Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: myke on April 26, 2005, 11:44:43 am
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i am looking to buy to a top of the line 7 person spa (92"x92") and am looking for the top 3-4 spa manufactures in terms of build quality, warranty, and service (i am not really concerned about the price)
there is a lot of confusing information all I want to do is narrow it down.
from what i have read good manufactures are it is (no order)
artersian, dimesion 1, sundance, jacuzzi, caldera, hot springs
is this right or am i missing some one and which ones are considered the top 3 ?
thanks for your help !!!
mike
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Add Coleman Spas to your list.
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mike,
what you are asking is purely subjective. All the above mentioned are very good spa's. I have narrowed my spa list to Sundance and Artesian....artesian being our first choice. Some folks really like arctic but I have not had a chance to wet test one.
regards
Mike
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thanks for the comeback and info !!!
i am looking for the best built 3-4 (quality, warranty,service) and then i will do the ergonimic wet test on those 3-4...
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When you put it all together ...you list should also include D-1 and Marquis...some will suggest others...I think top 4 are D-1...Marquis....Hot Springs....and Sundance in no particular order....the next group would be Jacuuzi...Caldera....Artisian ....Coleman... but this is just my opinion
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After extensive researching and wet testing, I just bought a Sundance Maxxus.
My top 4 would be Sundance, Hot Springs, Dimension 1, Artesian
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is this right or am i missing some one and which ones are considered the top 3 ?
mike
Mike,
Everyone has their own "top # list". Mine would be (in no particular order) Sundance, Hot Springs, Caldera, D1 and Marquis while others will champion the likes of Jacuzzi, Master, Coleman, Arctic, Artesian, and on and on and on. You'll have to do some research to come up with your own list and then wet test your top choices.
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isn't that a loaded question! I think you are on the right track with that list but you could add serveral more to it. The problem with a question like that is that most people will pick their spa (we are proud of our spas). I think what you want to do is research the mfg and dealer. You want to know that when the time comes the MFG and dealer will be there to fix the problem quickly. There is allot of good spas out there and they are not perfect and somthing could and in time will go wrong with it. You read these horror stories about people with their quality tubs but get NO support from the dealer that sold it or the MFG that made it. In my eyes stay the heck away from them.
other wise pick the tubs you want and feel comfortable in and that are in your budget then research them and their potential problems. Also another great think to ask is as the dealer you maybe buying from for some references. Check with the customers first hand and see how any of their problems were handled.
good luck
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This question in one form another gets asked again and again, and again. THERE IS NO ANSWER. You seem to already have a partial answer, that is good enough, pick the best one for you from those in that list that are in your area.
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I think the correct question is - What are the spas to avoid?
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I think the correct question is - What are the spas to avoid?
That may be a better question, with the caveot, consider the source of any answer you get.
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Vinny, Once again you have smacked it right on the head. Avoid Cal, Thermospa, Coast and Gulf Coast. Terrible reputations especially for warranty work.
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Ummm is answering this going to start another 3 page post? Well if you ask me the top 4 (in no order) would be
1. Hot Springs
2. Sundance
3. Master Spa
4. Caldera
I'd also add the following Manufactures as those that can hang with the the big 4. Dimension 1, Artesian, Jacuzzi premium and Marquis. If you hang around here these are the names you will see the most interests and post on.
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ok, now for a canadian input. I agree with some of you but I feel somewhat offended that when these types of questions are asked we neglect to mention the Arctic Spa. I agree that sundance and hot springs are the most common and prestigious names, and with that comes a level of respect.
I just bought my arctic spas tundra, on order, and feel that this is a great tub. I dont know if we neglect to mention it due to the fact that it has been around just shy of a decade or if because it is a Canadian made tub.
Arctic spas has just been named one of Canada's fastest growing companies. Its time to include this canadian product amongst the names of these excellent built tubs.
My top 3 tubs from my location would be (in no partcular order)
1 sundance (cant touch this)
2 hot springs (great tubs)
3 Arctic spas (what I chose)
I want to say d1 because of the great innovative designs and obvious customer satisfaction but i cant find a D1 dealer to save my life.
Lets cut out the fact that many feel that used car salesmen are selling these and sure they have a BS sales pitch with great marketing.
The people that do have an Arctic support the innovative designs and great customer and technical support.
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thanks everyone for helping out a major newbie !!!!
did get a chance to check out the sundance optima and the hot springs grandee (both are very nice) and will be checking out the d1 and caldera.
tried finding a artersian & arctic but there are no local dealers in san diego - :o ??? ( i really like the construction of the arctic)
i am pretty lucky since hot springs, d1, and caldera are all local manufactures for me.
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ok, now for a canadian input.
