Thanks for the awesome review on this hot tub. My wife and I are in the market for either a Caldera or Hot Springs hot tub now and selected these two because of the Fresh Salt Water Systems.
My personal end all, favorite hot tub for therapy that I have soaked in myself: the Hot Spring Envoy. fyi: I sell Sundance, Caldera, and Hot Spring brands, so my judgement is probably biased.
Hey Michael, I'm a big fan of the Envoy. It shares all of the features mentioned in this Aria video, plus a captain's chair that makes it a comfortable 5 seater.
It's one of our favorites! The Aria is manufactured in Vista, CA. Here is a link to the full warranty: www.hotspring.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/63317-C-HighLife-WLS-60Hz-21.pdf
The logo light on the Highlife series indicates several different situations depending on the tub's status. When the blue half is lit up solid, it means that the proper power is provided to the tub. If the blue half is flashing, it means that there is an issue with the incoming power. When the green half is solid, it means that the tub is at your set temperature with no errors. If the green half is off, it means that there are no errors, but the tub is working to get to your set temperature. If the green half is flashing, the tub needs attention and you will be given more information on the topside control panel. If both sides are dark, the tub is not receiving power. Hope that helps!
Hi Paul, yes, there is some adjustment in the Moto Massage. However, it does require a certain amount of pressure to cause the jet to move up and down. And, yes, the Moto Massage and the neck jets in the lounger are actually on two different pumps, so using them separately is very easy.
Great presentation. I have an 2019 Envoy. The massage is excellent and it feels like it is well made. I agree that the fit and finish is very nice. Beautifully designed. But you mention that the Highlife Spa sub-structure is all polymeric. Isn't that because it does NOT have a self supporting hand rolled fiberglass shell and requires a strong substructure and multi layer foam? From what I understand the Limelight and Hot Spot have hand rolled self supporting shells mostly because they are made in Mexico and are not subject to the stringent regulations that the factory in Vista California that makes the Highlife series has to comply with. They use a weaker ABS backed shell on the Highlife Spas instead. I find it ironic that the most expensive Hot Spring line uses a non self supporting shell while the cheaper models do. Have you noticed any difference in the need of leak/shell repair between the Highlife and Limelight series? I'm also concerned that Hot Springs uses Chinese made proprietary parts. Isn't American made Balboa electronics more reliable? Also, doesn't the heavy foam application make it much more difficult to repair if a leak occurs (opposed to Fibercoree)? And finally, what steps does Hot Springs take to make the spa resistant to salt corrosion other than the titanium heater?
Hey JD, glad to hear you're loving your Envoy. The polymeric structure in the Highlife series is not particularly tied to the ABS-backed shell. Most hot tubs have a wood frame to provide support to the shell (whether it is ABS-backed or fiberglass-backed). The polymeric structure provides this support and gives the added benefit of being impervious to degradation from moisture, insects, rodents, etc. You are correct that the ABS-backed shell is the only reason that Hot Spring can produce the Highlife series in California. (Some smaller manufacturers produce fiberglass tubs in CA, but not in the large quantities that Hot Spring requires.) In our experience, the electronic control systems on a Hot Spring are at least as reliable as the Balboa or Gecko systems in tubs that we have sold in the past. These days, even the Balboa or Gecko controls in most tubs are proprietary and become difficult to acquire after several years. Hot Spring is a little better in this regard because they guarantee that parts will be available for at least 20 years. Also, my understanding is that practically all printed circuit boards are manufactured in China. With regards to insulation, there are trade-offs. I do love FiberCor because I think it is the best compromise. It offers great insulation and reasonable serviceability. It beats most manufacturers' full foam systems in both regards. The Highlife Collection continues to use their proprietary 5 layer foam system because it makes them THE most energy efficient tub you can buy. But to your point, it does change the way we approach plumbing repairs. With regards to preventing corrosion from salt, there are four primary areas. The heater (as you mentioned), the pump seals, the jet bearings and the stainless jet faces. Obviously, Hot Spring has addressed each of these areas. In addition, their OEM salt system requires a lower salt concentration than a traditional pool-style system. Thanks for the great questions, hopefully this answer is helpful.
@@backyardleisure Thanks for this response. I’m seriously considering a Limelight Flair to replace my old Royal Majesty; the Aria is also a consideration, but is more than I’d like to pay. One concern I have at the moment is the wood flooring of the Flair; if I have the leaks I have had with the majesty, the bottom may rot out. The other concern is of the “Christmas tree lights” wiring of the LEDs where if one goes out, half or all lights go out. How easy are these to replace? The third option I’m considering is a Viking Legend 2. Thanks.
