Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: beaugart_mr on May 30, 2007, 02:49:11 pm
-
We are first time buyers of a hot tub and we are getting sales pitches from every direction. We have deceided to stay away from the Costcos and Home Depots but are still dealing with spa overload. We have been told Sundance, Hot Spring and Catalina are the top three. After reading many posts on this site, it seems most mfgs are good. At this point we are looking for a good spa that my wife, kids and I can enjoy. Therapy at this point is not as important (maybe in our later years). We see Caldera is much less than Sundance but Sundance has the warranty. Hence my ugh!!! We will wet test them, but those who have been in our similiar situation.....any suggestions?
Thanks for the help.
-
Wet test as you stated and do a little homework on the dealer and make sure they are good.
A bad dealer can make the best spa a bad experience and a good dealer can make the most of lower line spas.
-
Are you getting Caldera and Catalina mixed up? Caldera has a comparable warranty to Sundance. :o
I would look at the Tiger River Caspian. Tiger River is made by Hot Spring. Virtually the same warranty. All of the key componants are the same. Our customers tell us the Caspian is a great family tub becase of the seating.
Good luck on your search.
-
I don't know if Catalina spas are in the "Top Three" But hot springs and Sundance are always mentioned when discusing the better spas.
What was missing from the Caldera warrenty that has you going "ugh"? I thought Sundance had a 2 year warrenty on the jets while the Watkins (Hotsprings, Caldera, Tiger River) all had 5?
-
actually don't recall what the difference was with Caldera, but I was told Sundance is the best in the industry, Catalina is prorated, etc..
-
actually don't recall what the difference was with Caldera, but I was told Sundance is the best in the industry, Catalina is prorated, etc..
Was it a sundance dealer who told you that? ;)
-
he was pitching both Sundance and Caldera, the Catalina guy said Sundance was good but stay away from Caldera...
-
he was pitching both Sundance and Caldera, the Catalina guy said Sundance was good but stay away from Caldera...
Huh. That's the first time I heard that, and a bit unselttleing as I am getting one. ;) I think most folks would put Caldera way above Catalina, but when you'r talking to sales folks, you never know what you're gonna hear. ;D
Anyhow, what's your buget? Any space/size restrictions? where are you located? Have you seen anything that you really liked?
Anything you know that you don't want?
-
Drewstar,
What do you think about my Caspian comments? I know you bought one before you won your Caldera. How does your sister like it? :o
beaugart,
My best guess is the Catalina guy is trying to get you to compare Sundance to Catalina and the Catalina will typically cost you less and you will get more bells and whistles.
Where do you live? I know of one Caldera/Sundance dealer in northern CA. It is a rare combo to be selling.
-
Drewstar,
What do you think about my Caspian comments? I know you bought one before you won your Caldera. How does your sister like it? :o
beaugart,
My best guess is the Catalina guy is trying to get you to compare Sundance to Catalina and the Catalina will typically cost you less and you will get more bells and whistles.
Where do you live? I know of one Caldera/Sundance dealer in northern CA. It is a rare combo to be selling.
I think the Caspain is a great tub. My sister is in love with it.
The only bad things I have ever heard about the Caspian is it's too shallow for some tall folks, and lately I've seen some prices for it that make my head spin. It's a great tub for the right price. (under 8 complete.)
I think it's a great recomendation. :D
-
Straight from Sundance;
WARRANTIES FOR OTHER COMPONENTS
The light bulb, light lenses, fuses, headrests,
cabinet finish, stereo remote control, and
filter are warranted to be free of defects in
workmanship and materials at the time of
delivery. All other spa components, including
but not limited to the cabinet (both wood
and synthetic), mechanical components, jets,
diverter valves, the stereo components (CD
player/radio, speakers, subwoofer, mechanical
speaker lift device, stereo access door,
power supply, etc.) and the filter lid are warranted
against malfunction due to defects in
workmanship and materials for two years from
the date of purchase
Looks like they exclude quite bit.
