Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: IonHeaven on July 30, 2004, 11:57:59 am
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Hi,
I finally decided to go with the Marquis Reward at $7,095. I ruled out the HS Envoy because it was too expensive for us at $8,200.
The HS dealer just called to see how we were doing and I told him of our decision. He told me about the long term savings of the HS.
I cannot wet test the tub as there is no Envoy in the showroom. I did test the sovergn and loved it, but it was too small. I think the Envoy would feel even better than the Sovergn, right?
Please help fast..I need to decide by tomorrow.
THANKS everyone for seeing me through this far!
IonHeaven
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Oh, I left out that the HS dealer dropped the price to $7,700.
THANKS for your guidance! Ionheaven
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If he has a Vista, try it. The recliner is the same, and the "Captains Chair" is very similar to the two corner seats in the Vista. I have been selling a fair number of Envoys - they seem to be like a Sovereign on Steroids.
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under 5min. now that<s fast.
Is there another dealer not too too far?. If not, it may be verymuch worth your while to hold off a couple of days. That may not be possible given your tone of immediacy. But the last thing I would want is to have doubts after purchase. If the urgency is based on the Marquis dealer giving you a time limit. call him up for an extension. I'm sure he would agree.
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under 5min. now that<s fast.
Is there another dealer not too too far?. If not, it may be verymuch worth your while to hold off a couple of days. That may not be possible given your tone of immediacy. But the last thing I would want is to have doubts after purchase. If the urgency is based on the Marquis dealer giving you a time limit. call him up for an extension. I'm sure he would agree.
OOps Chas beat me to it. Hats off!
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I'm not sure yet how far I would have to go for a wet test. He does have a Vanguard but it's not filled.
BTW, the Marquis dealer said yesterday that the features like the spa frog and jump on cover will not be included after TODAY - the August 1st sale after which included the $200 cupon and package features end. Seems like alot of pressure. He implied these will cost extra on August 2nd. I planned to make the deal on the Marquid tomorrow, but the HS offer is enticing. What do you think?
BTW, any idea on the cost of a disconnect box? (The HS comes with one in the price).
THANKS for your speedy replies! Barbara
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Don't be rushed into a fast decision. With the money you are about to spend, does it really make that big of a difference for a couple hundred dollars here or there, vs being sure you have the spa that you like best?
Follow your gut, if it says to check out the HS, then do yourself a favor and do it.
Or put it totally out of your mind and don't look back.
Brewman
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I would say go with the Hs but then again I am biased since I have owned my HS Landmark for 1 1/2 years. I can gaurantee you will be happy with the Envoy and HotSpring in general if you decide to got that route. Good luck!!!
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IonHeaven:
There is a $605 dollar difference. That is the equivalent of your husband not eating lunch for 61 days, and you not eating lunch for 60 days. You will also save about $100 dollars or more on the sub-panel box that is included in the Hotspring. With this savings that would then be the equivalent of your husband not eating lunch for 51 days and you not eating lunch for 50 days.
There is always a difference between the price of the spa and the cost of a spa. Usually, Hotspring has a high price, but an extremely low cost. This is one of the reasons why Hotspring is and has always been an industry leader.
I unfortunately do not agree with Chas’ statement about the similarity of the Envoy and the Vista. In my opinion, they feel completely different. I have tried both. Yes, I have no shame when it comes to wet-testing spas, and I sell them.
Chris H.
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For those of you interested in my continuing dealer saga, I called ahead and drove over an hour to go back to the HS dealer today. Last time I was there he did not have an Envoy or a Vista. This time he did have a Vista and it was filled!
Since I've been testing spas for a while now I had my towel and swimsuit in the car, so I asked the dealer if I could wet test the Vista thinking I could at least see how the lounge sized up for me since it seems about the same size as the Envoy, and check out the neck jets, which are one of my priorities. (BTW, on the phone he said I could wet test anytime).
Well he didn't seem fond of the idea, but he agreed. I couldn't understand why he was so hesitant. He knows I'm a serious buyer and very close to making a purchase. Anyway, I got in the tub and loved it. I was checking out the calf jets and the foot jets as well as the loung and neck jets. After about 5 minutes I asked about the different settings and how the diverts work and he started looking at his watch and after about 7 or so minutes he said, "last call". I looked at him astonished, got out of the tub and left.
It was not near closing. I know the amount of time I was in the tub because I was on a tight schedule for a school play. This made me feel really uneasy. Is 5 minutes a long time for a wet test? Other dealers seemed to appreciate me taking my time to really see everything the spa had to offer.
Buying a spa shouldn't be this difficult.
