Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: mike on May 17, 2013, 12:44:18 am
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I'm looking @ both of these spa's and looking for some help me on choosing the better spa. I plan on a wet test early next week with a bullfrog. Haven't wet tested the maax yet not sure if they do that @ this dealer? The only thing that worries me about bullfrog is the full foam issue due to rodents etc. However I do like the jet packs & the lack of all those internal hoses. The bullfrog looks like pipes under the kitchen sink, lol. They both are very expensive unit's and want to get the better spa. I know customer service is a big issue as well. I live in the villages Florida and both dealers are close by. I forgot to note I'm 6'2 & wife is 5"8 not sure if that will make a difference. We both want one lounger seat and 5-6 seating total model. Bullfrog A7L vs Maax 471
Thanks, Mike
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Any other choices in your area?
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I've got a Bullfrog, one of their lower end models the 151R. I've been very happy with it. They have good quality components. I have no experience with Maax.
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You don't need to worry about rodents in the Bullfrog. It sits in a plastic pan that seals the bottom. I personally feel that Bullfrog is a much better spa, though there is nothing wrong with maax at all. One thing to note is the Maax spa will have diverter valves. You won't be able to run all of the jets on high power at once. The JetPak design eliminates up to 90% of the plumbing and allows you to have excellent power with all of the jets on simultaneously. I think that you will find the massage is significantly better in the Bullfrog as well. I regularly hear from my wet test customers that the jets were the best of all the spas that they tried.
Good luck in your search :)
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You don't need to worry about rodents in the Bullfrog. It sits in a plastic pan that seals the bottom. I personally feel that Bullfrog is a much better spa, though there is nothing wrong with maax at all. One thing to note is the Maax spa will have diverter valves. You won't be able to run all of the jets on high power at once. The JetPak design eliminates up to 90% of the plumbing and allows you to have excellent power with all of the jets on simultaneously. I think that you will find the massage is significantly better in the Bullfrog as well. I regularly hear from my wet test customers that the jets were the best of all the spas that they tried.
Good luck in your search :)
Thanks so much for the information :) I'm leaning more to the Bullfrog due to the new 2013 h-2 jet packs w/o the plumbing on the backside of the jet packs. Can't wait to wet test the A7L 2013yr model.
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Any other choices in your area?
Yes there is. What Spa brand would you recommend and why?
Thanks :)
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Any other choices in your area?
Yes there is. What Spa brand would you recommend and why?
Thanks :)
I'm not an expert on either but think Maax and Bullfrog are probably about on par with each other. If you visited mutiple choices and these are you two finalists then I'd suggest you wet test each and go with whichever makes the most sense for you.
Since you didn't mention where your search started I can understand why Tman asked the question. If you haven't gone beyond these two I'd personally visit others that I think rate very high (assuming you have other good choices in your area). Its always best to review all options first and narrow it down to a few finalists to wet test. Being tall and considering a lounge you have 2 vitale reasons to wet test which you are seriously considering.
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Any other choices in your area?
Yes there is. What Spa brand would you recommend and why?
Thanks :)
Just wondering if you looked at any other brands to compare Maxx and Bullfrog too. There are several brands that I consider higher quality than either of the 2 your looking at but if they are not in your area for consideration then you have no choice but to go with what I consider lesser quality.
Sounds like a sales person has you convinced that rodents are a problem on full foam tubs. Sounds like a different sales person has you convinced less plumbing is better. So you obviously using the sales pitch to convince you. I wish people would use things like quality of construction and reputation of dealer and manufacturer instead.
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Any other choices in your area?
Yes there is. What Spa brand would you recommend and why?
Thanks :)
Just wondering if you looked at any other brands to compare Maxx and Bullfrog too. There are several brands that I consider higher quality than either of the 2 your looking at but if they are not in your area for consideration then you have no choice but to go with what I consider lesser quality.
Sounds like a sales person has you convinced that rodents are a problem on full foam tubs. Sounds like a different sales person has you convinced less plumbing is better. So you obviously using the sales pitch to convince you. I wish people would use things like quality of construction and reputation of dealer and manufacturer instead.
I originally was interested in Thermo spas I really liked the park ave model & enjoyed the t.v. adds however I found out they moved out of Conn. & moved there plant to Mexico. I also read on line there customer service & company is not what it used to be? This is information I read on line and I'm not certain if it is 100% correct? This turned me away from the park ave model :( That's when I did some local research in my area. People in the villages Florida were I know live said they were happy with these two local dealers and there spas. That doesn't mean I made up my mind @ this time.
