Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: money4mice on April 21, 2007, 11:46:53 am

Title: Cal Spas question
Post by: money4mice on April 21, 2007, 11:46:53 am
I just stopped by a new dealer near me who sells Cal spas.  I haven't been able to find out much info on the quality of these spas.  I liked the avalon 57- A857L 6 person spa.   I hope to do a wet test next week.  tomorrow, I do aa wet test on Hot springs and Sundance.  any experience or thoughs on Cal spas.    The price quoted is  $9100 including delivery.  thanks  
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Chad on April 21, 2007, 12:05:41 pm
There are many reviews at the link below.
For faster browsing, type Cal Spas in the search box at the bottom of the page.
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/reviews.cgi

Here's a recent thread regarding Cal Spas
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1170394426/0
another one
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1165866828/9#9

This company is advertising it for $7500. I don't know if there is a catch or not. Might be worth a phone call. Keep in mind that prices do vary quite a bit depending on your geographic location.
http://www.ultimatespas.net/

Bahamablue.com is selling it for $7150 plus free shipping. That obviuosly doesn't include set-up/startup. Maybe show this to your dealer and see if their price is negotiable.
http://www.shopping.com/xCC-Cal_Spa_Prices~FD-0~LO-1~PG-2
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Pathfinder on April 21, 2007, 05:59:56 pm
That price is way too expensive   for an Avalon  they were brought in to be an affordable tub with lots of options    it has quite a few substandard components then what CAL uses on their higher end model  That tub should be properly priced at around $6900   when you do wet test it you will find thatthe neck jets have too much power and that u only have one pump with 2 speeds  and the other 2 pumps are single speed on high.  If you were considering a cal you can get a much better tub in one of the other Cal lines for $9,000.      The tub is not of top quality
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: money4mice on April 21, 2007, 08:47:39 pm
Thank you for the great resources!  I look foward to our Hotspring wet test tomorrow.  We'll be trying the Vanguard and maybe the Soverign and any others with water.  Since this price discrepency is so much higher, I am suspect of this dealer.  
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 22, 2007, 01:42:21 am
money4mice.....

not familiar with that model CalSpa.....but I love my CalSpa!

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/Hot%20Tub/TubDeckJun.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/Hot%20Tub/Hooters066.jpg)
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: eln1559 on April 22, 2007, 03:26:06 pm
I would just like to say that I am a Cal Spas dealer and that price is way too expensive.  There are a lot of comments made about Cal Spas all over the internet, but you have to rely on the dealer itself as well.  There should be no problem if they take care of there customers. I would talk to a different dealer if there is one in your area. That price should be at least a $1000 or $1500 lower.
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: tommy tunes on April 22, 2007, 04:23:36 pm
Zep, that's a very interesting, er, finish?  Can't say i've ever seen a spa brick-faced before, looks mighty cool! 8-)  I like the wood platform. Is that simply surrounding a cement pad?

Nice setup!
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 22, 2007, 04:59:07 pm
Thanks tommy tunes.....

I would say the CalStone exterior was the deciding factor
in my brand choice once I narrowed it down to my favorite
top spa brands. I had never liked traditional spa exterior
panels so when I saw this I really liked it....it's not for
everybody but I will say whenever someone sees it for
the first time in person at my house it is always "wow
that is a cool looking hot tub...never seen one like that".

Yes the IPE deck simply surrounds my concrete pad.
           ("IPE" is a special brazilian hardwood)

Before IPE deck:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/Hot%20Tub/DSC00493.jpg)

After IPE deck:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/Hot%20Tub/TubDeckJun.jpg) CalSpas SQ-92

Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: tommy tunes on April 22, 2007, 08:55:56 pm
Sweeeeeeeeeet!  8-)
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Wisoki on April 23, 2007, 02:25:54 am
OK, so not for nuthin, but you spent THOUSANDS of dollars on your spa so people would come over and say WOW? I sincerely hope you NEVER have a problem with your spa. I'd hate for you friends to come over and say WOW cool lookin spa can we get in? UH, no it hASn't worked in 6 monmths and I can't find any one to work on it......." but, I hope you never EVER have a problerm, I just don't think anybody should ever buy a Cal Spa for any reason ever!

Quote
Thanks tommy tunes.....

I would say the CalStone exterior was the deciding factor
in my brand choice once I narrowed it down to my favorite
top spa brands. I had never liked traditional spa exterior
panels so when I saw this I really liked it....it's not for
everybody but I will say whenever someone sees it for
the first time in person at my house it is always "wow
that is a cool looking hot tub...never seen one like that".

