Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Trenden on January 29, 2007, 12:08:51 am
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Obviously comfort should be a primary factor in choosing a hot tub, probably the most important factor. However, I also want something that looks really nice. So far, I haven’t found anything that looks as nice as the cedar wood on the Artic spa line. I’ve already got a “cedar theme” going in my backyard so I don’t want to cheapen the look with something that looks like plastic. Any recommendations? What other spa manufacturers have nice wood cabinets or something that looks like real wood?
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I agree. There's nothing worse than looking a cheap looking plastic exterior in your backyard. In my opinion, the best looking cabinet is made by Sundance. It's synthetic, but it looks like fine furniture grade wood and is much easier to maintain.
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Thanks for the Sundance suggestion. I haven't looked at them yet but there is a dealer not too far away so I'll be sure to check them out. From the website they look very nice.
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Obviously comfort should be a primary factor in choosing a hot tub, probably the most important factor. However, I also want something that looks really nice. So far, I haven’t found anything that looks as nice as the cedar wood on the Artic spa line. I’ve already got a “cedar theme” going in my backyard so I don’t want to cheapen the look with something that looks like plastic. Any recommendations? What other spa manufacturers have nice wood cabinets or something that looks like real wood?
I agree. There's nothing worse than looking a cheap looking plastic exterior in your backyard.
They are good lookin' tubs but it really depends on the set-up. A cedar skirt tub on my patio would look way out of place.
Btw, it's your opinion that synthetic skirts cheapen the look and there's nothing wrong with that. I however, prefer a more clean look to things. To each his own. :D
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/IMG_0010-1.jpg)
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I'm with you on the cedar! (obviously) None of the synthetics appeal to me. Too plastic-y looking. Indoors, in a showroom, on carpet, or on a small patio, they can look nice. Outdoors, in a yard, not so much. Sadly, most companies are going that way since people want ease of care over asthetics.
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When I purchased my spa in 2002, Sundance just introduced their synthetic skirt. I wanted nothing to do with sythetics, so I have the tried and true redwood exterior. I was happy with the decision then and I am still happy with it today. Although it takes a little more work to maintain, there is nothing like real wood.
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Same here. When we got the 2003 Optima, cedar was the standard, and plastic was an upgrade. Now it's all plastic. The cedar does look nice, but takes work to keep it that way. The side of the spa facing south gets faded pretty quickly compared to the other 3 sides. I buy the Superdeck brand stain by the gallon- lasts several seasons.
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WHYNOT.....For a traditional panel tub I think yours looks the best!
What brand is yours WHYNOT?
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/Hot%20Tub/TubDeckJun-1.jpg )
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WHYNOT.....For a traditional panel tub I think yours looks the best!
What brand is yours WHYNOT?
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/Hot%20Tub/TubDeckJun-1.jpg )
Tileman, I mean WHYNOT? has a Jacuzzi.
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Because I just finished my cedar deck and pergola, the Arctic was the only way to go (will attach photos if I ever get a moment away from my god forsaken career).
But I was at a home show about 3 weeks ago and saw a brand of spas I have never seen before. They claimed they were made in Canada, like my Arctic. MAN WERE THEY COOL! I don't remember the brand, but it was some sort of composite siding the looked JUST LIKE STUCCO. It was really nice looking! I couldn't believe it looked so good. If I had a stucco home, I would definitly think about them. I have their card at home and will respond if I can think of the name.
Steven
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Why not, that Shepard's hook you have next to the tub use to be make in America at a cost of $4.25 each and resold at Walmart and Lowes for $19.99. Lowes demanded them at their cost of 4.25 each so they are now made in China.
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well, I would have to agree with you. The first tub that I looked at was the arctic, and I just could not get away from its look. In my opinion, it was one of the nicest looking tubs out there. To stain cedar once a season takes about half a day with cleaning and staining, and a good six pack of beer.
I love it and think that it is so classy. Here is my cedar skirt tub. If you want a good look at one, take a look at annes, her setup is amazing.
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/bosco0633/IMG_0212.jpg)
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bosco, your color combo looks very close to mine. One other aspect of the wood skirts I like is the heartwood lip that the shell sits on.
