I bought the same spa as Peter in 2002. It's a pretty "generic" spa in terms of bells and whistles, but how many bells and whistles does one really need?

Overall, I have been very happy with the performance of this spa, and agree with Peter that I can't imagine any other spa would be available of this quality and size for such an affordable price.

The reason it's so inexpensive is that it's sold factory-direct through only a few representatives of the brand. In truth, the process seems a little slimy to me. What I mean by that is it's sort of a "lure you in and give you a high-pressure sales pitch" sort of experience. I found my retailer through an ad in the paper that said he represnted all kinds of spas. In effect, he only sold LifeSpring and represented no other brand. He just called them different things.

Nevertheless, he seemed to be telling the truth about their quality and I chose to buy in spite of the sales style. The product has proven to be good. I could have bought with much more confidence from an established retailer, but would have paid a lot more also.

I did have some problems with the pump making horrible loud and strange noises a few months after purchasing, but the sales guy sent a service tech over very promptly and the problem has never recurred.

Likewise, after only one year, the cover literally fell apart, and he replaced it.

The one other problem I've had since is that within the last year or so, some of the jets have started to pop out of their sockets. I think the innards have become brittle, and am now searching for a replacement source. My rep has disappeared from the face of the earth!

All in all, I have a mixed review. I think I got lured in by the pitch and the price. Indeed, this is what I could afford at the time. I would have had to wait another year or two if I wanted to purchase a more well-known brand. I have wondered a number of times, though, if my success with this spa is the rule for this brand or a lucky anomoly. I still think I'd try to buy from a more established retailer with a more time-tested brand if I had to do it over again.