Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Debbie Rice on February 08, 2015, 09:34:27 pm
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I am looking to purchase a new hot tub. I have had one in the past and loved it however when we moved we left it with our house. I always thought Hot Springs was the best but now I wet tested a Bull Frog and I really liked it. I don't know anyone who has a Bull Frog to know if they like it or if they have had any problems with it. I have not wet tested a Hot Springs. I like the idea of the jet packs but wonder if it's a marketing tactic. I doubt most people would move them around. Is one more energy efficient than the other? I know Hot Springs you can go salt water but I don't think Bull Frog offers that. I am looking at A8L Bull Frog. I would love to here your thoughts, insights and experiences. Thank you so much!
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In just under 3 years we have had more major componants replaced then you can shake a stick at. we paid $12,000, which included the Ace system. We have had the xontrol panel replaced 3 times, twice within the first year, circulater pump replaced, heater replaced, Ace system replaced, AND our cover lifter has had parts replaced 12 time (the gas spring and lock). Each and every time Wakins acted as though we were the first customers that have had any issues. It was very frustrating to have spent so much money, to find out MAJOR componants fail within a very short time. When our cover lifter parts kept breaking, and we spoke with Keith at Watkins and said this was very unsafe for these to break while you are in th hottub, as the cover could fall on you. he said he was baffled!! It took 2 years and 10 calls and emails and 12 replacement parts before they would replace the cradle system with someting safer. the Ace system is wonderful when it works,, much cleaner water, nice smell, less work. But, very expensive to replace. Watkins fails to tell you how long it will last (at least they didnt in 2012). They, also, fail to tell you that your cover will get "water logged" and could cause the lifter to fail, and collapse on you!!! We replaced parts to the lifter in less than a year, so I doubt it was "water logged" then.. We have kept details on our service calls, replacement parts etc. It may be wise to check other spa companies. watkins did end up replacing a lot of parts, but it takes awhile to get their attention.
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Interesting two new users create new accounts, both from AOL addresses (Who still uses AOL?) and post about the same topic, call me interested and watching.
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What does AOL have to do with our question? I thought this forum was for advice and help? Just wondering. :-\
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While this forum IS for advice and help, that doesn't in any way detour, people spamming, using it to bad mouth their competitors (e.g. dealers making up stories about another dealer down the street), or consumers using it to unfairly attempt to blackmail the manufacturer of their spa.
What wmccall is saying is that it is VERY suspicious when two first time users come along and create a new account within 1/2 hour of each other, and post in the same thread about the same thing. It becomes even more suspicious when both accounts use the same email provider, and it's a free provider
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Interesting two new users create new accounts, both from AOL addresses (Who still uses AOL?) and post about the same topic, call me interested and watching.
What immense patience shown waiting almost a full half hour after tying the lamb to the stake before releasing the wolf.
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I don't know anything about spam or another person having AOL. I am 58 years old and have never changed my email address because I am not tech savvy! How sad to ask a sincere question and get this kind of response! I guess you don't help people with AOL addresses! I am sorry to bother you!
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The two posts seem like a setup, that's all.
At any rate, my wife and I were originally considering a Bullfrog. We wet tested it and really liked it, but when we asked for a price afterward the sales guy turned into a used car salesman. We ended up with an Envoy NXT. We liked that tub better and the dealership experience was much better. If you read around this forum you'll see people make the statement that the dealership is one of the most important parts of the purchase, as long as you're buying from a top tier brand. Both of those brands are good, but don't limit yourself, shop around and wet test as much as possible and buy what you like the best.
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Thank you for your advice Gizmodo. I don't know what you mean by set up. As a person wanting to make the best choice for my family I thought after I posted I would get tons of input. Instead I felt I was being bullied when I was just asking a honest question. I don't know what others do, I just taken back by the remarks. If this was a wrong question, you can ban me and I will look elsewhere for feedback! I would just caution you that not everyone is out to get you! Thanks again!
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Both are good brands. Wet test is important if you are comfortable with it. Bullfrog has it's own features as well as the HS. HS might be on the higher end of the price scale depending on which mdl you are looking at. Pick a spa you like and also picking a dealer you are comfortable with can sometimes out weigh the brand of spa. Sounds like the guy bashing his HS had a very poor dealer.
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I like the idea of the jet packs but wonder if it's a marketing tactic. I doubt most people would move them around. Is one more energy efficient than the other?
