Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: goodearth on September 22, 2007, 06:49:04 am

Title: Bullfrog??
Post by: goodearth on September 22, 2007, 06:49:04 am
We're going to wet test a 682 today does anyone have any thoughts on Bullfrog spas? The other brand we are looking at is Hot Springs THANKS
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: NROBY on September 22, 2007, 07:21:18 am
I recently purchased a Bullfrog 562 after considering several other brands, including Hot Springs.  The deciding factors were:

•      Overall quality of motors, electronics and components
•      Comfort
•      Customizable jets with the vast array of JetPak options
•      ABS platform with synthetic materials used for framing (I don’t like the idea of wood being exposed to moisture)
•      Design/layout of seating
•      Dealer
•      Corporate responsiveness (I e-mailed technical questions to several companies to evaluate their responsiveness to
       consumers.  Some companies never responded, but Bullfrog was exceptionally expedient and thorough in their  
       responses.)
•      In my opinion, the positive attributes of Bullfrog outweighed the distance of the closest dealer – 100 miles

Good Luck.
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: 104 degrees on September 22, 2007, 08:32:43 am
Quote
We're going to wet test a 682 today does anyone have any thoughts on Bullfrog spas? The other brand we are looking at is Hot Springs THANKS


See if you can try the "neckblaster" on the bull frog. The hot springs is a great hot tub. Tell us how you like the dx motto massage.

Thanks John 104 degrees
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: solo on September 22, 2007, 09:55:26 am
My Hotsprings dealer really didn't care for Bullfrog.  He referenced foul water acumulating behind the seats.  He mentioned all the unions with rubber gaskerts will eventaully leak.  He pretty much trashed them.

But I like them.  It will probably be the next spa I make an offer on.  But I still need to look at Caldera and Jacuzzi.  
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: 104 degrees on September 22, 2007, 10:02:00 am

But I like them.  It will probably be the next spa I make an offer on.  But I still need to look at Caldera and Jacuzzi.  [/quote]


Solo
Let me know how you liked the neck jets on the caldera. also jacuzzi has a new jet, i forget what they are calling it"xr" i think???

Let me know how you liked that one.

Good hunting
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 22, 2007, 11:32:48 am
Quote
I
•      Design/layout of seating


This is always something I've wondered about...don't all of the seats have to be the same dimension in order for the JetPaks to be interchangeable?

Term
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: In Canada eh on September 22, 2007, 11:49:20 am
goodearth,

  We have had our Bullfrog 451 for a little over a year now and we are very happy, no problems with the tub. NROBY is correct if you ever  have a question they respond very quickly.

Term,

   Yes, all the jetpacks are the same width, however they are plenty wide.  I'm 6'2", 195lbs. and they fit just fine.  The jet placement varies for one jetpack to another
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: In Canada eh on September 22, 2007, 11:51:20 am
Quote
My Hotsprings dealer really didn't care for Bullfrog.  He referenced foul water acumulating behind the seats.


This is a fallacy kept alive by competing salespeople.  I a little over a year of ownership I have never experienced any problems behind the jetpacks
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: Repeat_Offender on September 22, 2007, 11:54:13 am
Quote

My Hotsprings dealer really didn't care for Bullfrog.

  

No sh!t?
Those items have been addressed ad-nauseam. That dealer is either ignorant or a liar or more likely both. But you already knew that.
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 22, 2007, 11:56:24 am
Quote
Term,

   Yes, all the jetpacks are the same width, however they are plenty wide.  I'm 6'2", 195lbs. and they fit just fine.  The jet placement varies for one jetpack to another

I have customers that are anywhere from 6'8" to 2'5" and one thing most folks seem to like is having a variety of seating configurations (heighth, width).  Wouldn't the uniformity of the seating in the Bullfrog present somewhat of a problem for these varying sizes?

Terminator


Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: Repeat_Offender on September 22, 2007, 11:57:50 am
Quote

This is always something I've wondered about...don't all of the seats have to be the same dimension in order for the JetPaks to be interchangeable?

