Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: cappykat on August 01, 2005, 04:12:01 pm

Title: Ready to Go
Post by: cappykat on August 01, 2005, 04:12:01 pm
Got the go ahead from our insurance but not as much as we had anticipated.  We want to spend around $6K.  What mfg and model do you suggest we look at?

I want good therapy, so is there anything out there for that price?
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: Vinny on August 01, 2005, 04:34:47 pm
I would look at Artesian Island series, Beachcomber 300 or 500 series, Coleman and Down East.

I guess but don't know that D1, Marquis and the smaller Sundance secondary lines would also be in that price range.

Your probably not going to get bells and whistles, but it will be a nice spa!
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: orlandoguy on August 01, 2005, 04:44:47 pm
Well,

I have had back pains for most of my life from awaterskiing accident.  I had my doctor prescribe a hot tub to eliminate the sales tax with the pain and also learned it is now a tax deduction because it was prescribed.

What's really important is that the jacuzzi j335 far surpassed any other models i wet tested.  One pump is dedicated to what I call the money seat, with all the jets and the other pumps run the other seats with each seat focusing on a different area of the back.  I wasn't looking for all the bells and whistles, but now that I have the stereo, lights and waterfall, and ozonator in my $6200 package, I am glad they came in the deal.  I also liked the full foam and non wood bottom.

I tried out other models that were considerably more, and the decision was easy once I wet tested.  I have heard people complain that the jets are too strong and it's not relaxing, but the money I have saved on deep tissue treatments and chiropractors along with the fun of having the tub on the patio has been priceless.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: cappykat on August 01, 2005, 04:47:04 pm
Orlandoguy....see your PM
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: Spatech_tuo on August 01, 2005, 05:00:05 pm
Quote
Got the go ahead from our insurance but not as much as we had anticipated.  We want to spend around $6K.  What mfg and model do you suggest we look at?

I want good therapy, so is there anything out there for that price?


6k will get you a very good spa and all the spa brands you were looking at before will also make quality spas for that lower price. You may have to skip some of the flash but you'll still get a Quality spa with good hydrotherapy. There are lots of good tubs out there and many will let you know about how they like their brand so you'll get lots of feedback. Check out the options in your area but this is a major pruchase so make sure you're getting a Quality tub that'll last for years. Some spas will be priced to save you $$ up front but hurt you in the pockets down the line so make sure you're looking at value, not just price.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: JJ on August 01, 2005, 05:01:12 pm
You are in Vita Spas backyard.  They even have a few factory stores down there.  That has got to save you some shipping costs.  Give them a look.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: cappykat on August 01, 2005, 05:29:45 pm
Yes, we sure do have a Vita factory outlet.  I just didn't know much about them as I haven't seen many posts on Vita.  

I guess we're kind of back at square 1 with looking and wet testing again.  Thanks for the input, I'll check them out.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: cappykat on August 01, 2005, 05:46:27 pm
JJ, are you in Orlando?  Mind telling me what you paid for the Nuage and what features you have?  I've called and we'll go one night this week.

Also, located the Beachcomber dealer and we'll check them out also.

I'll keep ya posted. ;D
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: Backpains on August 01, 2005, 06:27:33 pm
Cappy...as you know I've got the tub perscribed for my back, an injury can make it hard to get comfortable at night in bed, I spend most of my night laying there staring at the ceiling, I get about 3 hours a night now. The first two hours are steady after that it's really a cat type nap all night. I don't want to get up and go to the hot tub every two hours at night cause i don't want to wake up my better half, he does have to work the next day. You might want to look at the Coleman 461, no bells and wistles, no waterfall or 24 hour filtration.....but, it did fit me very well and it does help with my back...it at least makes it to where I can get out of the tub and make it back to the house without any problems. Whichever hot tub you decide I do hope that your pains just melt away!

BP
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: cappykat on August 01, 2005, 08:12:17 pm
I know I'll find the right tub...it's just going to take some more time and wet testing.

After several weeks of researching and looking we had decided on the SD Cameo, but since part of the expense is coming out of our pockets, I'm not ready to spend $10K on a spa.  That's why we're out looking again and now in a more affordable price range.  

It's going to be tough to beat the Cameo but I'm sure I'll find the right tub.  We had some good price quotes on the HS, so we may look at them again.

I enjoy the hunt!! ;D


Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: cappykat on August 01, 2005, 08:15:53 pm
spatech t.u.c....what do you mean value?  What would you consider "must haves"?
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: orlandoguy on August 02, 2005, 10:24:16 am
I looked at Vita Spa before settling and found them to be decent.  They have a nice showroom in Orlando.

The one thing that was weird about them was the guy kept praising the misting system which he said kept the surface area cooler.  I nodded my head but thought why would I want water misting me tha has been in the hot hose all day?  He also kept dodging the lack of full foam insulation issue and the shorter warranty.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: stuart on August 02, 2005, 10:34:20 am
There are many brands that have decent spas in that range...

Marquis
D1
Hotspring
Caldera
Sundance

These are all top rated, take a look at them in your comparision...
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: Spatech_tuo on August 02, 2005, 11:02:18 am
Quote
spatech t.u.c....what do you mean value?  What would you consider "must haves"?


What I mean is sometimes people get shortsighted and buy based too much on price alone. VALUE includes other important aspects such as Warranty (needs to be good on paper and from a company known to honor it), Efficiency (all claim to be, not all are equal), Quality (all spas look good new, many end up in the landfill before their 9th birthday), customer service from dealer (and manufacturer), etc. A good spa will last you 12+ years so take your time and choose wisely.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: cappykat on August 02, 2005, 11:32:57 am
Good advice, I appreciate it.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: JJ on August 02, 2005, 03:51:15 pm
cappykat-

I bought a three pump Vita Nuage for 8000 out the door.  Only option (besides three pumps) was the diga-cromium lighting.  The two pump Nuage is about 500 less.

Look at the L100 line from Vita.  They are not full foam, but I don't know that makes any difference, especially in Orlando.  They have a three year warrenty.

Also ask your Vita dealer about the Reflections line.   They are made in the Vita factory, but for a different price point.

One thing I found about spa shopping, if you have a budget, the dealer will find you a spa.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: Mendocino101 on August 02, 2005, 09:10:46 pm
From Marquis everyday line a fully decked out 530 should fit into your budget and you are not far away from a 636 model or the Quest .....
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: cappykat on August 03, 2005, 09:34:01 am
I have the 636 on my list.  What price range as compared to the Epic/Reward?

I read the post mostly from you dealers about the slow down in sales.  That being the case, aren't there any incentive deals being offered by the mfg?  When do the 2006 models come out?  Shouldn't there be better deals on the 2005's?
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: HotTubMan on August 03, 2005, 09:51:27 am
Also dont get caught up in the "jet race".

Dont get me wrong, I love a tub with lots of jets and power. Its not for everyone (like my lovely wife). I just find consumers are conditioned to want what they see. They see 60 jets there and wonder why the next guy doesn't have 60, or 60 for the same price.

T.U.O. offerred some excellent examples of what contributes to a good VALUE.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: cappykat on August 03, 2005, 10:25:20 am
I'm out the door to look at Marquis and possibly Coleman (if time permits).  

I'll post when I get back.
Title: Re: Ready to Go
Post by: Backpains on August 03, 2005, 10:57:33 am
Cappy let me know how it goes with Coleman hun!