The sales people on the other two brands didn't steer me into buying there tubs. I don't want to rush into 10k purchase w/o considering all my options first. I like both of these models and dealers are in my area that is a plus but the sale isn't final yet.
Please give me the upper end tubs that you would consider? I would appreciate that information and will do some some research as well.
Thanks :)
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Any other choices in your area?
Yes there is. What Spa brand would you recommend and why?
Thanks :)
I'm not an expert on either but think Maax and Bullfrog are probably about on par with each other. If you visited mutiple choices and these are you two finalists then I'd suggest you wet test each and go with whichever makes the most sense for you.
Since you didn't mention where your search started I can understand why Tman asked the question. If you haven't gone beyond these two I'd personally visit others that I think rate very high (assuming you have other good choices in your area). Its always best to review all options first and narrow it down to a few finalists to wet test. Being tall and considering a lounge you have 2 vitale reasons to wet test which you are seriously considering.
I originally was interested in Thermo spas I really liked the park ave model & enjoyed the t.v. adds however I found out they moved out of Conn. & moved there plant to Mexico. I also read on line there customer service & company is not what it used to be? This is information I read on line and I'm not certain if it is 100% correct? This turned me away from the park ave model :( That's when I did some local research in my area. People in the villages Florida were I know live said they were happy with these two local dealers and there spas. That doesn't mean I made up my mind @ this time.
The sales people on the other two brands didn't steer me into buying there tubs. I don't want to rush into 10k purchase w/o considering all my options first. I like both of these models and dealers are in my area that is a plus but the sale isn't final yet.
Please give me the upper end tubs that you would consider? I would appreciate that information and will do some some research as well.
Thanks :) for all your help
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I would use the information you have and go visit as many local dealers as you can and listen to all of their sales pitches. In my opinion Maxx is middle of the road and Bullfrog is gimmicky middle of the road. Don't let things like metal frames, insulation method and other dealer hype steer you away from or to any particular brand. Let things like dealer reputation, which your doing, manufacturer reputation for quality and longevity be the things that help you decide along with a wet test if possible. There are about 10 or so manufacturers that stand out as being in business the longest and have a reputation for building quality tubs and standing behind them. In no particular order Dimension One, Marquis, Hot Springs, Sundance, Caldera, Arctic, Artesian, Beachcomber, Jacuzzi and a few others. There are additionally 20-30 middle of the road brands like Emerald, Calspa, Maxx ect, ect. There are also some good quality value tubs like Nordic and Viking and I like Great Lakes for their innovation. Take a look inside at the way it's built, how is it laid out in the equipment area, is it a gobbled up mess or neat and put together well. What is the frame made of and not metal or wood but thin metal or thick metal or 2x2's or 2x4's or flimsy composite or heavy duty composite. Check under the lip of the tub and see how it fits up with the frame and skirting. Get comfortable with the dealer and the price. Then make it comfortable on your butt. If your budget is 10g's your choices are limitless. And Maxx or Bullfrog better be a lot less than 10 grand. A good quality hydrotherapy machine should cost about 8 grand and up depending on how many extra bells and whistles you want. My personal favorite tub is the Dimension One Nautilus, Solid as a rock and will give you a hydrotherapy massage instead of beating you up or just putting you in hot swirling water.
Thermospa really? Did you read any online independent reviews? They have a very bad reputation.
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I would use the information you have and go visit as many local dealers as you can and listen to all of their sales pitches. In my opinion Maxx is middle of the road and Bullfrog is gimmicky middle of the road. Don't let things like metal frames, insulation method and other dealer hype steer you away from or to any particular brand. Let things like dealer reputation, which your doing, manufacturer reputation for quality and longevity be the things that help you decide along with a wet test if possible. There are about 10 or so manufacturers that stand out as being in business the longest and have a reputation for building quality tubs and standing behind them. In no particular order Dimension One, Marquis, Hot Springs, Sundance, Caldera, Arctic, Artesian, Beachcomber, Jacuzzi and a few others. There are additionally 20-30 middle of the road brands like Emerald, Calspa, Maxx ect, ect. There are also some good quality value tubs like Nordic and Viking and I like Great Lakes for their innovation. Take a look inside at the way it's built, how is it laid out in the equipment area, is it a gobbled up mess or neat and put together well. What is the frame made of and not metal or wood but thin metal or thick metal or 2x2's or 2x4's or flimsy composite or heavy duty composite. Check under the lip of the tub and see how it fits up with the frame and skirting. Get comfortable with the dealer and the price. Then make it comfortable on your butt. If your budget is 10g's your choices are limitless. And Maxx or Bullfrog better be a lot less than 10 grand. A good quality hydrotherapy machine should cost about 8 grand and up depending on how many extra bells and whistles you want. My personal favorite tub is the Dimension One Nautilus, Solid as a rock and will give you a hydrotherapy massage instead of beating you up or just putting you in hot swirling water.