Term

The seat backs that the jetpacks go into are identical, but the seat bottom heights and angles differ widely.
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 22, 2007, 12:00:01 pm
Quote
That dealer is either ignorant or a liar or more likely both. But you already knew that.


True, he should not perform his presentation in that manner.  The Bullfrog dealer should also be taken to task for his shady reply regarding the matter of sales tax collection.  THAT is something that could get solo into serious legal trouble.

Some folks just shouldn't be in this industry. :-/

Terminator
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 22, 2007, 12:01:16 pm
Quote

The seat backs that the jetpacks go into are identical, but the seat bottom heights and angles differ widely.

Aha!  That's sensible! :D

Thanks!

Terjinmator
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: In Canada eh on September 22, 2007, 12:03:06 pm
Quote

I have customers that are anywhere from 6'8" to 2'5" and one thing most folks seem to like is having a variety of seating configurations (heighth, width).  Wouldn't the uniformity of the seating in the Bullfrog present somewhat of a problem for these varying sizes?

Terminator



Term,

   The seating is not uniform just the jetpack "plate"(for lack of a better word) placement of the jets varies in height and width from one jetpack to another.  The corner and lounge seats are deeper then the side seats.

  Now about your 2'5" customers :-?
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 22, 2007, 12:28:15 pm
Quote
Term,

Now about your 2'5" customers :-?

It is truly a tale of woe.  I have only told it once before, but as I am never one to withhold information from the fine folks on this forum, I will share this story with you.  I only hope that it will not be too much for you to bear.

Once upon a beautiful fall morning, much as this very one and not too long ago, I was busily resting on my laurels in the back office when the titillating door chime sounded in the showroom announcing a visitor.  Naturally, I began salivating like Pavlov's dog at the mere thought of lining my pocket with ill-gotten booty.

As is my custom, I briefly hesitated before entering the showroom in order not to frighten my quarry into an expedient retreat from my lair.  After approximately 30 seconds, I wiped the froth from my lips, put on my pants, and strode confidently and expectantly into the arena.

No one was there.  Very, very strange.

As I turned dejectedly to resume my inactivity, a gruff voice emanated from the front of my establishment.

"Is innybody here?!" the voice rumbled.

"Um, yes sir...where are you?" I queried.

"Down here, young feller, lookin' at this wangdoozler jacoozi."

As I walked trepidly past the large Vanguard in the middle of the store, I hesitantly gazed around it's beatifully arched corner to behold a sight that chilled me to the boner.

Down on the floor, fervently running his hand over the taupe exterior of a Solana TX, was a 60 year old gentleman.  The unfortunate soul was equipped with no appendages below his waist.  In fact, the only visible appendages were his head and one long, muscular arm which was gripping the edge of the shell with an eager clinch as if he were holding onto a precarious precipice over some unfathomable depth.

"Well, don't stand there like a ninny...gimme a boost so's I can see inside!" he chided.

"Yes sir!" I says whilst lifting up his surprisingly hefty girth.

"Say now, that there is a fine and dandy lookin' tub.  It'd be perfect fer my bedroom.  Lemme down now, son" he instructed.  "How much dis cost?"

"$3795 with cover, delivery, set up, and chemicals," I proudly exclaimed.

Then, I beheld a sight that can only be described as a joyful pirouette of the infirmed and insane.  He began loudly whooping and traversing in a circular pivot on his good arm while flapping his withered "flipper" which slightly protruded from his right shoulder.  He managed about 4 360 degree spins before slowing down and shouting "Hot damn, write me up!"

"Yes sir!  We can deliver it tomorrow if you'd like?"

He liked, we did, and I've never seen him again.

True story, every bit, except for me drooling.

Terminator




Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: Repeat_Offender on September 22, 2007, 01:11:59 pm
Quote


True, he should not perform his presentation in that manner.  The Bullfrog dealer should also be taken to task for his shady reply regarding the matter of sales tax collection.  THAT is something that could get solo into serious legal trouble.