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tony, I loved the dark color shells and almost went with a blue one, but the sales guy convinced me that the lighter shell would help with the lights. I am really happy that I listened to him. I agree, the lip adds a classy look to the tub.
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WHYNOT.....For a traditional panel tub I think yours looks the best!
What brand is yours WHYNOT?
Thanks Zep! :D
It's a Jacuzzi and they call the color Silverwood.
Yours ain't too bad lookin' either. 8-) Isn't Cal spa the only manufacturer to offer that type of skirting?
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(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/929_Hot_Tub.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/nicewood.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/nicewood2.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/SSHotTub.jpg)
Time marches on.......
Terminator
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Term,
Is that Z, in pic two, someone's that you know?
That makes me so sad to see such a beautiful car in that much need of help. :(
Someone needs to bring that baby back to life!
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Thanks Zep! :D
It's a Jacuzzi and they call the color Silverwood.
Yours ain't too bad lookin' either. 8-) Isn't Cal spa the only manufacturer to offer that type of skirting?
I thought I saw somewhere that Sundance was offering that in '07 which probably means Jacuzzi will too.
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Wow Tex, those pics of old HS, it seems that there are some issues, not only with alot of mechanical problems that I have been reading on the forum lately, but with there construction also. Its nice to see the pics, not only does HS sell alot of spas , but they do build some junk also.
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well, I would have to agree with you. The first tub that I looked at was the arctic, and I just could not get away from its look. In my opinion, it was one of the nicest looking tubs out there. To stain cedar once a season takes about half a day with cleaning and staining, and a good six pack of beer.
I love it and think that it is so classy. Here is my cedar skirt tub. If you want a good look at one, take a look at annes, her setup is amazing.
thank you!
I so agree that taking a little time once a year is worth it. I would not have it any other way. In Terms picks, it would seem that those people took the same care of their tub as they did of their car and porch.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i20/aegdvm/tubcontest11.jpg)
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Wow Tex, those pics of old HS, it seems that there are some issues, not only with alot of mechanical problems that I have been reading on the forum lately, but with there construction also. Its nice to see the pics, not only does HS sell alot of spas , but they do build some junk also.
RobBob, I don't believe those are HotSpring spas.
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RobBob, I don't believe those are HotSpring spas.
Rob Roy knows they aren't HotSpring Spas. He pops on the forum every now and then trying to be clever. He hasn't found success, but bless his heart he keeps trying...that's all you can hope for from some folks.
Terminator
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Term,
Is that Z, in pic two, someone's that you know?
That makes me so sad to see such a beautiful car in that much need of help. :(
Someone needs to bring that baby back to life!
That was my boss's middle son's Z. 500 hp modified engine in there. One of his friends wrecked it. He got a new one that runs like a scalded dog!
They're going to rebuild it when they have time.
Terminator
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That was my boss's middle son's Z. 500 hp modified engine in there. One of his friends wrecked it. He got a new one that runs like a scalded dog!
They're going to rebuild it when they have time.
Terminator
Term,
How old is the son? Is the new Z a 350 or a 300? Do you know what mods they did to it?
I have a 350.
Thanks,
CHAD
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Term,
How old is the son? Is the new Z a 350 or a 300? Do you know what mods they did to it?
I have a 350.
Thanks,
CHAD
He's got 3 boys: 16, 17, and 18 years old. The middle son's "new" car is a '93 300Z I believe. I'm not a car person so I can't tell you exactly what they did to it, but my boss is the kind of person that spares no expense when it comes to having fun. The new Z generates about 450 hp and has some kind of blower on it when you hit the gas, you can hear something pop and it flies. He took me for a spin and the acceleration from 1st to 2nd gear pushed the air out of my lungs. It was too fast for me. I drive a Lincoln.
Terminator
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Anne & Bosco you guys have beautiful spa environments as well!
8-)
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the first spa is in my back yard I told him no flash photography. I won that spa in a contest making a list of reasons to own a caven spa. Still am not certain if I won or lost. ;)
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I think Marquis has one of the most beautiful wood cabinets. I like skirting that goes up and down in.
