Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Tsmith on April 06, 2015, 09:18:26 pm
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Hi there,
First time hot tub shopper looking for a few opinions. I've narrowed down some choices on hot tub options between two very reputable brands, Hot Spring and Marquis. The Hot Spring dealer keeps pushing the cleanliness of their water quality. I understand the concept, its all filtered..every bit of it through their design. But should I let this really sway my opinion at all if I flat out like the layout of the other guys better? I'm getting the feeling they may just be trying super hard to get the sale, so can I get some opinions? Is the design of the High Life line at Hotsprings really that much better than a more traditionally filtered unit with footwell intakes for the jets? Thanks
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While yes all the water in a HS spa goes through a filter, it's really cool. The kicker is so does everybody else's spa ;) Difference is you have 3 to 5 filters to clean instead of one or two. What you have to look at it water turn over and FWIW filters don't kill bacteria in the water. HS builds a nice spa and so does Marquis. Don't let things like that get to you, figure out which one you like, what one fits your budget and which dealer you feel will take care of you best and go with it.
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So are you saying that because the water turnover is higher in a Marquis spa, their water is just as clean as a HS spa?
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I think he is saying do not let the filtration be the deciding factor for you. Both have good filtration and the water will be clean when maintained properly on either brand. I am partial to Hot Springs but it is all about the right configuration (seats, jets, depth etc) for you, reputable / reliable brand, a dealer that supports you and their product. IMO.
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While yes all the water in a HS spa goes through a filter, it's really cool. The kicker is so does everybody else's spa ;) Difference is you have 3 to 5 filters to clean instead of one or two. What you have to look at it water turn over and FWIW filters don't kill bacteria in the water. HS builds a nice spa and so does Marquis. Don't let things like that get to you, figure out which one you like, what one fits your budget and which dealer you feel will take care of you best and go with it.
But that's just not true. The other spas out there have a bypass, Hot spring doesn't. If you're saying the other's filtration is adequate or more than adequate then sure, that's fine but to say ALL the water goes through the filter on other brands is not accurate.
TSmith, the no-bypass filtration system is really great at keeping the water clean but a Hot Spring spa is about much more than that feature alone and your decision needs to be based on much more than that as well.
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While yes all the water in a HS spa goes through a filter, it's really cool. The kicker is so does everybody else's spa ;) Difference is you have 3 to 5 filters to clean instead of one or two. What you have to look at it water turn over and FWIW filters don't kill bacteria in the water. HS builds a nice spa and so does Marquis. Don't let things like that get to you, figure out which one you like, what one fits your budget and which dealer you feel will take care of you best and go with it.
But that's just not true. The other spas out there have a bypass, Hot spring doesn't. If you're saying the other's filtration is adequate or more than adequate then sure, that's fine but to say ALL the water goes through the filter on other brands is not accurate.
TSmith, the no-bypass filtration system is really great at keeping the water clean but a Hot Spring spa is about much more than that feature alone and your decision needs to be based on much more than that as well.
So your saying that in say a 400 gallon spa, with pump 1 running in low speed turning over say 120 gallons an hour that some of the water is not getting filtered? LOL..
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bottom line , as soon as you get in the tub , there is poop in the water...
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"a 400 gallon spa, with pump 1 running in low speed turning over say 120 gallons an hour"...
A 2 speed pump, running on low speed, is going to move more like 700 to 1000 gallons an hour.
In addition, most "bypass" filters have a spring loaded bypass. What this means/does is that when the pump is running in low speed, the force of the spring keeps the bypass CLOSED (ALL water running through the filter). When the pump goes into high speed, THEN the bypass will open, allowing water to bypass the filter, hence, increasing the pressure at the jets.
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I think the more important thing is how many gallons per day is being filtered. The Marquis filtration will filter quite a bit more water per day. Also, the bottom suctions on a Marquis are plumbed in to the filter housing, and the water that is pulled in through the bottom is forced in to the filter.
I also like the automatic 1 hour "Smart Clean" filtration cycle on the Marquis after you get done using the tub that automatically kicks on.
Both are good tubs and will filter the water well, I would base your decision more on wet testing each model that you're interested in.
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The reality is with Hot Spring Highlife and NXT its setup so that when people are in the spa and the pumps are running and sweat, hair and other less pleasant things get in the water the spa is set up so that 100% of the water goes through the filters, no other spa is set up in that manner and it works great. Others will filter more later in the filter mode to make up for that difference which also works well as we see with other Hot Spring spas like Limelight and Hot Spot.
To the original poster I think your next step is to wet test the models you're considering and see how each works for you.
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I agree with HSA, put filtering way further down your list as long as your choosing a quality brand.
