Hot Tub Review
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Grandee
Manufacturer: Hot Springs
Avg. Price: $9667
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dunecritter
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Recently bought a new Hot Spring Grandee. I replaced my older Vista model and Loved that tub as well. The reason I replaced my tub was to try a non lounger model with the ACE salt system....LOVE IT! With 7 years of trouble free ownership of the Vista I feel equally satisfied with the quality that my new Grandee will bring. The ACE salt is the only way to go...Hands down. Water care is a snap and the clarity like I've never had in any tub so far. The water is currently 4 months old with filter cleanings every 3-4 weeks and is so crystal clear you would swear it was just filled. I have a hard time giving anything a full five stars but this tub deserves it!
5/2/14 UPDATE... I have started selling Hot Spring Spas now as of 11-1-13. I have learned a lot about Hot Spring Products internals and basically what makes the tub what it is. I visited the factory in Vista California and got a complete tour showing how every tub is made every step of the way...Impressive! Never knew how large of a company they were until now. They have introduced a complete new line of High Life Models this year and the upgrades are just too kool to not own...So I just sold my new to me 2013 Grandee and am waiting for my new 2014 version to arrive.
Some of the new cool features that I'm getting with the new 14 Grandee are wireless/Bluetooth integrated audio all controlled by the spas topside controller, A wireless touchscreen controller that can be inside or outside the tub and still function. I will have an Android app on my phone that I can read the spas info and can operate from my phone. I can be out of town and run a clean cycle or turn on or off the ACE system or just simply change the output level if I want.
The Physical shell has also been changed a touch as Hot Springs has teamed up with BMW to design the new High Life Models and they are AWESOME! The comfort has increased and the looks have been improved as well. I will give an updated report once it arrived and I have a chance to use/enjoy.
Date Purchased: 9/13
Price Paid: $13000
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Great looking, Incredible jet placement, SUPER reliable, Control panel is so easy to use and integrated factory ACE salt system.
Cons:
Price....But I'll always gripe about that! |
This message was modified May 30, 2014 by
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Guest
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So far it's been a mediocre experience with our Grandee. In the first year the anti-siphon valve for the ozone generator broke and leaked water all over the motor compartment. For a $2 warranty part, the dealer wanted to charge $95 to travel 17 miles. Even the service guy said the part was an improved replacement - nice engineering. We argued and got part of the cost back. Year two, the foam inserts in the top were replaced because of excessive sagging and one of the side panels was replaced for warping. Year four - the top is shot, the ozone generator died (got a Del replacement) and the relay control board just burned a relay and killed the board. But when we're not repairing it, it's comfortable, powerful and generally well designed.
Date Purchased: 5/2008
Price Paid: $8000
Recommend: No |
Pros:
Easy setup (if you're a DIY'er with electical skills), great jets, continuous filtering keeps things very clean, large size, comfortable seating, cool lighting, powerful pumps. Parts available online
Cons:
Cheap top, failed circuit board, excessive service call costs, ozone generator failure - a lot for just 4 years. Side panel design seems weak, warping because of the wood structure under synthetic panel strips. Compartment access door is starting to warp, will have to add another screw in the top middle. |
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Guest
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I've had leaks in 2 different Hot Spring Grandee tubs in less than 3 years. Please note that I have been meticulous about service & maintenance and have never had tub freeze. 1st tub leaked at 8 months, Local dealer (Hot Springs MN) botched service and repair so badly that corporate sent new tub. Note that they wouldn't restart warranty period.
2nd tub leaked at 20 months after install in same area (near moto-massage). This time it was sent to corporate for repair. Customer service this time is horrible. They failed to keep me up to date on repair process, nor explain what was wrong, nor give me a reason to believe that it won't happen again. They also implied that my use of Silk Balance system may cause for harm to system (Hot Springs can't recommend Silk Balance, but won't label against it's use). Both my local dealer and another dealer I get Silk Balance from were shocked to hear this allegation.
To my surprise, the repaired tub showed up at the local dealer today. This is despite me telling Corporate I wasn't convinced I should take a repaired tub. Thus far, the only thing they've granted me is an additional year on my original 5 year warranty.
Here is where I stand:
- $11,000+ purchase price
- working hot tub 29 out of 36 months (80%)
- a repaired tub supposedly degraded by silk balance system
- Little confidence in product reliability, warranty, nor customer service
- 36 months of warranty remaining.
At this point, I want a new tub and new 5yr warranty or my money back
Date Purchased: August 2009
Price Paid: $12000
Recommend: No |
Pros:
Product Features: Open seating plan, size, # and types of jets. overall appearance
Cons:
Product Reliability: F
Service/Support from Local Dealer: F
Service/Support from Hot Springs Inc: D |
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wmccall
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After many months of testing and searching, we finally tested the grandee. We almost went for the vista because of the lounger but after testing the grandee the vista was voted out. The grandee is a beautiful large 7 seater with great jets and open seating. Test one today.
Date Purchased: October/2004
Price Paid: $8500
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Open seating,Large beautiful tub, Moto Jets and very powerful foot jets. great in the snow !!!!...
Cons:
I haven't found any negative so far with mine |
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wmccall
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After 7 years of ownership I can say that this is a quality product. The only machanical/electrical problem was a warranty replacement of the thermostat years ago. I have many friends with other brands that have, long since, bitten the dust. The Grandee was more expensive initially but is still like new 7 years later. Use bromine instead of chlorine, perform the filter maintainence and it will give great service.
Date Purchased: 05/97
Price Paid: $5000
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Large open seating area, efficient use of electricity (good insulation)
Cons:
All cons have been addressed by later year models, eg-plastic replaces wood sides,etc |
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