(http://www.marquisspas.com/uploadFiles/gallery_188_file1_315Beauty_72.jpg)
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I think Marquis has one of the most beautiful wood cabinets. I like skirting that goes up and down in.
(http://www.marquisspas.com/uploadFiles/gallery_188_file1_315Beauty_72.jpg)
Markee, that is a fine looking cabinet. Is the "Real Wood" upgrade very expensive?
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He's got 3 boys: 16, 17, and 18 years old. The middle son's "new" car is a '93 300Z I believe. I'm not a car person so I can't tell you exactly what they did to it, but my boss is the kind of person that spares no expense when it comes to having fun. The new Z generates about 450 hp and has some kind of blower on it when you hit the gas, you can hear something pop and it flies. He took me for a spin and the acceleration from 1st to 2nd gear pushed the air out of my lungs. It was too fast for me. I drive a Lincoln.
Terminator
Thanks Term. :)
Sounds like your boss is quite the Dad. His sons are very lucky.
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Rob Roy knows they aren't HotSpring Spas. He pops on the forum every now and then trying to be clever. He hasn't found success, but bless his heart he keeps trying...that's all you can hope for from some folks.
Terminator
;) Well, you "implied" that wood does not stand the test of time (not necessarily true), and he "implied" that not all HS spas are well built (not necessarily true). You guys are sort of playing the same game, really. Bless both your hearts! ;)
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You're implying (not necessarily true) that I implied that wood does not stand the test of time (not necessarily true). In the photographic evidence I supplied (necessarily true unless the photos had been digitally manipulated by a third party not affiliated with me), my intention was to show that wood can deteriorate at a substantial rate unless properly maintained (virtually assured in certain climates, not necessarily assured in others). The second and third photos are assuredly of a 10-year old E****** spa that we disposed of (necessarily) for a customer that purchased a new HotSpring Envoy. If necessary, I will be more than happy to take a picture of his new spa's cabinet in 10 years and post it on this forum and we can certainly make our own judgements then.
Let us make it a date. I shall bring Shiner Bock, you may bring the Lil' Smokies and barbecue sauce. A grand time shall be had by all (not necessarily true, but hopefully true). :)
Termy
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Gombo: The synthetic cabinet is usually considered an upgrade from the real western red cedar on our spas. Even though it looks beautiful, we highly reccomend the synthetic in the climate we live in (Oregon) where it is wet all the time.
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Rob Roy knows they aren't HotSpring Spas. He pops on the forum every now and then trying to be clever. He hasn't found success, but bless his heart he keeps trying...that's all you can hope for from some folks.
Terminator
For your information tex, I did not know that they werent HS. Unlike you, I dont have an agenda to sell, for crying out loud you even are using this " impartial" forum to tell your minions when there tubs will be delivered.And as far as me trying to be clever, no I leave that job for you.
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For your information tex, I did not know that they werent HS.
Oh....you ASSUMED they were HotSpring Spas. OK.
Unlike you, I dont have an agenda to sell, for crying out loud you even are using this " impartial" forum to tell your minions when there tubs will be delivered.
Don't I wish I could sell everywhere this forum reaches! Sadly, I am limited to the area which we can effectively service our customers, NE Texas. If you're referring to Shortspark as one of my "minions", I do believe he would take offense at that remark as he is his own man with his own mind, which is quite sharp (which is a requirement for his former occupation). Otherwise, I only have 1 other customer that I know of that frequents this forum, t6texan, who would not appreciate being called a "minion" either, I'm certain.
And as far as me trying to be clever, no I leave that job for you.
I just do my part to unselfishly help out the fine folks on this forum the best I can with no promise of restitution, trying to be a ray of sunshine in the midst of discussions of total alkalinity, TDS, and filtration concerns. :)
Terminator (The Kind and Benevelont to All)
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One other aspect of the wood skirts I like is the heartwood lip that the shell sits on.
That might look nice now but that is bad idea for a spa, water will collect there and rot the wood. Also the cool looking chrome trim on the lip is a great place for bacteria and algae to grow.
This a coupe of things most people never think of , but the better manufactures will not build spas like this.
