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Basic Hot Tub Water Chemistry

There are 4 main components to hot tub water chemistry that you need to be concerned about:

  • Calcium Hardness
  • Alkalinity Level
  • pH Level
  • Sanitizer Level

The calcium hardness is important because water that has high calcium will be cloudy and can cause scaling while water that has low calcium can damage the surfaces of your hot tub by “stealing” calcium from those surfaces. Calcium levels should be kept between 80 and 200 ppm. If your calcium levels are above 400, it is time to drain a refill your hot tub because there is no other way to reduce calcium hardness. To raise your hardness level if it is too low, simply add a calcium booster. You will only need to add calcium booster when you first fill your tub as calcium levels will not drop naturally.

The next component of water chemistry is total alkalinity. This is a measurement of the waters ability to neutralize acid but its primary purpose in your hot tub is to stabilize the pH level of the water. With improper alkalinity levels, your pH will have a tendency to bounce around so keeping the alkalinity level correct will prevent this and keep the pH stable. Ideal alkalinity levels are 80-120 ppm. To increase alkalinity, add a quality alkalinity booster to the water. If alkalinity is too high it can actually be reduced with pH reducer but it will typically come down over a period of time.

" pH is the most important aspect of hot tub water balancing... "

pH is the most important aspect of hot tub water balancing (sanitizer is not, strictly speaking, a balance component). Hot tub sanitizers such as chlorine and bromine work in a very specific pH range. Chlorine works best between 7.2 and 7.6 while bromine has a slightly wider range at 7.2 to 7.8. This is not to say that bromine is better because it is also slower acting than chlorine and requires slightly higher levels. The main takeaway here is to keep your pH in a range suitable for your sanitizer.

Finally, you’re sanitizer needs to be kept at appropriate levels for your hot tub depending on which sanitizer you use and whether you use water treatments or conditioners. With no other treatments, chlorine needs to be kept at between 2 and 4 ppm while bromine should be kept between 3 and 5 ppm. With a quality water conditioner such as Spa Marvel (which we HIGHLY recommend), you can reduce chlorine levels to 0.5 to 1 ppm which is one of the reasons we recommend it so highly.

Even after your water is balanced and has proper sanitizer levels, there is one other component to hot tub water chemistry that is critically important and that is shocking your hot tub. The process of shocking your tub simply means you add a compound which will cause the contaminants in your hot tub to be gassed off. You can get chlorine based shock which simply overwhelms the used chlorine in the water and gasses off the contaminants or, preferably, you can use a non-chlorine shock which uses a chemical compound to do the same thing without affecting your overall chlorine levels so you can get back in the tub sooner.

Ok so how do we balance the water properly? Here is your quick and easy guide:

  • Check the water with a quality test strip and note your hardness level and your alkalinity level.
  • Add calcium booster if needed to bring the hardness to between 100 and 200 ppm.
  • Add alkalinity booster to bring your alkalinity level to between 80 and 120 ppm.
  • Allow the water to circulate with the jets on low for at least 15 minutes.
  • Test the water again to confirm alkalinity levels and check pH level.
  • Add pH reducer (or increaser) to bring your pH level to between 7.2 and 7.
  • Allow the water to circulate again for 15 minutes.
  • Test the water to confirm proper alkalinity and pH levels.
  • Add enough stabilized chlorine granules to bring the sanitizer to the appropriate level (depending on conditioners, etc.).
  • Shock yout hot tub after each use with a quality non-chlorine shock.

Questions and Answers

Ask a Question

Walter Ziegler

Jul 9, 2025

Chris,

First time hot tub purchasers, hopefully. Local dealers are Hot Springs, Marquis, Nordic, and Four Winds. Based on research believe we should go with Master or Instinct. The Master dealer for our area is 500 miles away in Florida. We live near salt water marsh. Most likely will use the prefabricated pads for installation. Don’t want lounge seating. Thought we wanted salt water but not sure. Don’t need speakers, WiFi, etc. I like your comments on the Pure Instinct but if there is no way to easily turn off the water feature most likely will pass. Trying to figure all this out seems overwhelming. What are your thoughts?

