Re: SPA Help

I disagree with the others about the "big box" spas. We have one that the previous owner bought from Menards (sort of like Home Depot). It's made by Jacuzzi, not exactly a "no name". The control pack is made by Balboa, who makes control packs for the biggest names in the business. The spa is nicely insulated and doesn't cost much to run.

Does it have as many jets as a $6000+ spa? Heck no. But is it relaxing to sit in? Definitely. And the previous owner paid less than $2500 for it.

As to "who will service" -- any spa dealer worth their salt will service. I replaced a faulty pressure switch from a local dealer that ONLY deals in parts and repair, I don't think they sell spas at all. The parts are all standard across many spas, especially with Balboa control systems.

Just my experience.

-Tim

The key to the spa differences are warranties, both on shell and mechanicals, plus the construction. The longer the warrantry, the better the quality, and in many areas, wood constrcution is less preferable than all plastic/ABS. That includes both cabinet materials and frame. Beyond that, two pumps (actually three for most two-pump spas since the filtration pump is separate) will seem more powerful, and the rest is jets and adjustability. The best way to check is a wet test, and the discount stores often don't have them available.

Check your code, but most will require a GFCI protected circuit with a cutoff switch in sight of the spa and at least five feet from the water. Your electrician will often install a "spa panel" which is a

Do some Googling, there are plenty of spa and pool sites with advice forums. Also, the manufacturer sites provide decent comparison info.

Gotta go, I'm actually off to order a Jacuzzi(tm) spa this morning, the one I chose after all the research. It'll be about $1,500 more than the discount store model of the same size, but has a much longer warranty, second pump, and no wood to rot/attract insects. Plus I get a reputable dealer with local service. Been through too many discount store horror stories in the past...

Jeff

We've owned our LifeSprings spa for four months. We bought it on the recommendation of friends who have owned and been happy with theirs for two years. We dealt with the dealer in Jurupa, CA.

We've been very pleased. We're running it on 220-volt and the electricity is running less than $20 a month -- a little hard to tell since we're running the air conditioning so much right now. With about

Our's is the 9-foot spa (the basic is 8-feet). The only thing we regret is that the walls aren't taller because, at 5 feet 8 inches, I need to slide down at a slight angle to use the seat with the neck jets. I'd prefer sitting up. My husband is 6 feet 1 inches and slides down a lot but still enjoys it.

We're convinced that this is comparable or higher quality than most spas under $6000. We've talked to more than 20 dealers, both before and after purchasing, and we feel we made a good choice. If you have the money, you can jump into the best spas -- Hot Springs and Jacuzzi. Recommendation: I've been impressed with a Riverside dealer I got to know after we made our purchase because I believe they will follow through with excellent service: Cal Spas on Indiana Ave. near Tyler. I buy my Baqua Spa chemicals from them and they are consistently professional. They also have a great showroom.

Good luck.