Hot Tub and Spa
Brand Reviews

Image Paradise 2004

We decided to install a spa to enjoy hydrotherapy at home. All our friends have them, use them, and love theirs. I decided that the best price/performance had to be available from Homedepot, and only cross-shopped vs Spadepot and Calspas. The salesperson(Laura Lathen 800-980-spas, she's the one to ask for) at Icon/Image pointed out that the Paradise was essentially the same as the Symphony without the CD stereo and fiber optic lighting, at $1000 less. The Lowes 10% off coupon applied to purchasing it thru Homedepot/Icon/Image. Just search homedepot site using word "spa". The deal was one year no pay at the time thru Citicorp. The delivery people were great, and placed it right on the pad without extra charge. It took me a few months to pour a 6000 pound concrete pad, and another month to figure out how to run the 220v line. The same model in 2005 is called the Paris.

After one month of use, the spa has exceeded my expectations. The outside materials are high quality. The controller(spa pack) is super: Balboa Model 2000LE M7. The pumps are Emerson rather than GE, but OK so far: 8.5 total horsepower. Two inch plumbing, DEL ozonator, 50 jets, 4kw heater, air jet preheating, foamed in insulation(not the full foamed cabinet type). Plenty of power for heavy-duty massages. Special jets are volcano, waterfall, back, and neck.

Purchased with accessory package: CD ozone, steps, cover lift, 24 led light, & chemicals(bromine; I now rely solely on Spadepot for chemicals and advice).

The best part of this spa is the sheer power. Sure, maybe they overpowered it to make up for too many 90 degree bends in the plumbing, but it works. With all controls turned on it's amazing.

The only thing I would change designwise is having to remove 8 screws to get to the pumps and innards. We are considering the following changes: propane heater, circulation pump, copper based sanitizer(RainForest Blue), and ecological water collection.

Sure, I wish I had the fiber optic lights and stereo. But they would just be conversation pieces. There are no unnecessary features on this model.

No problems so far. The manual could have been better in regards to the filter time commands, but one call to the tech guy solved the mystery. He refused to furnish me with the meaning of some cryptic error messages in the manual, but just like I told him the Balboa controller manual was available on the internet. I'd still rate the tech service as good. I'm still lokking for a friend with a 36 inch arm to install the 24 led light.

We have not yet received our first electric bill. Can't wait!