Top-rated product
Product Reviews
Highlife® Grandee - Pre 2019
<ul>
<li>7 adults</li>
<li>8' 4" x 7' 7" x 38"H/2.54m x 2.31m x .97mH</li>
<li>500 gallons/1,893 litres</li>
</ul>
Overall rating:
4.5
/ 5
220 out of 248(89%)reviewers recommend this product.
Customer reviews for Grandee - Pre 2019
Review 401 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
4
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
4
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
Hollywood
fromRaleigh
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Grandee
PostedApril 27, 2012
excellent, best purchase I have made in some time. I would highly recommend that everyone buy a hot tub for your sanity
Review 402 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
2
/
5
Comfort:
3
/
5
Quality:
3
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
4
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
4
/
5
Value:
2
/
5
Gtown
fromGermantown TN
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Lot of kinks
PostedApril 27, 2012
We have had a lot of issues with the spa since we bought it late December 2011. 1) defective latch for cover had to be replaced. 2)defective PVC pipe that caused the hot tub to lose all it's hot water. It took 11 days for our dealer to service it. 3) a recall heater was just replaced.
On a positive note we do like the hot tub jets but think the seats are too low.
2 of 3 found this review helpful.
Response from HotSpringBy HotSpringEnvoy81, Marketing, November 8, 2012
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. We are very sorry to hear that you've had these issues. We are aware of both of these problems that had come up at the end of last year and are sorry that they have created inconvenience for you. We are confident that both of these issues are behind us now, and we hope you are truly enjoying your Hot Spring Gradee today (even if the seats are a little deep). Your local Hot Spring dealer and our customer service team are both committed to providing you with the Absolute Best Hot Tub Ownership Experience. Our customer service team typically reaches out directly to customers when we receive this type of feedback. If you need additional support please feel free to call us at 800-999-4688 X 8432
Review 403 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
1
/
5
homeowner
fromhome
Junk. New tub will not heat
PostedApril 22, 2012
Tried everuthing in owners manual to get tub to heat. Airlock or high temp shutoff. Nothing works. Total junk!
0 of 5 found this review helpful.
Response from HotSpringBy HotSpringEnvoy81, Marketing, November 8, 2012
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. We are very sorry to hear that you've had these issue getting your Grandee to function properly. Your local Hot Spring dealer and our customer service team are both committed to providing you with the Absolute Best Hot Tub Ownership Experience. Our customer service reaches out directly to customers when we receive this type of feedback. If you need additional support please feel free to call us at 800-999-4688 X 8432
Review 404 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
4
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
4
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
2
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
seaplane pilot
fromGreenville, Maine
25 years of Hot Springs (Watkins) experience
PostedApril 22, 2012
In 1987 a new Grandee tub was delivered and installed in our deck, at our vacation camp, in rural Maine. We kept it at 102 degrees F 365 days per year for more than 20 years. The average monthly electric bill was $60 for the tub. It performed flawlessly; we would shovel the snow off when we came up for a weekend and it was ready to go. Normal maintenance included replacement of the circulating pump, an electrical outage leading to a freeze up and a cracked heater box, a timer and a thermostat replacement and a new cover every 4 to 5 years. The jet pumps never failed, the shell never cracked. A really well built machine.
Two years ago we purchased a new Grandee. The dealer used 100 foot crane to remove and to replace the tubs. The new tub is better engineered with electronic controls (vs mechanical) and a better ozonizer and filtration system. It is more efficient electrically but I have not yet calculated the monthly cost. The Watkins customer service is excellent. Even though the 1987 tub did not have electrical/mechanical drawings on line, they sent me drawing prints for maintenance when I needed them. The additional cost of the tub (over the competition) amortized over the life of the tub makes it the clear choice for long term use.
Two years ago we purchased a new Grandee. The dealer used 100 foot crane to remove and to replace the tubs. The new tub is better engineered with electronic controls (vs mechanical) and a better ozonizer and filtration system. It is more efficient electrically but I have not yet calculated the monthly cost. The Watkins customer service is excellent. Even though the 1987 tub did not have electrical/mechanical drawings on line, they sent me drawing prints for maintenance when I needed them. The additional cost of the tub (over the competition) amortized over the life of the tub makes it the clear choice for long term use.
Review 405 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
Gman71
fromBrighton, MI
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Grandee is the best
PostedMarch 8, 2012
I have had this tub for about 9 months now and enjoy more than I thought I would. The maitenance is a lot easier than I thought it would be which is the main reason that I am happier with this purchase than expected. The main jet did go out and I thought, oh, great now I have to call someone at Hot Spring and get jerked around. Not the case. I called them and they set up a time to have a service technition come out and he diagnosed the problem and ordered the parts and came back out about a week later and I was back in business. There was a charge for the initial service call which is not covered by the warranty but I can understand the reasoning for it so it was really no big deal. Other than that this is a top notch tub. If you don't think so just compare it to any other tub like one that might be on display at a Home Depot or what not and you can physically see the diffrences.
