Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: squale on March 13, 2006, 04:12:24 pm
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I always hear how good HotSprings are, etc. etc. but I also know of some people that own Thermospas and swear by them. Looking at the marketting material both companies say they make the best tubs and I was just wondering what people here thought? Can't believe anything you hear from a salesperson...
oh by the way what tubs are more expensive? are there any other brands that compare to these two?'
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Sorry, but you won't be able to believe a word I say...
::)
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Sorry, but you won't be able to believe a word I say...
::)
yep, what he said
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lol....if you would like I am sure you can get lots and lots of marketing materials that say they also make the "Best".....There are a handful or so of reputable brands and on most peoples list Thermo Spas are not on it.....If you can not see it let alone wet test it.....why spend those dollars when there are other viable choices open to you..... :)
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whatever a salesperson is trying to sell you (and make a living from) is THE BEST your money can buy.....that's a given.....compare tub features for what you're comfortable sitting in and spending money on....get a "feel" for the dealers in your area, and figure out who you'd be more comfortable depending on if/when your tub is on the fritz and you need it fixed YESTERDAY...that alone sent me running from one dealer in my area to another one right up the road.
Best of luck.
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As moderator here, let me start with your line about not believing a salesman. Today its not politically correct to make fun of someone about their age, race, or gender orientation, but jokes about blondes, politicians, lawyers, and used car salesmen are considered ok.
This board has a lot of spa sales people here. A guy I refer to as Don Quixote, will say that is all that is here. ;) However most here are very open about their affiliation and you will be foolish to totally ignore their advice. You should consider the source for any advice you get on here. The one thing I tell people who are about to be new parents for the first time is that each birth is different and everyone you know will tell you the way that it is going to be.
I think you will find the sales people/reps here are very generous with their time and opinions. If you are really interested in hearing opinions about Hot Springs, you probably have already alienated a great source. Some questions such as who is the best is too subjective to be answered in a way that would stand up in the supreme court. Which is better creamy or chunky peanut butter?
As for my opinion, I am just a consumer who doesn't own either brand. I do remember from my research more than 3 years ago that Thermospa was more expensive than any comparable spa I looked at. I have no opinion on their quality as the closest I got to actually seeing one was pictures from a salesman who visited. (His ass print has finally worn off the outside of my front doot)
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sorry not trying to offend anybody I am just looking for unbiased answers here.
BTW.. does anybody have a price list on HotSprings spas? The ONLY local dealer of hot tubs around me sells HotSprings, Tiger River and Solana tubs.
I am interested in the 3-person Jetsetter but I don't have any idea of the price of this tub..
Thanks
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you'll have to contact your local HS dealer.....prices vary depending where you are.
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I was also wondering why HotSprings has 4 different brands, why wouldn't all the spas be under a single brand.....
Thanks
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wow!!!!!
listen, first and for most you cant compare these two tubs in my opinion. Thats like saying whats a better SUV a hummer or a suzuki sidekick.
Sure there are happy thermospa customers, but I truely dont feel that you are looking at compareable items.
Makes me wonder about your intentions a little bit here.
Second, when you are just starting to post, you can quickly learn that if you do a search you can find several of your answers.
It appears to me that you no very little about hot tubs, and you will learn here however, you need to do some homework first to educate yourself.
If you intentions are real, then I would say that you should to a good search on thermospas here or else you may just get hooked line and sinkered from one of their sales reps. they prey on people like you that know nothing and purchase with out making an informed decision.
Get into the local shops, look at the brands get in and try each one and find the best fit for you. this forum will benefit you greatly when you have substantial questions. General questions like these make it difficult to give you a good answer.
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okay thanks guys, just talked to my local HotSprings dealer, wow these things aren't cheap, $5,500 for the 3-person Jetsetter.
Now with this in mind, I only plan on having the house for another 5 years at most and when I sell the house I will be leaving the hottub in it, so I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a hottub that will last 20+ years if I won't be able to use it that long.
So would checking into the Home Depot, Sams Club, Walmart brands be a good idea? My buddy just got a 7-person tub from Sams club for $3,200 and it's pretty nice. Just seems to me you get a lot more tub for your money going that way, but again I want the real answers from the pros on this board..
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If you're looking for a fair, non-dealer review of hot tubs and advice on how to buy one, check out this report I wrote during my research. Good luck with your search...
http://www.members.cox.net/duffman471/Spa_Wet_Testing_Analysis.htm
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The old saying that "you get what you pay for" certainly applies in hot tubs.