Some folks just shouldn't be in this industry. :-/

Terminator

Agreed, but I've heard many salespeople from different industries give the ole' "cash no tax" routine.
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: In Canada eh on September 22, 2007, 01:17:15 pm
Quote

It is truly a tale of woe.  I have only told it once before, but as I am never one to withhold information from the fine folks on this forum, I will share this story with you.  I only hope that it will not be too much for you to bear.

Once upon a beautiful fall morning, much as this very one and not too long ago, I was busily resting on my laurels in the back office when the titillating door chime sounded in the showroom announcing a visitor.  Naturally, I began salivating like Pavlov's dog at the mere thought of lining my pocket with ill-gotten booty.

As is my custom, I briefly hesitated before entering the showroom in order not to frighten my quarry into an expedient retreat from my lair.  After approximately 30 seconds, I wiped the froth from my lips, put on my pants, and strode confidently and expectantly into the arena.

No one was there.  Very, very strange.

As I turned dejectedly to resume my inactivity, a gruff voice emanated from the front of my establishment.

"Is innybody here?!" the voice rumbled.

"Um, yes sir...where are you?" I queried.

"Down here, young feller, lookin' at this wangdoozler jacoozi."

As I walked trepidly past the large Vanguard in the middle of the store, I hesitantly gazed around it's beatifully arched corner to behold a sight that chilled me to the boner.

Down on the floor, fervently running his hand over the taupe exterior of a Solana TX, was a 60 year old gentleman.  The unfortunate soul was equipped with no appendages below his waist.  In fact, the only visible appendages were his head and one long, muscular arm which was gripping the edge of the shell with an eager clinch as if he were holding onto a precarious precipice over some unfathomable depth.

"Well, don't stand there like a ninny...gimme a boost so's I can see inside!" he chided.

"Yes sir!" I says whilst lifting up his surprisingly hefty girth.

"Say now, that there is a fine and dandy lookin' tub.  It'd be perfect fer my bedroom.  Lemme down now, son" he instructed.  "How much dis cost?"

"$3795 with cover, delivery, set up, and chemicals," I proudly exclaimed.

Then, I beheld a sight that can only be described as a joyful pirouette of the infirmed and insane.  He began loudly whooping and traversing in a circular pivot on his good arm while flapping his withered "flipper" which slightly protruded from his right shoulder.  He managed about 4 360 degree spins before slowing down and shouting "Hot damn, write me up!"

"Yes sir!  We can deliver it tomorrow if you'd like?"

He liked, we did, and I've never seen him again.

True story, every bit, except for me drooling.

Terminator





Thanks for the story Uncle Term, I'm going to have a nap now.......night, night :)
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 22, 2007, 01:51:06 pm
Quote

Agreed, but I've heard many salespeople from different industries give the ole' "cash no tax" routine.

Yep, sleezeburgers all of them.  I just can't cotton dealing with degenerate salespeople.  It is always a joy when you run across one who is a straight shooter.  I can't seem to spend my money fast enough when someone does it right!

Term
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 22, 2007, 01:52:45 pm
Quote

Thanks for the story Uncle Term, I'm going to have a nap now.......night, night :)

G'night honeychile........

Uncle Termy
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: goodearth on September 24, 2007, 06:32:58 pm
Quote
We're going to wet test a 682 today does anyone have any thoughts on Bullfrog spas? The other brand we are looking at is Hot Springs THANKS


WOW WHAT A SOAK!!   Now price, one dealer wants $9850 the other wants $9405 for the same exact spa the cheaper price comes from a retailer that looks like she is going out of business and her "techs" are her 20 something kids the higher price is from a dealer that has a great looking place a service dept and has an electrician he works with and a construction dept if I need it. I'm thinking I might pay a few bucks more rather than chance it with the "cheaper" dealer (you get what you pay for)
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: solo on September 24, 2007, 06:40:29 pm
Quote
But I like them.  It will probably be the next spa I make an offer on.  But I still need to look at Caldera and Jacuzzi.  Solo
Let me know how you liked the neck jets on the caldera. also jacuzzi has a new jet, i forget what they are calling it"xr" i think???

