New Buy Dealers In Houston - Jacuzzi, Hot Spring, Sundance, Caldera, D1?

[p0opstlnksal0t]

Hi there. we recently got bit by the spa bug and Ive been searching out info on spa's. We were about to pull the trigger on a Dr. Wellness but have since decided to move on after all of the negative reviews on their build quality.

Now were are looking at these models but im finding it hard to find a dealer that will actually let us "Wet Test" the actual models. Although most dealers do have 1 or two different models on the showrooms that we can test out, none have the actual model we are interested in. I assume this will be good enough to base a decision on as far as seat comfort and lounge comfort? Also can anyone tell me if any of the following models are subpar or not as good as another? Are there any others I should consider that are as large or larger then these? We have a 10'x12' pad and would like to get the biggest one possible.

Can anyone recommend a good dealer with good service (especially after we buy it) in Houston, Tx?

Olympic Pools And Spas
17310 West Grand Parkway
Sugar Land, TX 77479
281-295-1700
http://www.sundancespas.com/880series/maxxus/

Richards Total Backyard ("aria" wet test)
1701 Highway 6 South
Houston, TX 77077
713-468-8827
http://www.hotspring.com/shop-hot-tub-models/limelight/8-person-large-hot-tub-gleam

ihearthottubs.com / spainspectors
4115 L Street, Houston, TX 77072
281-531-8757
http://www.d1spas.com/product/sarena-bay/
http://www.calderaspas.com/shop/utopia/cantabria

Jacuzzi:

http://www.spasdirectoftexas.com
3429 Gulf Freeway
Dickinson, TX 77539
281-332-7727
http://www.jacuzzi.com/hot-tubs/j-400/j-495/

*** I guess I should add Artesian to the list?
http://www.spasdirectoftexas.com
3429 Gulf Freeway
Dickinson, TX 77539
281-332-7727
http://www.artesianspas.com/spa/island/bimini.html

[Vinny]

Not sure where Longview is in relation to where you are but there was a dealer here a while ago that sold Hot Spring: http://www.ilovemyspa.com/

I only "know" him through this site but he seemed to be a pretty customer oriented dealer.

[p0opstlnksal0t]

Thanks but longview is too far.

I actually found quite a few dealers here in houston but most do not have the actual model we are looking at on the floor and willing to fill it up for us.

[Hottubguy]

There is also a Marquis dealer called TexSun in Woodlands. Looks like you have a lot of choices in your neck of the woods. For the Marquis I would start with the reward or wish model and see how you like that. The Reward is a popular one that maybe available for wet testing

[p0opstlnksal0t]

Thanks everyone. we are leaning toward the Artesian Bimini due to its size. we always entertain and have freinds over so a larger tub is definitely more desirable.

How is the build quality/reliability of the Artesian tubs vs the other large 8+ person tubs?


It looks like I can strike these off the list as they don't allow any wet tests:
ihearthottubs.com / spainspectors
4115 L Street, Houston, TX 77072
281-531-8757
http://www.d1spas.com/product/sarena-bay/
http://www.calderaspas.com/shop/utopia/cantabria

[Vinny]

I have a 10 YO Artesian Grand Cayman and it has held up really well IMO. I bought it because back then it was the best bang for the buck, compared to other lower priced tubs. I had some little issues and both Artesian and my dealer took care of me. If nothing has changed quality wise I certainly would recommend them. The only thing after living with the tub and the fact that time has a way of leaving things behind is that it has mostly roto jets but I think that that's the way it was on all 2nd tier tubs back then (mostly the same jets). I haven't done any research recently but since Bullfrog is getting mentioned a lot here I certainly would look at them as well; I don't know prices but their "R" line may be equivalent to the Artesian Island line ... Bullfrog was too new back then for me to consider them.

Honestly though a lot of tubs offer "X" number of people seating but you'll find it extremely difficult to really get that many people into the tub. My tub is rated for 6 or 7 and when you have 4 people it is starting to get cramped - no room in the foot well and the water level is very high! Heck I was in the tub last weekend with my wife and one of my sons and it was almost to the rim ... if it overflows then you have to worry if you have enough water for the filter to work properly.

[JustAnotherNewbie]

My wife and I were in the same situation as you, we wanted the biggest spa from a quality company and established customer oriented dealer. We looked at all the biggies, Grandee, Cantabria, J495, etc. When we first went to the Artesian dealer we asked about the Bimini because it is the biggest they carry.   They suggested the Isla Margarita Elite  it's about 2 feet shorter than the Bimini,  but still large 91X108, and seats 9. It is has more pumps, direct flow, and, imo, more geared towards the therapeutic  massage. Not to mention thousands less, and you don't need a crane for delivery. You should check it out. We haven't taken delivery yet, backyard reno still in progress, but I researched and wet tested for months and this was the right one for us. Good luck.

[drjames1107]

Our Family just bought the Jacuzzi J-470 we love it! Fits 4 perfectly, 6 very well and 7-8 if your close friends,lol. Love all the features lights and bluetooth stereo sounds great. More than enough jets and the water fall is great. We bought from Olympic pools and spas in Conroe (Willis), they were very honest and I feel I got a good price.