Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: huskerfan on March 05, 2006, 01:06:38 am
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Well, I've researched and done everything for about 3 months and I "think" I've narrowed down our personal preferences of choice between a Cal Spa CA51 and the Hot Springs Envoy. Both dealers seem knowledgable and non-pushy and willing to help. My last thing to do is wet test both next week. I think I actually like the Cal better and it's definitely bigger and the lounger "fits" a man my size better, but........ the Hot Springs "seems" like it may be a little better quality overall??? Cal is at $7900 and HS is at $7750 with all about the same "gimmes" like steps, cover, lifter, etc.
Cal has the Ozanator and HS can but for more money.
This forum seems very good for a newbie like me. Can you folks give a Nebraska guy some helping hands? I'm also open to other suggenstions. We've also looked heavily at Sundance (nice but too high $), Beachcomber, Marquies, Coleman, Jacquizzi, Dminension, Tiger River, Calderra, whew!!! I'm hoping to not make a big mistake. Thanks!
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Do a search on this forum for Cal Spas and Hot Springs. You'll probably find more HS fans than Cal. I am not qualified to judge between the two, but I can tell you that the Envoy is an awesome tub that I came very close to buying. I personally found one that fit me a little better, but I was very attracted to the quality of that tub.
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I was under the impression that the ozonator comes standard equipment with the Hot Spring tubs.....is this an older model?
Have you checked the warranties to see if one is better than the other? Any people you know that've bought from either dealer and can give you the ups and downs of buying from that person?
Normally I say "Let your butt be your guide", but I've read a lot of things that would make me heavily question buying a Cal Spa, and rave reviews for the Hot Spring tubs.....This is one I'd say that you've allowed your butt to guide you this far, now it's time for the digging, just to be sure......
Whatever you decide though.....Best of luck!
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I am probably a little biased but if you can buy an Envoy for less than $8000.00 and it fits you, you are getting a steal. Other HS dealers I am sure can back me up on this.
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I believe the ozonator is standard on 06's but was an option on 05 HS.
I have an 05 Envoy and we are very happy with it. My husband is 6' and he fits in the lounger perfect. It is his favorite seat. I am 5'1" and I too enjoy that seat. It doesn't fit me perfect, but I still like to use it.
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/imnosupermom/P1010041.jpg)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/imnosupermom/P1010042.jpg)
We use our tub every night and couldn't imagine life without it.
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husker
like anne said, do a search and see what people have said about Cal spas. some people have had alot of success with this manufacturer, but its ultimately up to you.
personnally, i feel you have done what you need to do when shopping for a tub. you have hit 9 different products and their models (enough to confuse anyone with all the catch phrases ;D ) not to mention the fact you seem to have kept your emotions out of the purchase.
side note: sorry tattoo lady, dont hate me :-/
back to the post....... as far as making any mistake, you have looked at quality brands, narrowed what you like and what FIT YOU! if the cal fits you better than hot springs (or visa versa), you are happy with the dealer, and can be objective when reading/researching posts on here......point being, YOU are the only one that will know which tub/dealer you feel comfortable with and which fits you better.
when you wet test, take 5+ minutes in each seat. study how it feels, how deep it is, are the jets hitting you in the right place? take a note pad/pen....jot the thoughts down while they are fresh in your head. the compare your notes between the 2 tests.
happy wet testing, good luck, hope this helps
socal
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Envoy for $7700 is a great deal especially if '06 model. As you do your research you will find more consumers choose Hot Spring over any other brand. ;)
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Nice spa pics Brooke, and you are right, if it does'nt have an ozonator it is an 05 model.
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Thanks Guzz! I just need to get the spirits (ghosts) to stop following me... cause that wasn't steam coming out of the hot tub. It was about 85 when I took the pic. Apparently they enjoy the hot tub as much as I do. :)
I love my tub. It was a once in a life time opportunity (or steal) and I am eternally greatful for the handsome sucker (I mean gentleman) who took pity on me and gave me such a good deal on it. :) I know I don't have the fancy shmancy set up that most people here do, but I paid less than $1000 for wiring, the base, and my 'lanscaping'.. so its not too shabby.
