Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: water_maiden on January 23, 2005, 12:15:05 pm
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I visited my HS dealer yesterday and the salesman didn't mention the changes to the 2005 Vanguard model. My husband and I were going to buy a 2004 Vanguard, but decided to check out this site first. One person mentioned that the 2005 model will have 2 pumps instead of 1, and that one of the seats will have a dual moto massage. The other moto massage seat will remain the same. You can verify this at the hotspring.com website. It now has the 2005 model specifications.
Please let me know what you have paid for this 2005 Vanguard. We are going to buy it with the Freshwater III and the Cover Cradle RCS. Also, let us know how you like the new changes. Thanks!!!
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I don't know what the new model is like, but we sure love our 2004 Vanguard! I think about it all the time (I know I am sick!)...and can't wait to climb in at the end of the day. :)
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My husband and I wet tested the 2004 Vanguard. We liked it also. Thanks for your input.
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Also, let us know how you like the new changes. Thanks!!!
I'm a dealer, and I just saw the new Vanguard up and running for the first time. Wow. The dual Moto was a long time overdue, in my exalted opinion. The Vangaurd was a great performer with the single pump - I never had anyone tell me they thought it was underpowered after getting it into their home - but the new pump system will allow for more jets at the same time. I don't know how important that is in the long term, but it has great curb appeal.
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Chas,
Thanks for the reply!
Could you tell me if there is a big price increase for the 2005 Vanguard due to the changes? I am very excited about the additional pump and new Moto Massage.
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I like the BellaFontana water feature but does anybody have any feedback on the Well Spring.
It dosent look like it will add much wow factor like the BellaFontana or that you could really see the backlit water from in the tub?
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In my opinion the Well Spring is just bling bling. It gives a trickling sound when the jets are off, which some people might think is nice. It is backlit, but I haven't really seen this feature at night. Therefore, I am unable to say if the water appears colored or not.
If you should check out the 2005 Vanguard anytime soon, let me know what you think.
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My husband and I wet tested the 2004 Vanguard. We liked it also. Thanks for your input.
We looked at quite a few different spas, but my BIL and FIL have HS and have loved them. We did wet test (something I did not want to do, but considering the cost of these things, we did it and we were glad). We originally thought we wanted another one, which had a recliner, but once we tried them out, we found we really didn't like the recliner.
We mainly bought ours to help us with my arthritis (knees), and after soaking in ours for a week, I no longer take any meds! It came as a complete shock that I would be able to chuck my meds. I always wondered if it was just a fluke, but in the past month or so, we have had lots of sleet and ice, and haven't been able to get in the tub as often. At one point, we went over a week without getting in, and my knees began to hurt. Back to the meds....boo hoo, but then when the ice and sleet went away, I was back in and once again, I was pain free within a couple of days.
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We mainly bought ours to help us with my arthritis (knees), and after soaking in ours for a week, I no longer take any meds! It came as a complete shock that I would be able to chuck my meds. I always wondered if it was just a fluke, but in the past month or so, we have had lots of sleet and ice, and haven't been able to get in the tub as often. At one point, we went over a week without getting in, and my knees began to hurt. Back to the meds....boo hoo, but then when the ice and sleet went away, I was back in and once again, I was pain free within a couple of days.
That's why I do what I do. Connecting families is fun too.
As to the price question above - yes there will be an increase due to the dual moto and the dual jet pumps. I don't have that info in front of me - but I think you should expect a jump of around $400 or so. Give me some leeway on that one though.
On to the question about the WellSpring water feature: it is mellow. It's supposed to be. It does light up nicely at night - it stays blue. That means you have a nice blue flow easing into the red tub - or other color - as the color-changing light does it's thing. It can be quite striking if the area is dark enough. I recently saw one with some shiny pebbles placed in the water flow - they looked nice, broke up the water flow a bit, and I bet they will look good with the lighting at night (it was daylight as when I say them). We are building a brand-new 'mood room' to display this in a darkened environment - and to offer a more private place to take a test soak.
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Maiden,
Have you confronted the dealer that was leaving you in the dark regarding the 05 Vangaard? I think they may of had some 04 inventory that they wanted to move.
I heard that the 04 Vangaard was really nice the way it was. If the price is a huge increase to go to the 05, stay put. You won't make a bad decision if you keep some $$ in your pocket. ;)
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That's why I do what I do. Connecting families is fun too.
Our kids that are away at college, actually come home more often for a visit!!! Granted, they don't want us in the tub with them, but heck, at least they are here for a visit!
I do not know how we ever lived without our spa. It is absolutely awesome. I have been reading here for several months now, and just by luck, I found this place right around the time we were spa hunting. The information here is amazing....
