Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: nsavarirayan on May 14, 2007, 04:36:34 pm
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Ok just got off the phone witha few coleman dealer and they claim that their spas are just as good as the Hot Springs and Sundance spas - in fact he told me that thsoe are th top three brands.
Is this true? I may save more money with Coleman but I really do want to get the best for my buck and quality of hydrotherapy is very important for me.
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No its not true, it this a real or post or just something to stir things up.... ;)
Those brands along with several others are among the best in the industry, Marquis, Jacuzzi, D-1, others will add more, but the point is there are a number of good products and you just need to find which is best for you.
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No its not true, it this a real or post or just something to stir things up.... ;)
Those brands along with several others are among the best in the industry, Marquis, Jacuzzi, D-1, others will add more, but the point is there are a number of good products and you just need to find which is best for you.
Yes this is a real post - sorry if I am a Newbie! But the coleman name makes me think of camping supplies. Anyway so you are saying that the ones mentioned are the top in the business? Or did you say "no its not true" as a joke? Sorry but like I said I'm new and just want some advice on what to narrow down my search. I live in Az by the way and it seems those three are the dealer available.
We have a Marquis dealer as well so you recmmend I check them out as well?? I got to drive an hour to get to that dealer though!
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Yes this is a real post - sorry if I am a Newbie! But the coleman name makes me think of camping supplies. Anyway so you are saying that the ones mentioned are the top in the business? Or did you say "no its not true" as a joke? Sorry but like I said I'm new and just want some advice on what to narrow down my search. I live in Az by the way and it seems those three are the dealer available.
We have a Marquis dealer as well so you recmmend I check them out as well?? I got to drive an hour to get to that dealer though!
I would not put Coleman in the same class with HS or Sundance, but they are a fine tub.
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now thats the answer I am looking for. I don't want to be told coleman compares to sundace/HS of they don't.
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My opinion is that Marquis and Hot Springs are the two best on the market.
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Well we have amarqui dealer so I will wet test them as well?
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I am saying that Yes those are good brands but there are others that some would say are equal and some would say are better, But it is fair to say those are among the better brands. As for Coleman I myself just know people whom I respect and that have a very intimate knowledge have told me they are a good unit, thats why I would say if you like them than perhaps it is a good choice for you.
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I suppose it will be the wet test to determine whats up.
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now thats the answer I am looking for. I don't want to be told coleman compares to sundace/HS of they don't.
To some people they do compare favorably (and certainly you'd expect they would to the Coleman salesman or he should go elsewhere). There is no answer to the "which is the best" question. Visit the websites of the spa makers you've mentioned and see where their local dealers are located. Here is a list I saved from another post showing the dealer locator sections of the websites for a SOME of the more talked about spa makers (there are others and I added Coleman to it as well):
http://www.arcticspas.com
http://artesianspas.com/main/dealer_locator.asp
http://www.calderaspas.com/Locator/index.html
http://www.dimensiononespas.com/findadealer.asp
http://www.hotspring.com/index_spas_hot_spring.html
http://www.jacuzzi.com/products/
http://www.marquisspas.com/locator.asp
http://retailer.sundancespas.com/Retailers/index.php
http://www.colemanspas.com/content/show/home/
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We are of course talking opinions here and you’re sure to get lots of dealers telling you that Hotsprings and Sundance are better simply because there are more dealers that carry them on the forum...
In any case, I believe Coleman to be on par with Hotsprings and Sundance. Their method of insulation is different but they tend to be very efficient to run none the less. Also, they run very quiet. Wet test a few and if you like the way they feel I wouldn’t hesitate to buy.
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Dont know what area you are in but check out Acrylic pool and spa I believe they are one of the best/largest dealers in Arizona and sell both Sundance and Jacuzzi.
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Dont know what area you are in but check out Acrylic pool and spa I believe they are one of the best/largest dealers in Arizona and sell both Sundance and Jacuzzi.
