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What the major hot tub brands aren’t telling you
There’s simply no way around it: a hot tub is an investment, no matter which model you select. So if you’re going to take the proverbial plunge, make sure you’re investing in something that will last and even offer a trade-in value if you want to upgrade to a newer model in the future.
Top hot tub brands sold through authorized dealers often include extended warranties – 5 years is standard for most warranties – and come with a series of optional upgrades that allow you to personalize the tub almost to your exact specifications. Whether you’re looking for a patio centerpiece or just something to spruce up your bathroom, a spa can provide comfort and relaxation after those long days… and make you the life of the party during special events.
What the reviews are saying about each brand
When it comes to buying anything these days, the surest way to find the best deal (both in terms of price and craftsmanship) is scouring the web for reviews from actual consumers. But we’ve saved you the trouble, compiling hot tub reviews from consumers who’ve rated the following five hot tub brands: Caldera Spas, Dimension One, Hot Spring Spas, ThermoSpas, and Sundance Spas.
Caldera Spas
Caldera Spas is one of the two hot tub brands manufactured by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation, located in Vista, California. One of Caldera Spas’ most popular hot tubs is the Niagara, a seven person hot tub. It has been cited for its quality of construction and insulation – both of which are huge benefits when it comes to heating the spa during colder winter months. The one drawback to this hot tub is that most reviewers say that the tub accommodates five people comfortably, with seven being a tight squeeze. Reviewers say that a good rule of thumb is to subtract two people from the manufacturer’s number for optimal comfort. A plus is that the unit features a small pump that continuously circulates the water 24 hours a day, providing heat and ozone – a feature that reportedly cuts down on the consumption of electricity.
Dimension One Spas
The Dimension One Lotus Bay hot tub seems to leave a little to be desired, reportedly possessing “fatal flaws,” according to hot tub brands reviews. The flaws are found in an inadequate filtering process that is unable to sift sand out of the tub. In addition, the construction was found to be somewhat faulty by one reviewer who claimed that the fountain was easily and continuously ‘blocked’ by debris in the water and the main control unit went out after only three months. The model features therapeutic pillows but unfortunately, according to the review, the “neck jet pillows broke off.” It’s worth noting that the reviews did not specify whether the problems occurred with a new or used unit.
Hot Spring Spas
The Hot Spring Spas Envoy hot tub exceeds the expectations of many of its past buyers. This particular hot tub offers a full-body hydromassage, with jets that are designed to reach every muscle group to melt away tension and soreness. In addition, it features a practically effortless clean cycle, which reportedly allowed the reviewer to “throw in the chemicals, turn it on and forget it.” According to the review, the spa was purchased in the neighborhood of $5,000 and operates for a cost of about $12 per month in power consumption.
ThermoSpas
The ThermoSpas Manhattan Diamond hot tub is definitely not ‘in the rough’. One of the luxury hot tub brands, ThermoSpas offers top-of-the-line hot tubs that come at a high price. The Manhattan Diamond comes with 179 jets, seven pumps and an Ozonator that’s said to cut chemical usage down 10%, according to one reviewer. However, it’s worth noting that most of those upgrades are for the higher-end model, the Ozonator itself running for around $750 – a cost that was not made entirely clear upfront. The total cost of the spa was in the $23,000 range but was reportedly cut down to around $16,000. The lesson here is to analyze the price quote you receive from your ThermoSpas dealer, knowing there is always wiggle room when it comes to price.
Sundance Spas
The Sundance Burlington hot tub features the relaxing addition of a built-in waterfall and also includes the option for built-in radio and LED lighting. Though most reviews stated the hot tub was comfortable, one person mentioned that the design is a bit more upright than other models, causing some slight discomfort. Conversely, the drink-holders suffer from too much slant, rendering them “basically useless,” according to one hot tub brands review. And finally, the pump drain is located at the 9 o’clock position instead of the 6 o'clock position, preventing the water from completely draining out of the pump.