Reply

Bill - Admin

Instinct is hands down the best value on the market and I have (and love) a Pure Instinct. The good news is we just got word this week that there is a control being added to turn the waterfall on and off. If you're interested I can send you an email

Reply

Toby Varghese

Jul 9, 2025

Hello Bill. I just went on the Master Spa website with the hope of finding a dealer in the Las Vegas area and did not see any vendors. Can you only by this product from trade show or are there actual vendors that sell the product in the Las Vegas area.

Reply

Bill - Admin

In Nevada the market is owned by a huge reseller who primarily does the trade show/expo sales. We can help with something factory direct with local service if you're interested

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Bill Graf

Jul 9, 2025

Looking for some advice. I’m looking for a new hot tub and want to keep the price under 10K. Will need it delivered and setup, and would like a 3 year parts and labor warranty if possible. I want a lounger and a tub that sits 4-6 people. I’m replacing my old tub that measured approx. 74” x 74”. I’m flexible on sizing and happy to go larger. I live in Jacksonville Florida and it seems that there are not that many brand options. Of course I’d like a tub with higher quality and reliability.

Reply

Bill - Admin

Under 10k with a lounger to fit 4-6 people is gonna be a challenge. Loungers take up a lot of room so getting one to fit that many people means an 8 foot tub and 8 foot quality brands are gonna bust your budget. The Vital Instinct at $8,300 checks all your boxes but it's 4 person max. Tell the others to wait their turn..........:)

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Tammi S

Jul 9, 2025

Hello,

My husband and I are looking at the Marquis or Bullfrog, as they are local brands. Service/maintenance is important when/if we need it. The Marquis uses a mineral system versus the salt system. What are your thoughts? We have a Master Spa dealer within 3.5 hours, but I am not certain they will provide great on-site service with that drive time involved. Instinct and Sundance are purchased online. Will they also come to set up, service, and provide maintenance, if needed? The dealers in our area say they will not service a hot tub they don’t sell. Maybe just a marketing pitch.

Reply

Bill - Admin

Marquis and Bullfrog are both decent but be careful about pricing - these days they seem to be all over the place. Instinct has service/install techs all over the country so they will deliver to your backyard and come service the tub if it is needed.

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Randy Bochek

Jul 9, 2025

Hello Chris, thanks for all the great “first time buyer info” we are looking for a small 2-4 person hot tub. We got a price from Beach Comber hot tubs in Cranbrook BC. Model 009 LEEP, retail $10,711cad , sale savings $2,712, now $8,495. Bad math on brochure, should be $7,999. Your thoughts, I am leary of the none removable skirt. I also see a private sale for a Jacuzzi model J-315 , 2016 Seller is asking $4500cad negotiable propably get it for $4000. Says near mint and up and running. This is about the right size we are looking for but getting a bit old.

Thanks

Randy

Reply

Bill - Admin

$4k is a lot for a nine year old hot tub, even a Jacuzzi which is well built!


Beachcomber is solid except for that damn non-removable skirt but that is a good price so ask the dealer to put it in writing that if your tub needs to go back to the shop for repair that they won't charge you for transportation

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Toby

Jul 9, 2025

Good Day Bill. 1st of all thank you for all of this incredible information and learning on an important purchase. The factors that I’m big on with respect to any purchase (regardless of price) is design for reliability and the mention of the engineering muscle behind the Master Spa product is very intriguing, so thank you for mentioning that in your Master Spa review. I have some additional questions. What is your thoughts between the following models that we have narrowed down to (2) Master Spa models and (1) Instinct Model; Balance 8, TS 8.2, and Vital Instinct. The follow up questions we have is whether the lounge is worth the spend or not and other questions regarding concrete pad versus pavers being used as a foundation. We are trying to make a smart purchase with the right choice product that has a strong warranty and strong customer service. Your info on this Site is honestly some of the best reviews I have seen on a product in a long time. Trust that I’m a big fan of the thoroughness that you have provided to many of us 1st time Hot Tube purchasers.