Thermospa really? Did you read any online independent reviews? They have a very bad reputation.
Lol really, thats funny Chit about Thermospa. Thank You very much for all Good information you supplied :)
I found out that there is a Sundance dealer 28 miles from where I live. I will need to stop there as well. I see good reviews on the Sundance spa's again very expensive.
I will also check on Dimension one nautilus as mentioned hopefully there is a dealer in my area for a view & wet test?
Thanks again Bro for all your help!!
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Just because D1 is what I consider the best does not mean it will be right for you. Look at as many as you can. You may end up back at Maxx or Bullfrog. Remember its for you and not me.
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This is funny.
So, a number of years ago, and investment group bought Jacuzzi Spas...
Then, the same investment company, bought Sundance Spas.
More recently, they also bought Thermospas (their reputation is from before this time).
Then earlier this year, guess who they bought? D1
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Yes but they all have different molds and processes still, are built in different factory's using different management and people. So they are all very different tubs.
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I keep hearing a lot of people saying Bullfrog is a middle of the road spa and this boggles my mind. Have you had any experience with a Bullfrog in the last 7 or 8 years? Having been in this industry for 17 years, sold multiple major brands including Hot Spring, I would take a Bullfrog over any of them hands down. Their warranty is as good or better than most. The level of service from the manufacturer is top notch. The quality of construction is excellent. Reliability is as good as any other brand that I have worked with. The JetPak design is game changing and not at all gimmicky. They have a track record of continued innovation. This industry is kind of a dinosaur and people in it are skeptical of change and new ideas. Hot tubs have being built essentially the same way for 30 years. Bullfrog saw that there is a better way and has come up with the most truly innovative change in the history of hot tubs. I would guess that the people saying they are gimmicky don't really understand the concept and have little first-hand experience with it.
I'm not saying this to be combative, I just want to make sure that consumers looking for information are getting an accurate portrayal of this brand. It is also not the only brand that I sell, nor would I ever imply it is the only good brand. I suggest everyone at least take a look in person and see for yourself. There is real advantage to their design that is easily demonstrable. I see the response in people who have test soaked multiple brands. When they get in a Bullfrog, their reaction is real and always good. It's not just the jetpaks either. They have built upon that and designed a great spa from top to bottom.
If anyone has questions, I am happy to answer them.
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Yes but they all have different molds and processes still, are built in different factory's using different management and people. So they are all very different tubs.
My understanding is they are all built in the same factory in Mexico now.
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Yes but they all have different molds and processes still, are built in different factory's using different management and people. So they are all very different tubs.
Went to a Hotsprings dealer in Ocala Wow what a disappointment that was. It's to bad I know Hotsprings makes a Great Spa. Not that kinda guy or else I would call Hotsprings direct and complain, a very disorganized store. Well on to a Sundance dealer next week to view & do a possible wet test. Then wet test a Bullfrog I'm starting to shy away from Maax tubs. I'm still doing some research in D-1 tubs and will update you guys sometime next week. Yesterday my cement pad was completed 14" x 20' all I need now is get 220 installed & find the perfect tub.
Thanks Again for all you help, U-Guys Rock! 8)
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Bullfrog builds a decent spa, but it is a component spa, Balboa or Gecko equipment, waterway jet so on and so on. Does it make it a bad spa, no! But doesn't have the jets/filtration/quality a Jacuzzi, Hot Springs or Sundance has. Call me a snob whatever, but if the jet pack thing much like the Beachcomber exterior pac were such a cool latest greatest thing out there, why isn't anybody else doing it? And were not talking in the last 2 months were talking years. Like I said I am not dissing the spa, but it's got much of the same chit that 70% of the spas out there have. Clearwater, Cal-spa, LA spas, Thermo spas, Dynasty, Freeflow, Apollo, Arctic,Coast the list goes on and on.
