Price on 2013 Hot Spring Vanguard Floor Model

[nutriguy]

Hi I am a first time potential hot tub buyer and received a quote on the Hot Spring Vanguard 2013 floor model (never wet, just sitting out on the floor)  I was quoted $10.3K + tax for the spa plus a cover lift and I believe it has the ACE salt system and delivery. 

This price seem pretty high to me.  We live on Long Island in NY.  We are also going to check out the bullfrog and Master Spa dealer just because I feel that since all these dealers are so close we really should wet test other tubs before making a final decision.  Also to get a feel for pricing. 

Any thoughts on the price?  Is there anything to really worry about getting a floor model like the electiric buttons getting pushed too much (is this a valid concern?)  Is it a waste of time to check out these other spa dealers?

Thanks for everyones help, I've been reading these forums for the past few weeks and they have been so helpful!

[TwinCitiesHotSpring]

very fair price w/ accessories and ACE included, a dry floor model is not really a huge concern...Hot Springs factory warranty won't begin until the tub is on your property so even if an issue arises you are fully covered.  Just being honest I would not waste my time setting foot in a Master Spa dealer, bullfrog has their own "pitch" you may want to check out, but in the end like you said a wet test is crucial imo before laying down 10k+ on a spa

[kurt6137]

That is a excellent price for Long Island, N.Y.  I live upstate NY and purchased my 2013 Hot Springs Sovereign from a dealer, it was out the door for $8500, but when you added the cover lifter, steps ( not the cheap kind) and everything else, I was very close to that and that is a larger tub. I did not get the salt system, due to the fact, i can add it down the road if I want it. I have owned tubs before and chlorine is very easy and with a ozonator, even easier. You can not go wrong with Hot Springs, BullFrog, Sundance, etc…They all make good tubs and my dealer is great. Good luck with your decision and enjoy, it has been quite nippy up here (30 mins. south of Albany) but with the Hot Springs, I'm as toasty as can be.

[dunecritter]

That's a great price with everything you listed to be included. Especially with ACE. But to each their own and wet tests are also sometimes tricky because even a very poor product can feel nice in hot water with jets pushing water. Just saying....

[nutriguy]

Hi, thanks for all the replies, we just came back from wet testing the bull frog R7 and the Hot Spring Envy (though we want the Vanguard)  The quote for the Vanguard is 10K + tax NOT including the ACE salt system (yes, we misunderstood that it could be added, but didn't include it)  For a new R7 we were quoted 10K including tax.  We're torn.  I really liked sitting in the Envy, I felt that I was too low in the Bull Frog.  My husband enjoyed the jets in the Bull Frog much more and had fun trying out all the different types of massagers.  Also it included a sound system that we'd have to add for the Hot Spring.  Oh decisions, decisions! 

I think since the prices are so close, I'd prefer the better quality tub  (I think that is the Hot Spring) but we seem to be getting more with the R7.  Whatever we decide, I know that we'll be sitting in a hot tub by May which is very exciting!!

[hottubdan]

Hot Spring has a Blue Tooth music system promo starting in a week.  See if you can work it with your dealer and you should jump on it.

[meriflower]

We have a Bullfrog and really enjoy it.  We bought it in January and so far has been performing flawlessly.  We too like the different therapy each jetpak provides and like to move our favorite jetpak to our favorite seat.  We will be purchasing more jetpaks in the near future.  As far as your decision, IMO you can't go wrong with either one.  Wet test both again, take your time.

[wmccall]

I was quoted $8900 for a 2012 model without the ACE.