AquaTerra Spas and Hot Tubs – Good or Bad?

Who is AquaTerra Spas? We’ve been asked by several hot tub shoppers as of late and in this article, we will explain who they are and where they fit in the hot tub marketplace.

First off, AquaTerra is a brand owned by Watkins Wellness who is subsidiary of Masco, a publicly traded company. Watkins Wellness is a hot tub manufacturing titan that owns several other premium brands such as Hotspring Spas, Caldera Spas, Freeflow Spas, Fantasy Spas, Limelight Spas, and Endless Pools (swim spas). They are arguably the biggest hot tub manufacturer in the world. Most of these brands, if not all, are sold exclusively through their worldwide, independent dealer network. AquaTerra, on the other hand, is their “box retailer” brand as made evidently clear on their website which states that AquaTerrra hot tubs can be found exclusively at Costco.com. Furthermore, the AquaTerra website is very bland and generic. It gives very little information as to who they are and does very little to boast the product like they do with all of their other brands. One can only interpret that the brand’s focus is purely on the value driven box retail customer.

To color it in further, AquaTerra is within Waktins rotomold division which also manufactures the Freeflow Spas and Fantasy Spas brands. As mentioned above the latter brands are sold thru independent dealers and fetch a slightly better premium than their AquaTerra counterparts because retail pricing is controlled by each dealer. All three of these rotomold brands are what the industry considers “price point” hot tubs or entry level hot tubs because they are very simple and basic in features and specifications. There is a little bit of crossover into the more premium fiberglass and acrylic models when you look at the AquaTerra “Fairfax” or “Ventura” models. Although these have the look and feel of a traditional hot tub they are more on the low budget end of the spectrum. Furthermore, it’s somewhat cannibalistic for the Watkins’ premium brands because they (and the rest of the industry) compete with AquaTerra on a daily basis and actually have to upsell or sway customers away from buying AquaTerra (from Costco).

There are pros and cons of buying an AquaTerra versus its competitors. We’ve listed some of the more obvious ones.

Pros of Buying AquaTerra (through Costco)

  • Manufactured by a reputable and very large manufacturer of hot tubs (Watkins Wellness).
  • Costco has a very liberal return policy so if your dissatisfied with quality, performance, or service then you can get a refund.
  • Good value especially if you buy during one of Costco’s promotions ($500-$1500 off).

Cons of Buying AquaTerra vs a Premium Brand From an Independent Dealer

  • The brand is sold online through Costco.com so you aren’t able to see the hot tub in person to make sure the fit, finish, and quality are up to par
  • It can be a hassle is you don’t like it for any reason because you will be responsible for getting it back to a local Costco warehouse for a refund
  • Limited color choices available. Typically one shell color option and one or two cabinet options.
  • Shorter warranty and no local dealer support.
  • Limited Features and no customization options.
  • Curbside delivery only.
Aquaterra Spas Logo

As of writing this article, the AquaTerra hot tub models shown below come with the features listed.  We periodically update this list as models get discontinued and new models get released. All of these models are being sold exclusively through Costco online.

1. AquaTerra Grayson – 70 in x 62 in x 32 in
a. 17 Jets with stainless trim
b. 4 Person capacity with a bench on one side and two bucket seats on the other.
c. Multi-Colored LED Wall Light
d. Ozone Water Purifier
e. Locking Hard Cover
f. Steps
g. 110 Volt Plug and Play

2. AquaTerra Newporter – 78 inches (round) x 34 in
a. 22 Jets with stainless trim
b. 4 Person capacity with a bench on one side and two bucket seats on the other.
c. Multi-Colored LED Wall Light
d. Ozone Water Purifier
e. Locking Hard Cover
f. Steps
g. 110 Volt Plug and Play or 220 Volt Hard Wired

3. AquaTerra Brighton – 80 in x 80 in x 34 in
a. Available with or without a lounger (non-lounger gets an extra seat)
b. 25 Jets with stainless trim
c. 6 Person capacity with all bucket seats and 5 person capacity with one lounger and five bucket seats.
d. Multi-Colored LED Wall Light
e. Ozone Water Purifier
f. Locking Hard Cover
g. Steps
h. 110 Volt Plug and Play

4. AquaTerra Maderas – 80 in x 80 in x 34 in
a. Available with or without a lounger (non-lounger gets an extra seat)
b. 45 Jets with stainless trim
c. 6 Person capacity with all bucket seats and 5 person capacity with one lounger and five bucket seats..
d. Multi-Colored LED Wall Light
e. Ozone Water Purifier
f. Locking Hard Cover
g. Steps
h. 220 Volt Hard Wired