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I keep hearing a lot of people saying Bullfrog is a middle of the road spa and this boggles my mind. Have you had any experience with a Bullfrog in the last 7 or 8 years? Having been in this industry for 17 years, sold multiple major brands including Hot Spring, I would take a Bullfrog over any of them hands down. Their warranty is as good or better than most. The level of service from the manufacturer is top notch. The quality of construction is excellent. Reliability is as good as any other brand that I have worked with. The JetPak design is game changing and not at all gimmicky. They have a track record of continued innovation. This industry is kind of a dinosaur and people in it are skeptical of change and new ideas. Hot tubs have being built essentially the same way for 30 years. Bullfrog saw that there is a better way and has come up with the most truly innovative change in the history of hot tubs. I would guess that the people saying they are gimmicky don't really understand the concept and have little first-hand experience with it.
I'm not saying this to be combative, I just want to make sure that consumers looking for information are getting an accurate portrayal of this brand. It is also not the only brand that I sell, nor would I ever imply it is the only good brand. I suggest everyone at least take a look in person and see for yourself. There is real advantage to their design that is easily demonstrable. I see the response in people who have test soaked multiple brands. When they get in a Bullfrog, their reaction is real and always good. It's not just the jetpaks either. They have built upon that and designed a great spa from top to bottom.
If anyone has questions, I am happy to answer them.
Sam,
Thanks very much for your input on the Bullfrog spa. I too was very Impressed with this spa and the store T&D patio & pool inc. located @ the Villages Florida. Several hot tubs set up & running etc. The sales associate answered our questions and they have a deal going on till May 27th Free handle cover lift bar, steps & stereo system included. Anyway back to the tub, Jet packs removed & switched out to other locations/seats while tub was in use + the 2013yr has H-2 jet packs-pipeless plumbing w/o all the messy hoses all over the place + if any leaks occurred over 90% of plumbing is inside the shell & would leak back into the water not under the shell. Sounds like a easier repair to me. I thought it was a pretty cool invention. I think your right Sam anyone that hasn't viewed one of these tubs in person & wet tested etc. should do so pretty Freakin awesome idea in my opinion. I'm still going to check out a few more spa company's Sundance, D-1 however the Bullfrog 2013 tubs are high tech almost when the ABS & Airbags came out Lol.
I agree w/u I don't think the New 2013 Bullfrogs are in a middle of the road anymore or comparable to a Maax spa.
I appreciate all the information Tman 122 has given me Awesome Dude however I don't think he has viewed a 2013 yr Bullfrog in person & obtained a full demo. I would think on the Gimmicky side to if I just viewed and read about Bullfrog from the internet or online images etc.
I hope Tman gets a chance to check one out & get back to us with his thoughts? however not sure if there is a dealer close to him. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I lucked out only 4.8 miles from my home. Sundance spa dealer only 26.9 miles. still checking on D-1
I'm so happy I have you guys to obtain this important information.
I can't wait to get my first soak in my First Spa :)
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...but if the jet pack thing much like the Beachcomber exterior pac were such a cool latest greatest thing out there, why isn't anybody else doing it? And were not talking in the last 2 months were talking years.
This is a revolutionary design and was patented to avoid copying. It's not like an improvement to filtering where all hot tubs require some form of filtering so they do a minor change to a good design and call it their own. It would be hard to do something similar and not step on the Bullfrog Jetpack patent. It is an elegant solution to containing piping connections in the wetted environment in an easily replaceable modular part, reducing openings in the wall to a minimum, increasing flexibility, and decreasing friction losses in piping.
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My all time favorite saying "if it's so good why are the other manufactures not using it"
What ever tub you end up with ENJOY.
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Yes I kind of like it as well! My comment was more directed towards Sam, I should have quoted him.
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I think Bullfrog and Maxx have exactly the reputation they deserve. It takes a long time to get a reputation. They have worked hard to get above POS
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Bullfrog builds a decent spa, but it is a component spa, Balboa or Gecko equipment, waterway jet so on and so on. Does it make it a bad spa, no! But doesn't have the jets/filtration/quality a Jacuzzi, Hot Springs or Sundance has. Call me a snob whatever, but if the jet pack thing much like the Beachcomber exterior pac were such a cool latest greatest thing out there, why isn't anybody else doing it? And were not talking in the last 2 months were talking years. Like I said I am not dissing the spa, but it's got much of the same chit that 70% of the spas out there have. Clearwater, Cal-spa, LA spas, Thermo spas, Dynasty, Freeflow, Apollo, Arctic,Coast the list goes on and on.
I actually would look at the non proprietary equipment as a positive thing. That way the customer doesn't get screwed when it comes to replacement parts. I don't know much about the bullfrogs but I hear more negative stuff from my customers about a much more known company the I do about the bullfrogs.