Yes I am in AZ so thanks for that info - I will go pay them a visit.
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I suppose it will be the wet test to determine whats up.
A wet test is by far the most important thing. If this is your first spa, and you think you might want to go back to the dealer to ask questions, have your water tested, etc., driving an hour may not be worthwhile.
Having said that, use the "dealer locator" on most of the other manufacturers' web sites. You may find that there are more dealers in your area than you realize.
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Ok just got off the phone witha few coleman dealer and they claim that their spas are just as good as the Hot Springs and Sundance spas - in fact he told me that thsoe are th top three brands.
Not that this should have any bearing on what hot tub you buy, but a friend of mine purchased a Coleman tub about 7 or 8 years ago. It's very nice, and he thought the dealer was very good. I'm in the market for a tub now so I visited that same dealer. He no longer carries Coleman. He's now a Hot Springs & Sundance dealer.
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I used to carry coleman and Sundance. Now JUST SUNDANCE.
Colemans are what they are. Thye are not comparable to Sundance or Hot springs. From my personal experience we have had alot of issues with the jets coming out, and they seem to cost more to heat. NOT OPENING A CAN OF WORMS HERE BETWEEN INSULATION TYPES, its just from MY customer responses. Coleman os MAXX SPAS which also make the tubs for HOME DEPOT.
Choice is yours in the end but from my personal opinion they are what they are...
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GOT TO TELL YOU THE PROBLEMS I'VE HAD WITH COLEMAN
JETS KEEP FALLING APRT METAL BALL BEARINGS IN HOT TUB EVERYDAY
WHEN I TALK TO DEALER THEY CAME OUT FIRST COUPLE TIMES
BUT SERVICE SLOWLY WENT TO NONE.
THERE WERE BACK TO FIX FOAM GASKET UNDER CONTROLS SEVERAL TIMES.
THE KNOB FOR NECK CONTROLS WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES I REFUSED TO PAY FOR THIS
AFTER WARRANTY (THEY SAID THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT) AND THEY PUT A MARK ON ME CREDIT REPORT. SO I NOW HAVE TO FIGHT THAT TOO. IF YOU ASK ME YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
IF YOU LIVE IN YORK PA OR SURROUNDING AREAS BOB'S INTOWNE SPA IS A PLACE I WOULDN'T GO TO BUY ANYTHING.
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You need to get that capslock control fixed....
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GOT TO TELL YOU THE PROBLEMS I'VE HAD WITH AND THEY PUT A MARK ON ME CREDIT REPORT. SO I NOW HAVE TO FIGHT THAT TOO.
This you need to explain. How did a spa company put a negative mark on your credit report? Are you sure that it wasn't a financing company. If you "forget" to pay your bill I can see that happening.
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This you need to explain. How did a spa company put a negative mark on your credit report? Are you sure that it wasn't a financing company. If you "forget" to pay your bill I can see that happening.
He said he refused to pay for service after warranty expired for issue that was never resolved during warranty period.
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The comparison mentioned was, were Coleman spas as good as HS and SD?......I'd say as good as yes. While the three are remarkably different and the only true way to know is wet test each one and decide for yourself. Coleman has many wonderful features as do all other spas. Coleman has perfected their jets and knobs, so improvements have been made to the designs. Wet test all.....making sure that the comparisons are fair, ie....apples to apples in terms of sizes of tubs, jet counts and construction. After you do this come back and report in to let us know what you think of the tubs.
Tom Smith a Coleman Spa dealer
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I used to carry coleman and Sundance. Now JUST SUNDANCE.
Colemans are what they are. Thye are not comparable to Sundance or Hot springs. From my personal experience we have had alot of issues with the jets coming out, and they seem to cost more to heat. NOT OPENING A CAN OF WORMS HERE BETWEEN INSULATION TYPES, its just from MY customer responses. Coleman os MAXX SPAS which also make the tubs for HOME DEPOT.