5. AquaTerra Fairfax – 84 in x 84 in x 36 in
a. Available with or without a lounger (non lounger gets an extra seat)
b. 80 Jets with stainless trim
c. 2 x 2.5 HP Jet Pumps
d. 6 Person capacity with a lounger and five bucket seats or 7 person all bucket seats (non lounger).
e. Multi-Colored LED Interior and Exterior Lights
f. Bluetooth Stereo System wit Subwoofer
g. Ozone Water Purifier
h. Locking Hard
Cover
i. Steps
j. 220 Volt Hard Wired

6. AquaTerra Ventura – 89 in x 89 in x 36 in
a. 96 Jets with stainless trim
b. 2 x 2.5 HP Jet Pumps
c. 6 Person capacity with a lounger and five bucket seats.
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior and Exterior Lights
e. Bluetooth Stereo System wit Subwoofer
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
i. 220 Volt Hard Wired

7. AquaTerra Calavera – 77 in x 66 in x 29 in (oval)
a. 21Jets with stainless trim
b. 1.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 4 Person capacity with a bench on one side and two bucket seats on the other.
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior 
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
i. 110v Plug and Play or 220 Volt Hard Wired

8. AquaTerra Montecito 81 in x 81 in x 34 in
a. 45 Jets with stainless trim
b. 4.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 6 Person capacity with all bucket seats (no lounger).
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 220 Volt Hard Wired

9. AquaTerra Transport 3.0 – 75 in x 75 in x 34 in
a. 22 Jets with stainless trim
b. 1.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 4 Person capacity with lounger
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 110V Plug and Play

10. AquaTerra Benicia– 70 in x 61 in x 32 in
a. 20 Jets with stainless trim
b. 1.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 4 Person capacity 
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Locking Hard Cover
f. Waterfall
g. 110V Plug and Play

11. AquaTerra Aryana87 in x 77 in x 34 in

a. 45 Jets with stainless trim
b. 4.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 5 Person capacity with lounger.
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 220 Volt Hard Wired

12. AquaTerra Miramar 84 in x 84 in x 36 in

a. 42 Jets with stainless trim
b. 2.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 6 Person capacity with lounger or 7 person capacity with all bucket seats
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 220 Volt Hard Wired

13. AquaTerra Montara 81 in x 63 in x 33 in
a. 25 Jets with stainless trim
b. 1.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 4 Person capacity with lounger
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 110V Plug and Play

14. AquaTerra Avila – 65” x 84” x 29.5”
a. 34 Jets with stainless trim
b. 1.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 4 Person capacity with lounger
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 220 Volt Hard Wired

15. AquaTerra Sanibel 77″ x 87″ x 34”
a. 35 Jets with stainless trim
b. 2.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 5 Person capacity with lounger
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 220 Volt Hard Wired

16. NEW! AquaTerra Viceroy  Lounge or No-Lounger Available – 84” x 84” x 34”
a. 72 Jets with stainless trim
b. 2 x 2.5 HP Jet Pumps
c. 6 Person capacity with lounger or 7 person capacity no-lounger
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 220 Volt Hard Wired

17. NEW! AquaTerra Huntley  Lounge or No-Lounger Available – 78” x 78” x 34”
a. 40 Jets with stainless trim
b. 2.5 HP Jet Pump
c. 5 Person capacity with lounger or 6 person capacity no-lounger
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 220 Volt Hard Wired

18. AquaTerra Navarro87 in x 77 in x 34 in

a. 52 Jets with stainless trim
b. 2.5 HP Jet Pump (2 speed)
c. 6 Person capacity with lounger.
d. Multi-Colored LED Interior
e. Waterfall
f. Ozone Water Purifier
g. Locking Hard Cover
h. Steps
I. 220 Volt Hard Wired

For more information you can visit our brands pages, buyers guides, or simply fill out our “Free Local Hot Tub Quotes” form to get competitive prices on hot tubs in your local area. You can also click our “Spa Buyer’s Consult” link above to get one on one expert advice on the best hot tubs available in your area.

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61 thoughts on “AquaTerra Spas and Hot Tubs – Good or Bad?

