Last fall we had a freak, late season hail storm that damaged the cabinet on our spa. It was November when the damage occurred, and we didn't think much of it other than that we'd wait til spring to look at fixing what we regarded as cosmetic damage. Well, we never thought that the integrity of the spa had been compromised, but it was. The cracked cabinet allowed water to get at the spa-pack. It also allowed mice to get into the nice, warm cozy under spa area and make a nice home for themselves for the winter. The mice fought off their winter boredom by chewing on the wiring under the tub! So between that and the moisture the tub shorted out in March and froze-up solid before we even knew anything had happened.
When spring finally came, we had our insurance company out to evaluate the hail damage on our roof (it was a serious storm and the whole neighborhood got new roofs). We mentioned to the adjuster that the hail had damaged the hot tub and they not only informed us that it was covered on our policy, but that due to the freeze up they would consider it a total loss rather than fix it. They took the serial number off our tub and got information directly from CalSpas on what the current replacement value would be on the tub, and have told us we can go out now and choose a tub for $9500.00. Additionally, they say the tub has a salvage value of 1500 that they will allow us to collect that in addition to the 9500, so its almost like we have $11000.00 to spend on a new tub.
So, I get to go out and buy a new tub! While this is wonderful news, I must admit I found the spa buying process to be very difficult the first time around, and my comfort level now in facing it again is no better this time around! I hate the feeling that the same spa has an infinite number of prices based on how talented you might be in negotiating with the salesman. Since I know I'm just not that slick of a negotiator, I automatically feel like I'm getting ripped off. I also have a very bad back due to a degenerative spine condition I was diagnosed with 2 years ago. I really need a good spa with high quality neck and shoulder therapeutic massage jets. While I know this time to insist on wet testing before making my final selection, I know I won't get to wet test as many spas as I might want to in order to find the best of the best to chose from in the last choice round. Anyone who has bought a spa in the last few years I would be so happy if you would share with me information that will help me make the best choice I can. In particular I'd like to know:
Anyone who isn't comfortable answering in the open forum can feel free to respond in a pm if desired.
Thank you!
When spring finally came, we had our insurance company out to evaluate the hail damage on our roof (it was a serious storm and the whole neighborhood got new roofs). We mentioned to the adjuster that the hail had damaged the hot tub and they not only informed us that it was covered on our policy, but that due to the freeze up they would consider it a total loss rather than fix it. They took the serial number off our tub and got information directly from CalSpas on what the current replacement value would be on the tub, and have told us we can go out now and choose a tub for $9500.00. Additionally, they say the tub has a salvage value of 1500 that they will allow us to collect that in addition to the 9500, so its almost like we have $11000.00 to spend on a new tub.
So, I get to go out and buy a new tub! While this is wonderful news, I must admit I found the spa buying process to be very difficult the first time around, and my comfort level now in facing it again is no better this time around! I hate the feeling that the same spa has an infinite number of prices based on how talented you might be in negotiating with the salesman. Since I know I'm just not that slick of a negotiator, I automatically feel like I'm getting ripped off. I also have a very bad back due to a degenerative spine condition I was diagnosed with 2 years ago. I really need a good spa with high quality neck and shoulder therapeutic massage jets. While I know this time to insist on wet testing before making my final selection, I know I won't get to wet test as many spas as I might want to in order to find the best of the best to chose from in the last choice round. Anyone who has bought a spa in the last few years I would be so happy if you would share with me information that will help me make the best choice I can. In particular I'd like to know:
- What brand and model spa did you buy?
How much did you pay for your spa?
How well does your spa massage your upper back, shoulders and neck?
Did you get any options added to you spa and if so were they worth getting?
Does your spa "fit" people of different sizes, or does it seem to be made only for tall men?
Would you buy that same spa again?
Finally, anything else you think is important to share about your spa
Anyone who isn't comfortable answering in the open forum can feel free to respond in a pm if desired.
Thank you!