Choice is yours in the end but from my personal opinion they are what they are...
Doesn't Jaccuzzi/Sun Dance have tubs in like Sams? And Hot Springs in Costco? So what if a company makes a spa for a big box retailer....seems like a good diverse business plan to me. Why is it negative to build a product specifically for a large scale retailer? Unless of course by implication one is attempting to cast aspersions on the total quality of the Maax line up...but that couldn't happen here in the pantheon of the unbiased.
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Rubadubdub needs to go soak in his tub.
For those who would venture that HS, Sundance, Marquis, Jacuzzi, etal, is a better tub than a Coleman, please do go into detail as to why. Better shell? Better components? Better what???
Doesn't Jaccuzzi/Sun Dance have tubs in like Sams? And Hot Springs in Costco? So what if a company makes a spa for a big box retailer....seems like a good diverse business plan to me. Why is it negative to build a product specifically for a large scale retailer? Unless of course by implication one is attempting to cast aspersions on the total quality of the Maax line up...but that couldn't happen here in the pantheon of the unbiased.
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For those who would venture that HS, Sundance, Marquis, Jacuzzi, etal, is a better tub than a Coleman, please do go into detail as to why. Better shell? Better components? Better what???
Circ Pump........ ;) (couldn't resist, rick!)
Term
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Ok well I have to update on my search so far. I went to the Sundance dealer which is simply the paddock pool and spa store - which is huge. Nobody came by to see if I needed any help at all as i looked at the spas for 15 minutes. I finally had to talk to someone who told me the "spa" guy was not in today and after several minutes of searching was able to get me a brochure to look at. Not to knock sundance but this dealer was not to my liking and I could only imagine how they would help me if I had problems.
Well I think I will continue my search next by checking out Caldera, Coleman and Wet Test the Vanguard.
The Caldera dealer over the phone told me if after wet testing everyone else to come to his store and after testing his I won't go back - that seems like a bold statement. He pitched the fact they have special contoured seats that are very comfortable and keep you in place even when the jets are on high. I guess feeling is believing!
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Not to knock sundance but this dealer was not to my liking and I could only imagine how they would help me if I had problems.
Ask how long they have been selling the product. It sounds like spas may be an afterthought so it would be interesting to know if they've had Sundance for long (I’m guessing not from the fact they can't find a brochure, sounds disorganized). You're right though, that's not a knock on Sundance but it may not be a good sign for that particular dealer and you need to be comfortable before and after the sale that the dealer will come through for you in every way.
Well I think I will continue my search next by checking out Caldera, Coleman and Wet Test the Vanguard.
The Caldera dealer over the phone told me if after wet testing everyone else to come to his store and after testing his I won't go back - that seems like a bold statement. He pitched the fact they have special contoured seats that are very comfortable and keep you in place even when the jets are on high. I guess feeling is believing!
They'll all tell you that you'll love their spa in a wet test and you probably will like each one but you're looking for the one you like the BEST. Listen to their pitches but just file that talk away until you take that wet test. One of those 3 (or 4) will probably show itself to be the best fit for you after you wet test it.
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Doesn't Jaccuzzi/Sun Dance have tubs in like Sams? And Hot Springs in Costco? So what if a company makes a spa for a big box retailer....seems like a good diverse business plan to me. Why is it negative to build a product specifically for a large scale retailer? Unless of course by implication one is attempting to cast aspersions on the total quality of the Maax line up...but that couldn't happen here in the pantheon of the unbiased.
Watkins, who makes Hot Spring, has 1 model on Costco.com.
I would bet it is less than 1/10th of 1% of their business.
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So if I interpret what you are saying the fact that Hot Springs has a model in Costco is unimportant. Which supports my point, what does it matter if a manufacturer builts something for a mass retailer, it doesn't lower the overall quality of the manufacturer because they do that. If fact it show good business sense.