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The reality is with Hot Spring Highlife and NXT its setup so that when people are in the spa and the pumps are running and sweat, hair and other less pleasant things get in the water the spa is set up so that 100% of the water goes through the filters, no other spa is set up in that manner and it works great. Others will filter more later in the filter mode to make up for that difference which also works well as we see with other Hot Spring spas like Limelight and Hot Spot.
Sweat really, and others will filter more later in filter mode? I swear to goodness you guys are brain washed at spa school.. LOL
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Wet test, wet test, wet test. You have it narrowed down to 2 tubs. To say one filters better then the other is asinine. They have two different systems which work for each tub. I think when you wet test the marquis you won't be disappointed!
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I loved the marquis wet test you are right. I can't wet test the Aria because the local dealers won't fill it. Best I can do is wet test the vanguard. I prefer the seat layout of the marquis for more than 2 people but love the Jets...of the Hot Spring Spas. The layout of the Aria is good two for 2-3 people. Argh. I could drive possibly drive 4 hours to try and wet test the aria but all the local dealers are in cahoots and won't allow wet testing of one! Now that's asinine if you ask me. Sitting in it dry it seems comfortable enough with plenty of footholds to keep from floating away. The only thing I didn't like about the vanguard was the footwell was too wide and didn't allow for that. The Wish has the best of both worlds, small footwell with footholds but a layout where 4 people could comfortably sit. I expect we'll rarely have four folks in the tub but it sure would be nice to have that comfort.
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I loved the marquis wet test you are right. I can't wet test the Aria because the local dealers won't fill it. Best I can do is wet test the vanguard. I prefer the seat layout of the marquis for more than 2 people but love the Jets...of the Hot Spring Spas. The layout of the Aria is good two for 2-3 people. Argh. I could drive possibly drive 4 hours to try and wet test the aria but all the local dealers are in cahoots and won't allow wet testing of one! Now that's asinine if you ask me. Sitting in it dry it seems comfortable enough with plenty of footholds to keep from floating away. The only thing I didn't like about the vanguard was the footwell was too wide and didn't allow for that. The Wish has the best of both worlds, small footwell with footholds but a layout where 4 people could comfortably sit. I expect we'll rarely have four folks in the tub but it sure would be nice to have that comfort.
The wish is a cool tub plus right now is spirit of a wish month with marquis. There is a $600 coupon on marquis website for that tub. Anybody who comes in my store and wants to wet test something I have in stock I will always fill it and allow it. Really not that hard to do
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Seems very odd that they won't let you wet test. What happens if you got it home and didn't like it?
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Yeah I will probably call around to more dealers. Even though the one closest to me claims its a corporate policy that they be consistent throughout all their stores now I'm wondering. I'm weary of purchasing without a wet test.
They offer the satisfaction guarantee but I'd need to trade to another one of their tubs. That doesn't help me any when the Aria is the best setup tub for us in their lineup.
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The reality is with Hot Spring Highlife and NXT its setup so that when people are in the spa and the pumps are running and sweat, hair and other less pleasant things get in the water the spa is set up so that 100% of the water goes through the filters, no other spa is set up in that manner and it works great. Others will filter more later in the filter mode to make up for that difference which also works well as we see with other Hot Spring spas like Limelight and Hot Spot.
Sweat really, and others will filter more later in filter mode? I swear to goodness you guys are brain washed at spa school.. LOL
We all know what those other less pleasant things are we're tying to filter so no need going to go into the detail lol.
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The reality is with Hot Spring Highlife and NXT its setup so that when people are in the spa and the pumps are running and sweat, hair and other less pleasant things get in the water the spa is set up so that 100% of the water goes through the filters, no other spa is set up in that manner and it works great. Others will filter more later in the filter mode to make up for that difference which also works well as we see with other Hot Spring spas like Limelight and Hot Spot.
Sweat really, and others will filter more later in filter mode? I swear to goodness you guys are brain washed at spa school.. LOL
Of course its not the sweat but the unmentionable things in the water that we especially need to filter out as we all know ;)!
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Yeah I will probably call around to more dealers. Even though the one closest to me claims its a corporate policy that they be consistent throughout all their stores now I'm wondering. I'm weary of purchasing without a wet test.
They offer the satisfaction guarantee but I'd need to trade to another one of their tubs. That doesn't help me any when the Aria is the best setup tub for us in their lineup.
Keep checking and tell them the wet test has to happen and its non negotiable.
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I checked every dealer within a 3 hour radius. Every one gave me the same story, its electrically impossible for them to fill an Aria for us. I don't understand that when the Vanguard right next to it is full. The Marquis dealer just ran a cord from clear across his showroom to allow a wet test on The Wish. Is it really that more complicated to wet test different Hot Spring models?