  1. Is the height dimension on the AquaTerra hot tub an exterior dimension or the interior dimension. Bottomline – When a person sits in the AquaTerra Calevera (height 29″) is it the same interior depth as the AquaTerra Newporter (height 34″). Thanks

  2. Well I think I’m going to throw in the towel as far as purchasing a hot tub. I’ve checked out all the brands from Marquis to Hot Springs jacuzzis and Artesian and the list goes on. Bottom line when I found out so far to get into a decent hot tub equality that’s local you’re into it for a minimum of $10,000 not to mention a $1,200 fee it will take to run the 2:20 how to the hot tub and the possible easy pad then I’ll have to purchase for $600 just in case where I’m putting it is not level enough. If I lower my standards and even consider Costco hot tubs then from my understanding it’s just a curbside delivery no way! So to buy anything online you can’t do a wet test which is super important in fact the most important part of purchasing a hot tub. So with that being said I’m not going to spend $12,000 for a hot tub then I’ll jump into once in awhile and then I’ll be constantly having to take care of it and check the water condition. Just doesn’t seem like there’s no happy medium. You think I’d be able to buy a hot tub for $5,000 that would be a decent quality and that they would set up and stand behind. I guess not. I guess I’ll just keep going to the gym. Thanks for letting me vent. Have a good day.

    1. Hello Larry. I appreciate you sharing your frustration. The hot tub industry can be a difficult waters to navigate especially since every dealer and salesman you talk to has a somewhat compelling story as to why their hot tub is better than the next. For whatever its worth, I think you’re on the right track as far as brands. Artesian, Jacuzzi, Marquis, and Hotspring are all excellent brands. I also agree with your sentiments on wet testing as a “test drive” is important when you are spending this kind of money. I do disagree, however, that you have to spend $10,000-$12,000 to get a good hot tub. Artesian has their South Seas line of spas that runs between $5000-8000. Jacuzzi has their 200 Series in a similar budget as does Hotspring with their Hot Spot line. Although, these aren’t the top of the line series in each brand they are still great quality hot tubs from some of the best, most respected brands. The most important thing after selecting a good brand and wet testing is to make sure you’re buying from a reputable dealer that has carried that particular brand with some tenure and also has a good service and warranty department. Your other concerns with electrical ($1200) and pad ($600) are valid but such will be the case if you even if you bought an online cheap spa or used hot tub…they are somewhat fixed costs (unless you go 110v). I would suggest doing pavers or crushed rock as they are an inexpensive option and if done right make for good foundations. In my opinion, you can get one of the aforementioned spas for $6000-$7000 and spend another $1500 on electrical and pad and be all in for $7500-$8500 which is not bad by today’s standards and to get a quality hot tub. Hope this helps. Feel free to email directly through our contact form if you would like to discuss in more detail.

  3. Dude, it’s simple, buy the Costco tub for $2800 (84×84″) Have it delivered to the curb, you and a friend roll it to where you want it on some 2 inch PVC pipes, set it down where you want it on a crushed rock level area or put some wood framing in there if you want, you can use tools right, plug it into a regular outlet and you’re good to go

  4. Biggest concern and question would be, can you get parts that will be needed over the years for the Aqua’s and if so where?

    1. AquaTerra is a sub brand of Watkins Wellness Manufacturing (arguably the biggest hot tub manufacturer in the world). They own Freeflow Spas, an older, very established rotomold hot tub manufacturer, that builds the AquaTerra line. So the answer is, yes, the availability of parts should be there over the years. AquaTerra also uses a lot of generic industry parts which should be available from a variety of other manufacturers, distributors, or retailers if AquaTerra ceases to exist.

      1. I TOTALLY disagree with this answer and maybe it’s just because it is four years later but I couldn’t find parts ANYWHERE for our Aquaterra. The parts are proprietary and I HAD to contact Aqua Terra directly. No hot tub stores or online stores could help me. It was a huge pain.

    1. Yes, Roxy, most of the parts are generic to the hot tub industry (should be able to get them easily from third parties)and also available through Freeflow Spas which is the manufacturer that builds the AquaTerra line of hot tubs as a private label.

  5. I read a review of an AquaTerra tub on another site. The guy said he had been spending $120/mo on electricity while using his air conditioning and then it jumped to $450/mo after installing his hot tub. I don’t remember if his was a 220 or 110 setup, but is there an energy concern with AquaTerra? I use my tub outside, year-round for pain therapy. I’m replacing a tub that failed on me this past winter and I maybe moving in the next 18 months, so the price on the Costco tub is attractive. …but not if it cost me several hundred a month (making me think…I don’t have any idea what my other tubs have cost in electricity).

