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In alphabetical order, I would go Arctic, Artesian, Bullfrog, Caldera, D1, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Marquis, and Sundance as my top brands. Go to the website of each and put in your zip code to see if you have a local dealer. No dealer = irrelevant brand for you. Research your dealers because they are almost as important as the brand. Go from there.
WOW! Thanks for all the help everyone. This is a great way to get started. OK so I did what you said! Top rated dealers in my area based on reviews: Bullfrog, D1, Hotspring, Decent rated dealers (Mixed-reviews) in my area: Caldera (this dealer specializes in hearth/fireplace though), JacuzziAs far as budget.... OK, so we've had a bit of a rude awakening after reading some pricing on this forum, and even a little discouraged. We are planning a large patio project in our backyard, something we've always wanted. We've also wanted a hot tub--my wife especially.As I mentioned, we've never owned a hot tub before, so don't really know how far beyond entry level we'd need. We like to entertain, but mostly want this for me and her to relax and also for some hydro therapy, because we're both fairly active and could use that.So, originally (and please don't laugh haha) I was thinking, "oh how much could they be? 4? maybe 5-thousand?" Yikes... I'm seeing a lot of numbers in the 8-12 range on here and that's just not in the cards for us. I'm wondering if those are more for mid range people who might be getting into their second hot tub and want to level up. That's where we could really use some help next.Thanks so much again for your help, everyone! Truly appreciated!!
WOW! Thanks for all the help everyone. This is a great way to get started. OK so I did what you said! Top rated dealers in my area based on reviews: Bullfrog, D1, Hotspring, Decent rated dealers (Mixed-reviews) in my area: Caldera (this dealer specializes in hearth/fireplace though), JacuzziAs far as budget.... OK, so we've had a bit of a rude awakening
Quote from: jtd1216 on March 20, 2018, 09:19:11 pmWOW! Thanks for all the help everyone. This is a great way to get started. OK so I did what you said! Top rated dealers in my area based on reviews: Bullfrog, D1, Hotspring, Decent rated dealers (Mixed-reviews) in my area: Caldera (this dealer specializes in hearth/fireplace though), JacuzziAs far as budget.... OK, so we've had a bit of a rude awakening after reading some pricing on this forum, and even a little discouraged. We are planning a large patio project in our backyard, something we've always wanted. We've also wanted a hot tub--my wife especially.As I mentioned, we've never owned a hot tub before, so don't really know how far beyond entry level we'd need. We like to entertain, but mostly want this for me and her to relax and also for some hydro therapy, because we're both fairly active and could use that.So, originally (and please don't laugh haha) I was thinking, "oh how much could they be? 4? maybe 5-thousand?" Yikes... I'm seeing a lot of numbers in the 8-12 range on here and that's just not in the cards for us. I'm wondering if those are more for mid range people who might be getting into their second hot tub and want to level up. That's where we could really use some help next.Thanks so much again for your help, everyone! Truly appreciated!!In hot tubs, you will get what you pay for. Be careful not to pay for what you won't get..... In other words, service is just as important as quality. Also, you will see some "flashy" tubs at big box stores or "home shows" that don't have a local dealer. Buyer beware. You are better buying a Bullfrog X series than some other bigger tubs with more "JETS", more "PUMPS", etc. Or buy a Hot Spot from Hot springs over some other big box store "special". Insulation is really important. Quality components is really important. Do the manufactures stand behind the dealer? Most of the reputable ones like Bullfrog, Hotsprings and Jacuzzi (same company) do. Most importantly, YOU need to do your research. Don't depend on dealer. All dealers have their take on the brands they carry. That is all well and good. Have your take on brands based on your research. Wet test. You will be shocked how your opinion will change from tub to tub.
I don't own one (yet...) but I don't see how people can steer away from the engineering (from a fellow engineer) of the Bullfrogs!? 100% wood free and jet packs to change out. I looked at Hot Springs, Jacuzzi, Sundance, Bullfrog (and threw in Viking). I own an old Sundance, but right now, Bullfrog, IMO, is where it's at, and the others are going to have a tough go for the next few years keeping up.