Two things come to mind. If you want to spend $3K, look for a good used Hot Spring, Sundance, D1, Marquis or Jacuzzi (Plus some others that I can't think of right now).
These spas will actually give you therapy, while the big box store tubs (that I've seen IMHO) simply circulate the hot water.
I don't much at all about Thermospa, but I do know there's a ton of satisfied Hot spring clients on this site and others.
The reason why Hot Spring has numerous brands is simple. People have different budgets and needs. Quite honestly, if I was simply looking for a big box of hot water, I'd look seriously at HS's Hot Spot line. They're more affordable than Tiger River or their Hot Spring line, but they're made by HS.
Take your time with the purchase, and the extra couple of thouand you spend now will be forgotten as your aches and pains are blown away by a great tub.
My 2 Canadian cents...
Mark
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sure, you certainly can buy a nice looking spa from Home Depot, Sams Club and Walmart...however, you'll be harder pressed to get warranty work covered if/when something goes wrong with it. If you're a major DIY'er, this may not be a problem, but if you're like me....then you'd be better off buying something that costs more up front, and has a stronger customer support system behind it...
If you think I'm paying over $8,000 for a Hot Spring Grandee just because it looks cool, WRONG!!!! I went up over the original budget because of the dealer giving me the impression that they'll be behind me in the long run, even after the warranty is over and done with. That's something I can live with...having a pretty lawn gnome that cost me several thousand dollars and does nothing other than make me cry because it doesn't work, isn't.
Just my $.02, YMMV, and all those other disclaimers....
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Where will you be in 5 years? I jetsetter wouldn't be that hard to move compared to bigger tubs. Is also possible it may add to the value of your house if you do sell in 5 years, probably more so than a cheap one that broke down and you couldn't fix.
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If you feel like the Tub guy is trying to 'Sell' you something maybe you should move on. A good salesperson will educate you on the subject and help you make the best decision based on your wants, needs,future use, and pocketbook.
PS How does someone wet test a Thermospa ?
I didn't think they had showrooms?
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PS How does someone wet test a Thermospa ?
I didn't think they had showrooms?
"You are getting sleeeeepy...your eyelids are so heavy you can't keep them open anymore....you're sitting in a hot tub........."
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sorry not trying to offend anybody I am just looking for unbiased answers here.
BTW.. does anybody have a price list on HotSprings spas? The ONLY local dealer of hot tubs around me sells HotSprings, Tiger River and Solana tubs.
I am interested in the 3-person Jetsetter but I don't have any idea of the price of this tub..
Thanks
Price...
I was at a show this past weekend with a dealer and someone asked if we had a pricelist. I'll tell you what I told them.
A pricelist will mean nothing to you. It's a figure on a pece of paper offering no insight into quality, features, therapy, etc.
You need to completely stop your current approach squale at go about this a completely different way. Research on the net and look at local dealer / manufacturer sites to gather a basic understanding of their product. Go in and ask questions. Come here and ask advise from professionals and owners on what their opinions are based on real life experience.
PLEASE NOTE: There's no such thing as the BEST. The best spa is the spa you end up with based off of research and knowledge gained through the proccess of shopping and asking intelligent questions.
Steve
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"You are getting sleeeeepy...your eyelids are so heavy you can't keep them open anymore....you're sitting in a hot tub........."
nice 1 tat, very nice. ;)
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Assuming you know the "ceiling" for what you can afford- If you find that new tubs are WAY more expensive than you'd originally thought (I feel your pain), you could look at the local dealers and see what they've got for used/refurbished tubs.....I said that earlier, but I forget what thread I posted on....(darned old-timers disease kickin' in again), anyhow, you may be able to find a nice tub that when new would be out of your price range, but now is either a couple years old and refurbished, or a floor model (last year or the year before possibly)....
ty socal.....I'm not feeling terribly witty today, but there ya go. ;)
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okay thanks guys, just talked to my local HotSprings dealer, wow these things aren't cheap, $5,500 for the 3-person Jetsetter.
Now with this in mind, I only plan on having the house for another 5 years at most and when I sell the house I will be leaving the hottub in it, so I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a hottub that will last 20+ years if I won't be able to use it that long.
So would checking into the Home Depot, Sams Club, Walmart brands be a good idea? My buddy just got a 7-person tub from Sams club for $3,200 and it's pretty nice. Just seems to me you get a lot more tub for your money going that way, but again I want the real answers from the pros on this board..