-
here's the caldera warranty:
http://www.calderaspas.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tubs/warranty1.html
Diverter valves are 2years with Sundance? I am left with the impresson Caldera will warrent them for 5 yrs as plumbing and 3 years (vs Sundances 2) on the cabinet. ??? The only think I saw was you get another year (1 vs) 2 on the stereo. (if you even get one).
I'd be wary of the salesman that was trying to steer you away from Caldera on the warrenty. It sounds like either he was misinformed, or misleading. Both are not good qualities in a salesperson.
-
always consider a Coleman Spa. You can find their warranty online at the following addy:
http://www.colemanspasofsanford.com
-
I went and saw the Caspiran..nice looking spa..have not done a soak test as of yet.
I like the Caspiran and the Chelsee by Sundace. They both seem to have the same price points. When you say "complete" what does that mean?
-
When you say "complete" what does that mean?
After reading some of his 40,000 posts, I pretty much know how to speak Drewstar (kind of a cross between Portuguese and Gibberish). I believe he means under $8k, complete with standard accessories like cover, steps, chem kit and cover lift.
-
I pretty much know how to speak Drewstar (kind of a cross between Portuguese and Gibberish) but I don't understand that either.
My interpretation of Drewstar:
I think he means it was under $8000 for a complete package; probably cover lift, ozone, steps, delivery.
Price may be higher now.
-
More Sundance Warranty info from : http://www.sundancespas.com/CustomerCare/WarrantyDocuments.html
The Sundance Spas Warranty*
• 10 years on spa shell for water loss due to defect.
• Seven years on shell surface for blistering, cracking, fading, or delaminating.
• Five years** against leaks in plumbing components.
• Five years** on equipment and controls.
* Refer to warranty document
for specific terms, exclusions
and limitations
** Two years on models sold
outside of North America
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u185/vlirjoxe/800Warranty.jpg)
-
Huh. That's the first time I heard that, and a bit unselttleing as I am getting one. ;) I think most folks would put Caldera way above Catalina, but when you'r talking to sales folks, you never know what you're gonna hear. ;D
Anyhow, what's your buget? Any space/size restrictions? where are you located? Have you seen anything that you really liked?
Anything you know that you don't want?
"most folks" ? ... "way above" ? Hmmm
-
I went and saw the Caspiran..nice looking spa..have not done a soak test as of yet.
I like the Caspiran and the Chelsee by Sundace. They both seem to have the same price points. When you say "complete" what does that mean?
By complete I mean steps, cover lifter, the optional ozinator and delivery. (Those items can add another 1K to the final price.).
I paid 7K for the above package 2 years ago in New England. 2 months ago I was told 7.5K was the current price around here. The Caspian is a nice tub for the right money, but it's not the largest tub and while the jet variety is good, it is not great.
On the up side: foot dome, the sculpted seats are excellent, and open seating, 2 cool off seats, lighted waterfall, Hotsprings quality, great warrenty, foot dome, foot dome, oh and it has a nice foot dome.
Prices vary from region to region for several reasons, so it's always good not only to compare what others have paid for the same tub from different areas, but what else your money can buy in your area (ie: test and shop across different stores and manufactures on like tubs).
-
After reading some of his 40,000 posts, I pretty much know how to speak Drewstar (kind of a cross between Portuguese and Gibberish).
;D
-
Updated Sundance warranty as of end of May, 2007
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/kingofcars2/12471_Page_1.jpg)
-
John,
What's the difference between the warranty you posted and what we have been talking about?
It still seems that the Skirt and diverters are covered for only 2 years?
-
John,
What's the difference between the warranty you posted and what we have been talking about?
It still seems that the Skirt and diverters are covered for only 2 years?
Jets and skirt(cabinet) now included in the 5 year warranty.
Upgrade from the old 2 year warranty
-
Diverters and wood frame, still 2.