Reply

Bill - Admin

Loungers are great........for selling hot tubs. They are super comfortable with no water in the showroom but many people float out of them when they have water in them so we recommend that people generally avoid them.


Pavers are every bit as good as concrete, both my tubs sit on a pavers with no issues at all

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Sri Sundararaman

Jul 9, 2025

Good day and I hope all is well. We are replacing a very old hot tub in 8x8 ft sunken concrete pad. We have narrowed down choices to Aqualife Restore LS at $7150 from wayfair and Jacuzzi J-375 at $17700. Big difference! Please guide us with your expertise. Take care and stay well, Sri

Reply

Bill - Admin

Stay away from the Aqualife, it's a lower tier brand. That's a stupid high price on a Jacuzzi J-375 too. Even in the most expensive markets that should be $15-16 tops. Where are you located? Have a look also at the Instinct Spas. You get the build quality of the Jacuzzi at just over $8k


www.instinctspas.com

Reply

Sri S

Thanks. Hendersonville NC. Reviewed instinct but only 3 choices shown and I’d prefer option for reclined jet massage with more person capacity. Also “web” describes Instinct/Master as newer manufacturer with shorter track record on products and concerns raised over customer service. Thoughts please. Thanks

Reply

Bill - Admin

Sent you an email

Reply

Jeff S

Jul 9, 2025

Great forum!!

I have never owned a hot tub but I am considering buying one with the hope that it helps with my aging aches and pains including RA and achy joints. I would like to work with a local dealer in order to have future support if needed and to be able to actually see what I am buying in person. However, the number of dealers within 120 miles of me is limited, thus my brand options are limited. The closest dealer sells Bullfrog - I have read good things about them and their options appear to fit my needs so I am leaning to their A7D model. My other options are a Sundance dealer further away and less responsive - two negatives but not reflective of the actual tub. The closet Jacuzzi dealer is almost 250 miles away so a visit is not on the agenda. Their tubs appear to be the Holy Grail and priced accordingly so I am hesitant to go with them sight unseen.

My questions are - how close (how would you rank them) are the three brands I mention in terms of quality, value and features? Any commentary - good and bad - specific to Bullfrog is especially appreciated. I am 6’5” if that matters and again, am hoping I get some therapeutic value out of the tub. Also - is there a ‘normal’ discount off of the MSRP in this business? I have not been offered a discount by the Bullfrog dealer (I have not pushed it yet either) so I am curious to whether discounting is by dealer, brand or both.

Anything a first time buyer should consider that I might miss? I have had an electrician to my house to confirm feasibility.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Jeff

Reply

Bill - Admin

You're looking at the right brands - Bullfrog, Jacuzzi, Master, Sundance and Instinct Spas are all top notch brands but I'd put the Bullfrog Spas in the lower tier when it comes to quality muscle massage compared to the others. The jet packs are narrow so they can't hit the sides of your back, etc. unless you're really thin and they divert a portion of the pump flow behind the jetpacks to prevent stagnant water. They are also often overpriced so be careful. I can send you an email if you like to help you with appropriate pricing

Reply

Walter Jaeger

Jul 8, 2025

First time hot tub buyer - looking at sundance 680,780 series. Purchased your pro deal in 2024 and never had a chance to speak with you. From reviews of people I am not going to get a model with a foot dome. I am considering a single lounger. Reliability is a huge issue for me. I like the oxygen system offered by Sundance spas. Will be placing it on a slab. Like the idea of sweedish percussion jets. Any advice? Thnanks

Walter

Reply

Bill - Admin

If you bought our service, we're still her to help. I'm gonna send you an email

Reply

Walter Jaeger

Thank you! I received your email and replied!

Reply

Jared L

Jul 8, 2025

Buyer beware - Buenospa Cover

Not even a year after purchase my bueno spa cover is disintegrating on the top, unilaterally on the same side, both halves. I sent them an email, and pictures, and they are unwilling to investigate or ask questions as to why their product would be failing… they just told me it was out of the 90 day warranty and I could purchase another.