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Thank you all for the information and speedy replies.
I know that the dealer has three 2004 Vanguards in his inventory. My husband wants the 2005 model with the dual Moto-Massage and additional pump. I do agree that now would be a good time to make a deal on the 2004 Vanguard.
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maiden,
I know your husband likes the 05 because of the dual moto massage seat. How much of a price increase from the 04 model? ;)
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I thought that the local dealer would be looking to move one of their 04's, but in the end it was only a $600 pricebreak. They don't seem as interested in moving their 04 stock as many of the other dealers are. We would love to buy the 04 Vanguard, but are at the end of our budget (the rest of the back yard was waaaaaaaay over budget).
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That doesn't seem too bad, I would also move toward the 05. Remember, you will be enjoying your Vangard for many years, you might as well bite the bullett a little harder, for $600.00 more it is a no brainer.
Nice job and good luck with your new spa. ;)
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Chas thought the price increase for the 2005 Vanguard was around $400. My husband and I hope to purchase the spa within the next two months.
In regard to the 2004 Vanguard. Our dealer in Ohio is having a sale on them this weekend. He is taking off $1,200 dollars which brings the base price to $7,400. I am not certain if that is much of a deal or not. :-)
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He is taking off $1,200 dollars which brings the base price to $7,400. I am not certain if that is much of a deal or not. :-)
Chas and others can certainly tell you plus I'm pretty sure Lori has one and can give feedback but they would need to know what comes with that price (lifter, steps, chems, etc.).
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Maiden,
May I ask where in Ohio? I haven't visited the local HS dealer here in quite a while, I'm a habitual browser when it comes to hot tubs.
Bill
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Chas thought the price increase for the 2005 Vanguard was around $400. My husband and I hope to purchase the spa within the next two months.
In regard to the 2004 Vanguard. Our dealer in Ohio is having a sale on them this weekend. He is taking off $1,200 dollars which brings the base price to $7,400. I am not certain if that is much of a deal or not. :-)
I would think $7400 would be a great deal. I paid $7600 for my 2003 (in 2003) and absolutely love it!!!
Besides, Chas said to give him some leeway on the estimated price increase! Different areas of the country are priced differently (obviously, look what I paid for the previous year's model, in my area)!
Have you wet tested the 2004 or the 2005? I would suggest it! I don't mind having one pump (plenty of power for little ol' me) and I use a Hydro-Pulse face plate on one of my moto massage jets, and I am in heaven!!! I haven't experienced the dual moto jet, but I would highly suggest WET TEST both and let that help you decide.
Plus, when you think of the "long run" what is an extra $400 or $600 now? After a week of whichever tub you choose sitting in your back yard, and you have soaked every night, you will forget how much you spent! (I have to check the review section every now and then to remember what I paid!)
;D Good luck! Have fun! And did I mention...wet test!
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Man, my local dealer in Vancouver, WA was trying to stick me for $8,800 for the 2004 floor model, it sounds like you are getting a great deal.
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The price of $7,400 on the 2004 Vanguard included only the delivery, setup, and chemicals. Additional options and sales tax are not included in that price.
The dealer in Ohio that we have visited is located in North Canton. They are known for their outstanding service department. It is called Ohio Pools and Spas.
Thanks again for the great feedback!
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I thought I might tell you, my price did include some extras. I got ozone, a cover lifter, starter chemicals, steps, and a box of goodies (a floating drink holder, some aromatherapy liquid, a relaxing music cd, and a couple of floating candles).
I bought on a "no sales tax" weekend. I know they are usually for school stuff, but the town I bought in wanted to try and keep some of the business here instead of in Texas, where they have a "no sales tax" weekend sale every year!
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I think our 2004 Vanguard was aroung $8000-$8200 (I can't remember exactly). This included tax, set-up, steps, coverlifter and cover, ozone, and some chemicals. Also, ours was a floor model, so I think they knocked off $400 or so. I also just love the color...pearl white with grey.
I don't know if this is a good price or a bad one, but I love my Vanguard. For us, it was the perfect fit. If we had kids at home, we would have gone for the Grandee.
If the new model is $400-$600 more, I'd get the new one. On the other hand, we are pleased as punch with ours, so either way, I think you will be happy. I do know one thing...We will never ever go without a spa. It's amazing!
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I would like to thank everyone for the input. Thie website is just great!
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My husband and I will be taking delivery of our 2005 Vanguard on February 26th. It will be going on a concrete base. Our electrician has finished his work and we are all set to go.
