Quality of Birch Bay and Nordic tubs? Nordic Bella & Birch Bay BR-2.

[fishnaked]

As much as I want an all wood tub, I can't ignore the acrylics.

After a great deal of time searching, the two acrylics that fit my space needs are the $3k Bella Nordic and the $4k Birch Bay Br-2. I like the real wood skirt on the Birch Bay...and the extra size without being too big for my needs.

http://www.nordichottubs.com/hot-tub-models/item/bella.html?category_id=17
http://www.birchbayhottubs.com/index.cfm/product/66/BR-2.html

Does anyone have personal experience with either tub?

How about either brand? Are they reasonable? I had one ex Nordic dealer tell me Nordics were of poor general quality.

Though I do have a budget, I don't want to buy cheesy cheap.

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 I don't know anything on the Birch bay spa, but Nordic builds a decent spa as far as I know, they have been around quite awhile.  As far as what the dealer said it's hard to say..     One difference is the Birch bay is an actual acrylic spa vs the Nordic which is a roto- mold type spa.   Is that a bad thing, no.  Equipment wise they both probably use the same which is Balboa equipment.. 

[Hottubguy]

Nordics are good quality for what they are. They aren't on the same lines as marquis, jacuzzi or hot spring but they make one of the better value tubs. I sell them as my second line and have very few warranty issues. The one upgrade I would do is the synthetic bottom. The tub will last longer

[fishnaked]

Thanks, guys. One thing I forgot to mention is that the Birch Bay looks suspiciously like the Belize Oval II from Spa Depot here: http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Belize-Oval-II-Hot-Tub-Spa-P917C320.aspx

Also, I was told the Birch Bay uses Balboa equipment.

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 Nothing wrong with Balboa equipment.  Many mnfgs use it..   

[Tman122]

Thanks, guys. One thing I forgot to mention is that the Birch Bay looks suspiciously like the Belize Oval II from Spa Depot here: http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Belize-Oval-II-Hot-Tub-Spa-P917C320.aspx

Also, I was told the Birch Bay uses Balboa equipment.

It does look like a re-branded spa depot spa. Or the other way around. Nordic has a good reputation for value.

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

Weird.. their website lists their address as;

18800 Woodinville/Snohomish Rd.
P.O. Box 2140

no city, no state, no zip code

What the??

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

Ok, this is the same address as Clearwater Spas

[fishnaked]

Ok, this is the same address as Clearwater Spas

Yeah, from the dealer's website, whom has the Birch Bay I was inquiring about, also lists Clearwater and West Coast spas. I sense they are from the same maker but branded differently.

I tell ya. The business of these plastic and/or acrylic spas has struck me as having the potential to be seedy. 

Any hoos....thanks for the info, everyone! I appreciate the willingness to help and quick response on this forum. Makes me believe there are good people in this world.

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

How many brands of cars does General Motors make?

[fishnaked]

How many brands of cars does General Motors make?

Good point.

[Pers Onal]

FWIW, The acrylic tub I have used for the past 13 years looks just like new, and no leaks.

[Sam]

Birch bay are indeed made by Clearwater.  They use balboa and aquaflo.  They are an excellent value spa. 

[Tman122]

There ya go. Clearwater makes a decent tub. Can't imagine their value line is junk. Just a lessor spec.

[fishnaked]

Thank you all!