Decision made - finally - Nordic Encore LS (2020 model) - electrical question please

[GCS]

I did just have about 45 min long chat with a dealer about 90 mins from me. Really good conversation. Been in the business about 30 years and sells Masterspa and Softub.

Had a long chat about both but focused more on the Softub Portico he sells. Seems really nice but I worry about being underpowered, not therapy driven enough etc. Seems very simple and easy to setup and use but you are married to their chemicals and filters. I do like that it would be pretty easy to take with us if we ever sell our home. Of course its not a "traditional" type of spa.

 

[Newdude]

Of course its not a "traditional" type of spa

what’s the all important price range ? Again it could make all the difference after the fact.

*yes this is rather nice*
*no it’s not a real tub*
*wipes eyes with $3500*

 

[GCS]

what’s the all important price range ? Again it could make all the difference after the fact.

*yes this is rather nice*
*no it’s not a real tub*
*wipes eyes with $3500*

It would be new and about $5600 when all is said and done

 

[Newdude]

t would be new and about $5600 when all is said and done

Ok then it would be more rationalized as the best of both worlds yet still a far cry from $13k.
Your feelings here after the fact will totally make or break you.

 

[GCS]

Ok then it would be more rationalized as the best of both worlds yet still a far cry from $13k.
Your feelings here after the fact will totally make or break you.

Lol I hear ya. Sadly I have had an easier time making much bigger decisions than this in my life. No idea why this is so complicated (guess it could be oversaturation of info who knows).

 

[RDspaguy]

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it has to have good resolution.
My advice is, as always:
See it hot and running. If they won't fill it, you don't want it. Look for water around it on the ground, water damage on the base or sides, and rusty pumps. Remove the sides (if possible) and check for discolored foam and calcium buildup. Some leaking in the equipment area is no big deal, but wet foam or residue elsewhere could get expensive. Equipment is usually easy, if pricey, to replace, but plumbing leaks in a full foam spa can be a nightmare. I tell customers that it will cost $500- $1000 for me to tell them how much it will cost to fix. That is not a joke. Just finding the leaks could take days on the job and result in huge piles of foam in your yard. When that happens, you will re-evaluate the value of full foam insulation. A spray-over insulated tub can have just about any leak fixed for a few hundred $, if you even need to pay someone else to do it.

 

[RDspaguy]

First, the disclaimer...
I have not seen a softtub in a decade, and the few I have seen were already old when I saw them. Maybe they have improved, but not one that I saw was worth the cost of fixing to the owner.
My general opinion of softtub is that they are a (small) step up from, and the precursor to, inflatable spas. I consider them disposables, as I have never heard of anyone fixing one.

 

[GCS]

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it has to have good resolution.
My advice is, as always:
See it hot and running. If they won't fill it, you don't want it. Look for water around it on the ground, water damage on the base or sides, and rusty pumps. Remove the sides (if possible) and check for discolored foam and calcium buildup. Some leaking in the equipment area is no big deal, but wet foam or residue elsewhere could get expensive. Equipment is usually easy, if pricey, to replace, but plumbing leaks in a full foam spa can be a nightmare. I tell customers that it will cost $500- $1000 for me to tell them how much it will cost to fix. That is not a joke. Just finding the leaks could take days on the job and result in huge piles of foam in your yard. When that happens, you will re-evaluate the value of full foam insulation. A spray-over insulated tub can have just about any leak fixed for a few hundred $, if you even need to pay someone else to do it.

Understood.

With respect to used tubs (and brands I guess). How old is too old? I mean I see tubs that are 14 years old and people still want 5k for them. Yes I know condition, care, empty not empty all play a factor in that number but I guess what I am asking is don't look at anything older than 5 years old, 10 years old etc. Again simple repairs I am probably fine with (I have done my own electrical work and plumbing many times but if its lots of effort or confusing I would hire out)

 

[RDspaguy]

There is no age limit, some brands (usually the expensive ones), well maintained, can last 30 years with some minor repairs. Some features (like ozone) had issues in older tubs, and the jet layout and tub design can leave alot to be desired, but I recently refurbished a 95-97 D1 that sold for $3k.
With the new spa wait times going on right now, the used market is on fire and decent tubs go fast for twice what they would have 2 years ago.

 

[GCS]

There is no age limit, some brands (usually the expensive ones), well maintained, can last 30 years with some minor repairs. Some features (like ozone) had issues in older tubs, and the jet layout and tub design can leave alot to be desired, but I recently refurbished a 95-97 D1 that sold for $3k.
With the new spa wait times going on right now, the used market is on fire and decent tubs go fast for twice what they would have 2 years ago.

and that jives with what I am seeing on the used side of things here i.e. selling for more than they should

Thx

 

[RDspaguy]

for more than they should

Supply and demand, my friend. Supply is down and demand is up. If you want a spa this year, your options are limited.