  6. Looking to buy an Aquaterra Fairfax currently on sale at Costco for $5,000.00. Are the 2.5hp jet pumps the same ones used one the Hot Springs models. Can anyone who already owns a Fairfax model give me the model #s of the jet pumps?

  7. I have a Aqua Terra Maderas spa. I bought it from Costco in October of 2017. We did have to hire an electrician to run the wiring from the garage out to the back of the house where it sits so that was an expense ($1500) and I added a deck/gazebo but initially I did buy a hot tub pad ($400–the deck now covers it). I LOVE this hot tub. I have to disagree with the person who said it sucks power. My electricity bill barely went up and I live in Oregon so winters can sometimes get pretty cold. This tub is STILL working flawlessly two years later. I am actually thinking of buying another one for our beach house. The only negatives I have to say are the stairs that come with it are kind of flimsy, and also, some people don’t like the spa surface material on the inside and I do agree, it’s kind of “scratchy.” But I like that because with the smooth spa surfaces, you are constantly slipping!! Go for it. This is a GREAT spa!

  8. I am not sure I understand your comment…..is “there is no way” code for you would never buy it? Your remark is very “cryptic”

  9. who services your hot tubs in the area of 53022 in wisconsin. Want to buy one but need someone in the area to service it or my husband doesn’t want me to but one if we can’t someone to service it in the area.

    1. Irene – it’s best to contact Costco.com directly for these types of questions or contact AquaTerra as they find 3rd party hot tub service people to support the warranty

  10. Costco has a local hot tub company do the servicing. They forgot to put in the ozonator part on our hot tub and so they sent a local company out to do it, free of charge.

  11. I am researching on which is a better hot tub the Aquaterra Spas, Brighton 25-Jet versus the Aquaterra Spas Aryana 45-jet model. Do either of them have stainless steal or titanium heaters? The model with more jets has more voltage and amps, but what’s the HP of its motors? Any suggestions?
    If I order thru Costco I will offer the delivery team a generous tip and hopefully they will move the hot tub to my back yard.

    1. Lawrence – The Costco website and AquaTerra websites aren’t specific on what material the heater (element) is made from. They are typically made from metal alloys like Incoloy, Titanium, or Stainless steel which can withstand high temperatures and corrosion. I’ve found that if they aren’t being specific then they are typically using an Incoloy heating element.

      Also according to the site, the Aryana features a 4.5 break horse power (3.0 continuous duty horse power) 2 speed pump/motor. It is configured as a 230V electrical install with a 4.0 kw heater. Hope this helps.

      Finally, I can’t comment on whether or not the Costco delivery team would do backyard delivery as they explicitly state curbside only. The reason for this is that they use LTL carriers (shipping companies) and not actual hot tub delivery companies. The shipping companies deliver large items and make multiple stops with trucks filled with all kind of large items for residential delivery. These shipping trucks usually have a lift gate that can simply lower the hot tub off the back of the truck and then they use a pallet jack to set it in the driveway. They more than likely don’t have the means to do a backyard delivery even if you offered to pay them to do it. Good luck.

  12. Got Aqua terra Adrian 1 year ago for 1999.00 with the 1000.00 mark down from Costco on Black Friday and it been the best purchase I’ve made. When it was delivered I offered the delivery men 50.00 to place it in my back yard and they did. About $60.00 to run a month and this is California (highest electric charges) I run it all the time at 104 degrees. This is a great product and Costco is the best to deal with after the sale if needed.

  13. I have had an aquaterra at my house in colorado for 5 years at 9000ft in elevation. In the winter it gets 20 below at times. No leaks. I just had a seal on an jet diverter valve give out, just a rubber gasket 3 years in. 2 min to replace and they sent it to me for free

  14. Looking into buying one of these $2k 110v plug and play spas from Costco. Reviews are solid except all acknowledge they aren’t designed for winter use. As I’m in upstate NY, that’s an issue, but I’m fine w being able to use it outdoors from April – October. My question is what is the risk of leaving it outside during the winter? If I drain it and blow out the lines will it be ok in the spring? Are there chemicals you put into the lines (like a Jetski) that will protect everything from freezing and pump from cracking etc??

    Any help appreciated!