I keep trying to think mainly about what I like about each the Marquis and the HS, attempting to leave the negative impact of the dealers out of it, but am realizing that trust and comfort with the dealer is a big part of this decision.
At this point it totally isn't about the $600. Maybe HS is a better value for the money, I don't know. The HS guy said the Marquis only filters water from the top and the water that goes through the bottom only goes back through to the jets unfiltered. The marquis dealer made a big point of how the tub is filtered both ways?? How's a customer to know?
All I know is I could use some help.
BTW, the wet test was awesome. Really great on the neck and shoulders. I don't think the Envoy would be a dissapointment as far that goes.
The power was pushing me out of the seat... but I imagine you can control that?? (didn't get a chance to find out ???)
My family loved the whirlpool in the Marquis.
My husband and I were planning to go make the purchase tomorrow. I think I need a vacation from all this.
Thanks for your continued help over the final hurdles,
Barbara
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You are going to have to tell us who this HS dealer is! I would like to have a little chat with him after you buy - no matter which tub you buy! :o
I'm glad you got to try the Vista. Yes, you can moderate the jets. You can adjust the amount of air from each jet, and the diverters can select all the way on or all the way off - and anything in between - for a lot of the jets, tho they usually end up in the middle for most folks (every single jet in the tub running, less pressure).
This is ironic, because I have just spent the last two days tripping over the flex conduit running to the Soverign in our Ventura store. We had two couples who wanted to try it, so I pulled the power off the Siberian and filled the Sov. They both loved it - and the Siberian is only down to the upper 80's after sitting without power since Tuesday.
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Chas, Did you time their soak and inform them of the 'last call'? Just kidding. If you remember my previous post, the Marqui guy wouldn't let me test the tub during store hours, but couldn't find time after hours either. It took 3 week before I could wet test. (Remember my original post about dealers not helping me buy a hot tub?) I loved the spa too though.
Now, I'm going in with the money in my pocket at this point and things are no different.
Still undecided...IonHeaven
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Wow,
Our HS dealer is very nice. Showed us how to operate the tub, then left us alone. No pressure!
He convinced me HS is the best (I believe they make a very top of the line product).
I would have bought HS, but it didn't fit me or my wife right.
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I'm just back from driving 2 hours each way to see the Envoy at one of the nicest dealerships I've been to yet! Only thing, they are not willing to fill the Envoy for me to test. Oh well, said it was alot of work because of the wiring or something. He only had a Sovergn to wet test.
Even though they are far away, they assure me that in the winter they will come in 24 hours and on the average other times of the year, 48 hours. I talked with their service guy, who was also great and extremely knowledgeable. They matched the price of the other HS dealer's price (about 1.5 hrs. away) due to their no tax sale and by not charging me the extra 200 for the Pearl shell.
I finally felt like someone actually cared about my business. I sure would love to wet test the tub, but I have been in both a vista and a sovergn and loved them both.
Finally, customer service! One question though for all you dealers out there. Is it unusual to have a tub for wet testing not working perfectly? One of the diverters on the sovergn that I tested wasn't working correctly and the LED multicolored light wasn't working. Seemed wierd ???
Tomorrow I have to talk this all over with my husband. I think we're getting a better tub for a few more dollars, but I'm not sure how to help him see that. Any suggestions?
Thanks again everyone!
Spatopia is soon to become a reality ;D, IonHeaven
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One of the problems we had with the Soverign was adjusting the diverter.
When the pumps were running it was nearly impossible to change.
The HS guy said you needed to turn the pumps off, adjust, then turn the pumps back on. Doing this worked, but doesn't seem right. No problem with the other HS models.
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I had my service guy in our store for a couple of hours yesterday morning: in addition to draining the Sov and moving the power connection back to the Siberian from the Sov that we just had hot for two days, (and installing the Navigator Remote on the Vista), he took out one of the diverters from the Vista to see why it was so dang hard to turn with the pump on.
He pulled it, looked it over, took one off the shelf, popped it in, and it was just like new again. Total time was about 4 minutes, counting unwrapping the new part and positioning the orings before inserting it into the spa. It took longer to fill out the warranty form that I'll send in on Monday to get paid for this 'repair.'
The diverters use a top-load valve, easily serviced by us and you after the warranty. They need to be cleaned out every couple of years for most people, and it's a breeze. I only replaced it because it has been cleaned before. Your dealer has no business having a sticky one, but don't worry: you won't be turning it nearly as much as a showroom floor model.
I think ours only went south because we turn it SO much - it's moving just about all day long on a busy day, and it gets twisted at least twice each and every day before the store opens as we check each spa for good water and proper operation.