2 of 2 found this review helpful.
Review 406 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
CHICKEN MAN
fromKENT ISLAND, MARYLAND.
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Can't live without it .
PostedJanuary 13, 2012
I have owned 2 Hot Spring Spas in 16 years. We gave the first one to a friend when we moved ( they are still using it ) and bought another one. It is the best way to relax year round. In the summer we turn off the heat and sit in it to cool off. We have friends with cheaper hot tubs, they are cheaper for a reason. On sunny days in the winter, at 25 degrees, it feels like it's 75 and sunny to us. I recommend a Hot Springs Spa to everyone, don't buy the cheaper ones they don't last long.
6 of 10 found this review helpful.
Review 407 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
Dave S
fromAtlanta
Age:35-44
Gender:male
3rd Hot Spring Spa
PostedJanuary 4, 2012
Let me first say I have been a service tech for 22 years. I worked for a Hot Spring dealer in the mid 90's and have sold other brands through the years. I have worked for myself since 1998. My previous spas have been: a 1996 Classic, a 1998 D1 Aurora, a 2002 Caldera Geneva and now own a used 2006 Grandee.
I am in no way affiliated with a dealership and do not currently sell spas. I have 3 techs and over 15,000 customers.
Hot Spring spas are the best, most reliable, easiest to use spas on the market.
They've had a couple trip-ups over the years but, by far they are the best spa to work on. Everything is tracked by serial number - no other company serves their customer base as well as Watkins does.
I use my Grandee almost every day. It helps me get ready to crawl under decks and fix other brands of spas :)
5 of 7 found this review helpful.
Review 408 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
4
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
4
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
4
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
jd2509
fromMontgomery Alabama
Age:45-54
Gender:male
1992 and still going strong!
PostedNovember 27, 2011
We bought our Highlife spa in 1992 and still love it. I can't believe it has held up this well. We have definitely got our moneys worth. I'm glad we didn't buy a cheaper brand when we were buying. I believe the jet pump needs an o-ring right now. It has a slight leak. Not bad for 19 years old.
4 of 5 found this review helpful.
Review 409 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
1
/
5
Comfort:
3
/
5
Quality:
2
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
2
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
3
/
5
Value:
1
/
5
madspaowner
frompottstown,pa
Age:25-34
Gender:male
all hype
PostedNovember 8, 2011
We had our tub for a couple of weeks. Lights don't work on the top. Took cap off poorly attached and there is carboard tube in there and it was full of water. Called for service and they removed the side panels which broke because they are glued and nailed to the spa frame. What happened is the water saturated the carboard into the foam. He pulled all the wet foam out which was 30 gallon trash bag and had to order spray foam. Since the cabinet was open I noticed that the frame is not pressure treated lumber. There is not layers of insulation.
We service guy returned to install new panels and foam I asked about the layers of foam and he said it just hard foam against the shell and floor the rest is normal foam everybody else uses. It is actually called structural foam to hold spa together he told me, because of thin shell material which is normal but the ABS backing is weak and needs reinforced. Also he said the jet pump heat is not transferred back into the water and showed me the dryer vent hose connected to them and the exhaust port.
New foam and panels are on I hope this thing doesn't leak after the warranty runs out.
I am not very happy with all the marketing this company does to sell a spa.
We service guy returned to install new panels and foam I asked about the layers of foam and he said it just hard foam against the shell and floor the rest is normal foam everybody else uses. It is actually called structural foam to hold spa together he told me, because of thin shell material which is normal but the ABS backing is weak and needs reinforced. Also he said the jet pump heat is not transferred back into the water and showed me the dryer vent hose connected to them and the exhaust port.
New foam and panels are on I hope this thing doesn't leak after the warranty runs out.
I am not very happy with all the marketing this company does to sell a spa.
10 of 18 found this review helpful.
Response from HotSpringBy Peggy Watson, Consumer Service Center, November 14, 2011
Good Morning - Thank you for providing feedback to Watkins about your Grandee model spa. I will be glad to provide accurate information to you regarding the insulating for, skirting panels and wooden frame of the spa. Please do either write to me directly at Watkins Mfg. using my email address, [email protected], or by calling my toll-free number, 800-999-4688, extension 4550. I will be glad to help set the record straight. Best regards, Peggy Watson, Specialist, Watkins Consumer Service Center
Review 410 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
4
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
4
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
4
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
4
/
5
count de monet
fromMichigan
Vintage 1993 Model going strong in 2011
PostedOctober 19, 2011
I bought a used 1993 Grandee in 1995 at a great price from an owner who was moving. I'm a DYI guy with an engineering education. I moved it with the help of friends and installed it myself in an enclosed porch. We've enjoyed it immensely over the years. Maintenance/repairs are expected. I replaced a mechanical thermostat, some o-rings in the pumps and a timer circuit board. The hardest fix was a couple of cracks in the Permalite shell which were hard to diagnose. These cracks were caused by a design flaw wherein they did not have sufficient structural support of the shell over the machinery area. i bought and used their "leak repair kit". I'm sure Hot Springs resolved this in later designs. I use the original filters which I brush clean every six months. I use swiming pool grade chlorine granuals which have inert material which coats the filters and improves their filtration. OVER ALL... this has been a GREAT TUB from which I expect many more years of service.
