Looking to purchase 1st hot tub

[trp3383]

Hey everyone.  So my wife and I are starting the adventure of spa ownership.  I'm 5'9 and my wife is 5'6 and were looking for a tub that had good foot jets, and neck/shoulder jets.  I live in South Jersey and don't have many options locally

.  The closest dealer started selling hottubs this past spring and only carriers bullfrogs.  The only other local one sells hot springs.  There are 3 other dealers within 90 mins.  Those options are artesian, south seas, hot springs, bullfrog, dream maker, and maax. 

I'm looking for a 7ft non lounger model and I'm trying to stay between $6-8k.  So far I've reached pricing on a few models over email and they are all pre tax.

Bullfrog x7 - $7400 steps, cover and lifter.
South seas 748B - $7,000 includes steps, cover lifter, and frog @ease
Captiva 49 - $8700 Dual Foot Blasters cover, lifter, steps
Captiva elite 55 - $8400 cover, lifter, steps
Hot Spot Rhythm - $7400 cover, lifter, steps, chemicals, breaker box
Caldera Vanto - $6999 cover, lifter, steps, chemicals, breaker box
Caldera Reunion - $8200 all in
Caldera Salina - $8900 all in
Master Twilight ts 7.25 - $8400

l'm also not sure on what filtration options to get and also ozone.  I plan on using the frog@ease system because I've never owned a spa or pool.

I'm going make the rounds next week and dry test as many as I can.  Only 1 place offers wet testing and not sure what models they have for that.  Any insight would be helpful.  Thanks

[swilly1000]

Only one dealer offering wet test?! That's bogus.

This is a big investment that will take up a of of space, be a focal point and hopefully last 10-20 years.  The wet test will be the single most compelling bit of research you can do. 

I'm very surprised they all don't offer that. Tell the dealers that don't offer wet testing that you are favouring the one that does and see if they change their minds. 

Or ask them for referral to a customer that will have you over to their place for a wet test......lol just kidding (couldn't contain myself)

[dark321devil]

I am in a similar boat also in NJ. We will probably go look within the next few weeks. Is the Bullfrog dealer you spoke to in Toms river?

[trp3383]

I stopped by a caldera dealer today.  They offer wet testing, just waiting on them to get a vanto in stock.  Priced at $6999

[trp3383]

I got the Caldera Vanto down to $6300 plus tax cash deal.
That would include the cover, pro lift 2, steps, chemicals and ozone.  Found another dealer that has south seas, bullfrog and caldera on the floor with wet testing. 

[The Wizard of Spas]

Wet test.  Like many have already said.  If they will not provide a spa for you to wet test, then what else won't they do for you once they have your money?

You need to wet test.  Do it.  This is a lot of money and if you don't know if the tub feels good, the ergonomics are preferable, the jets are what you like, then you're taking a huge, and simply unnecessary, risk. 

Then do research on the dealer.  If they have tons of poor reviews, what makes you think your situation will be different when you need service?

I hope this helps.  Good luck moving forward.

[trp3383]

I found another dealer that has the vanto but in the lounger available for a wet test.  Also got a price on a caldera reunion for $8200 all in.  Hopefully I can wet test that one.  I like the seating arrangement more and the filter is hidden in the corner, but you do lose 1 corner seat with it. 

Reunion upgrades from vanto are

Euphoria foot Jet
two 2.5 HP pumps, opposed to 1.5 HP pumps
Circulation Pump
75 sq ft filter opposed to 65 sq ft
Fresh Water Ready

[Hottubguy]

Reunion is a real nice tub. Not sure how you are getting it that cheap. That’s a great deal that most dealers wouldn’t go anywhere near.

[trp3383]

He said he'd throw in a year of the salt cartridges also, I'm guessing it comes with it already.  I've been to 3 stores so far, and this guy is by far the best.  Reviews are plenty and top notch also.

[Hottubguy]

He said he'd throw in a year of the salt cartridges also, I'm guessing it comes with it already.  I've been to 3 stores so far, and this guy is by far the best.  Reviews are plenty and top notch also.

No it doesn’t come with it. That’s another $300-$400 add on

[trp3383]

Wow, he did say that would be the first tub sold with that system and wanted to see how it goes.

[Hottubguy]

Is he a new Caldera dealer?  I have a lot of those systems out including one in my own backyard. Have had pretty good luck so far with them. What’s included in that price besides salt system and three pack of cartridges?  You are getting a package that should sell for at least 3k more included. Sounds like he’s just trying to get some in the field and isn’t worried about making money on them.

[trp3383]

Comes with the cover, steps, lifter. 

[Hottubguy]

Sounds like a great deal. I guess next stop is wet test. That tub has been in my top 3 of all hot tub sales this year.  Great tub

[trp3383]

I see that the reunion says freshwater salt ready.  Does that mean all you need are the cartridges, or is there another add on?  Also I found a dealer that has the florence in the utopia series for a wet test.  If we like the seating and jets in that one, would it be a similar experience to the reunion?