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/bosco0633/IMG_0212.jpg)
Another problem waiting to happend.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i20/aegdvm/tubcontest11.jpg)
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Wow Tex, those pics of old HS, it seems that there are some issues, not only with alot of mechanical problems that I have been reading on the forum lately, but with there construction also. Its nice to see the pics, not only does HS sell alot of spas , but they do build some junk also.
For your information tex, I did not know that they werent HS. Unlike you, I dont have an agenda to sell, for crying out loud you even are using this " impartial" forum to tell your minions when there tubs will be delivered.And as far as me trying to be clever, no I leave that job for you.
I like Terminator and I have a Jacuzzi. I wish every manufactuer had a Terminator of it's own on this forum. I think he adds more character to this forum than anyone. Your comments were way off base and you need to find a new place to vent b/c trust me if it comes down to you and him............you know the rest. :)
Sorry Term, I know you didn't need any help puttin' this guy away but I felt he needed to know how we feel about you here.
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Thank you, my minion...in you I am well pleased.
The Master
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(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/worship.gif)
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That might look nice now but that is bad idea for a spa, water will collect there and rot the wood. Also the cool looking chrome trim on the lip is a great place for bacteria and algae to grow.
This a coupe of things most people never think of , but the better manufactures will not build spas like this.
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/bosco0633/IMG_0212.jpg)
Another problem waiting to happend.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i20/aegdvm/tubcontest11.jpg)
I don't necessarily think so. Water doesn't collect on my spa, it sheds off. There is no chrome trim on the lip. The lip is made from heartwood redwood and will probably outlast the spa itself. If there is any issue, all parts can be purchased and replaced. Before plastic skirts, just about every spa used wood and many are tens of years old and still looking good. The better manufacturers built spas like this and its a shame that more don't offer the option of real wood. Of course part of the problem may be that its tough to get the real stuff these days.
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I don't necessarily think so. Water doesn't collect on my spa, it sheds off. There is no chrome trim on the lip. The lip is made from heartwood redwood and will probably outlast the spa itself. If there is any issue, all parts can be purchased and replaced. Before plastic skirts, just about every spa used wood and many are tens of years old and still looking good. The better manufacturers built spas like this and its a shame that more don't offer the option of real wood. Of course part of the problem may be that its tough to get the real stuff these days.
I have seen 1,000's & 1,000's of spas in my days and if you take good care of the wood they will last but from what I have seen most do not. A lot of times you do not see the rotting until you try to remove the cabinet.
I prefer the wood look also but typically it will not hold up.
Water is collecting under the lip of your spa whether you can see it or not.
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I second the notion that Terminator is a great member of this message board.
Term is helpful, knowledgeable, and funny.
(plus he is a fellow Texan....And no I am not a Terminator customer....I own a CalSpa)
Is Terminator biased towards Hot Spring/Watkins?....Well of course he is.....wouldn't you be if you sold a particular brand?....But from what I read Hot Spring makes a great hot tub....and I don't see anything wrong with being an advocate of the tub you sell or own.
If all the dealers that frequent this site suddenly departed because they couldn't put a plug in for the brand they sell..... this site would greatly diminish in value because for the most part those guys really know their stuff and are nice enough to share it with us owners.
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Let us make it a date. I shall bring Shiner Bock, you may bring the Lil' Smokies and barbecue sauce. A grand time shall be had by all (not necessarily true, but hopefully true). :)
Termy
You want a date in ten years, and we have to eat Lil Smokeys?????? ;)
And rotting or not, I'll keep my lips, thank you all. ::)
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And rotting or not, I'll keep my lips, thank you all. ::)
:-*
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I get that “synthetic wood” (i.e. plastic) requires less maintenance but I think some comments are a little extreme. As someone else mentioned, wood was used for many years in the industry. I personally own a cabin in Montana built of pine that was build in 1853. We stain it every third year and the wood still looks fantastic. If you don’t mind doing a little maintenance every year I don’t see why a cedar or redwood hot tub couldn’t last just as long as one with plastic siding.
