Hot Spring Spas

Years ago we were forced to buy a hot tub. What happened is we put the tub on credit card. The next day we had buyers remorse. The hot tub was still in store and not even close to being delivered. The owner would not reimburse us even though the stupid thing was still in their store. We've been sorry ever since. Several burned out pumps later it's a night mare. We've given up and don't use it any more.

Did my homework and settled on a 3-person (4, if you like cozy) Jetsetter LX. The thing's fantastic. A water proof remote, multiple massage settings, salt water cleansing system, more lighting effects that the spaceships in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and an amazing hinged cover that comes on and off with ease. Chris held my hand the whole way and answered innumerable questions, before and after the sale. Even the guys who installed it were great. After they left, I figured out I had had them put the cover on the wrong side (blocked my view of the mountains). I called them and they came back the next day and changed it. I tried to give them money, but they refused! All in all, a terrifically satisfying experience.

We shopped for our very own hot tub last summer, searching for an upscale model with adjustable therapeutic jets and easy maintenance. Word of mouth directed us to Hot Spring Spas at 6301 Menaul Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, where Chris, the manager, gave us a very thorough and informative tour of his high-end line of spas. After doing our homework, we chose a three-seater Jetsetter NXT and when the pad had been installed, we took delivery in late September. This spa is a superb piece of state-of-the-art engineering and a dream to relax in, particularly if you work a high-stress job and have occasional back pain. It's pricey, but Chris gave us a large summer clearance discount and helped us find an electrician to do the custom electrical wiring we needed. Then he came out to our house and patiently explained the water maintenance system (ozone based) by demonstrating each step. I have no hesitation in recommending this business and its manager, Chris Kakos, if you are looking for a similar investment in stress reduction bliss.