@@mapmgr In my experience, deterioration of wood framing is more often due to long-term damp conditions of the environment. A tub that sits in a low-lying, shady area with poor drainage will show its age much quicker than one that sits in an area that dries out quickly after rain. For a leak to cause rotting, it would have to be allowed to continue for many months if not years. With regards to lighting, Hot Spring utilizes the same system as most every other manufacturer. The individual LEDs are typically tied together in strands of 4 bulbs and then each strand is looped to the next one. Replacing them is not extremely difficult, as each strand serves a relatively small area. I may be a little biased, but if you're asking for my opinion, the Viking doesn't compare well to a Flair or your Majesty, with regards to quality. From the models that you're looking at, I'm guessing that you're not far from us. Indianapolis area?
@@backyardleisure thanks for the info. Very informative! I do see your point regarding electronics. They are all proprietary. When I mentioned fiberglass being better, I was referring to hand rolled vinyl ester resin self supporting shells that orher companies say do not need the support of a substructure. They say that cheaply made shells need to be "cradle" supported while their shells can hold the weight of water without any help.
Hey Guy, we offer both models and both have raving fans. Which one is best for you depends on a few preferences. The Aria seating is a little more "open-concept" while the Tahitian has deep bucket seats. In my opinion, the Tahitian probably has a little bit more robust massage overall, but the Aria offers the Moto-Massage which creates a sensation that can't be mimicked with any other combination of jets. I would also consider if some of the other Highlife Collection-only features are important to you; wireless remote control, no-bypass filtration, polymeric structure, etc.
Hey Nick, in US-spec 240 volt Hot Springs, the heaters are either 4kw or 5.5kw. 120 volt plug and play models will typically have a 1kw - 1.5kw heater due to the amperage limitations.
Thanks for the awesome review on this hot tub. My wife and I are in the market for either a Caldera or Hot Springs hot tub now and selected these two because of the Fresh Salt Water Systems.
Happy to help, Jeremy!
What is the price of the Aria? It is beautiful. BMW designed this design tub
Great video lots of great information. Was wondering your thought on the Envoy tub?
My personal end all, favorite hot tub for therapy that I have soaked in myself: the Hot Spring Envoy.
fyi: I sell Sundance, Caldera, and Hot Spring brands, so my judgement is probably biased.
Hey Michael, I'm a big fan of the Envoy. It shares all of the features mentioned in this Aria video, plus a captain's chair that makes it a comfortable 5 seater.
I like the Aria. What type of warranty and where is it made?
It's one of our favorites! The Aria is manufactured in Vista, CA. Here is a link to the full warranty: www.hotspring.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/63317-C-HighLife-WLS-60Hz-21.pdf
Can the filter top seat a person or it meant not to be seated if you want to cool off, like the Sundance filter top has?
I would not recommend sitting on the filter lid.
The Hot Springs emblem in the front is lit up when it's different colors does that mean it's in a different mode of heating
The logo light on the Highlife series indicates several different situations depending on the tub's status. When the blue half is lit up solid, it means that the proper power is provided to the tub. If the blue half is flashing, it means that there is an issue with the incoming power. When the green half is solid, it means that the tub is at your set temperature with no errors. If the green half is off, it means that there are no errors, but the tub is working to get to your set temperature. If the green half is flashing, the tub needs attention and you will be given more information on the topside control panel. If both sides are dark, the tub is not receiving power. Hope that helps!
@@backyardleisure wow I am in it right now that was very helpful
Thanks for the info. Is the Moto Massage pressure adjustable and can the Moto Massage and the upper neck/shoulder jets useable separately?
Hi Paul, yes, there is some adjustment in the Moto Massage. However, it does require a certain amount of pressure to cause the jet to move up and down. And, yes, the Moto Massage and the neck jets in the lounger are actually on two different pumps, so using them separately is very easy.
Great presentation. I have an 2019 Envoy. The massage is excellent and it feels like it is well made. I agree that the fit and finish is very nice. Beautifully designed. But you mention that the Highlife Spa sub-structure is all polymeric. Isn't that because it does NOT have a self supporting hand rolled fiberglass shell and requires a strong substructure and multi layer foam? From what I understand the Limelight and Hot Spot have hand rolled self supporting shells mostly because they are made in Mexico and are not subject to the stringent regulations that the factory in Vista California that makes the Highlife series has to comply with. They use a weaker ABS backed shell on the Highlife Spas instead. I find it ironic that the most expensive Hot Spring line uses a non self supporting shell while the cheaper models do. Have you noticed any difference in the need of leak/shell repair between the Highlife and Limelight series? I'm also concerned that Hot Springs uses Chinese made proprietary parts. Isn't American made Balboa electronics more reliable? Also, doesn't the heavy foam application make it much more difficult to repair if a leak occurs (opposed to Fibercoree)? And finally, what steps does Hot Springs take to make the spa resistant to salt corrosion other than the titanium heater?