Our neighbors have a hot tub they bought in 1987 with cedar exterior and it still looks great (we’re in Salt Lake City so the weather isn’t exactly mild here). He said he stained it every couple years for most of its life and in the last few years has been staining it every year. That’s pretty minimal work for a real wood hot tub that’s 20 years old and still looks great. In my mind it’s a small price to pay for the real wood look. That’s why I started this thread; I was hoping to get some advice on other manufacturers besides Arctic that offer an attractive real wood option.
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Real wood is definately the way to go, but it does require maint. I have seen many wood and synthetic spas in the field. Synthetic cabinets look great in the beginning. Weather has just as big an impact on these cabinets as wood, in my opinion. I have run across wood AND synthetic cabinets that are in bad shape. Synthetic fades and warps. Wood cracks and dries out. The main difference, wood can be rehabed fairly easy, while there isn't a darn thing (short of replacing the cabinet) that can be done to improve the appearance of synthetic. Give me wood anyday.
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Give me wood anyday.
:o
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Words to live by.............
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re: there isn't a darn thing (short of replacing the cabinet) that can be done to improve the appearance of synthetic.
Ballpark...what would be the cost be of replacing the synthetic panels of an average size hot tub?
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Because I just finished my cedar deck and pergola, the Arctic was the only way to go (will attach photos if I ever get a moment away from my god forsaken career).
But I was at a home show about 3 weeks ago and saw a brand of spas I have never seen before. They claimed they were made in Canada, like my Arctic. MAN WERE THEY COOL! I don't remember the brand, but it was some sort of composite siding the looked JUST LIKE STUCCO. It was really nice looking! I couldn't believe it looked so good. If I had a stucco home, I would definitly think about them. I have their card at home and will respond if I can think of the name.
Steven
It sounds like your talking about Coast Spas. I just ordered a 2007 Helios w/ the "slate/stucco" cabinet. I can't wait for it to get here. March seems so far away, but I'm hoping that will give me time for the snow to melt and get a foundation down for it to sit on.
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I wake up in the morning looking forward to my wood. :P
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I wake up in the morning looking forward to my wood. :P
That's always better than looking behind you for it.
;)
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That's always better than looking behind you for it.
;)
;D :'(
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I like wood as well, and the cedar is pretty easy to maintain. I have a 1991, the previous owners didn't take very good care of the exterior but with just a little wash and a staining it looks great again.
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Why not, that Shepard's hook you have next to the tub use to be make in America at a cost of $4.25 each and resold at Walmart and Lowes for $19.99. Lowes demanded them at their cost of 4.25 each so they are now made in China.
I bought mine at Lowes about 3 months ago for $14.95 + tax. They were on clearance. :D
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For your information tex, I did not know that they werent HS. Unlike you, I dont have an agenda to sell, for crying out loud you even are using this " impartial" forum to tell your minions when there tubs will be delivered.And as far as me trying to be clever, no I leave that job for you.
I am No ones minion, especialy that jerk Tex!!!! ;)
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Just curious if the Hot Springs maintenance free cabinet if truly maintenance free. To quote the warranty, "The warranty specifically covers the cabinet’s structural integrity (exclusive of surface stain).
It goes onto say “Fading and weathering of the surface will occur naturally over time, and are not defects." To restore appearance of the cabinet, refer to the spas owner manual for proper care and maintenance instructions."
Sounds like it still requires maintenance just like a wood cabinet does. The only thing is with a wood cabinet is that you can restore it to look new again. With a plastic cabinet if it cracks or blisters you are screwed. Just my two cents. I would stick with a wood cabinet.
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Just curious if the Hot Springs maintenance free cabinet if truly maintenance free. To quote the warranty, "The warranty specifically covers the cabinet’s structural integrity (exclusive of surface stain).
It goes onto say “Fading and weathering of the surface will occur naturally over time, and are not defects." To restore appearance of the cabinet, refer to the spas owner manual for proper care and maintenance instructions."
Sounds like it still requires maintenance just like a wood cabinet does. The only thing is with a wood cabinet is that you can restore it to look new again. With a plastic cabinet if it cracks or blisters you are screwed. Just my two cents. I would stick with a wood cabinet.
What would you consider maintenace? It requires nothing more than wipping it off if you spilled say..i dunno... gasoline on it. It requiers as much maintence as vinly siding. The chance of the perma siding cracking or blistiering is far less than a traditional wood cabinet being damaged, and if a panel was damanged it can be replaced.