Bailed on the Thermospa already? Or was that really an option? Hmmmm
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well really what I am looking for is something that would be good for me and the wife since 95% of the time that's the only two people that will use it. I really have no need for anything bigger than a 4 person, it would take up too much room anyhow. So given a 3-4 person tub, what are some models you guys would recommend I look into? Is there any benefit with buying a bigger tub besides being able to fit more people in it, such as are the jets, etc. on the bigger tubs usually much better?
Thanks again... I read that article from the above poster, thanks, that was very informative.
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anybody hear of Hydrospa, any good? The 'Tiara' model looks good and is a decent price at around $3,500
http://www.hydrospa.com/spas/mark3_tiara.html
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anybody hear of Hydrospa, any good? The 'Tiara' model looks good and is a decent price at around $3,500
http://www.hydrospa.com/spas/mark3_tiara.html
I think it's the price that's catching 90% of your attention. All spas look good in a brochure and most look just as good in the showroom. It's how they look in your yard a few years down the line that matters most.
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Is there any benefit with buying a bigger tub besides being able to fit more people in it, such as are the jets, etc. on the bigger tubs usually much better?
Our tub is used by just the two of us as well. Sometimes the adult children will join us, but rarely. The benefit I find with a larger tub is that each seat gives different therapy options. By the time I'm done, I've used every seat in the tub and have gotten every muscle group I can possibly get. Love it!
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Get the Thermospa,,,,,,you will have to because the salesman will not leave till you sign the contract.
Its like buying a timeshare the salesperson never leaves you alone............JohnnyT
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well with that being said I won't answer the phone when thermospa calls, lol
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okay thanks guys, just talked to my local HotSprings dealer, wow these things aren't cheap, $5,500 for the 3-person Jetsetter.
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Just wait till you see the price on the Therma Spas. :o
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Ok, for just the two of you, I have added a couple of tubs from various companies that would fit your interest for small size. These are great companies and you know that you will be purchasing a sound product from any of these companies. Take a look at each website and you can see more products. dont waste your money on big box stores tubs or a tub that does not even have a store front.
Arctic Fox 7x6 257 gal
(http://www.arcticspas.com/images/spas/large_spas/fox_ultra.jpg)
D1 dupree bay 225gal
(http://www.d1spas.com/images/spa_lg/Dupree%20Bay.jpg)
Sundance Capri 215gal
(http://sundancespas.com/2005Images/800Series/CapriBig.jpg)
Hotspring Accolade 350gal
(http://www.hotspring.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tub/jpgs/accolade_champagne.jpg)
Jacuzzi J-345
(http://products.jacuzzi.com/i2/large/J345_1_lg.jpg)
master spas LSX
(http://www.masterspas.com/masterspa/img/LSX.jpg)
Coleman model 461
(http://www.colemanspas.com/global/upload_library/folder_11/file_64/detail.jpg)
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well any specific 2-4 person models you guys feel are worth checking into? I would like to stay 5K or less for a new tub.
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Where will you be in 5 years? I jetsetter wouldn't be that hard to move compared to bigger tubs. Is also possible it may add to the value of your house if you do sell in 5 years, probably more so than a cheap one that broke down and you couldn't fix.
esp so if you had to crane it in. If a cheap one breaks down, then it's comming out in pieces, becasue it aint worht it too move it.
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thanks, do you have prices for any of these, I need to rule out the ones that are out of my 5K price range.
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I hear something.....I think it's the sound of someone pounding their head on a wall.....
squale, call your local pool and spa shops...ask them if they've got any tubs for ROUGHLY your price range, and shoot from there.....I've seen lots of posts giving great advice.....these guys are trying to tell you what they know.....reputable manufacturer with a good, solid dealer.....
D1, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Tiger River, Sundance, Marquis, Coleman.....
You're asking the same questions and getting the same answers.....check around your area for stores that supply these tubs, or a store that's got one that's revamped that they took on trade......
If you're looking for someone to tell you that Thermospa is the best tub around, it sounds like some of the people you know offline do.....if you want, you can buy from whoever they did, and you may be as happy....but you're asking a different bunch of people and getting a different answer.....
Best of luck!
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wow D1 spas are LOTS OF MONEY. I called the local dealers and got these prices:
Coleman 461 = $5,710
Coleman 351 = $5,390
D1 Dupree Bay = $10,499
Triad II = $8,599
I am still trying to get a hold of the Sundance dealer. The Sundance Marin and Capri both look like nice models. I wonder what their prices are though.