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So do I, it's why we sell parts at cost plus 20, to our customers.
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You are the exception Jim. The dealers with the proprietary parts in my part of the country get top, top dollar for replacement parts
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From Tman122...
There are also some good quality value tubs like Nordic and Viking and I like Great Lakes for their innovation.
We bought a Viking 2 tub last year and love it - and, currently hooked up on 110 and in WI, worked just fine this past winter (can actually hook this model up to 220 as well, fyi). No issues, works like a champ and it gets used heavily. Viking does offer some nice tubs with a lounger as well, so if a dealer in your area carries them, give them a look; a nice balance between price and features, if you are sticking within a certain budget. Also, when searching for our hot tub, Viking was fantastic with calling me back as I bugged them with questions while shopping around. If we ever up-grade several years from now, Viking will likely get our business again (after testing for comfort, etc. with whatever models they have out then).
J
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I think Bullfrog and Maxx have exactly the reputation they deserve. It takes a long time to get a reputation. They have worked hard to get above POS
Have you ever even seen a Bullfrog spa in person?
In another thread you said they have wood and metal in their structure, neither is true their structure is molded plastic. Here you imply they are just above POS. Well then how did they win the 2012 Readers Choice Award for best spa?
Yes, they had a problem with the design in the beginning with lack of water movement behind the jet packs, as I said before, it was revolutionary. No one had done it before so no one had worked out the bugs, no one knew what the problems would be. They solved that issue years ago.
I own one so I know my opinion is biased. I've searched the internet for other reviews. I haven't found many that are bad. Most are about service from the dealers as I find is the case with most spas even D1.
What exactly are you basing your opinion on?
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I suggest anyone commenting to actually look at current products from both companies (inside and out) I have, and I can tell you Maax is not on the same level as Bullfrog...its not even close as a matter of fact
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I think Bullfrog and Maxx have exactly the reputation they deserve. It takes a long time to get a reputation. They have worked hard to get above POS
Have you ever even seen a Bullfrog spa in person?
In another thread you said they have wood and metal in their structure, neither is true their structure is molded plastic. Here you imply they are just above POS. Well then how did they win the 2012 Readers Choice Award for best spa?
Yes, they had a problem with the design in the beginning with lack of water movement behind the jet packs, as I said before, it was revolutionary. No one had done it before so no one had worked out the bugs, no one knew what the problems would be. They solved that issue years ago.
I own one so I know my opinion is biased. I've searched the internet for other reviews. I haven't found many that are bad. Most are about service from the dealers as I find is the case with most spas even D1.
What exactly are you basing your opinion on?
Get your facts right. I have never said that Bullfrog was just above a POS. I said the jet pack idea was gimmicky, I said I didn't consider them high end. My opinion stands. I have only seen a couple and yes they were older. I never said what the Bullfrog frame was made of. I said there are frames made of several things and several levels of those same things.
In this case I base my opinion on those I have seen and the feedback received from service guys in the northern Minnesota area. They are a fine tub but, IN MY OPINION there are better choices if price is no object. And that's what the OP has led us to believe.
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I think Bullfrog and Maxx have exactly the reputation they deserve. It takes a long time to get a reputation. They have worked hard to get above POS
Have you ever even seen a Bullfrog spa in person?
In another thread you said they have wood and metal in their structure, neither is true their structure is molded plastic. Here you imply they are just above POS. Well then how did they win the 2012 Readers Choice Award for best spa?
Yes, they had a problem with the design in the beginning with lack of water movement behind the jet packs, as I said before, it was revolutionary. No one had done it before so no one had worked out the bugs, no one knew what the problems would be. They solved that issue years ago.
I own one so I know my opinion is biased. I've searched the internet for other reviews. I haven't found many that are bad. Most are about service from the dealers as I find is the case with most spas even D1.
What exactly are you basing your opinion on?
Get your facts right. I have never said that Bullfrog was just above a POS. I said the jet pack idea was gimmicky, I said I didn't consider them high end. My opinion stands. I have only seen a couple and yes they were older. I never said what the Bullfrog frame was made of. I said there are frames made of several things and several levels of those same things.
In this case I base my opinion on those I have seen and the feedback received from service guys in the northern Minnesota area. They are a fine tub but, IN MY OPINION there are better choices if price is no object. And that's what the OP has led us to believe.