Let me know how you liked that one.

Good hunting

The neck jets on the Caldera were the only part of the spa I didn't care for.  Great lower back massage, comfy seats, very nice power on the jets.  The neck jets were OK, but the head rest was restricting and awkward.  

Everyone has different tastes, but I don't think any spa can do "neck jets" adeqautely for me.  Particularly because my neck needs massaged up near the base of the skull.  For me, I'm gonna have to duck down in any spa to get my neck the way it needs it.  
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: Richs100 on September 24, 2007, 06:41:18 pm
Quote

WOW WHAT A SOAK!!   Now price, one dealer wants $9850 the other wants $9405 for the same exact spa the cheaper price comes from a retailer that looks like she is going out of business and her "techs" are her 20 something kids the higher price is from a dealer that has a great looking place a service dept and has an electrician he works with and a construction dept if I need it. I'm thinking I might pay a few bucks more rather than chance it with the "cheaper" dealer (you get what you pay for)

I would go with the better outfit just for the peace of mind after the sale.  I just had a minor issue with a jet and the auxillary panel in my tub.  One call to my dealer, they show up while I was at work and it's all fixed.  They even delivered some chemicals I needed.  

In my opinion, the extra money with a strong dealer is worth it.
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: In Canada eh on September 24, 2007, 06:45:48 pm
Quote


WOW WHAT A SOAK!!   Now price, one dealer wants $9850 the other wants $9405 for the same exact spa the cheaper price comes from a retailer that looks like she is going out of business and her "techs" are her 20 something kids the higher price is from a dealer that has a great looking place a service dept and has an electrician he works with and a construction dept if I need it. I'm thinking I might pay a few bucks more rather than chance it with the "cheaper" dealer (you get what you pay for)

Goodearth

   See if the higher priced dealer will move a little because of the other dealers price.  Maybe you can talk them into some goodies for the new tub, a years supply of chemicals would probably even out the price.

   The 682 is a really nice spa, you're going to love it
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: goodearth on September 24, 2007, 07:05:04 pm
I agree I wasn't looking froward to dealing with the "cheaper" dealer I've been the the service business for 30 years and I know a dying business when I see one. So it's off to dealer #2 and "lets make a deal"!!  He also is going to give me 30 days to switch and try ANY/ALL jet packs I want so I get the ones that work for me

Quote

I would go with the better outfit just for the peace of mind after the sale.  I just had a minor issue with a jet and the auxillary panel in my tub.  One call to my dealer, they show up while I was at work and it's all fixed.  They even delivered some chemicals I needed.  

In my opinion, the extra money with a strong dealer is worth it.
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: In Canada eh on September 24, 2007, 07:17:36 pm
Quote
He also is going to give me 30 days to switch and try ANY/ALL jet packs I want so I get the ones that work for me


   Thats awesome!

Our favorites are the Gyro'sage and the Neck Masseuse,  I also think we should have purchased the Oscillator but who knows we may still buy that one
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: txwillie on September 24, 2007, 08:27:24 pm
Lot's of Bullfrog chatter on the boards lately. Got me curious to take a look, and I mean look, not browse the website. Unfortunately the dealer locator came back with this:

Dealer Locator
Your closest authorized Bullfrog Spa Dealer is...

msxml3.dll error '80072ee2'

The operation timed out

/pages/locate-dealer-results.asp, line 36

I'm guessing there just ain't one 'round here. Anyone know if there is a Bullfrog dealer in Austin/central Texas?

txwillie
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: 104 degrees on September 24, 2007, 08:43:28 pm



 Anyone know if there is a Bullfrog dealer in Austin/central Texas?

txwillie
[/quote]


East texas spa ;)
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: 104 degrees on September 24, 2007, 08:45:07 pm
Quote

The neck jets on the Caldera were the only part of the spa I didn't care for.  Great lower back massage, comfy seats, very nice power on the jets.  The neck jets were OK, but the head rest was restricting and awkward.  