If I come post pictures of the cover I would, but whatever they use (styrofoam or whatever) is still water tight sealed in the plastic. There are zero bugs or critter damage. It’s pretty bizarre.

Reply

Bill - Admin

Yeah they can be decent tubs but after sales support and warranty has been pretty much non-existent with them

Reply

April

Jul 8, 2025

Hello,

I am needing recommendations for a hot tub preferably under the $5k budget. This spa will be located at our Airbnb and I dont have much to work with. I also am wanting one that ill be good in winter elements. it will be on a deck but it is open. Shipping would be awesome as well.

Thanks,

April

Reply

Bill - Admin

At the 5k price point your only real option is something like a Bueno Spa but it's gonna be dropped in your driveway and the warranty will be pretty much non-existent. We've also seen tubs arrive with damage that is a nightmare to get fixed. The best advice I can give you is to keep your expectations very low or make your budget a little higher. Instinct Spas are 7-8k but you're getting a solid, reliable hot tub made by one of the top manufacturers and delivered to your backyard

Reply

April

When you say deliver to back yard do you mean they will install? I am trying to figure out the best way to deal with trying to get the old one out and new one in. I am thinking i will need a crane w/ operator to help out since the home is in hillside. there is a walkway around the home but I am not sure what kind of dolly systems hot tub people have. Thank you for your recommendations. I will look into Instinct spas.

Reply

Bill - Admin

The delivery folks are not allowed to connect the tub, that must be done by a licensed electrician. They will put the tub in place on your prepared surface

Reply

Susan Frankl

Jul 8, 2025

Hello. Thank you for your very informative posts. After reading extensively, I decided on a master spa twilight series hot tub. However, the only dealer in our area has uniformly terrible reviews. I checked out your other recommended manufacturers. I have found a dealer for Sundance that delivers to our area and has excellent reviews. I am looking for a hot tub that seats 5 or preferably 6 with excellent hydrotherapy jets that is reliable and well made. Is there a model or 2 that you would specifically recommend? Are there any downsides to be aware of?We are replacing a Sundance hot tub built in 2004! It came with the house that we bought 15 years ago. Other than minor repairs and a couple of new covers, we never had a problem with it so I feel pretty good about Sundance as a company. I really appreciate your guidance.

Reply

Bill - Admin

Sundance is a great brand but stick with something in the 700 or 800 series so you get good insulation standard. If you wanted to buy a Master though, we can turn any dealer into a five star because we are very good at getting our people top notch service so if you want to explore that route I can send you an email

Reply

Timothy Dale Waller

Jul 8, 2025

I bought a grand Bahama elite hot tub from a store in Reno Nevada about two years ago. I’ve been having nothing but problems with one of the captains chairs when you turn all the pumps on at one time that one chair that has a separate pump surges it doesn’t throw a breaker. It just loses power than it comes back on and loses power then it comes back on . ThE outfit that I bought it from. Has been to my house six times at least finally the owner came out and he says the issue is the filters. I’m not changing them enough which I do. I clean them every week and I’ve also replaced them with new ones. They told me today take the filters out and run it that should take care of the problem. It did not it got worse. I’m tired of getting the runaround. I’m tired of dealing with this headache. Is there a lemon law lawyer that I can contact because I want my money back?

Reply

Bill - Admin

There so no lemon law when it comes to hot tubs (oh how I wish this industry was better regulated) and that is definitely a flow issue. Dirty filters can cause it so removing the filters TEMPORARILY to help diagnose it is the right move but leaving them out is never a good option. Did they disconnect the water lines from the pump and check for obstructions?

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Kevin M

Jul 8, 2025

Hi there,

A few months ago, I was quoted $13,995 for a 2024 floor model Twilight 7.2 model and $14,995 for a 2024 floor model Twilight 8.25 model. I assume these are both likely sold by now. Are you able to get similar pricing on the 2025 models through your private buyers service. I am interested in their Clear Salt System. I am located in New Brunswick. Thank you for your time, and the effort you put into your website.

