I did use the search and looked at previous threads on this subject. Unfortunately, none really gave me the info I needed. What are some things to look out for? Are the # of jets THE most important thing? What about pricing? How much can I get expect them to negotiate? What features do you like/dislike?
In my searching of the 3 spa stores by me (one being The Great Escape), I think I like the following features: lounger, led lighting, neck pads in the corners, waterfall, at least a 4-person tub. One gentleman I spoke with deterred me from getting a stereo unit in the tub (an expensive option) because, he stated, that the stereo needs to be turned up a bit to hear it over the jets/bubbles. This makes sense, I guess. But many people on the previous threads swear by it.
Any advice is appreciated. It’s like buying a car for the first time. Oh, and can I (or should I) ask to have a tub filled and “test-drive” it before I buy it? Will places let you do that?
Most places will not permit you to test drive, but you can always ask. I know the place I bought mine had several tubs set up and working, but none were heated.
As far as features… I think horsepower is the most important thing. My spa has fewer jets than a friend’s, but we’ve got 6 HP in motors (3.5 on one motor for general circulation and most jets and 2.5 for a second motor that runs a subset of the jets) while my friends have only got 2 HP. (Both are 6-person, but comfortable only for four adults unless you’re planning on cuddling). My friend’s spa is nice for getting warm and kicking back, but worthless for unkinking my back.
The type and placing of jets is also more important than simple numbers. My spa has a big cluster of jets for your feet and little clusters for your neck; my friends may have more jets, but they don’t have those.
Fancy lights and speakers I can live without. I suppose if you want to be the 70’s-era swinger, you’ll put a higher value on those than I will. Hearing music over the bubbles is pretty much impossible with my setup; I don’t know if built-in speakers would help. (If I wanted music, though, I could always get a waterproof case for my iPod).
As far as price goes… I think prices are pretty comparable if you compare them feature-for-feature. Just make sure you don’t settle for a lousy warranty. One other tip on price: expect to spend an extra $800-1200 for electrical work to plug your spa in. Do not let the salesperson get away with saying “Oh, it’s easy; most electricians will charge $100 service call to do it.” Unless you already have a spa, there are circuit breakers to replace, conduit to lay, additional safety cutoffs to add… etc.
My recommendation is to be clear with the salespeople about what purposes you want the spa for, and let them recommend the features. For me, I wanted the spa to replace or at least supplement my chiropractor; I wanted something for my wife’s foot injury; I wanted something that we could get a couple of friends into occasionally. I talked to a few different vendors. In the end, I got exactly what I wanted.
I agree that it is nigh impossible to hear anything once the bubbles are going. However, I usually simply like to soak in the hot water, and if you do too, you might be able to hear something. (I miss mine, but am too cheap to replace it.)