We've had a similar discussion before, here:
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/forum/index.php/topic,15816.msg169310.html#msg169310
I'm not disputing your opinion, I was just wondering if you have had any recent experience with Bullfrog. Owning a Bullfrog, I wondered why someone of your experience with so many hot tubs didn't seem to value them very high. You answered that above. Thank you.
Since you are an independent repair person and not employed by any of the companies represented here specifically, I value your opinion quite highly, probably above most of the others here. For instance, I've seen pictures of the D1 equipment compartments and to tell you the truth, they are a thing of beauty; very neatly laid out. As an engineering designer, I can appreciate a well laid out machine room.
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5 years ago I tried BullFrog, Hot Springs, Sundance, Jacuzzi, Coast and Arctic. I really liked the Bullfrog but I am 6' tall with short legs. So I had trouble getting under the neck jets on the BullFrog. So I narrowed it down to Sundance and Jacuzzi. At that time Jacuzzi mixed air into the jets and Sundance did not. So we bought a Jacuzzi J-470 and now after sitting in it for 5 years I have never regretted our decision.
Also Jacuzzi Jim has been great on this forum and I didn't even buy the tub from him. But the best advice I got at the time was to wet test until I found one that felt right. For us it was a Jacuzzi hands down, with Sundance a close second. Our biggest disappointment was the Hot Springs. But they were a very high quality tub. There is no one brand that is right for everyone so enjoy the wet testing and don't listen to the sales people. Listen to your body. It will tell you what feels right.
;)
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We've had a similar discussion before, here:
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/forum/index.php/topic,15816.msg169310.html#msg169310
I'm not disputing your opinion, I was just wondering if you have had any recent experience with Bullfrog. Owning a Bullfrog, I wondered why someone of your experience with so many hot tubs didn't seem to value them very high. You answered that above. Thank you.
Since you are an independent repair person and not employed by any of the companies represented here specifically, I value your opinion quite highly, probably above most of the others here. For instance, I've seen pictures of the D1 equipment compartments and to tell you the truth, they are a thing of beauty; very neatly laid out. As an engineering designer, I can appreciate a well laid out machine room.
Thank you.
The layout of the equipment area is one of the most important things to me. Several manufacturers do it very well. Others, even those with stellar reputations do it not so well. But the repair world has us spending 99% of our time with our heads stuck in there. Neatly laid out doesn't necessarily mean easy to work on but those that are easy to work on and neatly laid out get high scores in my mind.
I have only preference to D1 because it did something for me a long time ago when I soaked in one. It just felt right. To be honest I currently have a Cal Spa that seems to feel pretty dang good to. It's noisy and an energy hog and it's for sale (I got it for free in a disposal re-install for a customer). But my preference to D1 is simply because of that feel a long time ago and they meet most of what I consider to be all the criteria that make a great tub a great tub. We shall see if this sale to the group that owns Jacuzzi/Sundance changes that.
Keep in mind I have a real job with one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Midwest as their fleet/equipment manager and may have to rescind my independent repair tech status as I have only done one repair in May and 2 in April and I think 7-8 for the year.
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Yes but they all have different molds and processes still, are built in different factory's using different management and people. So they are all very different tubs.
Still searching for a tub, maax/coleman over priced, did a wet test on the bull frog not comfy on the neck/head area + 10k seem very high.
I'm looking @ D-1 spas now a local pinch a penny sells them. I saw a brochure for the reflection collection however very expensive. the chairman was 15k Wow. Now looking into the home collection, latitude, wayfarer,meridian & sojourn more in my price range approx. 7-8k
are these good quality tubs? I will visit the store again towards the end of week. I know that jaccuzzi bought them out but I agree there still made in Calf. to the best of my knowledge? I was also interested in Sundance also owned by jaccuzzi in Mexico.
Thanks Mike
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keep in mine manufacturing facility in Mexico and corporate headquarters in the states does not make them a Mexican company.
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Any other choices in your area?
Yes there is. What Spa brand would you recommend and why?
Thanks :)
I'm not an expert on either but think Maax and Bullfrog are probably about on par with each other. If you visited mutiple choices and these are you two finalists then I'd suggest you wet test each and go with whichever makes the most sense for you.
Since you didn't mention where your search started I can understand why Tman asked the question. If you haven't gone beyond these two I'd personally visit others that I think rate very high (assuming you have other good choices in your area). Its always best to review all options first and narrow it down to a few finalists to wet test. Being tall and considering a lounge you have 2 vitale reasons to wet test which you are seriously considering.