Two things. Yes it is marketing on the jet packs. I prefer to move to a different seat for a different feel rather than purchasing/ moving jet paks. And HS is likely one of, if not the most energy efficient tubs on the market today.
Find comfort in your butt (wet test and wallet) and your dealer.
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Thank you for your input! I truly do appreciate it!
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I like the idea of the jet packs but wonder if it's a marketing tactic. I doubt most people would move them around. Is one more energy efficient than the other?
Two things. Yes it is marketing on the jet packs. I prefer to move to a different seat for a different feel rather than purchasing/ moving jet paks. And HS is likely one of, if not the most energy efficient tubs on the market today.
Find comfort in your butt (wet test and wallet) and your dealer.
Yes the packs are bit gimmicky, but you also have 16 to choose from. Honestly I really like it for the lounge seat if they want the lounge. Least your not stuck with the same jet configuration there. So far we have done really well with Bull Frog. At some point I could I can see them pushing Jacuzzi off the floor. I have heard they have been doing the same at some HS dealers as well as others, like Sundance and Jacuzzi.
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You'll have to change your name Jim.
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You'll have to change your name Jim.
How bout Bull-cuzzi Jim
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What does AOL have to do with our question? I thought this forum was for advice and help? Just wondering. :-\
The only prejudice I will admit to admit to is against AOL users. AOL laid off me and 2500 of my closest friends and I do have this bias in my mind that only the least savy internet users use AOL. What does that have to do with advice and help? Nothing, but I've also been here 12 years and seen a lot of shennanigans by some hot tub companies and one Colorado individual, so I made that statement to draw you out.
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What does AOL have to do with our question? I thought this forum was for advice and help? Just wondering. :-\
Clearly I offended you, but if you have been on the internet long you have to get a thick skin. Over the past 12 years I've seen the fake posts to bad mouth a manufacturer here. Typically the poster hit and runs. I'll have you notice the person who posted the original reply message hasn't come back. Your timing may have/probably was coincidental. I did quite a bit more checking than it might appear. In this politicially correct society some people tell blonde jokes. With my background I tell AOL jokes. 8)
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Thank you all for assistance. I am a serious buyer and I was so happy when I found your site! I appreciate your honesty as I didn't understand all the negative posts at first. I'm sorry anyone lost their job with AOL but I am old school and don't like change so I kept my email address all these years. I certainly take a joke but being new to this forum I just didn't understand!
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Let me officially welcome you to the forum Debbie. Cause none of these bozos did. But understand that we have seen, as Bill said, some things that would drop your jaw over the many years we have been hanging around here for kicks.
Who's to say the second poster made up the whole post about his experience with HS to sway you to BF. He hasn't been back??
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Tman122, thank you for your most kind welcome!
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I looked at Bullfrog pretty hard before I went with Jacuzzi (same dealer had both) .....but I knew with my OCD I would be switching jet packs like crazy and never satisfied .......I also think the poster on HotSprings was full of it as I researched them to and NEVER herd of anyone having problems like that .......
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Thank you all for assistance. I am a serious buyer and I was so happy when I found your site! I appreciate your honesty as I didn't understand all the negative posts at first. I'm sorry anyone lost their job with AOL but I am old school and don't like change so I kept my email address all these years. I certainly take a joke but being new to this forum I just didn't understand!
I never could get my mother to quit using AOL ;) Its just one prejudice I allow myself.
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When your old change is hard! Lol
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For the record I sell Bull Frog and we have very little issues with them. Hotsprings makes a great tub as well. Wet test for the best!
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I am going to have the tub by our pool. That being said I am going to have a vault made for the tub. Concrete walls and floor. I have been told several suggestions - 1. I was told to put it in only 14-16 inches and have 24" access all around the tub. 2. With Bullfrog since most of the mechanism is in the jet packs, I really would only need access to the front panel. My gut says to put 24" around but it's a landscaping issue with what to do so people don't fall in the 24" around the tub. Comments or suggestions?
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I am going to have the tub by our pool. That being said I am going to have a vault made for the tub. Concrete walls and floor. I have been told several suggestions - 1. I was told to put it in only 14-16 inches and have 24" access all around the tub. 2. With Bullfrog since most of the mechanism is in the jet packs, I really would only need access to the front panel. My gut says to put 24" around but it's a landscaping issue with what to do so people don't fall in the 24" around the tub. Comments or suggestions?
You want access around all sides it no matter the model. I'd also only partially sink it in.
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Has anyone ever done this or seen it done? How to cover the hole around the tub?