5 of 7 found this review helpful.
Review 411 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
Hank
fromShreveport La
Age:55-65
Gender:male
My wife said, I don't care how much you paid for this hot tub it is worth every penny
PostedSeptember 4, 2011
This has been of the best decsions we have made. We were sitting in our hot tub last January around 9 in the morning and it strated snowing. It was one of the best experiences we haver had.
3 of 4 found this review helpful.
Review 412 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
4
/
5
cntnvision
fromCanton, Ohio
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Great for a marriage
PostedSeptember 2, 2011
This spa is great. good jets, good power. I know these spas are pretty expensive, BUT, they are great for a marriage. Especially if you have kids. This is something that you make time to do with just the two of you. Nothing to do but relax and TALK. I would definately recommend this spa. Lots of room if you like to have friends over.
6 of 10 found this review helpful.
Review 413 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
4
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
4
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
3
/
5
Value:
3
/
5
NotYourAvgJoe
fromMassapequa, NY
HOT SPRINGS HOT TUB
PostedSeptember 1, 2011
We really enjoy our Hot Springs Tub. Its great and soothing on my sore back and feet. Tub works great, maintenance is minimal and not too expensive. Electric is ok, but could be cheaper.
2 of 4 found this review helpful.
Review 414 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
nanbelle14
fromMassachusetts
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Love my spa!
PostedSeptember 1, 2011
So glad we picked the Hot Spring Glow! Best purchase ever!!
0 of 3 found this review helpful.
Review 415 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
3
/
5
Comfort:
4
/
5
Quality:
3
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
3
/
5
Barb
fromState Line, PA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Watch out for the accessories
PostedAugust 31, 2011
Our spa is wonderful, however the "step" we bought to be able to get into it cracked the first season, were replaced, and now have cracked again. They are an important feature as they sit by the spa at all times (wee have the stone look) and any replacement by us HAS to be thru your company and not cheap and should last longer. The railing we purchased to hold onto getting in has deteriorated (the foam on the outside) so bad it is really ugly. SInce we upgraded to get this spa, I feel that the quality of these things should be better. There is also wear and rubbing off of the "stone" facade on the outside and it is not up against anythign that should cause it. The color behind it is ugly gold! I am very disappointed with the exterior of this spa and that is one reason we purchased it! I doubt this will go on your website but once we rplaced the ozonator it has worked fine as far as the water is concerned.
1 of 2 found this review helpful.
Response from HotSpringBy HotSpringEnvoy81, Marketing, November 16, 2012
We are committed to delivering the Absolute Best Hot Tub Ownership Experience. We appreciate that you have taken the time to review your hot tub and provide us with feedback, though we are sorry you are not entirely satisified. Our customer service team reaches out directly to owners when we receive negative feedback to determine what we can do to improve the situation and better meet your expectations. If there is something more that we can do, please feel free to contact us directly at 800-999-4688 X 8432
Review 416 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
otkimberly
fromindiana
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Love it!
PostedAugust 30, 2011
Our dealer had a class to teach the care of hot tub. Time well spent! We love, love, love being in the hot tub when the snow is falling at night time.
1 of 2 found this review helpful.
Review 417 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
4
/
5
chicago cowboy
fromhenderson nv
very good hot tub
PostedAugust 30, 2011
the amount of jets is great, and tub is easy to take care of. the chemicals are a little expensive though. but I'm glad I made the purchase.
0 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 418 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
omba
fromFlagler Beach, FL
The Grand Grandee
PostedAugust 30, 2011
We have owned this spa for 5+ years now.
Our previous tub was sold with the house.
This was our first "major" new home purchase, and we are glad we did.
Our previous tub was sold with the house.
This was our first "major" new home purchase, and we are glad we did.
0 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 419 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
4
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
5
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
Opa Dave
fromNewburgh, Indiana
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Great Spa
PostedAugust 30, 2011
The Hot Spring Grandee has been a great addition to our home. It has brought many hours of relaxation with minimal care required.
0 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 420 for Grandee - Pre 2019
Overall rating
5
/
5
Comfort:
5
/
5
Quality:
5
/
5
Ease of Water Care:
5
/
5
Energy Efficiency:
4
/
5
Value:
5
/
5
chloemax
fromJoppa MD
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Our third Hot Tub
PostedAugust 30, 2011
This HotSpring Spa has been the easiest to maintain.Needs very little maintenance work,uses a small amount of chemicals and has been trouble free.
0 of 1 found this review helpful.