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The circulation pump debate has been going on for years. In my opinion, I think the higher flow filtration cycle systems (like Marquis) work better. If you look back to the 90s/early 2000s, a lot of older Marquis had 24 hr circ pumps, and Marquis went away from that because of their likeliness to fail.If you look at the forum there is a recent topic about someone complaining that they had a Bullfrog that filtered fine with filtration cycles, but now they are having issues with the circulation pump system they bought on their new spa.People will argue it both ways, your water will be easy to take care of with either brand.Most salespeople don't know this, but Lucite (the major acrylic provider for spa shells) discontinued Microban several years ago. It was an old sales pitch that salespeople are still using probably because they don't know better. I don't believe Aristech (the other acrylic provider for spa shells) has Microban either. Marquis shells had Microban back in the day and I could never tell a difference. The current Marquis filters have a Microban coating, but it's hard to say if it's doing much. It does help prevent the growth of mold or bacteria on the surface of the filter. Both are good brands. Here are a few things I prefer about the Marquis: cabinet material is stronger and similar to Trex material (I've never seen it fade), HK40 jets and geyser jets are very nice, underneath the hood is a little cleaner on Marquis (look in the equipment compartments of both), DuraBase ABS bottom standard on Marquis (I think it is optional on Artesian and the Artesian bottom isn't quite as robust from what I've seen).
Some things I'm still mulling over - the Artesian had circulation pump and the Marquis does not. Marquis dealer indicated it wasn't needed and they never do much compared to running full pumps on their clean up cycle and another 2-4 hour run. Yet it seems many people here consider a circulation pump a good add-on, or at least part of their initial search criteria. Thoughts?I also saw Artesian mention microban antibacterial coating on their acrylic. Is this common among brands? I never heard Marquis or anyone else I can recall state this. I'm pretty sure none of the spas manufacturer are making their own acrylic so this might be the norm.
Quote from: MarKee on August 01, 2017, 01:59:09 pmThe circulation pump debate has been going on for years. In my opinion, I think the higher flow filtration cycle systems (like Marquis) work better. If you look back to the 90s/early 2000s, a lot of older Marquis had 24 hr circ pumps, and Marquis went away from that because of their likeliness to fail.If you look at the forum there is a recent topic about someone complaining that they had a Bullfrog that filtered fine with filtration cycles, but now they are having issues with the circulation pump system they bought on their new spa.People will argue it both ways, your water will be easy to take care of with either brand.Most salespeople don't know this, but Lucite (the major acrylic provider for spa shells) discontinued Microban several years ago. It was an old sales pitch that salespeople are still using probably because they don't know better. I don't believe Aristech (the other acrylic provider for spa shells) has Microban either. Marquis shells had Microban back in the day and I could never tell a difference. The current Marquis filters have a Microban coating, but it's hard to say if it's doing much. It does help prevent the growth of mold or bacteria on the surface of the filter. Both are good brands. Here are a few things I prefer about the Marquis: cabinet material is stronger and similar to Trex material (I've never seen it fade), HK40 jets and geyser jets are very nice, underneath the hood is a little cleaner on Marquis (look in the equipment compartments of both), DuraBase ABS bottom standard on Marquis (I think it is optional on Artesian and the Artesian bottom isn't quite as robust from what I've seen).One more thing, the more pumps it has the more it will cost to operate and repair.
Pretty sure I'd need a different suit or none to stay seated long enough to enjoy those jets.
It insulates better in addition to holding heavier snow loads. My opinion is that it is definitely worth it. The cover is the weak link your insulating system. A better insulating cover should make a significant difference.