Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Zep on April 01, 2006, 01:50:13 am
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Anyone had any experince with the new Cap Spa "rock look cabinetry"?
I think it look's pretty nice and dresses up the spa.
Any feedback on Cap Spa or the rock cabinetry is appreciated.
I am in the market and may purchase soon.
(http://www.calspas.com/images/main_spa2d.jpg)
(http://www.calspas.com/images/main_spa12d.jpg )
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/CalSpa.jpg)
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I used synthetic brick on the lower part of my house when I resided and alot of folks have commented on it's great looking apearence. It has been on for aproxamitly 5 years now and I believe has a 10 year no fade warranty. So far it still looks good. I'm not sure what they warranty it for but you may want to check into that.
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Cute......but I personally wouldn't buy Cal Spa......
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re:wouldn't buy Cal Spa
Oh My God You Tease!
LOL
OK I'll ask....why wouldnt you buy Cal Spa?
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Do a search on this site to find out.
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Hold on, here we go. ;D
Yes, do a search on Cal. I have a neighbor who is happy with them but there are lots of horror stories about the factory or dealer not honoring warrantees. To be honest, I kind of like the rock look.
Do a search on this site to find out.
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re: "Do a search on this site to find out"
I already did and couldn't find anything.
In fact that is the first thing I did when
I found this site last night.
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Do a search on this site to find out.
To be honest this site is controled mostly be hot-springs and marquis people. Of course they tell you to do your research here. Let me tell you the cons of cal so you know what to talk to the dealer about.
The dully pump is a dog, be sure to upgrade to better pumps Get the dealer to put in writting their warranty procedures when it comes to trip charges. Cal allows the dealer to charge a trip charge. Check the Beter buisness department to see how your local dealer rates reguarding delivering on promises and taking care of warranty after the sale. Also be sure that you wet test the same pump system you are going to purchase since the pressure changes drasticly from one set up to another
Good luck to you!
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Oh yea, be sure to get the dual filter system,
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Not quite Micah. The site has input by spa users of different types of spas. Too many people here give input on things that they are not qualified to do but a smart person should be able to read between the lines and get the right information.
I have seen the Cal rock cabinet in a showroom and didn't like it, but it may look great installed. I looked at the Cal tubs during my search and I wasn't impressed with the insulation or the regular cabinet either.
But hey, thats just my opinion.
Steve
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The synthetic rock cabinet is similar to the way they make rock waterfalls and rock caverns with high a density foam and a hardening agent on the outside.
we have a sample at our store in which we took a hammer to to see how durable it actually was
it made a bit of a dent but not very noticeable
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Zep,
Go to Doc's site and check out the reviews. His site is as independent as it gets. I personally don't have anything against Cal Spas. How long has the dealer been selling the brand? If you buy one make sure you read the fine print of their warrantee.
http://www.rhtubs.com/cgi-bin/reviews/reviews.pl
re: "Do a search on this site to find out"
I already did and couldn't find anything.
In fact that is the first thing I did when
I found this site last night.
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Thanks to everyone for the advice and information.
I appreciate all the feedback pro & con.
I am pretty sure I will purchase a Cal Spa.
I really like the rock cabinet look.
I have seen several spas with the rock cabinetry and to me there is just no comparsion.
I think you will see alot of this rock cabinet look in the future, Cal Spa is just the first.
I have never liked the traditional hot tub cabinet, so I was thrilled to find this new rock look.
I hated the regular cabinet so much I was about to get and in-ground tub.
As far as durabilty, someone said they took a hammer to the rock cabinet, heck I would think if you took a hammer to a regular cabinet it isn't going to hold up well either.
I have no kids, no pets, and so I think the rock cabinet will work well for me. Plus you can always get replacement panels if needed.
I will check on the pumps...what is a "dully pump"?
I think the one I am looking at (SQ92) has three GE pumps and 92 jets.
I will check out the "Doc Site" and what the "trip charges" are.
Any other feedback pro/con would be helpful.
Many thanks to all!
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My two cents worth, for what it's worth.
http://ripoffreport.com/results.asp?q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0&submit2=Search%21&q5=cal+spa&Search=Search
As long as you know what you're getting. I wish you luck, whichever path you choose. :)
Terminator
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If you live in a mid to north state, check the insulation.
Steve
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Zep, how far are you from Longview? If you are for real I would check out Terminator's store for a comparison.
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not to make it sound like a sales pitch I have 20 customers over the last 2 months with a dually pump in their tub no complaints no eaks or any type of B.S. the dually is mainly sold on tubs under 22 jets and small starter tubs
Zep If you order a CAL SPA please PM me who the dealer is and what tub you will order with the Cal stone cabinet I will indeed speak to my rep to make sure you dont get a bait and switch warranty Our Dealership group has more pull unfortunately than the US dealers for the fact that on average for the last 4 yrs the group has sold around 6,000 Cals a year. The negative press comes from dealers who order factory one offs with 1 yr warranty that is clearly stated and pass it off as a regular warranty
This is a disservice to anyone in the industry and it needs to be stopped
In the new facility every spa now is leak tested @ 60 celcius for 30 mins unlike before where maybe 1 in 10 was tested.