Reply

Bill - Admin

Those are insane prices for Canadian Twilights. The 7 and 8 typically run around 18 and 19 respectively so they must have been trying to unload last years models. You won't come close to those prices on 2025 models, we can get better than normal selling prices but you're still going to be in the 16 to 18 range depending on model

Reply

Matt R

Jul 7, 2025

Hi - any thoughts on a Bueno Spa, Hollywood Model? Family of 4, will use with some company. Son is taller. Was debating this or the Dallas Model. It seems fairly priced of decent to above average quality. As first time buyer, would like it easy to use and easy to have it be clean all the time (nothing is grosser than dirty hot tub water). Will hardwire and put on concrete pad. Never had one before, so literally don’t know what to buy (my family wants it and I said fine) - but at the same time, have a very hard time paying 10K plus for a tub with water and jets. Is this like buying a car? Yeah, a Ferrari is cool - but it is really worth the money? Probably not. Or is spending 7K on something more budget friendly just a waste of 7K? The customer service guy at Bueno was outstanding. I like what I heard, but you never know.

Thanks!

Matt

Reply

Chris - Admin

Hey Matt,

Appreciate the detail—this is a good one to break down.

So first off, Bueno Spas. When they launched, we were pretty optimistic. It's a direct-from-factory line from Wellis, and the automation at the plant gives it a relatively consistent build. For something under $7,000, it's probably still one of the better-built options out there.

That said—there are trade-offs.

  • No clamped plumbing (still using glue only)
  • Cradle-supported shell, which is cheaper and less robust than the self-supporting designs on higher-end tubs
  • Lower-end insulation system, which means it'll cost a bit more to run, especially in shoulder seasons or if you're in a cooler climate

Now, here’s the real kicker: customer service is almost nonexistent. Their tubs are curbside dropped, not installed, and they bounce through multiple LTL freight companies. That leads to a lot of transit damage, and when that happens, good luck getting anyone at Bueno to pick up the phone or reply to your emails.

We referred a few thousand customers to them last year. For most, it worked out—but we got at least 10x the number of complaints we’ve seen from any other brand we've recommended. So if you're going this route, just assume you're on your own once it’s dropped in the driveway. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker—you can order generic parts and find a local tech if needed—but it’s something you should go in eyes open about.

So what's better?

If you can stretch your budget just a little, there’s a factory-direct line built by the largest manufacturer in the U.S. that was originally sold in retail stores at $11,000. They stripped out all the marketing, advertising, and dealer markups, and now sell it exclusively through us for $8,300—delivered and installed.

That’s the Instinct Spa line. And it’s a different league:

  • Hand-rolled, self-supporting fiberglass shell (not cradle-supported)
  • Full foam insulation with high R-value open-cell foam
  • Glued and clamped plumbing
  • All standard Balboa and Waterway parts—so no proprietary nonsense
  • Delivered and installed by pros, not dropped at the curb
  • Backed by our Buyer Protection Service—if anything goes sideways, you get my private number and I’ll make sure it gets sorted, fast

If you're trying to stay under $7k and you’re comfortable doing some things yourself, Bueno's not a bad value—just know the risks. But for a couple thousand more, Instinct is a full step into real premium territory without the fluff. Built like a tank, proper service network, no games.

Let me know where you're leaning—I can help either way.

Reply

Larry

Jul 7, 2025

Who makes a good 4 to 6 seat spa that fits 4 to 6 comfortabley

Reply

Chris - Admin

That's a really broad question the top three right now are jacuzzi, mass spas, Sundance and then there's a bunch of second guys that aren't far off that build quality.


What kind of budget are we talking about here?

Reply

larry

probably;y around 15 to 20 are pacific any good

Reply

Chris - Admin

Pacific is in the middle of nowhere land where most brands reside.


your budget is massive no tub in the world is worth more than $$16-$17k max only marketing is worth more than that lol


size?

number of users?

primary focus massage? or entertainment?