Yes the IPE deck simply surrounds my concrete pad.
           ("IPE" is a special brazilian hardwood)

Before IPE deck:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/Hot%20Tub/DSC00493.jpg)

After IPE deck:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/Hot%20Tub/TubDeckJun.jpg) CalSpas SQ-92

Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 23, 2007, 10:26:27 am

re: "OK, so not for nuthin, but you spent THOUSANDS of dollars
on your spa so people would come over and say WOW?"

 
If some people were lawyers
you just know they would work for a firm
with a name like "Sourman & Bitterman".   ::)
 
But I'll bite anyway.......
 
If my post had been fully read....... I clearly stated
"once I narrowed it down to my favorite top spa brands"
I chose CalSpas because of what I consider the beautiful
CalStone exterior.
 
Kind of like if I were searching for a brand new SUV....if I
had narrowed it down between my top brands and in my opinion
there was a tie I might choose one over the other if only one
offered a unique option that I really liked.

 
I sincerely hope you NEVER have a problem with your spa.
I'd hate for you friends to come over and say WOW cool lookin spa
can we get in? UH, no it hASn't worked in 6 monmths and I can't find
any one to work on it
......."

 
I sincerely hope you begin to live in reality instead
of fantasy land....there is no lack of spa repairmen in Dallas-Texas.
In fact IF I ever need one they are a "dime a dozen".....and
I suppose according to you....they must all be repairing CalSpas!
 

but, I hope you never EVER have a problerm, I just don't think
anybody should ever buy a Cal Spa for any reason ever!

 

Well Wisoki opinions are like A/Holes.....everybody's got one!
 
All I know is......I LOVE MY CALSPA!
 
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/Hot%20Tub/TubDeckJun-2.jpg)
 :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: wmccall on April 24, 2007, 06:43:39 pm
How long has it been now Zep?
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 24, 2007, 06:48:24 pm
re: How long has it been no Zep?

wmccall uh?....Me no follow?
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: In Canada eh on April 24, 2007, 08:31:52 pm
Zep,

  Don't worry "I can't get no respect around here either" ;D

                                            Signed

                                            The other much maligned spa owner ;)
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Steve on April 24, 2007, 08:57:05 pm
Quote
OK, so not for nuthin, but you spent THOUSANDS of dollars on your spa so people would come over and say WOW? I sincerely hope you NEVER have a problem with your spa. I'd hate for you friends to come over and say WOW cool lookin spa can we get in? UH, no it hASn't worked in 6 monmths and I can't find any one to work on it......." but, I hope you never EVER have a problerm, I just don't think anybody should ever buy a Cal Spa for any reason ever!


How many sales are you loosing to Cal Spa Wisoki? :o That's the only way this post comes across... All I see is a bunch of generalizing and bad mouthing. You've been around long enough to know better.
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: wmccall on April 24, 2007, 09:08:29 pm
Quote
re: How long has it been no Zep?

wmccall uh?....Me no follow?


That you have owned it.
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 24, 2007, 09:59:16 pm
wmmcall...

If you are asking how long I have owned my hot tub....

I have owned my CalSpas tub for one year.

I am not saying you are
, but someone may take it that way
so I must say......if you are attempting to imply

"well it's only been a year....just wait and see you'll have problems"

Look I don't like going negative....it's not my nature.....unless I feel
someone is being a jerk or disingenuous......but to be honest I have
seen posters in here from the "sacred...can do no wrong spa brands"
with problems well within the first year.

To each his own....but I don't think the "you've only owned a
CalSpa for a year" theory holds up.

But thats what makes the world interesting....people enjoying
and liking different things....but some(not you wmmcall) feel the
need to trash other's choices if those choices are not in agreement
with their own world view.....they can't just tout their own....they
must smear.

Hey...I am glad I am not "one of those"!

 ;)


ps:

In_Canada_eh....LOL....funny....but ya know it's kinda
fun being the "underdog"!....Go Bullfrog!

Steve....thanks!




Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: wmccall on April 25, 2007, 07:47:51 am
Quote
wmmcall...

If you are asking how long I have owned my hot tub....

I have owned my CalSpas tub for one year.

I am not saying you are
, but someone may take it that way
so I must say......if you are attempting to imply





By now, most people know I don't imply anything, I say what I mean. Actually, I thought it was close to a year and wanted confirmation.  In most major purchases, the first year can be very telling and noteworthy to any potential buyers.  I think it also puts you beyond the "I am just defending my purchase by praising it"

I'm a 20 year internet/email vet, I know how things can be read into electronic messages, what I say is pretty straight forward.
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 25, 2007, 08:45:35 am

wmmcall.....

Thanks.....I pretty much knew, but
thought some might take it another way.