My piece is done Cal is a good tub maybe not the best but it doesnt deserve the negative remarks from bandwagoners who know nothing.... Everyone in the industry I fully respect your opinions for the fact Calspas did earn a bad rep. any rebutals please PM me or start another thread.
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Cal is a good tub maybe not the best but it doesnt deserve the negative remarks from bandwagoners who know nothing
bandwagoners who know nothing.....hmmmm.....here I thought it was people researching as best as they can online, and finding the MOTHERLOAD of complaints about the product. Go figure. ::)
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re: If you live in a mid to north state, check the insulation. Steve
Thanks Steve.....I live in Dallas,Texas....
Which by the way will reach almost 85 degrees today.
But I am not ready for summer yet!
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OK you have seen my reviews and my posts and yes I was screwed by a crooked dealer.
But the problem was compounded when CalSpa aided and abbetted that dealer.
Then they promised to help and reneged.
On top of all of that the spa has had many problems. The main pump (two speed) failed. The heater has failed twice. I have now replaced about 20 of the jets.
The tub comes no where close to the energy efficiencies that were claimed (and I turn my tub down to 80 when I get out - I travel a lot so that alone should save a lot of energy).
The stereo has never had anything like decent reception and the company disclaims all ownership of the problem.
Their parts department is useless. They are incapable of sending new jets. And when they do it is months later. They were useless in helping with replacement of the light bulb in the stereo remote control - which due to poor design burns out if there is any overflow from too many people or too much fun in the tub - not a good design.
I have spent over $2000 to repair my $6000 hot tub in the first two years. (I will admit that other than jets breaking nothing has broken for a year).
The company does not stand behind their product and they work hard to void your warranty at every turn. They have a non-sensical wiring requirement that will double the cost of your installation.
Hey but when working I do love my tub.
And the rock siding does look nice. I do wonder about repair with that siding and about their capability to deliver a defect free cabinet. Mine came with three (albeit minor) defects and one pure design defect (the siding bulges to accomodate a gray plastic panel in onto which the stereo is attached. As a result the top edge of the siding protrudes from the lip of the tub by 3/8 of an inch. I must be constantly vigilant to keep this exposed end-grain caulked - is it a show stopper - no but ...)
So good luck with your purchase - I wish I had this information when I was shopping. I would have looked somewhere else.
And most important! Your dealer's rep should be considered but do not trust them with your deposit. Mine had been in business 13 years had a large beautiful showroom and no BBB issues that I could find. Cal Spa had them listed on their site despite numerous delivery complaints from the 118 people he eventually screwed in a pre-planned bankruptcy (loan me 33% - you will get your tub now and the money back in 6 years - yeah right).
So no deposits over $500. No transactions without a credit card and when the tub is late - no excuses - I want my deposit back in my hands until you deliver.
So is my opinion tainted by my dealer - sure - but do you want a tub that costs you 33% in repairs during the first two years?
Be careful about the warranty - 5 years is what they offer if you custom order - not if you buy a preconfigured package - check that out and ask your salesman. BTW is any warranty good if it can only be fulfilled by your original dealer? Demand to see the logevity ratings of Cal Spa dealers. Hey why not ask for a list of dealers that have dropped the line in the last year so you can speak with them - they surely know why they dropped the line.
But I know the "look" - I had it two - you have dreamed of this tub for some time and the decision process was a pain it does feel good to have it done and over with - I wish you luck - you will need it.
BTW Micha - if you have read this far I have received your email - send me a phone number and we can speak.
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How much do they charge for the fake rock option?
Personally, I think it's one of the tackest things I've ever seen. We must have different styles. I know that folks look at some of my choices and think that. Anyhow...
Generally, over all, I like the rock look, in a garden and in an outdoor setting but feel it would only work in a real upscale lodge setting, and if you were putting a tub in an upscale lodge setting, I'd think that $ was a bit flexable and would opt for the real, custom thing. the fake stuff looks, well...fake.
You asked. :D
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Zep, how far are you from Longview? If you are for real I would check out Terminator's store for a comparison.
He's way out of our territory. Bright Ideas by Coleman is the D/FW HotSpring dealer. They've been selling HS for 26 years now, I believe. Good folks!
Terminator
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He's way out of our territory. Bright Ideas by Coleman is the D/FW HotSpring dealer. They've been selling HS for 26 years now, I believe. Good folks!
Terminator
"Bright Ideas by Coleman" is the name of a Hot Springs dealer?
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"Bright Ideas by Coleman" is the name of a Hot Springs dealer?
"223 million Americans recognize the Coleman name and the Coleman Lantern trademark"
Terminator
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Dino,
Hey thanks for the help and advice.