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It's up to the dealer, some are better and more accommodating than others for a reason..
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Welcome to the forum. I waited till some of the more technical people spoke. These are both good brands and I would make the filtration details lower down my list other factors, but I think you are in a no -lose situation.
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I checked every dealer within a 3 hour radius. Every one gave me the same story, its electrically impossible for them to fill an Aria for us. I don't understand that when the Vanguard right next to it is full. The Marquis dealer just ran a cord from clear across his showroom to allow a wet test on The Wish. Is it really that more complicated to wet test different Hot Spring models?
A big part of buying a hot tub is getting a dealer you can trust. If you have a dealer that is leaving you with question marks, I'd be shopping somewhere else, even if it meant having to go with a different brand of tub.
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I checked every dealer within a 3 hour radius. Every one gave me the same story, its electrically impossible for them to fill an Aria for us. I don't understand that when the Vanguard right next to it is full. The Marquis dealer just ran a cord from clear across his showroom to allow a wet test on The Wish. Is it really that more complicated to wet test different Hot Spring models?
No it isn't. For whatever reason the dealer doesn't want to accommodate you. Are all the HS dealers near you the same company?
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Yes. Basically they are the only dealer in the state. I'm not too concerned about the stability of the dealer, they have many locations and a long length of time in business. Fairly good reviews overall based on online research. They seem reputable but they seem to have this corporate "rule" that only certain tubs can be filled. I'm honestly surprised they can maintain sales versus competition with this policy but I guess they have folks like us that are so impressed by the brand they are willing to take a leap of faith model to model. In order to fill an Aria and not be in code violation they would need to empty and move one of their tubs. This was something Marquis would do for us. HS is 2k more in price and I'd think for that kind of premium this dealer would be more accommodating. If I didn't honestly believe we would prefer to have the HS in the end, I'd just give the sale to Marquis.
I'm actually considering driving out of state to do a darn wet test. Jeez.
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Yes. Basically they are the only dealer in the state. I'm not too concerned about the stability of the dealer, they have many locations and a long length of time in business. Fairly good reviews overall based on online research. They seem reputable but they seem to have this corporate "rule" that only certain tubs can be filled. I'm honestly surprised they can maintain sales versus competition with this policy but I guess they have folks like us that are so impressed by the brand they are willing to take a leap of faith model to model. In order to fill an Aria and not be in code violation they would need to empty and move one of their tubs. This was something Marquis would do for us. HS is 2k more in price and I'd think for that kind of premium this dealer would be more accommodating. If I didn't honestly believe we would prefer to have the HS in the end, I'd just give the sale to Marquis.
I'm actually considering driving out of state to do a darn wet test. Jeez.
Sounds like a bs excuse to me. Not really sure why you would think you'd like the HS more? Quality wise and therapeutic wise imo marquis is second to none. I like HS but usually when I can get a customer to wet test both they end up buying from me
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Mostly its the Jets. They just feel better to us. SO fell in love with the moto massage. The seat layout takes better advantage of the view we have available as well.
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Mostly its the Jets. They just feel better to us. SO fell in love with the moto massage. The seat layout takes better advantage of the view we have available as well.
Oooow that's a pretty important thing (more important than filtering) and yes the moto is wonderful. But if you can't wet test the HS????? Good view means nothing if your not comfortable underwater in the Aria????? Question marks.
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Mostly its the Jets. They just feel better to us. SO fell in love with the moto massage. The seat layout takes better advantage of the view we have available as well.
Well that's a good reason. How do you know you love the moto without trying it though?
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Mostly its the Jets. They just feel better to us. SO fell in love with the moto massage. The seat layout takes better advantage of the view we have available as well.
Well that's a good reason. How do you know you love the moto without trying it though?
I think they let him wet test a different tub. Maybe the Vanguard???
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Chances are you will like the spa. If they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee to take it back if you don't like it, sounds like a deal. We offer that and I think in 14 years we took back 1.
Stupid they won't fill one for you and some kind of code or rule as to why they can't is ridiculous. Doesn't sound like a HS corporate rule more like a dealer thing?
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We have wet tested the Vanguard. That one is *readily* available to wet test around here (since this dealer has one of those filled up in every darn store!) It has two of the moto massage. So we have wet tested the jets personally of HS. Just not the seating layout of the one we'd like to purchase. I found one dealer about 2 hours away willing to fill the spa we actually want to sit in. Guess its road trip time.
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Chances are you will like the spa. If they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee to take it back if you don't like it, sounds like a deal. We offer that and I think in 14 years we took back 1.