I originally was interested in Thermo spas I really liked the park ave model & enjoyed the t.v. adds however I found out they moved out of Conn. & moved there plant to Mexico. I also read on line there customer service & company is not what it used to be? This is information I read on line and I'm not certain if it is 100% correct? This turned me away from the park ave model :( That's when I did some local research in my area. People in the villages Florida were I know live said they were happy with these two local dealers and there spas. That doesn't mean I made up my mind @ this time.
The sales people on the other two brands didn't steer me into buying there tubs. I don't want to rush into 10k purchase w/o considering all my options first. I like both of these models and dealers are in my area that is a plus but the sale isn't final yet.
Please give me the upper end tubs that you would consider? I would appreciate that information and will do some some research as well.
Thanks :) for all your help
Mike,
They quoted you 10K for a Bullfrog? The dealer where I just bought my Hot Springs quoted me around 6500. for a Bullfrog. I still went with the 9500.00 HS Envoy. I was not impressed with the BF, but good luck with your choice. The BF just didn't look to inviting to the wife and I.
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Bullfrog has spas ranging in price from approximately $6k to $14k. A $6500 model will not usually look as nice as a $9500 model.
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When we first started looking for a hot tub last year, I found and liked the MAAX Collection 781, it's the old Coleman series. I really like the design of the jets in the lounge, the foot jets have a bottom and top jets, the only hot tub with that design that Im aware of. You'd have to look at the actually brochure you can download to see the unique details.
We have a Maax tub in our main bathroom and are very happy with it. Maax is like Jacuzzi, as they have products in the higher end homebuilding market for showers, tubs, etc plus hot tubs.
Only problem with the 781, almost every dealer wanted $14,500 to $15,000 in my area for the 781 and no one had one I'm stock to wet test. And every dealer was a Hot tub and fireplace store. Personally, I'd been very happy with the 781 if it were to be purchased at a reasonable price. For that price you can custom order a Jacuzzi 470 or 495 and Sundance 880 Maxxus and still have a money left over. The Maax warrantee looks good comparable to Jacuzzi and Sundance, but I doubt it components compares to the top of the line Jacuzzi or Sundance models. Jacuzzi and Sundance probably have a better support system than Maax. Interesting fact, both Jacuzzi and Sundance models role off the same assembly line in Mexico as Jacuzzi moved productions to save overhead cost. Maax collections spas are built onsite in Chandler, Arizona.
Be very caution in letting dealers float the bs about consumer digest model of the year or anything other consumer choice awards. Do your research online and you'll find none of them are a non-profit, unbiased, and purchased at full price and tested by engineers and scientist like our friends at consumer reports. These so called consumer awards are actually paid advertisements from the manufacturer or trade organizations.
I've written consumer reports asking them to consider testing premium hot tubs, I'd be very interested in their unbiased reporting to clear up the numerous sales pitches you hear from different products.
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When we first started looking for a hot tub last year, I found and liked the MAAX Collection 781, it's the old Coleman series. I really like the design of the jets in the lounge, the foot jets have a bottom and top jets, the only hot tub with that design that Im aware of. You'd have to look at the actually brochure you can download to see the unique details.
We have a Maax tub in our main bathroom and are very happy with it. Maax is like Jacuzzi, as they have products in the higher end homebuilding market for showers, tubs, etc plus hot tubs.
Only problem with the 781, almost every dealer wanted $14,500 to $15,000 in my area for the 781 and no one had one I'm stock to wet test. And every dealer was a Hot tub and fireplace store. Personally, I'd been very happy with the 781 if it were to be purchased at a reasonable price. For that price you can custom order a Jacuzzi 470 or 495 and Sundance 880 Maxxus and still have a money left over. The Maax warrantee looks good comparable to Jacuzzi and Sundance, but I doubt it components compares to the top of the line Jacuzzi or Sundance models. Jacuzzi and Sundance probably have a better support system than Maax. Interesting fact, both Jacuzzi and Sundance models role off the same assembly line in Mexico as Jacuzzi moved productions to save overhead cost. Maax collections spas are built onsite in Chandler, Arizona.
Be very caution in letting dealers float the bs about consumer digest model of the year or anything other consumer choice awards. Do your research online and you'll find none of them are a non-profit, unbiased, and purchased at full price and tested by engineers and scientist like our friends at consumer reports. These so called consumer awards are actually paid advertisements from the manufacturer or trade organizations.
I've written consumer reports asking them to consider testing premium hot tubs, I'd be very interested in their unbiased reporting to clear up the numerous sales pitches you hear from different products.