 

[GCS]

Supply and demand, my friend. Supply is down and demand is up. If you want a spa this year, your options are limited.

Understood.

This one looks amazing and I could probably be talked into digging into the wallet for it if was more local to me. Of course this is probably more tub then we need or would even know what to do with, but sure looks nice and well taken care of and only 5 years old.

 

[RDspaguy]

Is that a Strong spa? I've never seen that faux stone skirting on any other brand.
They make a decent tub in my experience. Nothing too proprietary or hard to get. Has some unusual plumbing that can throw some repair guys (myself included) until they figure out that it's just 2.5" flex over 2" pvc and not some specialty fitting.

 

[cranbiz]

It's a Hot Springs Envoy.

 

[GCS]

Is that a Strong spa? I've never seen that faux stone skirting on any other brand.
They make a decent tub in my experience. Nothing too proprietary or hard to get. Has some unusual plumbing that can throw some repair guys (myself included) until they figure out that it's just 2.5" flex over 2" pvc and not some specialty fitting.

Nope 2016 Hot Springs Envoy NXT 5 seater 450 gallons the guy paid extra for the stone finish exterior - or so it says. His description

Hot Springs Envoy NXT highlife hot tub (spa). Hot springs is one of the top rated luxury brands both for design and reliability. Purchased in September 2016, still under warranty and still like new both functionally and cosmetically. 450 gallons, seats 5, including lounge seat and captains seat, 43 jets and has Belfontana water feature. Seats ergonomically designed by BMW car seat designers. Lounge seat has Moto massage dx jets that pulse spray jets up and down back. Beautiful multi colored accent lights, that highlights waterfall, head rests, under water lights and other accents. Wireless, portable and waterproof touch screen. 100 percent no-by pass filtration system, with 5 lifetime dishwasher safe filters, that can also be adequately cleaned with a hose. Comprehensive Energy Smart system. Extra cost premium stone like outside finish. Interior is a white high gloss hard finish. High output Freshwater 3 corona ozone purification and sanitizer system. The system continuously purifies and sanitizes, thereby greatly reducing chlorine usage. Price will include outside electrical panel box with 30 amp and 20 amp breakers and electrical cable from panel box to spa. This will provide you a substantial savings and ensure your electrician uses correctly rated equipment. I will disconnect box and cable, as I have extensive electrical background. Also, the quality insulated cover is in excellent condition,as is entry stair unit. Spa is well recessed in my covered patio so it shows no weather and sun deterioration at all. Have all brochures, manuals, chemicals and clear instructions and my notes on maintaining and draining spa. Did not anticipate selling spa so l recently purchased a large supply of chemicals, probably around $300, so you will be set up for a long time. Price, including expensive electrical equipment: $ 8,500. Please call or text Jean at [hidden information].

 

[RDspaguy]

Sounds like a good tub. Hot springs is among my top brands for longevity, and the worst for leak repairs.
We can discuss what ozone/uv does for you later.

 

[GCS]

Just updating this. I am looking at this tub this evening. Looks promising. 5 year old barefoot spa in my area (20 mins away) for $950, no cover but is in good working condition so I am told.

 

[Newdude]

Seems like a fancier version of mine. One thing I LOVED was the industructable plastic / resin. It was also unstainable for the most part. If it did stain it cleaned right off and there was no glass coat or finish to tarnish over time.

the price is certainly right !!

 

[GCS]

Seems like a fancier version of mine. One thing I LOVED was the industructable plastic / resin. It was also unstainable for the most part. If it did stain it cleaned right off and there was no glass coat or finish to tarnish over time.

the price is certainly right !!

Agreed hoping it works out. The super fancy one in NC I posted above the envoy I heard back from them too and tbh it sounds like a great opportunity just wish it was closer. Elderly couple that can no longer use it for health reasons very well maintained has detailed records etc. extremely nice folks on the phone. A lot more money for that one but kinda feel we would never want for anything else in a tub. But all in all really hoping this local one works out. Will use a mover for it to make my life easier but I am ready to deal. I do have a video shot yesterday showing me everything works but I still need and want to look under the hood course.

 

[Newdude]

Will use a mover for it to make my life easier but I am ready to deal

They were about $500 when I was selling mine. Many potential buyers did not want to pay that and I was prepared to do it myself with 4X4s across the bed rails of my pickup and the hot tub sitting on those like Cleopatra. Strapped down of course. I lucked out that the guy who bought it had a trailer and we just loaded it up the easy way.

The cover which i looked into replacing was about $500 at the time. So factor that into your net costs as well.