Everyone has different tastes, but I don't think any spa can do "neck jets" adeqautely for me.  Particularly because my neck needs massaged up near the base of the skull.  For me, I'm gonna have to duck down in any spa to get my neck the way it needs it.  



Thanks :) I'm looking for the shoulders mostly. All the way across.

John
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: txwillie on September 24, 2007, 08:56:58 pm
Quote


 Anyone know if there is a Bullfrog dealer in Austin/central Texas?

txwillieEast texas spa ;)

Never thought of that one, doesn't he sell one of those "brand X" spas? Now to the real point of my reply to 104.... Not sure what little characters you delete when you quote someone, but the quotes never come through as intended
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: 104 degrees on September 24, 2007, 09:06:47 pm
Quote

Never thought of that one, doesn't he sell one of those "brand X" spas?


Its the ones that people drink out of and children wash there hands in ;)
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: mad4sax on September 24, 2007, 09:18:45 pm
Company: Above Ground Pool & Spa Company, LLC
Contact: Patrick Walsh
Address: 11110 Wye Street
City: San Antonio
State & Zip: TX 78217
Country: US
Phone: (210) 646-7665
Fax: (210) 590-1995

How about this one???? From the Bullfog site.

 
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: hottubdan on September 24, 2007, 09:48:00 pm
Quote
Company: Above Ground Pool & Spa Company, LLC
Contact: Patrick Walsh
Address: 11110 Wye Street
City: San Antonio
State & Zip: TX 78217
Country: US
Phone: (210) 646-7665
Fax: (210) 590-1995

How about this one???? From the Bullfog site.

 

texas is a bif state.  San Antonio is not real close to Austin.
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: txwillie on September 25, 2007, 09:21:18 am
Quote

texas is a bif state.  San Antonio is not real close to Austin.

San Antonio is just down the road a bit (90 mi).  Ya have to live in Texas to understand. Less than 200 miles is just down the road a bit. Hell, you can drive 90 miles and not even leave Houston. If ya live out in west Texas, just down the road a bit might stretch to 400 miles.

txwillie
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 25, 2007, 10:04:22 am
Quote
Its the ones that people drink out of and children wash there hands in ;)

Yes, according to the National Sanitation Foundation, HotSpring are the first and only spas that meet the stringent requirements and earn the right to bear the NSF P181 Certification Mark:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/NSFHotSpring-1.jpg)

BTW, we do not sell Bullfrog spas, but I do have a second hand JetPak available for sale:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/trophycopy.jpg)

Terminator
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: In Canada eh on September 25, 2007, 04:52:03 pm
Term

  That jetpack is obviously one of those cheap Bullfrog knock-off ones.  Its a Bullhorn not a Bullfrog ;D
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 25, 2007, 05:04:32 pm
Actually, it'd be a horny toad.

Term
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: In Canada eh on September 25, 2007, 05:12:11 pm
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: D.P. Roberts on September 25, 2007, 07:37:56 pm
Actually, it looks like a long-horned frogalope - and them's good eatin'!
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: East_TX_Spa on September 25, 2007, 07:44:04 pm
Horny toads'r dangerous when provoked, so don't provoke 'em.  When they's scared, they squirt blood outta their eye at you.  My 11-month old does the same thing, 'cept it ain't blood and it don't come outta his eye.  He's scared alot, it seems.  It's his momma's doin'...she has big teeth.

Term
Title: Re: Bullfrog??
Post by: webboy on September 26, 2007, 01:31:37 pm
Quote

San Antonio is just down the road a bit (90 mi).  Ya have to live in Texas to understand. Less than 200 miles is just down the road a bit. Hell, you can drive 90 miles and not even leave Houston. If ya live out in west Texas, just down the road a bit might stretch to 400 miles.

txwillie

If you are interested in going the opposite direction, there is a dealer in Katy/Houston area! ::)