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So if I interpret what you are saying the fact that Hot Springs has a model in Costco is unimportant. Which supports my point, what does it matter if a manufacturer builts something for a mass retailer, it doesn't lower the overall quality of the manufacturer because they do that. If fact it show good business sense.
What I said is that Hot Spring does [glow]not[/glow] have a spa at Costco. Watkins has a spa at Costco.com. It has some features of a Hot Spring, but is not a Hot Spring brand.
However, I agree that it is irrelevant whether a manufacturer builds something for the mass.
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Circ Pump........ ;) (couldn't resist, rick!)
Term
Touche East Texan. :D
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cannot resist either.......while my Coleman spas use a twice daily circulation method, which has worked just fine for over twenty years. But you could if you wanted to.....reset the default circ times to run 24 hours....wow it would be like the same. Nonetheless, not at all neccessary. Coleman uses a different philosophical approach to filtration than say hs and others. oh yeah i forgot...silly boy......only one way is right and hs is it.
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Alright Loosenupspas you need to relax! All I was saying is from my experience selling Coleman, Sundance and Coast spas. Coleman has given me more problems per unit than Sundance. I agree it is good business sense to produde to the masses as MAXX spas does. Coleman makes an Alright spa, I have sold plenty of them but they aren't in the same league as a Sundance. Thats all I can compare as I have never sold anything else other than Coast and I won't get into them. I'll give Coleman Credit They make what I believe to be one of the quietest tubs on the market when running BUT, would not put them in the same class as Sundance, Hot Springs, Marquis, Jacuzzi ETC. They are what they are in my opinion.
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nsavarirayan,
If you're up for a drive to Prescott to get
personal service and check out Sundance Spas
let me know and I will make arrangements to
meet you here at Biddle Outdoor Center.
Plus, we're about 20 degrees cooler.
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nsavarirayan,
If you're up for a drive to Prescott to get
personal service and check out Sundance Spas
let me know and I will make arrangements to
meet you here at Biddle Outdoor Center.
Plus, we're about 20 degrees cooler.
Hi MJB,
Thanks for the invite. I have a couple of questions considering if I purchase from your store. I live in Scottsdale so is delivery a problem from Prescott?
Also if I have warranty issues who do I contact? will it be a problem since you are in Prescott?
What do you have available for a potential wet test. And yeah I have no problem making an excuse to come and see you and get out of this heat.
And the final question is - can you give me a good deal!!! Thanks!
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Doesn't Jaccuzzi/Sun Dance have tubs in like Sams? And Hot Springs in Costco? So what if a company makes a spa for a big box retailer....seems like a good diverse business plan to me. Why is it negative to build a product specifically for a large scale retailer? Unless of course by implication one is attempting to cast aspersions on the total quality of the Maax line up...but that couldn't happen here in the pantheon of the unbiased.
I do find it interesting that in Costco's ad for the Highlife, it says:
-"From the makers of Hot Spring® Spas, the world’s number one selling brand of portable spas...."
and
- "With the Highlife spa, you can relax in the comfort of knowing you purchased a quality spa from the makers of the world’s number one selling brand."
I don't see any similar language referring to MAXX or Keyes Backyard in their ads for the Discovery, Pilates, or Infinity spas.
I wonder why Costco would do that?
They must have just forgot to add that copy to these ads, huh?
Rich
(Stirring up trouble)
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Someone mentioned Coleman jets falling out and ball-bearing problems. There are no ball bearings in Coleman’s jets anymore. Ball bearing wear was a problem with many spa brands in the past but many have gone away from designs that require ball bearings, including Coleman.
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My opinion is that Marquis and Hot Springs are the two best on the market.
Funny. These were the bottom 2 in our wet-testing and fairly thorough analysis of 8 different brands. We did our homework. The analysis rated all dealers equal although they certainly were not. Turned out that the dealer with the worst personality had the best tub. Ironic.
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Funny. These were the bottom 2 in our wet-testing of 8 different brands.