Reply

Jon Nadle

Jul 7, 2025

Hi Chris,

We did a lot of research here and ended up purchasing an Instinct Spas Pure Instinct hot tub (our first) going on two months ago, now, are are enjoying it almost daily.  There's a learning curve with the water chemistry, but once we got that figured out (your videos are most helpful and we bought Spa Marvel from HTU), it's been smooth sailing.

I believe you may have a Pure Instinct as well, and we feel it's solid value for the money.  Like you say, it gets all the basics right, and it looks nice, functions well, and so far has been completely reliable.  We've discovered two relatively minor annoyances and one what we consider to be a flaw.  As it's an affordable, basic model, we assume they may be related to the price point, but we share them for what they're worth and welcome your informed comment.

1.  The six different LED colors are nice, but flash by in a mere five seconds - almost a strobe effect.  There's no option to hold one color, fade the transition, or lengthen the time each color displays.  We feel a better design choice for the sole default would be longer light cycles.  We leave it off most of the time.

2.  The waterfall feature is cool, but noisy.  It runs automatically with the second jet pump and there's no way to turn it off.  The sound gets annoying after a 15 minute cycle, and/or when we want to talk.  We'd gladly have paid more to have an adjustable light and a water feature that can be turned off.

The final thing is that one (neck massage) jet is a good 1/2 inch higher than its companion across from it, and higher than all the other jets.  We understand hot tubs aren't precision-manufactured products, but this is a problem as it's above the water line and loudly shoots water.  We contacted Instinct Spas to see what could be done about it and were less than satisfied with their response, which basically was that this "wouldn't affect the operation" of the tub and that's just the way it is.  That's not great customer service, in our view.  Our workaround is slightly overfilling the tub so that when we're in it, that jet's also below the water line.  We assume this is a random issue and our bad luck that the one set of jets where precision matters is the one that's off. 

Thanks.

Reply

Bill - Admin

I do have a Pure Instinct and I absolutely love it as well. I don't use the cycling lights and prefer to keep them at one color (and this is the same lighting controller that almost all hot tubs come with). You may be aware of this but turning the lights off and then on within 5 seconds changes the color (and the cycling is considered one of the colors).


The waterfall is the one issue that I have with it as well and I wish they had put a diverter on it to allow turning it on and and off BUT......keep an eye on our Youtube channel. I'm going to be adding a diverter to mine and I plan on recording how to do it. It will take less than an hour and the parts cost will be less than $100 so if you're handy with tools at all, you can add one. The video will also include instructions on taming it a bit if you only want to reduce the flow.

Reply

Jon Nadle

That is SO helpful! Thanks, Chris. I am handy and will keep an eye out for your video on shutting off (or taming, which would probably be our preference) the waterfall.

Reply

Chris Causebrook

Jul 7, 2025

Greetings,

First and foremost, thank you for all the invaluable information you and your team continue to produce! I “think” I narrowed down my first hot tub to either 1. Master Spa Twilight 8.25 or 2. Pure Instinct. I guess my hesitation is price. However, I do not want to sacrifice the jet package on the Twilight 8.25. Can the same jet package be placed in the Pure Instinct?

Reply

Chris - Admin

The Instinct hot tub has a good jet package it competes more with the clarity Spas from master or legacies, or jacuzzi 345s jet package is over the top it's been seen high in therapy massage tub just look at the jet package it's all the large high flow therapy massage shifts those are expensive and you're not going to see that kind of jet package on any tablet there specially that don't quality. I can process orders for just about any brand for you at a better price through the same sellers I'm going to get a referral feedback I'm going to make sure you get better pricing and I'm going to give you my Buyer's Protection Service which literally gives you my private mobile number if you have a problem with a seller I hook you up with you text me I will sort it out

When you're shopping don't give out your personal details I get special discounts from customers are not already in the system.

Reply

Chris Causebrook

Perfect. What is the best way to get in contact with you? Thank you in advance.

