It's been a month since receiving our Vanguard NXT hot tub. Very impressed with the quality of construction, and comfort of the spa. It is very easy to use, but we are still dialing in how to use all controls for the jets. So many options! The tub heats up incredibly fast. The manual said to expect 18 to 24 hours to come to temperature from 58 F water to 104F. Ours took like 4.5 hours. Wow! When I realized 104 F was to hot for me, I turned it down to 101F, and it took about 3 days to cool down. That's an energy efficient tub!! I'm 6 Ft 4 in tall and I can stretch out diagonally and float. Very spacious and deep. But I would say it's really a 4 to 5 person tub if you are on the tall side. 6 would be very cramped unless a few occupants were small kids. I'm a environmental engineer with a Masters degree, and I am still dialing in the water chemistry. I was given a sheet by the dealer and sent on my way. After watching a ton of videos on You Tube, I think I finally have it figured out. I have a Ozone III and Bromine set up. May look at the Silver Ion system in the future. Filters are really efficient and after a cloudy water issue on weak 2 that a good shock took care of, I think I have things settled down. Water has been crystal clear since then. We have been using our hot tub almost daily and are really enjoying it. We are older athletes (Skiers, hikers, runners, bicyclists) and we have found recovery after a hard work out is much faster after a soak. And boy do you sleep better after a soak. I would highly recommend the Vanguard tub. But expect a bit of a steep learning curve during the first couple of months to get water chemistry dialed in.
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
4/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
4/ 5
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Review 82 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
We all make mistakes
Scraps
from Alexandria, MN
PostedNovember 21, 2022
I purchased my 2nd Hot Springs Vanguard from a dealer here in Minnesota. Marshall Spas is amazing to work with.
The tub has a minor manufacturing mistake that causes me to temporarily wire the spa until it can be fixed in the spring. The conduit feeds on both sides of the tub were left under the pump floor and cannot be accessed. Such a simple mistake but one that leaves my spa cosmetically unappealing.
Not much to do other than hope we can find a solution when the weather improves.
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
2/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
4/ 5
By Customer Service Hot Spring Kylie, January 9, 2023
Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out with your review. I'd like to get a bit more information regarding your concern so that I can be sure that this is resolved for you. Please be on the lookout for an email from us shortly.
Happy Hot Tubbing! Kylie - Customer Care
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Review 83 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
Very nice spa. We’ll thought out
Dan
from Huson
Age:55-65
PostedNovember 15, 2022
Company was great that we bought it from. Easy! Install was easy and efficient. No problems at all
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
5/ 5
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Review 84 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
2/ 5
Great until the weather gets below ~35°F (Winter Usage)
EricPMT
from Billings, MT
Age:25-34
PostedOctober 27, 2022
Love the hot tub and it has met all expectations except for one. Winter usage. We love to soak for an hour or better in our Vanguard sometimes, and even more so in the winter with friends. Countless older hot tubs I've been in can at least maintain 102°F in winter conditions well below freezing, or even increase the temperature; but not ours. If it's below 35°F we lose about 1°F every 10-15 minutes or so. I'd say it's likely because the Vanguard has the 4kW heater and not the 6kW one you'd find in the Sovereign but who knows. When asking our dealer about this we generally get told that we should just set it higher to begin with or limit soaks in cold weather to 20 minutes or less - which is unacceptable for a hot tub this expensive.
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
4/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
3/ 5
By Customer Service Hot Spring Kylie, December 8, 2022
Hi there,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback. This is a great topic to talk about, winter spa usage. We have a helpful article on our blog here: https://www.hotspring.com/blog/10-tips-for-using-your-hot-tub-in-winter
One thing you can do to avoid losing heat is to ensure that you aren't using the jets too high in the cold weather. The jets pull in air, which lowers the water temp.
Keep an eye out for an email from us, I'd like to follow up with you.
Happy Hot Tubbing! Kylie - Customer Care
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Comments (1)
Eric
Billings, MT
As Expected
Posted December 8, 2022
Hi Kylie, thanks for the response. I had already read the information you posted in the link regarding winter usage. Per my review, the 20 minutes suggested in HotSpring's guidance is rather unacceptable. To address some additional points in the guidance and your response: We have a good cover (it is the one supplied by Hot Spring). Our water level is good. Our water is clean. And finally, maybe most annoyingly, I shouldn't have to turn down the jets - we generally have them on the lowest setting. Like I mentioned in my review, this doesn't seem to be an issue with older hot tubs.
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Review 85 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
1/ 5
Cracked shell
Dmenzer
from Detroit, Mi
Age:35-44
PostedOctober 24, 2022
Two years in to our 2020 model and the shell cracks. Hairline crack in the tub floor, near the heater. Very poor craftsmanship for this to happen in an expensive hot tub. The warranty department wants to repair, but I’d like a hot tub that doesn’t leak after only two years. I didn’t buy a new hot tub to have the shell repaired within the first five years, let alone two. So disappointed. Back to hot tub shopping.