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Shiver me timbers, I did'nt see those ghostly images till you pointed them out. do they have names?
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side note: sorry tattoo lady, dont hate me :-/
socal, I don't hate ya.....I simply am passing on what I've read...well, I didn't say "RUN AWAY!!!!!" over the Cal Spa thing....but I did mention that I'd dig for info and check warranties..... *lol* So....whatever husker chooses, I assume will be something well thought out and thought of by HUSKER. ;)
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Well - we have recently purchased a HS Grandee and it iswonderful - I guess a year from now I will be better able to give you a more intelligent answer.
Reading reviews alone, HS is definitely a fan favorite apparently... Meant something to me... not a BIG factor - but made me have peace of mind in my decision.
Good luck!
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Thanks Guzz! I just need to get the spirits (ghosts) to stop following me... cause that wasn't steam coming out of the hot tub. It was about 85 when I took the pic. Apparently they enjoy the hot tub as much as I do. :)
I love my tub. It was a once in a life time opportunity (or steal) and I am eternally greatful for the handsome sucker (I mean gentleman) who took pity on me and gave me such a good deal on it. :) I know I don't have the fancy shmancy set up that most people here do, but I paid less than $1000 for wiring, the base, and my 'lanscaping'.. so its not too shabby.
Brook Your setup looks great!!...It looks as good as any Pics I've seen on here.....Hot water and jets are what matters
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Great help.
thanks to all. Please keep it up.
huskerfan
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Great help.
thanks to all. Please keep it up.
huskerfan
Hot Springs = Tom Osborne
Cal Spas = Bill Callahan
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Hot Springs = Tom Osborne
Cal Spas = Bill Callahan
Hot Springs = Jim Tressel
Cal Spas = Loyd Carr ;D ;D ;D
Not my real opinion, just an attempt at humor,
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Two years in and I have replaced a pump heater and now FIFTEEN jets.
And oh yeah the service (direct from the company not my crooked dealer) stinks - they want nothing to do with you.
Sure the hot water is nice to sit in but I have now spent close to 40% on repairs.
See my reviews.
RUN the other way.
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I sell Marquis Spas and have both of these competitors in my area. I will say Hotspring is a quality spa and I would definitely reccomend it over Cal, from a more independent perspective.
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husker, have you made your final decision yet? (hope I didn't miss the "I DECIDED!!" post somewhere......)
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after much more visiting (more than I ever anticipated) and more research and more reading on this page, I have boiled it down to a choice between the Destination California tub, or the Hot Springs Envoy. Wet tests have yet to be done in either yet mainly just due to time. The final deciding factor will be based upon how the package comes together.
Right now, with as close to apples-to-apples as I can get, the tubs themselves are at $8500 for the California and $7750 for the Envoy. However, we are going to also be buying a Sauna and the specs for the one we need is priced from the Hot Springs dealer for $7485 for Finnleo (basically cost they say). I have yet to hear back from the Dimension dealer, as they really don't deal much in saunas but can get us an Amerec Signature sauna. So we'll see what price. I also believe I can still get a better price yet for the California since my daughter and son-in-law are also buying a tub from wherever Dad decides to buy. They have another '05 model (only smaller) priced to them for $6500.
So the saga continues, but for all especially me, it must soon come to an end. Our new home is soon to be complete and the sauna must go in soon.
Keep the posts coming and thanks to all for the continued help.
Huskerfan
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I, too was chosing between an Envoy, a D1 Californian and an Arctic. The first time I sat in the D1 I was so impressed with how well the seats fit, and the neck justs seemed so nice and strong. The second time I wet tested I was a little mellower, done being quite as easily impressed since I had sat in so many tubs, and I started to notice subtleties- that for me, made it uncomfortable (itchy thigh jets, head rest not supporting my neck just right, etc). I noticed a few subtle things in the Enjoy, too, on my second wet test, but less so. I guess my point is, that for me, wet testing more than once helped me to fine tune what I was looking for and more accurately compare tubs. FWIW, I did not end up buying either, but the Envoy came in a very, very close second.