Besides the above, the only other local dealers (within 30 miles) is Hot Springs and Tiger River.
If you go to a dealer that is say 30-50 miles away, will they charge you an extra fee for delivery? should I try to find a local dealer to buy from instead?
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any dealer fees would probably vary by dealer......you'll have to call them to find out if there's any extra charge for delivery. You MAY be able to get them to cut a deal on the delivery fee, you may not.....if you don't ask, they won't offer. ;)
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well any specific 2-4 person models you guys feel are worth checking into? I would like to stay 5K or less for a new tub.
Solana TX by Watkins Mfg.
Between $3.5K and 4K.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/Picture169.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/Picture106.jpg)
Good luck with your shopping! :)
Terminator
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(http://www.calderaspas.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tubs/jpgs/showroom_aventine.jpg)
New Caldera Model.
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nice, what does that sucker cost?
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grrrrrrr dang-fangled techno stuff. tried to upload a pic, didnt work :-[
Marquis has a couple of small model.
Rendezvous (we sell at 3500)
Retreat (" " " " " 5k)
315 (blah blah 5k)
http://www.marquisspas.com
disclaimer.....prices may vary depending on locations yadda yadda yadda.
just wanted to give you some more ideas on whats out there. ;D
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Coleman 461 = $5,710
Coleman 351 = $5,390
Hello Squale,
I'm a Coleman dealer and the prices you listed are very good prices for the 351 and the 461. Do you know if they quoted prices on the standard of deluxe therapy models. Also does that price include an ozone system?
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(http://www.calderaspas.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tubs/jpgs/showroom_aventine.jpg)
New Caldera Model.
Where's the ding danged drain on that rascal? And the filter lid to protect the chilluns from discombobulation? ;D
Terminator
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Come on now cousin, don't be shamin' the poor little thang!
They chose not to install the bottom drain for two reasons:
1. They could make the tub only 29" tall outside, but 38" deep inside.
2. You WANT to leave a little bit of water in the bottom of a tub this powerful when you change the water - or else the thing's likely to just up and fly off the patio.
As to the filter lid, they chose not to put one on because they designed the skimmer with a built-in cattle prod. I assure you the little ankle-biters will only try it once. Actually, I heard that ETL didn't like the cattle prod, so they went to a bypass arrangement AND added some slots around the base of the skimmer to you can't get stucked.
This is a little-known fact, but skimmer lids have been implicated in domestic-violence cases on triangular spas around the world. Something about that shape and size just seems to set the women folk off.
;)
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wow D1 spas are LOTS OF MONEY. I called the local dealers and got these prices:
Coleman 461 = $5,710
Coleman 351 = $5,390
D1 Dupree Bay = $10,499
Triad II = $8,599
Any chance that the price you were quoted for the D1 spa was a SARENA bay, not a DUPREE bay? That 10k does not make sense compared to other D1 spas.
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that's good stuff mr. chas. Copied that for my salesmanager to read tommorrow, hope you don't mind. He'll get a good laugh as i did.
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YMMV
;)
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Squale- I have a 2005 Hot Springs Jetsetter and you could probably get a great deal on one out there since the 2006 models are out. Dealers, i'm sure are more interetested in making room for the 06 models.
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how do you like the jetsetter compared to other models in the same size range, I'm assuming you checked other models out..
do you mind if I ask what you paid and in what part of the country?
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Where's the ding danged drain on that rascal? And the filter lid to protect the chilluns from discombobulation? ;D
Terminator
I've been instructed by the Mother Ship that I can no longer make fun of Caldera Spas online. I retract my statements about the ding dang drain and the discombobulated chilluns. That is all. Resume your frivolity.
Terminator
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Check out the Softub, its portable and when you move
you can take it with you.I think its in your price range.
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I've been instructed by the Mother Ship that I can no longer make fun of Caldera Spas online. I retract my statements about the ding dang drain and the discombobulated chilluns. That is all. Resume your frivolity.
Terminator
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ??? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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how do you like the jetsetter compared to other models in the same size range, I'm assuming you checked other models out..
do you mind if I ask what you paid and in what part of the country?
I purchased the Jetsetter after looking at Dimension 1 of similar size( can't recall name) and the Solana. I paid $4900 plus tax. I live in Iowa.
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the other option I have is to pure a concrete slab outside of my lower downstairs sliding door and put a huttub on that.... I was originally going to put a deck off the lower sliding door, but maybe concrete would be cheaper and better for a hottub?