    Ab

  15. we are having cloudy & smelly water issues with our 2yr old Fairfax Spa. We have had the water tested over and over, and have changed the filter, but the water is still not clear and welcoming 🙁 Have tried to find a service person to come look at it to no avail. Any ideas? We 20 minutes north of Boston

    1. Seems fair as as long as it is in good shape. Would suggest having it checked out by a technician.

  16. Hi Jack, I know this is a late response to your post but perhaps it will help others. I bought the Costco Aqua Terra Ventura, two pump model. We don’t have A/C near the Pacific Ocean in S. CA. Our electric bill was 60 to 70 a month. After the hot tub, 125 to 140 depending on use. And, we leave ours on all the time just turning the heat to lowest setting when not in use. Of course if you are leaving the tub on high temp at 104 degrees full time you are going to have a much higher bill, right? Rates vary from the providers we are SoCal Edison. Next project, solar panels!

  17. Hi Sophie, I’m assuming you have drained and refilled the tub with fresh water, correct? Try testing your tap water to see how it tests prior to adding any chemicals. We live near the beach and even a little bit of sand along with sunscreen will throw off the water quality quickly. I added a outdoor shower near my tub!

  18. We bought the aquaterra palisades 4yrs ago and still going strong. The only thing im having trouble with is getting a replacement cover..Since I live in Dallas, the heat really took a beating on the cover, and its now absorbing water, and it needs to be replaced. I could never find the replacement, but then I was finally directed to wayfair, but they are out of stock until January, and maybe longer due to covid. Ive been dealing with tons of spa cover companies, and im hitting dead ends…Some websites list aquaterra’s, but only the same few models, but mine is not on that list…I wont be able to run hot tub this year if I cant get a replacement….

    1. Don’t know if you’ve found a replacement cover yet, beyond nice. com will make your cover by sizes and you can get different thickness and colors. Order ours from there and was perfect.

  19. My parents purchased the Verona model spa from Costco a little over two years ago and were really enjoying it. One morning they were getting in and noticed there was no power. Do to the fact they are older and not very mechanically inclined, they called me to assist. I checked all the breakers and fuses, which were all still good. I was able to confirm 220v was getting to the free flow control box. I called tech support, who told me I needed a new free flow control board (part #78448). I was told they sometimes just go out. Not happy about having to fork up about $488.72, I did because I really wanted my parents to be able to enjoy their spa again. I ordered the part, which showed in stock only to later find out it was on back order. After waiting almost two months with no progress on getting the part, I canceled and reordered from the only other place I found that had it and the same thing happened, (back ordered). I first ordered this part towards mid summer, I still have yet to receive the part. After calling around to numerous spa stores hoping by chance someone had the part, which they did not, most stores informed my this was a common complaint from customers trying to get the same part. Had my parents known parts would have been this hard to get and yet unreliable, they would never have purchased it.

  20. I just cannot say enough positive things about our Maderas AquaTerra spa. I gave this to myself as a present for doing a long term MIDDLE school subbing assignment in band! We got it in 2017. We paid some very strong men $200 to haul to our back yard. I also had to hire an electrician $1500 to run the power to the tub so don’t forget to add in those costs! I have not really noticed any increase in our electrical bill. This tub is VERY well-insulated. It also doesn’t take much water to fill it. I buy the filters through Amazon and I change it every time I change the water which is about three or maybe four times a year. We buy bromine through amazon and use the floater. I do have the chemicals for shock, ph up and ph down, etc…..and of course, we have the water test kit. The one thing some people do not like is the Maderas has a rough surface. I like it because it I don’t slip around in the tub. The Maderas comfortably seats four adults. It says more but that is my observation! I would buy an AquaTerra again and I highly recommend it.

  21. I’ve interest in a new hot tub, and happened upon this site. My experience with tubs has been with an owned cedar tub. It had 48″ sides with about 40″ inside from typical water level to floor. I almost never see manufacturers quote typical depth of water level. It is the most important dimension. I assume that one loses about 5-7 inches in the given dimension of height. That said… do you, or any manufacturer make a typical deep tub.

  22. Mike, How would you define the quality of the Aqua Terra Ventura? What were & tear have you seen in your 1st year? Is the interior finish “scratchy” as some have described? How much area did you leave around your tub for access or is it in a very open area? Do you have a lounger model? Looking for lots of feedback, so thanks in advance!!

  23. I LOVE the Aqua Terra hot tub. I bought mine in 2017. It is running like a champ! I actually like the rougher surface. Everything is working perfectly still. If I were to replace my hot tub I would buy another one. Also, I have NEVER noticed a “bump” in my electrical bill. This hot tub is SO energy efficient. I have the Maderas model. It comfortably seats four. I KNOW it say s 5-6 but that would be crowded. It only holds about 280 gallons. So it is not big but VERY economical. I LOVE it!!