Can you elaborate on what you did not care for, I recently had the chance to soak in several spas and would disagree with you, but of course that is why wet testing matters to find whats best YOU.
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Price was not a major consideration. We were looking for comfort and value.
Thought the Marquis was well made, but really disliked the "zone concept". Could not get the diverters into a position where both of us were satisfied. I am quite tall (6' 4"). In the Euphoria the only seat I liked was on the floor. All of the other Marquis spas were too small for us, lounge too short in the Reward, etc. I liked the cabinet with the easily removable panels.
We liked the HS spas even less. None of the seats were comfortably contoured. The entire array of jets seemed underpowered, although my wife liked the moto massage. The endurol (sp) shell was less attractive than the acrylics available from other manufacturers. At that time the only HS that we liked at all was the Landmark.
I liked the Tiger River spas a lot more in terms of design and utility. Of all the Watkins products we looked at and wet tested we liked the Caldera Martinique the best.
One more comment. When someone says arrogance in the business world I immediately think of 3 companies: IBM, Microsoft and HotSpring.
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Correct me if I am wrong but its been a couple of years since you last wet tested right?...you went with a Catalina...I know the owner of Catalina...I really like him....
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Yes, we went with a 93 inch X 93 inch 40 inch deep Catalina, the perfect fit for us and $6,000 OTD. We ignored the gimmick options getting only ozone, a blower and a vibrating head rest in the lounger which everyone likes. Our second choice was the D1 Chairman II - great lounger but priced over $9,000 and no whirlpool jet. Much of my time in my spa is spent using only the whirlpool jet.
For us, the Catalina was the best value. Nothing else really came close. Nearly 4 years later I could not be happier with our decision.
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Correct me if I am wrong but its been a couple of years since you last wet tested right?...you went with a Catalina...I know the owner of Catalina...I really like him....
Yes, it's been awhile since I've wet-tested anything. And you are implying....?
And what brand(s) do you carry?
I am a close friend of the Marquis/D1 dealer nearest my home (30 miles). After testing his spas he recommended Catalina to me because of my height and particular therapy needs. Now that's a dealer !
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nsavarirayan,
If you're up for a drive to Prescott to get
personal service and check out Sundance Spas
let me know and I will make arrangements to
meet you here at Biddle Outdoor Center.
Plus, we're about 20 degrees cooler.
If you are not the closest Sundance dealer to nsavarirayan, he will not be able to buy from you according to Sundance's corporate guidelines. I speak from experience with trying to buy a Sundance from other dealers because the closest to me is a...let's just say I'd do without a spa if he were my only choice...
And, BTW, Coleman was MUCH higher on my list than HS when I was seeking my tub...
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Coleman Has went back to bearing jets if I remember correctly for 2007
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Many manufacturers use "off the shelf" jets. Does Coleman currently? ;)
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Many manufacturers use "off the shelf" jets. Does Coleman currently? ;)
:Pyup, coleman still running off the shelf...
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Coleman Has went back to bearing jets if I remember correctly for 2007
Nope, just got a 2007 model 471. No bearings.
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Hmmmm.... Strange Because I seen a Coleman with Bearing Jets in it for 2007 at one of the shows I was at.
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And, BTW, Coleman was MUCH higher on my list than HS when I was seeking my tub...
Even Phoenix was rated higher than HS on our wet-tested list. Much more comfortable and better therapy, nicer cabinet etc. The only one we rated lower than HS was Master Spas.
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Even Phoenix was rated higher than HS on our wet-tested list. Much more comfortable and better therapy, nicer cabinet etc. The only one we rated lower than HS was Master Spas.
I'm sure the craftsmen at Phoenix have few peers.....