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You could do a deck OR concrete, as long as the deck is built with the extra strength necessary to hold the tub...if wood looks better in the all over plan, go for it....
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I had just talked to the local Sundance and Masterspa dealer, they sell both brands. The dealer told me that he thought Sundance makes the best spas out there right on top with Hotsprings. He says he thinks the Sundance models are even better and nicer than the Masterspa models he sells. He thinks the only other brand that compares to Sundance is Hotsprings. I wonder if what he says holds any truth since he is a Sundance and Masterspas dealer..
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I would agree with that dealer. It is an opinion though.
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Umm...if he sells Sundance AND Master....and he says one is clearly superior, IHO....then take it for what it's worth, his opinion.....I'm sure a lot of people would agree strongly with that, and many would disagree.....go see for yourself, and ask him what makes Sundance so much better...
Can't hurt, you may learn a few things about the tubs you're looking at, and you may just stumble across something you really dig.
Best of luck
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I would have to agree as well.
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I concur. (Oops, sorry Spatech)
Terminator
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I had just talked to the local Sundance and Masterspa dealer, they sell both brands. The dealer told me that he thought Sundance makes the best spas out there right on top with Hotsprings.
Term,
Remember the PM I sent the other day? This is the prime example!!
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Two of my neighbors have Hot Springs and three friends in my area have Thermospas. I have inspected and tried all 5 hot tubs. I am a novis as far as hot tubs go, but to my eyes the Thermospa is built better than the Hot Springs. Quality seems to be there and it just seems solid as a brick. Both brands of tubs will give you a great soak, but the thing that sold me on Thermospa was the solid construction and the throttle contol jets in the captain chairs..they are tremendous. Also, my tub has seperate pumps for the seats. This is a plus because you eliminates using diverter jet levers to divert water toi jets when you chage seats. Shell and cabinet are top notch. I did bite the bullets and go for the Thermospa....its is the Concorde Deluxe and has worked flawlessly since I got it Dec. 3, 05. It has 5 pumps and 109 jets, blower, lights and Ozone. i maintanin my spa with amineral cartridge and a small amount of activator sprinkled in before each use. Very simple to maintain and water stay crystal clear. It did cost more than the Hot Springs, but not that much more. After you get your tub and like it, you soon forget about the price. The salesmen are abit pushy, but no more than any car salesman. They are just trying to make a living. So far, service has been great. When my tub was installed a couple of panels got scratched. They simply ordered new panels and came and installed them when they came in. For my trouble, they gave me $150.00 of my choice of chemical or accessories. I don't want to bad mouth any tub...as far as I am concerned, you will like what ever brand you get. Go with a tub that people in your area are having sucess with. Talking to an owner of that particular tub is the best way to find the truth. Good luck and happy soaking.
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Hmmmm, anyone thinking what I'm thinking?
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Great minds think alike.
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yeah my friend has a nice thermospa that's why I asked how they are, so far only had it about 4 years and this last year many things are starting to break on it, just wondering if he got a lemon. But I do have to say, the look and finish of the tub is excellent.
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Does your Hot Spring dealer have a service department or technician on hand? I've heard that it can be VERY difficult to find someone to work on a Thermospa.
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I will pipe in here about my friends thermospa, anytime he needed service they were very helpful and fixed the problems pretty quickly..
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I will pipe in here about my friends thermospa, anytime he needed service they were very helpful and fixed the problems pretty quickly..
which is GREAT.....however, you just got done posting this:
yeah my friend has a nice thermospa that's why I asked how they are, so far only had it about 4 years and this last year many things are starting to break on it, just wondering if he got a lemon.
which makes me think $$$$$$ to fix a 4 year old spa, that SHOULD last with minor issues for 10+ years easily....Looks are great if you're talking lawn gnomes. Longevity and reliability are better when you're talking hot tubs, IMHO.
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Hmmmm, anyone thinking what I'm thinking?
if I was, would you accuse me of being the voice inside your head? ;D
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Hmmmm, anyone thinking what I'm thinking?
Yes.
But where are we going to find rubber pants in our size?
or:
I think so, but what if the chicken won't wear the nylons?
(http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2628/pinky3hm.jpg)
More at:
http://www.us.imdb.com/title/tt0112123/quotes
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I did bite the bullets and go for the Thermospa....its is the Concorde Deluxe and has worked flawlessly since I got it Dec. 3, 05.
WOW, that's over three months!!!! :o