I've been looking at Spas for a few years but got serious in the last 6 months. In that time, I visited Cal Spas and Sundance dealers. When I moved into my new home, it came with a Cal Spas spa that was installed back in 1989. Needless to say the heater was shot and many of the jets were not working. Went to the Cal Spas dealer to get parts and walked out frustrated since they couldn't help me. Looked at their new spas and was confronted with what seemed like used car sales tactics. No thanks.

I gave up fixing that spa and turned toward finding a new one. Our local Spa Shop is called just that "Spa Shop". They carry Hot Springs, Caldera, Tiger River, Solana and Hot Spot. By far the best customer service I've delt with. Very friendly people with no pressure at all. We first "dry" tested the Caldera Tahitian and Geneva, followed by the Hot Springs Envoy and Vista. I liked the Calderas much better till we "wet" tested them. Can't see how anyone can turn down a spa purchase after wet testing. I didn't want to get out! :)

Went home and talked it over with the wife. We never did "wet" test the Vista but I thought the Envoy comes pretty close. The Hot Springs just has so much going for them in the way of all the little things like bottom drain. No-bypass filtration. The Tri-X filters and Hot Springs overall reliability and customer service.

We ended up getting a Vista and got a awesome deal on it. Total price out-the-door was $9,295 and that included upgraded steps and coverlifter. Also included delivery which was 45min away!!!

Got a call a week before delivery that we would have to wait another week for the color I ordered or take a floor model which has full warranty and they would give me $300 store credit on top. Couldn't pass up that offer.

My first night in the spa (tonight) was awesome! The jet action is really amazing. After figuring out the diverter valves, I found the lounge with moto-massage is my favorite. Some people don't care for it, but I sure do. My next favorite is the spinning jets. WOW!!! They are a little rough on my wife but if you get down and let them hit the shoulders, they're amazing. Foot jets are really nice too.

About the only thing I don't care for is the confusion with the diverter valves and controlling the jet pumps. This is only because I've owned it for one day now and I'm sure once I get used to it, I'll have it all memorized soon.

Some people have a problem paying this much for a spa, but I learned a long time ago, that you really do get what you pay for. It streached my budget but I feel I got the Mercedes of spas now and it sure feels like it too. No doubt there have been people out there with problems with Hot Springs but I bet overall you'll find them to be the most reliable out there.