No maitnence. More durable than wood. That's it selling point. ::)
Some folks prefer wood, some folks prefer the no maintance stuff. They are both good. and have thier advantages. It's a personal choice, but I woudn't be posting that it requires maintence or that someone is screwed if they have a problem. That's simpley wrong.
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Hot Springs uses the word maintenace in their warranty not me.
And you make it sound so easy replacing a panel. It is not that easy and it is expensive at the same time.
But I agree with you, both have their pros and cons, I just feel that wood is the way to go.
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Hot Springs uses the word maintenace in their warranty not me.
No. You used the word maintence too. ::) You further went on to say a customer is "Screwed" if they have a problem. Come on. I mean your post is right there for crying out loud. ;D
There are benifits to both. I think that a quality, well kept wood cabinet looks the best, but I personaly prefer the perma wood. (Actually, the skirting was not a major consideration for me when choosing a tub and I would go with the perma wood again if given the chance.)
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Your right I did type the word maintenance but I was only quoting the warranty from Hot Springs that used the word, thats all. I would definetly buy another wood cabinet as mine still looks as good as new. We'll just agree to disagree. ;)
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No. I don't agree to disagree. ;)
I know what you ment. I'm in a ball busting mood today.
Sorry. :)
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Your right I did type the word maintenance but I was only quoting the warranty from Hot Springs that used the word, thats all. I would definetly buy another wood cabinet as mine still looks as good as new. We'll just agree to disagree. ;)
I see many wood spas where the material is not great quality and others where it may have been but there was no upkeep and it's cracked, rotted, etc. This tends to make me think non-wood is the way to go but then again, I see other wood spas were the material is sturdy and people take good care of them.
My conclusions:
A) It better be good quality wood if you're going that route.
B) You need to care of it, really (and I don't mean like my son promised he'd care for the dog if we got it).
C) There are some very good quality synthetic spa sidings out there and they're looking much better than 5 yrs ago. There are also some crappy ones that will bow and fade (such as Term's infamous pictures of the "L'il Tykes" spas).
In other words, get a quality product and care for it as you are required and you'll be fine, either way.
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Ohh not busting any balls here. I feel that my points have been well taken.
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funny i just posted a pic of mine in another post. it's a sundance maxxus. great spa!!! got it the end of last year. i'll post it again. :)
i took the pic with my phone so it's not the best.
(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l179/martyz4/spashed.jpg)
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[size=24]It all boils down to this as they both look good:
Synthetic - for people who like "maintenance free" stuff
Real wood - for people who don't mind a little maintenance every now and then[/size]
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I bought my mine a long time ago with Sundance brand. The price is very expensive. However, it is very durable and comfortable to use.
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Obviously comfort should be a primary factor in choosing a hot tub, probably the most important factor. However, I also want something that looks really nice. So far, I haven’t found anything that looks as nice as the cedar wood on the Artic spa line. I’ve already got a “cedar theme” going in my backyard so I don’t want to cheapen the look with something that looks like plastic. Any recommendations? What other spa manufacturers have nice wood cabinets or something that looks like real wood?
I agree. There's nothing worse than looking a cheap looking plastic exterior in your backyard.
They are good lookin' tubs but it really depends on the set-up. A cedar skirt tub on my patio would look way out of place.
Btw, it's your opinion that synthetic skirts cheapen the look and there's nothing wrong with that. I however, prefer a more clean look to things. To each his own. :D
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/IMG_0010-1.jpg)
Good to see you back in time for Winter Chad.
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I agree that many synthetic exteriors on many manufacture's tub looks....well, like plastic. The looks and ease of maintenance where two of the reasons I went with the Jacuzzi synthetic. Mine looks IDENTICAL to the one above (and it's 8 year sold now and still looks the same). The Jacuzzi and it's sister company, SunDance make some very wood-looking exteriors.
The Stucco look has also been available on the market for many years now (over 7) but only a few manufacture's offer it. BullFrog was the one that I thought looked the most attractive of that style surround those 7 or 8 years ago).