Yes my first year with my CalSpa has been great
and I would describe it as 99.9% free of any problems.
(I had a chrome jet cover plate come off)

Again thanks to you and others for making this site
a great learning resource for us rookie spa owners.


Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: windsurfdog on April 25, 2007, 09:40:50 am
Quote
ps:

In_Canada_eh....LOL....funny....but ya know it's kinda
fun being the "underdog

Talk about yer underdogs....from an extremely pleased MS owner.
Go get'em, Zeppy....windsurf(under)dog  8-)
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 25, 2007, 10:11:51 am

[size=16]LoL @ WindSurfDog![/size]

=(Zep!)=

http://www.led-zeppelin.com/
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: wmccall on April 25, 2007, 12:35:34 pm
Quote
wmmcall.....

(I had a chrome jet cover plate come off)



I find these kind of details interesting for any owner/brand.  From what I have learned here of the logistics of manufacturing a tub, and getting it to a dealer, and then in turn in a customers home, I can see where little things like thise aren't unexpected, and problems of this caliber can give an opportunity to judge the individual dealer.

My dealer was excellent with those, I just wish they were still in business. :)   With Cal, other than friends here, I have one friend who has owned his for 4 years.  Now he bought a very entry level product (a 4 person spa for around $2500.)  He had very few problems the first year, but has been experiencing more lately (I don't know the details.)
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: The_real_Clown_Shoes on April 26, 2007, 02:48:24 pm
Zep, have you ever thought of getting a darker colored cover when yours gets heavy?  An Espresso would go great with your stairs.
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 26, 2007, 04:15:34 pm
re: "Zep, have you ever thought of getting a darker colored cover
when yours gets heavy?  An Espresso would go great with your stairs"


giraffe_at_the_oasis.....Thanks for the suggestion....ya see I am
color blind and just took what they gave me. Actually like an idiot I walked
on mine a few times and the last time I did I felt it kind of bend a tiny bit...
so I may need to get a new cover sooner than I anticipated. Next time I
will get an expresso color on your recommendation.  

;)
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Pathfinder on April 26, 2007, 04:23:26 pm
Zep  ask your dealer what kind of a deal he can give you on a new mocha skin and an insert for your tub   it should be way cheaper than ordering a new cover  
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 26, 2007, 04:31:03 pm

ok Pathfinder thanks..... I'll do that.....

but just so I learn something.....besides skin and insert
what else is there to a cover....?
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Pathfinder on April 26, 2007, 04:52:40 pm
Thats it  there is nothing else to a cover  if you got a deluxe cover from Cal then its SM closed cell foam  if you got the normal style its just regular styro wrapped in vapour barrier.    


So not always do people need a complete cover   if the outer is ripped and cracked  yet the styro is not water logged you can just order a skin   and vice versa with the inserts.  
Title: Cal Spa - They Stink!!!
Post by: dino on April 28, 2007, 08:10:45 am
OK you can read my review as dinoguest under the review tabs.  Most is there.

In the four years since I bought this piece of junk:

I have replaced the heater twice.

The main Pump Twice.

Uncounted Jets.  I buy 10 about every 15 months.  The plastic craps out.  Making it worse: the company is impossible to deal with for replacement jets.  They have better things to do.

I do admit that the new fake stone cabinet looks good - why not buy a better spa and go to home dept and glue it on yourself.  By the way think about the inside of the thighs on your favorite female with her most likely shorter legs as she straddles that scatchy surface on the way out.  
Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: Zep on April 28, 2007, 10:02:19 am
"why not buy a better spa"

Because in my opinion.. and I only speak
for myself......there isn't a better spa.

2EachHisOwn!

"...go to home dept and glue it on yourself"

I don't live in a trailer park, nor have any
interest or time in trying to replicate a beautiful
spa cabinet when I can buy one.

"By the way think about the inside of the thighs on
your favorite female with her most likely shorter legs
as she straddles that scatchy surface on the way out"


Funny....none of the females have ever had a problem
getting in and out......in fact it is the females that have
raved the most about the cabinet.

Oh my God!!!!!!!!  Look at the horror in this girl's
face thinking about the dangers of my Cal Spa!


(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/LiLKim/ColoAug06003.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/ItsZep/LiLKim/KimJunTub.jpg)

Title: Re: Cal Spas question
Post by: eln1559 on April 28, 2007, 01:21:56 pm
I would just like to comment about the Cal Spas.  Not one manufacturer covers jets under their warranty.  Chemicals have a lot to do with the life of your jets.  It's not Cal Spas that makes the jets, they most of the jets in all different brands of hot tubs carry the same kind of jets, and they all see the same problem.