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/11-1-02e.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSCN1740.jpg)
;D ;D ;D
Terminator
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let's be quite assured that this isn't a picture of the Coleman Spas fine state of the art manufacturing plant in Chandler Az. This is some other manufacturer out there. How this thread degenerated into insults against other spa builders is amusing. let the buyer beware......but most people like there hot tubs to be comfortable and should one be more comfy than the other hey it is a fair opinion voiced by a consumer. let the buyer beware of the guy who does protest too much.........wet test wet test wet test.....
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Ok I think I have to test coleman since I need to make sure I get the best for my value. So yes everyone like to bash everyone else and that leaves me the consumer scratching his head. i will just test ya all!!
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my friend........test them all.....let us know.......if you are in central Florida...stop in here and wet test to your hearts content....good luck
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I'm in scottsdale Arizona to be exact - so i guess they would not take long to deliver a coleman!
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let's be quite assured that this isn't a picture of the Coleman Spas fine state of the art manufacturing plant in Chandler Az. This is some other manufacturer out there. How this thread degenerated into insults against other spa builders is amusing. let the buyer beware......but most people like there hot tubs to be comfortable and should one be more comfy than the other hey it is a fair opinion voiced by a consumer. let the buyer beware of the guy who does protest too much.........wet test wet test wet test.....
Term was showing photos of the Phoenix Spas facility in California, not any facility in Phoenix, AZ.
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the pictures are totally over the top, an unnecessary type of response to someones favorable opinion of a hs competitor. i am for competition and not dogma.......
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Aw, Term's ok. He loves his product like any competent dealer should. Let's face it, HS is the Charmin of toilet tissue. ;)
But, after all the advice that is given to you here, and there is a ton of it, mostly good, some of it prejudiced, especially against competitors with different design philosophies, you will find that Coleman is a brand that must be looked at as its value compared to the otherbig name brands is comparable to none.
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the pictures are totally over the top, an unnecessary type of response to someones favorable opinion of a hs competitor. i am for competition and not dogma.......
:-? :-? :-?
I posted pics of the Phoenix Spa Factory and stated that their craftsmen have few peers.
Here's one of the HotSpring factory in Vista, CA, if it'll make you feel better:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/Watkins20Building20HotSpring2006.jpg)
Sorry for the aggravation.
Terminator
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:-? :-? :-?
I posted pics of the Phoenix Spa Factory and stated that their craftsmen have few peers.
Here's one of the HotSpring factory in Vista, CA, if it'll make you feel better:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/Watkins20Building20HotSpring2006.jpg)
Sorry for the aggravation.
Terminator
Got a picture of the one in Mexico?
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How this thread degenerated into insults against other spa builders is amusing.
Retracing the posts, it appears that BAJA1027 got the ball rolling by posting less than favorable information about a Coleman dealer.
The next possible insulting post I read (and I may have misinterpreted the intent) was loosenupspas remark about "oh yeah I forgot...silly boy....only one way is right and hs (HotSpring?) is it.
The next possible insulting post was Neptuner's comment that "When someone says arrogance in the business world I immediately think of 3 companies: IBM, Microsoft and HotSpring."
So, 1 negative post about Coleman, possibly 2 at this point against HotSpring. Reading...reading....some more opinions.....opinions....that brings us up to this point.
It IS amusing! :)
Terminator
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Got a picture of the one in Mexico?
Si, Calliente Springuez:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/callientespringez.jpg)
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Got a picture of the one in Mexico?
There is a Watkins/Caldera factory in Mexico. Hot Spring are built in the USA.
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I'm sure the craftsmen at Phoenix have few peers.....
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/11-1-02e.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSCN1740.jpg)
;D ;D ;D
Terminator
No bout adout it. Phoenix spas is mounting a challenge to overtake Holy Spas. My guess is 'twill take a coupla years or so. Their advertising budget is kinda low but their waterfalls are louder.
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and nep.....their mothers love them too
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i will just test ya all!![/quote]
Pretty much sounds like what you need to do!! They are all decent spas and would work great for you but pick the one you want.
I am partial to Jacuzzi though. ;)