Comfort:
3/ 5
Quality:
1/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
4/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
2/ 5
Value:
1/ 5
By Customer Service Hot Spring Kylie, November 21, 2022
Hey there, thank you for reaching out with your feedback. I can understand how frustrating it would be to have a crack in your spa. I was able to look into things and it seems that a resolution is in process for you. I will be sending you an email to check in and see if there's anything I can help with so please keep an eye out for that. We want to ensure that we get you back to happily hot tubbing as soon as possible.
Have a great day Kylie - Customer Care
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Review 86 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
4/ 5
Love the Hot Tub...Salt System not so much
TacomaBret
from Tacoma, WA
Age:35-44
PostedOctober 9, 2022
We love the comfort of the Vanguard and its perfect for having friends and family over. However we still have yet to see the SaltWater system keep chlorine at the right levels and continually have to add chlorine. We even drained and refilled the spa and the Salt System does not seem to work as advertised. I wouldn't spend the extra money on it.
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
2/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
4/ 5
Value:
4/ 5
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Review 87 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
1/ 5
leaked
nomorespa
from Luzerne County PA
Age:55-65
PostedSeptember 30, 2022
Had my spa about 3 months, it was nice while it lasted. Spa began to leak profusely and was not repairable. No help from manufacturer and no help from dealer. When law suit was brought up, I Received a refund and now I have no spa, they took it away. I would have gladly accepted a repair or replacement of the spa but I could get nothing. awful experience and I would never recommend a hot spring brand spa to anyone.
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Review 88 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
Love our new Vanguard
LindaM
from San Diego
Age:55-65
PostedSeptember 16, 2022
We purchased a Vanguard with Freshwater salt system. Once filled and balanced, it has been a dream to maintain! However, we should have done a wet test because we find the corner seats so deep it is hard to maintain position while the jets are on. Aside from that, we love every aspect of the spa and use it daily. Customer service has been great - especially from John and crew in the service department. I highly recommend a Hotsprings Highlife catagory spa!
Comfort:
4/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
4/ 5
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Review 89 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
Inside material.
Mary
from Michigan
PostedSeptember 7, 2022
The spa inside material is very slippery when getting in and out.
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
4/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
4/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
4/ 5
Value:
4/ 5
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Review 90 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
Vangard review by Conger
Joe41
from Rockport, TX
Age:Over 65
PostedAugust 25, 2022
Needs cup holders. Steps should be included in base price. The Vanguard ls great model, easy to use and maintain. Our dealer was exceptional professional, knowledgeable about Hotsprings product, installation of tub and pleasant to work with. Debra receives 5 stars.joe
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
4/ 5
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Review 91 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
Not for 6
Rhonda
from Hillsboro OR
Age:55-65
PostedAugust 22, 2022
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my hot tub, but no way 6 people of regular size are going to fit in here. My husband and I are 5”5 and 5”7 and our legs keep hitting each other, I can’t imagine taller people sharing with us. But for the two of us, it’s incredible.
Comfort:
4/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
5/ 5
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Review 92 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
2/ 5
Not as good as original
kjkidz
from Massapequa, NY
Age:55-65
PostedJuly 19, 2022
This spa is replacing a 20+ year old Grandee. I am disappointed, I thought newer would be better. The placement of the step in on the Vanguard makes it tricky to get in and out. The jets are actually too strong and you don't have as much control over their pressure as you did on the older model. The fountain feature is nice as is the remote control, that does sometimes take a few attempts to get it to work, wish that warranty was longer as it might be a problem down the road.
Comfort:
2/ 5
Quality:
4/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
4/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
4/ 5
Value:
3/ 5
By Customer Service Hot Spring Kylie, July 27, 2022
Thank you for being a part of the Hot Spring family for so long. We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your feedback. The Grandee and the Vanguard are both wonderful spas. I've reached out to you directly to see if we can help with your controller or other concerns. Be sure to be on the lookout for that email.
Happy Hot Tubbing! Kylie - Customer Care
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Review 93 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
2/ 5
Newer Doesn't Mean Better
kjkidz
from Massapequa, NY
Age:55-65
PostedJuly 18, 2022
Had a Grandee for 20+ years - entry in & out was easy - this one the step height is off, making it tricky/dangerous. The old was you could manually adjust the jet pressure for each seat, this one, very limited adjustment, the jets are actually too strong, causing pain after use. Remote control sometimes works, but sometimes I have to tap it quite a bit, nice idea, wish it had a longer warranty as I think it will be an issue. I was told I don't need to do much water maintenance with a salt water system, that is not true it does require more than I was told, but less than a non-salt water one. It looks nice, I like the fountain feature.