You forgot to mention Canada's largest/longest standing manufacturer of hot tubs: Beachcomber
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I gotta get in on this. I am very pleased with my Canadian made Hydropool spa.Its hard to determine the "best' spa.Its like arguing about the best flavour of ice cream. Your favourite is always the best.I figure if the tub meets all my expectations,the price is agreeable,the dealer seems genuine and the tub has been reliable,(no negative posts)thats a great tub !! bobhol
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I gotta get in on this. I am very pleased with my Canadian made Hydropool spa.Its hard to determine the "best' spa.Its like arguing about the best flavour of ice cream. Your favourite is always the best.I figure if the tub meets all my expectations,the price is agreeable,the dealer seems genuine and the tub has been reliable,(no negative posts)thats a great tub !! bobhol
You must have the Hagen Das Chocolate Chocolate Chip model! ;D
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No ,I have the maple walnut model!!
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No ,I have the maple walnut model!!
Well said Bobhol, though I have yet to see a beachcomber personally.
I'm still ticked at Hagan Daz for not selling my Chocolate Mint Chip anymore!
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I was always a cookie dough dynamo guy myself...and it shows ;D
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I was always a cookie dough dynamo guy myself...and it shows ;D
Planning on seeing any new movies this week? ;D
Back on topic, the best three quality spas are mine, and the next two I get into!
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Thanks everyone for their help !!!
I did the hot test today (I am really glad I tried each one, the difference are amazing !!)...
here are my initial impressions
CALDERA (Geneva)
PRO'S
very strong output
very, very good hydrotherapy (best of the bunch except see below)
good build quality
love the cool air bubbles
reasonabley priced
CON'S
one of the seat jets "stung" my back on the highest setting.
foot jets/massage are very, very lacking
just okay water feature (BLAND !!!!)
DI (Lotus Bay)
PRO'S
relaxation spa
unique design
comfortable seats
nice neck jets !!!!
interchangeable jets
foot jets/massage are okay
CON'S
really noisy
build quality not up to the others (thinnest shell, mediocre finish ...my opinion..)
filter obstructed view
multiple panels needed for service
expensive
HOTSPRINGS (Vista)
PRO'S
nice combo of relaxation and hydro therapy
moto massage is the nicest massage system hands down !!!
coolest water feature !!! (vista model- important to wife)
great construction and finsh
comfortable seats
CON's
just okay foot massage ( i am being nit picky here..)
lounger seat was too big/deep for me (i am 5'11")
lots of filters ( i dont know if this is a plus or a minus)
SUNDANCE (Maxxus)
PRO'S
nice combo of relaxation and hydrotherapy (tie here between the hotsprings)
2nd nicest water feature
nicest foot massage hands down !! (this is a biggie to me)
nice design
big spa with a lounger
great construction (this was the most solid imo)
lounge seat fit well
like the filter system
one service panel
air bubbles ( love the bubbles)
interchanagble jets on 2 of the seats
CONS
Severely limited color shell selection
price $$$ (most expensive of the bunch by roughly $2k)
Each model has pro's and cons and there is no pefect one but it is between the Sundance, Hotspring, and Caldera..
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What area do you live in.....
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Did you try the Hotsprings Grandee? Give it a test drive. You might be suprised.
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i live in north county san diego...
the grandee wasnt filled so we didnt get a chance to try it - the 2 seats with the single moto's is appealing..
however, the wife didnt like the h2o feature on the grandee ( the vista by far had the cool h2o feature...sounds dumb but it is important to her)
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Myke,
If the biggest con of the Sundance was the price, you need to work on the dealer a little more. He may not come down, he probably won't sell you the spa at a loss to him, but continued interest and comparisons, may get that price down.
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Myke,
I just took delivery of an '05 maxxus this is an unbelievably powerfull, very solidly built spa. I too wish the color selection was a little better. I went w/ the platinum & coastal cabinet. Its a very clean modern look. Good luck in your search.
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Keep an open mind and a level playing field,
Quality, Price and Service are your major considerations.
You are on the right track and it is pretty hard to make a mistake when they're all good,
so focus on affordability and dealer reputation.
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D-1 poorest construction????? We sell BOTH D-1 & Caldera, and yes caldera spas are very well built. However, they are not built as strong as a D-1 Spa. D-1 uses 2 x 4's and truss braces in their frames (same construction used to build homes). Caldera uses 2 x 2's and wood staples to build their frames. Both manufacturers use pressure treated wood that is infused with insecticides to keep termites and bugs out. They both use an ABS sheet to seal the bottom as well. Ask the D-1 Dealer to open the cabinetry and you'll see how well built and secure the equipment comaprtment is, and then do the same with the Caldera Spa. You WILL see a difference. And I do realize that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but having been through both manufacturers facilities I can honestly say that D-1 spas are built much better then Caldera.
Jason,
Store Manager for a D-1, Caldera, Hawkeye and Nordic Spas Dealer
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jason- dont get me wrong... the d1 is a nice spa (the Sarena is "the best" design i have seen to date.
i am just posting my experience (newbie here, so take it with a grain of salt)
i did point out the external construction differences between the d1 and others from a "obvious" newbie viewpoint (btw, the internal construction wasnt available to be seen)
-thin shell (thinnest of the those tested)
-vibration and noise (vibration could have been from the spa sitting on a wood deck) but some of the jet controls had a air sucking sound (right next to my ear).
thank you for pointing out the external framing, i wasnt aware of that.