I have a few questions. Please keep in mind that I am a novice. Should I take a water sample to our dealer before the spa arrives? Is it better to use hard well water from our hose or soft water when filling the spa? One person mentioned that he read it is best to fill, chlorinate, let the pumps run for a few hours and drain. Is this necessary when filling a new spa? Also, are there any advantages to using bromine over chlorine? Our Vanguard has the Freshwater ozonator.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
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My husband and I will be taking delivery of our 2005 Vanguard on February 26th.
Yay!! Party time! I know you'll love it. It will be going on a concrete base.
Generally the best way to do it.Our electrician has finished his work and we are all set to go.
Prewiring or doing part of the job in advance makes great sense.I have a few questions. Please keep in mind that I am a novice. Should I take a water sample to our dealer before the spa arrives?
Yes - if your dealer offers this. I usually only do this if you are going to use Baqua, but it's never a bad idea. You may find some metal issues or other things which the dealer can help you with as soon as you fill.Is it better to use hard well water from our hose or soft water when filling the spa?
Most warranties mention never filling with soft water. Some folks here on the board fill with soft water and then use various chems to bring the water up to the hardness level recommended by the tub maker. I am of the opinion that you should go by what the tub maker says, and most of them say to never fill with soft water. Adding a portion of the volume of the tub in soft water can help if you test and find that your well water is unusally hard. To do this, simply fill the tub to about three inches below the normal waterline, and then top it off with soft water. That - surprisingly - is close to 25% of the volume of most tubs. One person mentioned that he read it is best to fill, chlorinate, let the pumps run for a few hours and drain.
No. HotSpring uses clean, chlorinated water to water test your Vanguard, and a simple chlorine shock at start up is all you need. Balance your pH and TA, then toss in 2 dry ounces of Dichlor. Then change the water at the end of the first month. This is called "Chas' Law," and helps newbies a lot. Also, are there any advantages to using bromine over chlorine?
Go with Dichlor and MPS - which are part of the Freshwater III system you dealer can help you with. Simplest, least expensive, and you can't use Bromine with the N2 cartridge anyway.Our Vanguard has the Freshwater ozonator.
Which includes the N2 cartridge I just mentioned - which is not compatible with Bromine.
Enjoy your new tub - my best advice is to keep it as simple as you can. Most long-time tub owners find a pattern of care which does not take much time, and is based on about three items:
Test (kit or strips)
Balance (pH and TA)
Sanitize (Dichlor is the cheapest and most powerful)
Also: you will need to have some de-foamer on hand while you and your tub get to know each other.
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One last thing you didn't mention - drain and refill after the first month! It makes a big difference in keeping the foam down. All you would be surprised at how nice new water is!
I have had mine for about 3 months now. I have only missed about 3 nights of soaking, and that happend this month! The next night I get in and wonder how in the world I would miss a night of soaking.
One thing that is surprising to me, most of the time I soak without the jets on. It is so nice to just soak and carry on a conversation with the wife.
Another thing I would do, get an extra filter and to swap it out. I have heavy use on my tub (kids use it too!) and find that I like to clean the filter every week or so. It keeps the water nice and clear!
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Thanks so very much for all of the good information. I have printed out your tips and will refer to them when the spa arrrives.
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We would love to buy the 04 Vanguard, but are at the end of our budget (the rest of the back yard was waaaaaaaay over budget).
This is the real reason I do my best to have folks put the spa in first and then build the yard around it. Of course it's also true that as you sit in your spa looking at the yard, you tend to become motivated to complete the task, you often come up with wonderful ideas to make it better, and if you are doing any of the work yourself, you MUST have the tub to relax your back after a hard day at it.....
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Here are a few ideas to battle the foam. Do not use detergent when washing suits, the soap will stay in the suit and can eventually cause foaming. If yu notice you are having foam, take your filters out and spray them off real well w/ a highpressure nozel. I have found using Natural Chemistry's Spa Perfect once a week helps w/ foam as well.
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Thanks for the tips!
I am pleased to report that my Vanguard was delivered a few days ago. My husband and I love it. I am certain that I will never regret purchasing it. My only regret is that I waited so long to get a spa. I can't think of a nicer way to pass a cold winter's night. Well, actually I can only think of one nicer way to pass a cold winter's night. ;D
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Congratulations! May you soak long and prosper.
;D ;D ;D
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Thanks for the tips!
I am pleased to report that my Vanguard was delivered a few days ago. My husband and I love it. I am certain that I will never regret purchasing it. My only regret is that I waited so long to get a spa. I can't think of a nicer way to pass a cold winter's night. Well, actually I can only think of one nicer way to pass a cold winter's night. ;D
I'm so with you on this. I regret not purchasing sooner!
I love my Vanguard, it sure doesn't feel like I have had it for more than a year, now! Wow, time flies when your in a tub!!! ;D