Comfort:
2/ 5
Quality:
4/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
3/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
4/ 5
Value:
3/ 5
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Review 94 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
Vanguard Tub
KenO
from Texas
Age:Over 65
PostedJuly 13, 2022
We have really been happy with the tub and especially the salt water system. It is almost maintenance free and no strong chlorine smell. The water does not dry out skin as with a chlorine system. Thanks, Ken
Comfort:
4/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
4/ 5
Value:
4/ 5
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Review 95 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
Great Value
Mjws00
from Solon Springs, Wi
Age:Over 65
PostedJuly 12, 2022
Easy to install and setup. The Energy Plus Duluth, Mn installation team were great. Within 3 hours of arriving at the time scheduled, the spa was up and running.
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
5/ 5
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Review 96 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
Happy Days Again
NewBC
from Maple Bay BC
Age:55-65
PostedJune 26, 2022
We are amazed at how low maintenance the salt water system is and the water has been crystal clear like the day we filled it 3 months ago when it was new! We love the look of the spa and the feel of the jest. This is our second Watkins made spa. We moved recently and the new spa was for our new home
Comfort:
4/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
5/ 5
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Review 97 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
3/ 5
not enough jet options
Brian
from Newnan, GA
Age:55-65
PostedJune 3, 2022
Spa is nice.... good size.... comfortable seats... but not enough options for the jets. For the cost of the spa you would think there would be more flexibility on the jet settings. There should be an on/off option for the water feature. There are only two jet options where the water feature is off. The other four run only with the water feature on. Sometimes the water feature gets in the way.
Comfort:
2/ 5
Quality:
4/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
2/ 5
By Customer Service Hot Spring Kylie, June 7, 2022
We appreciate your feedback on your new spa. We're sorry to hear that the jet options are not meeting your expectations. There is lots of great info in your owner's manual on how to adjust the jets settings available. While there may not be as many options as you'd like our smart jet system is intended to help you get the most out of your spa experience.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We're always happy to help.
Happy Hot Tubbing! Kylie - Customer Care
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Review 98 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
5/ 5
Best investment by far!
House
from Montana
Age:45-54
PostedMay 24, 2022
Our spa is a saving grace. This world is a mess right now and to escape and lose yourself in pure relaxation is a must! The vanguard model has shown us that we can rejuvenate our minds, our bodies, and our souls. All within the comforts of this amazing spa! At least twice a day we soak! This has become part of our daily routine. If you are even thinking “ is it worth the money?” The answer, you can’t put a price on the benefits of owning the vanguard, so, Yes, you will never question this purchase!
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
5/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
5/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
5/ 5
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Review 99 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
1/ 5
Garbage, No Parts Support
traderdollar
from Washington
Age:Over 65
PostedApril 5, 2022
First it arrived new with a drain fitting un-usable. Took two mo. to get the part - or so the Retailer said. Watkins Inc. makes this thing. I don't have a clew what else they do. But forget trying to get a part. The exorbitant parts are only sold to "dealers."
So next a "moto jets" goes out. To get at it the tech says "I've got to take off the siding." It is glued in place and breaks. 3-5 mo. to replace, when about that time the heater goes out. Another 3 mo. Then the other moto jet goes out, guess what, gotta ripe and break the siding which is glued on, to get at it.
Now don't blame it on the manufacturer. They all seem to have altzimeimer's. Maybe it is the Whisky or the Parkinson's. Next, the heater had to be replaced. But the replacement part has the wrong ground - and had to be gerry rigged. Next it starts leaking, It has been leaking for about 2 yr. while the repair guy tries to get parts. (is that true? Who the heck know? Watkins only will talk to the dealer.)
Now the Repair person wants $35H to replace the control panel, which after 10 years, Watkins no longer has available and therefor may be "weeks" trying to get one.
DO NOT GO NEAR WATKINS OR HOT SPRINGS. RUN RUN RUN!!!!
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
1/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
4/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
3/ 5
Value:
1/ 5
By Customer Service Hot Spring Kylie, May 24, 2022
Hi there, we're sorry to hear that you've had such a frustrating experience. We'd like to get some more information from you. I'll be sending you an email to get your serial number and the name of your dealer so that we can look into this.
Kylie - Customer Care
+2points
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Review 100 for Vanguard
Average Rating:
4/ 5
My Vanguard
Greg
from Charlotte, NC
Age:Over 65
PostedMarch 21, 2022
The overall quality is very good. The method of attachment for the underwater light circuit board needs to be more substantial. Upon installation at my house the board and lights came loose and fell to the bottom deck inside the control section. Both water drain lines need to have more robust attachment to the tub so the connectors don't twist when attaching the cap.
Comfort:
5/ 5
Quality:
4/ 5
Ease of Water Care:
4/ 5
Energy Efficiency:
5/ 5
Value:
4/ 5
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