Maax's product and warranty is not in the same class as Jacuzzi...also consumer reports will never review hot tubs because as a whole the industry does not sell enough units per year to be considered for review (and its not even really close)
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Maax's product and warranty is not in the same class as Jacuzzi...
I'm not sure that is an accurate statement.
I don't have the paperwork in front of me, but I believe the Maax warranty was actually on par with the Jacuzzi when I looked at them.
Warranty definitely influences my buying decisions and wouldn't have considered the Maax if the warranty wasn't in the same class as other tubs I looked at.
Also I think this is another one of the reasons to go with a respected dealer, a good warranty won't be worth much if you don't have someone locally to service it.
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Maax's product and warranty is not in the same class as Jacuzzi...
I'm not sure that is an accurate statement.
I don't have the paperwork in front of me, but I believe the Maax warranty was actually on par with the Jacuzzi when I looked at them.
Warranty definitely influences my buying decisions and wouldn't have considered the Maax if the warranty wasn't in the same class as other tubs I looked at.
Also I think this is another one of the reasons to go with a respected dealer, a good warranty won't be worth much if you don't have someone locally to service it.
Not as far off as I originally thought, but there are some differences I've noted below, most notably a very weak 2 yr warranty on Maax's cabinet...they don't seem to have much faith in it comparatively speaking vs. Hot Spring/Sundance/Jacuzzi who all have 5 yrs on the cabinet on spas in similar price range
Cabinet on Jacuzzi = 5 yr...Maax 2yr
Diverter Valves, Filter Lids, headrests on Jacuzzi = 2 yr...Maax 90 day
Stainless Jets on Jacuzzi = 2yr....Maax 1 yr
component is 5 yr on both
shell is 7 yr on both
structure is 10 yr on both
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Maax's product and warranty is not in the same class as Jacuzzi...
I'm not sure that is an accurate statement.
I don't have the paperwork in front of me, but I believe the Maax warranty was actually on par with the Jacuzzi when I looked at them.
Warranty definitely influences my buying decisions and wouldn't have considered the Maax if the warranty wasn't in the same class as other tubs I looked at.
Also I think this is another one of the reasons to go with a respected dealer, a good warranty won't be worth much if you don't have someone locally to service it.
Not as far off as I originally thought, but there are some differences I've noted below, most notably a very weak 2 yr warranty on Maax's cabinet...they don't seem to have much faith in it comparatively speaking vs. Hot Spring/Sundance/Jacuzzi who all have 5 yrs on the cabinet on spas in similar price range
Cabinet on Jacuzzi = 5 yr...Maax 2yr
Diverter Valves, Filter Lids, headrests on Jacuzzi = 2 yr...Maax 90 day
Stainless Jets on Jacuzzi = 2yr....Maax 1 yr
component is 5 yr on both
shell is 7 yr on both
structure is 10 yr on both
Thanks for the information T.C.
I ruled out maax & bulfrog now, down to hotsprings & dimension one spas. I like the latitude d-1 I'm 6'2" and not sure if the lounge will be comfy ? + interested in several models on the hotsprings line. Viewing more h.s. & d-1 models next week.
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Maax's product and warranty is not in the same class as Jacuzzi...
I'm not sure that is an accurate statement.
I don't have the paperwork in front of me, but I believe the Maax warranty was actually on par with the Jacuzzi when I looked at them.
Warranty definitely influences my buying decisions and wouldn't have considered the Maax if the warranty wasn't in the same class as other tubs I looked at.
Also I think this is another one of the reasons to go with a respected dealer, a good warranty won't be worth much if you don't have someone locally to service it.
Not as far off as I originally thought, but there are some differences I've noted below, most notably a very weak 2 yr warranty on Maax's cabinet...they don't seem to have much faith in it comparatively speaking vs. Hot Spring/Sundance/Jacuzzi who all have 5 yrs on the cabinet on spas in similar price range
Cabinet on Jacuzzi = 5 yr...Maax 2yr
Diverter Valves, Filter Lids, headrests on Jacuzzi = 2 yr...Maax 90 day
Stainless Jets on Jacuzzi = 2yr....Maax 1 yr
component is 5 yr on both
shell is 7 yr on both
structure is 10 yr on both
Thanks for the information T.C.
I ruled out maax & bulfrog now, down to hotsprings & dimension one spas. I like the latitude d-1 + several models on the hotsprings line. Viewing more h.s. & d-1 models next week.
Take you time and by all means wet test.