Hey JD, glad to hear you're loving your Envoy. The polymeric structure in the Highlife series is not particularly tied to the ABS-backed shell. Most hot tubs have a wood frame to provide support to the shell (whether it is ABS-backed or fiberglass-backed). The polymeric structure provides this support and gives the added benefit of being impervious to degradation from moisture, insects, rodents, etc. You are correct that the ABS-backed shell is the only reason that Hot Spring can produce the Highlife series in California. (Some smaller manufacturers produce fiberglass tubs in CA, but not in the large quantities that Hot Spring requires.)
In our experience, the electronic control systems on a Hot Spring are at least as reliable as the Balboa or Gecko systems in tubs that we have sold in the past. These days, even the Balboa or Gecko controls in most tubs are proprietary and become difficult to acquire after several years. Hot Spring is a little better in this regard because they guarantee that parts will be available for at least 20 years. Also, my understanding is that practically all printed circuit boards are manufactured in China.
With regards to insulation, there are trade-offs. I do love FiberCor because I think it is the best compromise. It offers great insulation and reasonable serviceability. It beats most manufacturers' full foam systems in both regards. The Highlife Collection continues to use their proprietary 5 layer foam system because it makes them THE most energy efficient tub you can buy. But to your point, it does change the way we approach plumbing repairs.
With regards to preventing corrosion from salt, there are four primary areas. The heater (as you mentioned), the pump seals, the jet bearings and the stainless jet faces. Obviously, Hot Spring has addressed each of these areas. In addition, their OEM salt system requires a lower salt concentration than a traditional pool-style system.
Thanks for the great questions, hopefully this answer is helpful.
@@backyardleisure Thanks for this response. I’m seriously considering a Limelight Flair to replace my old Royal Majesty; the Aria is also a consideration, but is more than I’d like to pay. One concern I have at the moment is the wood flooring of the Flair; if I have the leaks I have had with the majesty, the bottom may rot out. The other concern is of the “Christmas tree lights” wiring of the LEDs where if one goes out, half or all lights go out. How easy are these to replace?
The third option I’m considering is a Viking Legend 2.
Thanks.
@@mapmgr In my experience, deterioration of wood framing is more often due to long-term damp conditions of the environment. A tub that sits in a low-lying, shady area with poor drainage will show its age much quicker than one that sits in an area that dries out quickly after rain. For a leak to cause rotting, it would have to be allowed to continue for many months if not years. With regards to lighting, Hot Spring utilizes the same system as most every other manufacturer. The individual LEDs are typically tied together in strands of 4 bulbs and then each strand is looped to the next one. Replacing them is not extremely difficult, as each strand serves a relatively small area. I may be a little biased, but if you're asking for my opinion, the Viking doesn't compare well to a Flair or your Majesty, with regards to quality. From the models that you're looking at, I'm guessing that you're not far from us. Indianapolis area?
@@backyardleisure thanks for the info. Very informative! I do see your point regarding electronics. They are all proprietary. When I mentioned fiberglass being better, I was referring to hand rolled vinyl ester resin self supporting shells that orher companies say do not need the support of a substructure. They say that cheaply made shells need to be "cradle" supported while their shells can hold the weight of water without any help.
Hi there, I’m looking at this one and the Caldera Tahitian. how would you compare the the two?
Thanks!
Hey Guy, we offer both models and both have raving fans. Which one is best for you depends on a few preferences. The Aria seating is a little more "open-concept" while the Tahitian has deep bucket seats. In my opinion, the Tahitian probably has a little bit more robust massage overall, but the Aria offers the Moto-Massage which creates a sensation that can't be mimicked with any other combination of jets. I would also consider if some of the other Highlife Collection-only features are important to you; wireless remote control, no-bypass filtration, polymeric structure, etc.
Why on the Hot springs collections do they only use 1.5kw heater? Also is this enough to keep up? I see a lot of other’s using 2-3kw heaters.
Hey Nick, in US-spec 240 volt Hot Springs, the heaters are either 4kw or 5.5kw. 120 volt plug and play models will typically have a 1kw - 1.5kw heater due to the amperage limitations.
Wish they shown the guys.......