I've posted this here a couple of times before (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/88901) and have been a satisfied owner since purchasing one during ClickFrenzy late last year. These things are brilliant and I highly recommend them to anyone considering one.
Like most others I was very skeptical at dropping anything more than about $200 on something like this but I took the plunge (pardon the pun) and blew $400+. Glad I did because although I know the pump and/or heater will eventually die it has been such a great investment already… and I've only had it for several months now. Soooo relaxing, so convenient.
Few things to note:
Be sure to purchase extra/spare filters from DealsDirect when purchasing your your Spa as they only last a few weeks. You'll need 2 x Twin-Packs.
Before your Spa arrives be sure to prepare a 2x2m clean, clear, flat & level position and consider purchasing some of those anti-fatigue foam mats from the hardware to cover the whole area. These protect the base of the Spa plus insulates it from the ground to help keep the heat in.
The supplied seals are OK but they can gather & leak if the fittings are overtightened (not difficult to do). While you're at the hardware store be sure to buy a handful of 3/4" flat rubber washers (used in screw-on garden hose fittings approx. 30-50c each) as these simply press into the fittings over the top of the original seals and work SO much better. 4-5 will do the trick and you'll be 100% leak-free.
One more thing to get at the hardware store before the Spa arrives is a pack of Chlorine/Bromine tablets for the chemical floater (supplied). It takes 4-6 of the small 20mm tablets but they last for weeks & weeks so they wont cost much over time. Look for stuff for a Spa because the Pool tablets are huge and wont fit the floater.
The built-in 2000W heater works very well even though it takes many MANY hours to heat the entire 900L of water. Don't forget, it's 2000W and as it can only heat 1-2 degrees per hour your power bill will skyrocket if you're not careful. Eg. the water from the tap will probably be about 20C but a comfy Spa temp is around the 37C mark and that could take 7-10 hours. 2000W is around 50c per hour so that's $5 each time you want a quick warm dip in the evening and over time that will hurt your back pocket. If you're handy you may want to look into making your own Solar Hot Water Heater for the Spa. Do a Google search for 'DIY Solar Hot Water' and you'll be on the right track. Even better make a Thermosiphon water heater so you don't need pumps or anything!
So, to summarise I can't recommend these Spas enough but please take note of the warnings from other owners and be prepared for the pump and/or heater to die within a year or two although mine isn't showing any signs of failing and neither are the few neighbours who also bought theirs soon after seeing mine. It's built very well but nothing lasts forever these days however I've read reports of others replacing the heaters & pumps themselves so not all is lost.
Be quick though, this sale ends Midnight TONIGHT or when stock runs out!! Also be aware that if you're in a rural area you may need to pay a small amount for shipping.
Hope the above is helpful. Enjoy.
This + deals direct= Possible trouble