you bought a floor model there really is no excuse not to give the consumer their money back.  



When it comes to deposits, I always make darn sure in writing what it is.  In my case, when we bought, I bought a floor model, adn asked if the deposit was refundable he said, it was and put it in writing.   Had I been ordering a spa and he said there would be  cancelation charge I would have understood.  Being upfront and forthcoming is so helpful.
Title: Re: Help!
Post by: Chas on September 30, 2004, 04:43:59 pm
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When it comes to deposits, I always make darn sure in writing what it is.  ...  Being upfront and forthcoming is so helpful.


WORD!!