  24. I bought the Aquaterra Ventura tub from Costco (online sale had $2K off!!). I had reinforced my deck (elevated) in advance – Probably spent $100 and took me a Saturday. I called some local movers until I found a group that was comfortable moving 900lbs- Hint, if they move pianos, they can move a tub. Cost was $400 to go a 300 yds up hill! I noticed a crack in the main panel. I called Aquaterra and they sent me a new one for free. It’s been great. However, the bluetooth speakers went out 3 weeks in. There’s a trouble shooting list but I haven’t pursued it yet (I tend to prefer peace and quiet in the tub anyway). The Ventura is the biggest and most expensive model. Yes the 220 hook up was $1000 as they had to run a 100 ft of wire/ PVC and an external junction box with a peripheral breaker, but now I can tie in a convenient outlet and light switch for the pool. Purchased/ reinforced/ moved/ installed/ up and running was under $7K. There is NO WAY the local dealer would have done all that for under $15K. So, I recommend.

  25. Thank you Larry for writing this review/statement. I have done a lot of research myself. I feel Excatly the same

  26. I purchased my Aqua Terra Maderas spa in 2017 from Costco. In the year 2021, it started leaking. It seems to be from an “O” ring near the pump. My local hot tub stores sent me home with various rings. NONE of them have worked. I have one I ordered from Amazon and we still haven’t installed it because I don’t know how to do it and my son has been busy but my fingers are crossed! If this one doesn’t work, I will have to order the exact one from Aqua Terra but so far, it has been really hard to get in touch with them (over the phone). We have had to waste a LOT of water filling the tub enough to see if the leak is solved. And also, I am not sure if the leak is actually the O ring or something else. So….It has been a great hot tub for four years but now, I am not so sure.

  27. So we DID find an O ring locally and the leak is solved. I guess, bottom line, is you will have issues eventually. I still LOVE this spa and I am glad we purchased it.

  28. Okay people. I left a review for an Aqua Terra Maderas Spa we bought from Costco in 2018. I gotta say, for three years it was GREAT but in 2021 it started to leak. We THOUGHT it was just the o ring at the pump. But over the past year, it has been a NIGHTMARE. EVERY jet is leaking and needs to be tightened. But you can’t just reach in with a wrench and tighten things. That GREAT insulation you bought your hot tub for that you thought was THE ANSWER to energy savings? Yeah, that same insulation has to all be dug out in order to get to those jets that need tightening. OH? AND NO ONE will help you. Just call ANY hot tub company or technician and mention “leaks” and they will NEVER EVER return you calls. My son and I have dug out ALL that not so great insulation and tightened the jets that we can reach. But we are still in search of a great tool to reach the harder ones. If we can’t get things tightened down, I GIVE UP and will NEVER EVER buy another hot tub from Costco. Good luck to you!!!

  29. I honestly feel like you should go look at this hot tub first. We also put a deck around ours and when it started leaking, it was a nightmare to get to the leaking jets and trying to tighten was super hard as well. I don’t think Aqua Terras are made very well. I would take the time to research your question and find a hot tub that has EASY access to jets and the control panels. Otherwise you will have big issues as it ages and you need repairs. One additional thing is the Aqua Terra parts are proprietary. NO one carries them and you need to order directly from Watkins Spas (the manufacturer) It is SUPER hard to do and many of the parts aren’t even in stock. I have been waiting over a month to get some gaskets that NO one else carries.

    1. Tim, I believe then Aquaterra shells are ABS plastic backed so they would not be self supporting the way a fiberglass backed shell would be.

  30. I would just be very careful with buying an Aqua Terra. Ours failed completely, leaking from nearly every jet. Thank goodness Costco fully refunded our money but my hot tub technician said they are a horrible hot tub. It is impossible to access all the jets. IF I ever buy another spa, I will stay away from anything Watkins Spa makes.

  31. Don’t buy, installation issues and now their cover lifter doesn’t work properly, still trying to work thought with this company, we’ve completely lost the savings we thought we were getting.

  32. Thinking of purchasing a Fairfax but have some questions for the group.
    Is the shell fiberglass or acrylic?
    Are the connections glued only or glued and clamped? Is there an ASB base or just regular 2×4? Are the insulation open cell or closed cell?
    Thanks for any help!!

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