Stupid they won't fill one for you and some kind of code or rule as to why they can't is ridiculous. Doesn't sound like a HS corporate rule more like a dealer thing?
They do have a guarantee but its not a return guarantee just an exchange. Therefore my hesitation. There isn't really a spa in the running to swap models with inside the HS lineup. Just the Marquis Wish at this point. We'll take the time and do the drive to wet test since another seller (in a different company entirely) will actually fill one for us.
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Chances are you will like the spa. If they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee to take it back if you don't like it, sounds like a deal. We offer that and I think in 14 years we took back 1.
Stupid they won't fill one for you and some kind of code or rule as to why they can't is ridiculous. Doesn't sound like a HS corporate rule more like a dealer thing?
They do have a guarantee but its not a return guarantee just an exchange. Therefore my hesitation. There isn't really a spa in the running to swap models with inside the HS lineup. Just the Marquis Wish at this point. We'll take the time and do the drive to wet test since another seller (in a different company entirely) will actually fill one for us.
So, if you drive the two hours to wet test that Aria, and like it, are you buying it from that dealer, or from your local dealer?
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I would buy from my local dealer because they have regional territories and can't sell outside of their own. Got a call from our local dealer today however and after some back and forth about how serious we are about purchasing if the wet test goes well..they agreed to fill the tub. Sure glad they came to their senses as tomorrow was going to be dedicated to the trek to find a wet test. I'm glad not to have to had to waste another dealers time or ours making the drive. As my sales person mentioned when we came in, they didn't realize it was so easy to wire up one of the units. I guess all these showroom folks just leave it to the techs or electricians...and what it came down to was after finally getting the ok from management they had to tackle the job themselves.
When all was said and done they got a sale out of it.
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I would buy from my local dealer because they have regional territories and can't sell outside of their own. Got a call from our local dealer today however and after some back and forth about how serious we are about purchasing if the wet test goes well..they agreed to fill the tub. Sure glad they came to their senses as tomorrow was going to be dedicated to the trek to find a wet test. I'm glad not to have to had to waste another dealers time or ours making the drive. As my sales person mentioned when we came in, they didn't realize it was so easy to wire up one of the units. I guess all these showroom folks just leave it to the techs or electricians...and what it came down to was after finally getting the ok from management they had to tackle the job themselves.
When all was said and done they got a sale out of it.
Its good to see some persistence paid off, let us know how it goes.
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As my sales person mentioned when we came in, they didn't realize it was so easy to wire up one of the units. I guess all these showroom folks just leave it to the techs or electricians...and what it came down to was after finally getting the ok from management they had to tackle the job themselves.
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It's called being lazy. They/he knew what it took to fill and hook a tub up. In the end it sounds like it worked out for you..
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As my sales person mentioned when we came in, they didn't realize it was so easy to wire up one of the units. I guess all these showroom folks just leave it to the techs or electricians...and what it came down to was after finally getting the ok from management they had to tackle the job themselves.
::)
It's called being lazy. They/he knew what it took to fill and hook a tub up. In the end it sounds like it worked out for you..
Yeah that's pretty bad on the salespeople part. I guess it's not a code violation today. I'm not sure how you can be so trusting of people who either lied to you or who have no clue about the products they carry. FYI you can buy the tub wherever they just need to be able to handle warranty work and be able to service it. I could sell a tub across the country if I wanted. I wouldn't because I obviously couldn't service and support it. Hope the BS is worth it and you like the tub
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I'd service it for you tubguy within 40 miles of Sturgeon Lake Minnesota. I get 85 per plus travel surcharge (25$) after 20 miles. 110 Minimum. 60 per hour plumbing plus travel/material. light electrical, same. 40 per hour for snow removal/re-positioning, lawn mowing/yard work, lake home/cabin prep. Hell I'll even stock your fridge and gas up your pontoon. Docks/boat lifts installation/removal quoted. I don't build stuff anymore but I will fix it.
Ooops advertising. Sorry Bill.
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I'd service it for you tubguy within 40 miles of Sturgeon Lake Minnesota. I get 85 per plus travel surcharge (25$) after 20 miles. 110 Minimum. 60 per hour plumbing plus travel/material. light electrical, same. 40 per hour for snow removal/re-positioning, lawn mowing/yard work, lake home/cabin prep. Hell I'll even stock your fridge and gas up your pontoon. Docks/boat lifts installation/removal quoted. I don't build stuff anymore but I will fix it.
Ooops advertising. Sorry Bill.
You work cheap tman. You should he'd out to the east coast a good independent gets double that in my parts
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It cost less to live in gods country.