I called my Cal Spa dealer this morning and they said it is "5 years across the board warranty" and the owner said they would be happy to put that in writing.
He also stated they do not charge any trip charges or gas fees on warranty work of any type.
They have been a Cal Spa dealer for a decade. He said Cal Spa has greatly improved their entire quality control and operation in the last 2 years.
As far as wiring, I used the electrical company that my spa dealer recommends. This particular electric company works closely with my Spa Dealer so it was done to the specs required. You are correct they did go indivdual strands in a conduit all the way from my circuit breaker box, which thankfully was close by.
I can't wait to see that Cal Stone look in my backyard!
I'll let ya know how it goes.
Thanks Again.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/CalStone.jpg)
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Hmmmmmm......
I wonder if it's the same CalSpa dealer I spoke to at the State Fair of Texas last year who said they just started carrying CalSpa and that they would service any CalSpa to the Louisiana border. Hmmmm.....
Looks cool, good luck! :)
Terminator
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Correction, went back and read my old post. He said they would sell and service the spa anywhere in the COUNTRY. ;D
Terminator
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Correction, went back and read my old post. He said they would sell and service the spa anywhere in the COUNTRY. ;D
Terminator
I think I saw him selling juicers at the fair this year.
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http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=wtb-hottub;action=display;num=1128702437;start=5
Here you go.
Terminator
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How much do they charge for the fake rock option?
$600.....but if they would have said $1000 I would have said "where do I sign?"
Personally, I think it's one of the tackest things I've ever seen. We must have different styles. I know that folks look at some of my choices and think that. Anyhow...
Yep...to each his own.
I personally think it looks 10 times better than the traditional wood siding.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/c20fd7ba.jpg)
I always hated the wood side panels especially after a couple of years.
I have a very nice home and wanted a different look, and for me the Cal Stone has that look.
Generally, over all, I like the rock look
ME TOO!
in a garden and in an outdoor setting
Mine will be outside in a beautiful landscaped garden setting.
but feel it would only work in a real upscale lodge setting, and if you were putting a tub in an upscale lodge setting, I'd think that $ was a bit flexable and would opt for the real, custom thing. the fake stuff looks, well...fake.
You asked.
Hey and I appreciate the feedback.
If everybody liked the exact same thing it would be a very boring world.
But I will make ya a bet, I bet 5 years from now most spa makers will be offering this!
I'll post pictures of it once it is in and see what you think.
Thanks Again.
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How much do they charge for the fake rock option?
$600.....but if they would have said $1000 I would have said "where do I sign?"
Personally, I think it's one of the tackest things I've ever seen. We must have different styles. I know that folks look at some of my choices and think that. Anyhow...
Yep...to each his own.
I personally think it looks 10 times better than the traditional wood siding.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/c20fd7ba.jpg)
I always hated the wood side panels especially after a couple of years.
I have a very nice home and wanted a different look, and for me the Cal Stone has that look.
Generally, over all, I like the rock look
ME TOO!
in a garden and in an outdoor setting
Mine will be outside in a beautiful landscaped garden setting.
but feel it would only work in a real upscale lodge setting, and if you were putting a tub in an upscale lodge setting, I'd think that $ was a bit flexable and would opt for the real, custom thing. the fake stuff looks, well...fake.
You asked.
Hey and I appreciate the feedback.
If everybody liked the exact same thing it would be a very boring world.
But I will make ya a bet, I bet 5 years from now most spa makers will be offering this!
I'll post pictures of it once it is in and see what you think.
Thanks Again.
Zep, I would love to see your set up. Yes, Please Pictures !
I hope it works out for you.
:D
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I like the rock look as well, in the right setting of course. For many it just wouldn't look right in their back yard but for some it would blend in nicely and I imagine it'll hold up very well assuming they design the panels properly (I know, never assume anything with Cal Spa).
Does anyone besides Cal Spa offer this?
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(http://www.calspas.com/images/main_spa2d.jpg)
What is the black area in the side? The stereo maybe?
Kind of a shame to mess up the look with that. Seems like it could have been smaller or disguised a bit.
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(http://www.calspas.com/images/main_spa2d.jpg)
What is the black area in the side? The stereo maybe?
Kind of a shame to mess up the look with that. Seems like it could have been smaller or disguised a bit.
Dumbwaiter for the champagne bucket, silly. ;D
Terminator
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Dumbwaiter for the champagne bucket, silly. ;D
Terminator
Ah! So it is. Well then we better not mess with that. Champagne and spas, doesn't get much better than that!
Well OK it can, but that usually requires an assistant such as is also shown in the picture...
8)
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re: Does anyone besides Cal Spa offer this?
Not that I am aware of.
I e-mailed all the major companies to ask if they offered it and even sent a picture.
All replied they didn't offer it.
Many said it was a great idea.
re: black thing on front
Yes that is the stereo encased in a tinted glass case....which I did not order.
My Cal Spa dealer said they do more warranty work on the stereo than any other item.
I appreciated his honesty.