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Janet Pak

Jul 7, 2025

Hi! I am looking to buy a Master Spa Twilight 7.25 but at a recent July 4th expo, they are tempting me to buy a Legacy Inspire for a lot cheaper. Any thoughts on these models?

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Chris - Admin

So they are both well built spas but the jetting on the twilight is about $2500 more expensive, it has a lot more of the expensive high flow therapy massage jets. what prices did you get?

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Janet P

$9500 for the Whirlpool Legacy Inspire. I am concerned about the warranty on this one though.

3 YEARS - Spa Structure/Shell Surface

  • 1 YEAR - Equipment/Plumbing/jets/LED light system/ Ozonator/Audio

    Lifetime - Skirting: Duramaster Polymer™

Reply

Chris - Admin

Price is Right we can process that for you through the same seller and throw in our buyers Protection Service. Ignore warranties, they're not indicative of the quality of the spot is simply baked into the price it's $250 a year for a warranty in general in the first three to five years. Oftentimes manufactures on their lower ends will put lower warranties not because the build quality is any different but it's partially so they can justify the price increase on the higher end units. Also take a look at Instinct spas. This is built by the largest manufacturer in the US and it was specifically built in design for our specifications for our customers at 8300 for a 7-ft 40 jet tub with a fully self-supported shell glued and clamped plumbing and compression fit jets with a full foam insulation system!! Untouchable. And backed by national on site service

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Julie

Jul 7, 2025

I am inerested in the best bang for my buck, and want center foot dome, no longer. I have 3 hot tubs in mind with varying price points. Listing them alphabetically: Hydropool 6800, Signature NS-7, Vita Spa Luxe. Can you offer opinions/advice?

Reply

Chris - Admin

Hey Julie,


Appreciate the detailed list—that helps. Quick check first: are you totally sold on the idea of a center foot dome? Because here's the straight talk on those...


Foot domes are basically extinct in newer designs. Why? Because they’re a tripping hazard. People go to step in, miss the dome, or slip on it. Then there’s the plumbing—those domes need water lines run under the floor, which means heat loss, stress points, and the highest chance of leaks in the whole tub. And if it does leak? Total nightmare to fix, right dead center underneath the spa. That’s why everybody who’s updated their molds in the last 10–15 years has moved foot jets up into the sides—safer, more efficient, and you can actually use high-flow jets, not just those little low-pressure spinners that feel good for 30 seconds and then do nothing.


As for your list:


Hydropool 6800 – This is a lower-tier Jacuzzi product. Thin shell, cradle supported, perimeter insulation—just not high-end quality. They talk a big game, but it’s mostly fluff.


Signature NS-7 – Mass merchant special. No real identity, not a serious long-term brand. Cheap build, parts are hit or miss.


Vita Luxe – Thin shell again, cheap steel frame, and the insulation is bare-bones. Also way too much marketing about steel support that doesn’t actually support anything.


Unless one of these tubs is way below market, I’d steer clear. You’re basically paying showroom prices for a box-store build.


Let me know what kind of pricing you're getting on those three and I’ll give you the no-BS breakdown.

Reply

Julie

Chris,

Here is the ballpark out the door pricing

Luxe $12,600

6800 $9,500

NS-7 $7900

Reply

Chris - Admin

So the person on the license way too high you can get top brands like jacuzzi, sundance, master for that kind of money with way better build quality heavier grade shelves gluten-flam plumbing and way higher end insulation systems.


The other two are just market value again better options would be at the lower end of the price point think Bueno spas similar build quality, installation Etc composite frames, and automated build which means better consistency and reliability. At the mid end of your price looking Instinct spas one of the biggest manufacturers in the US put this direct to the public specifically for our customers built to our specifications. That was $11,000 when it was in retail stores and now it's 8300 delivered and installed with a top-end 5-in hard top cover full foam insulation self-supporting shell glued and clamped Plumbing and parts you can order off Amazon for next day delivery all top end. At the high end of your budget look at it Twilight series from Master the massage on this tub is insane and the build quality blows everything else you're looking at out of the water similar pricing for a 7-footer through our service

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