As to dealing with this distant store, I say go for the one who acts like a HotSpring dealer is supposed to act! ;)
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Not all tubs are created equal, nor are diverter valves. I have sold tubs that have difficult and easy diverters. IMO turnung the pump off to divert is not that big a deal, but it is nice to be able to do it with jets pumps on.
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Hi,
The first Sovergn I tested, had no problems at all with the divertor on the lounge working with the jets on. That's why I noticed the difference in the next tub.
It just seemed odd for a dealer to not have a floor tub fully operational for selling's sake anyway.
My main question about the Envoy at this point is:
HOW DO YOU GET IN? :-[
I tried entering on the side with the controls, but had to negotiate a slippery slope on either side of the lounge seat area. All the seats are sloped with no flat area on which to enter. The Vista seemed the same way...any tips. Maybe it's just cause I'm clumbsy?
Thanks, IonHeaven
Today I have to sit down with my husband and go over the reasons why I would like to switch our choice from a Marqui Reward to a HS Envoy. Any ideas would be of great help. I am under the impression that they are comprable spas with the HS have a few bells and whistles. Chime in please!! Thanks again.
BTW, finally a hot day in the Adirondack's, so I at least got to soak in the lake!
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Ionhaven,
We too are in Spa dealer hell; We havent gotten to wet test a HS and don't know anything about their price point and we have heard nothing but good things about the brand from this forum and word of mouth.
What we can add to your decision making is that we were offered a Marquis Reward retailed (6500) was filled up as a demo in the showroom and then drained as they are discontinuing the lineup for the guy said 4500 or 4600 he give it to us for with cover steps chem and all the other standard stuff. We liked the tub but it wasn't deep enough for us I am 6ft 3 and wife is 5ft 6. Hope we didn't confuse your decision any more.
As always happy hunting!!!
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My main question about the Envoy at this point is:
HOW DO YOU GET IN? :-[
Get in on one of the Non-recliner sides. I know a lot of dealers set the steps up on the recliner side of the spa out of habbit, but it really is easier to get into this spa from any of the other sides. Or, you can do what I do:
(http://www.waterandice.ca/images/eureka.jpg)
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Wow, discontinuing the line up of Marquis? All the Marquis in the store or just that model? Thanks for the info.
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Have you looked at the Marquis Euphoria? I paid 7,400 steps, cover & lifter, spa vacuum, 12 LED light, 6 toy's for the kid's, and a realistic 6 months of chemicals.
Gosh, your in the price range and there is more room and four corner seats But if you really like the lounger then The regular Reward is the ticket.
My Marquis dealer let us wet test a Reward, SA Reward and Euphoria. We spent 1 1/2 hours after the store was closed on a Saturday. We wet tested from tub to tub again and again. We walked in with a Reward on the brain and also in the wallet. Walked out with a Euphoria. We have never looked back.
If there is anything I can atest to is you only think of the price when you are paying for it. When your in the spa the price will never enter your mind.
Buy your spa like your buying your last one first.
And most of all pick a dealer you get the best gut feeling with. Best of luck to you. AND ENJOY.... ;D
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Ionheaven, were you able to convince your husband to go with the HS? I hope you were. You will love everything about owning a HS. It sounds like you found a true HS dealer this time. Let us know the outcome.
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Wow, discontinuing the line up of Marquis? All the Marquis in the store or just that model? Thanks for the info.
They are discontinuing the entire lineup and have introduced
Artesian is what he said I hadn't heard of them so I don't have any info on the brand. And the are primarily a Sundance dealer which is what they push heavily.
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I have owned an Envoy for about 6 weeks...I love it! The jets are strong without being overpowering, each seat has a different jet for different parts of the body. It is quiet and I think well made. I use it every day!!! I did quite a bit of research and narrowed it down to the Sundance and HotSprings...I think both are great. I bought the HS because of the dealer and the dumb waterfall...(I am actually happy about the waterfall). The most important factor for me though is the Motomassage...it is heaven after a hard work out or stressful day and afterall, it is what a hot tub is all about! It was betwwen the Vista and the Envoy-my wife talked me inot the smaller one-she felt it wasn't worth the extra $ for the extra person...maybe she was right but next time I will trade in for the larger tub! Enjoy and stop deciding-you are missing valuable "pool" time!
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Yes, I am missing valuable soak time. Fortunately it finally seems like summer up here and I am able to soak in the lake.
Well, now I know how to enter the Envoy, loved the diving board tip BTW...but which side does the cover open?? Now I am trying to figure out how to place the tub since I would prefer not to enter on the lounge side, but have to keep the motor toward the front. I am guessing that since the motor is in the front, that the cover goes side to side?
For you Envoy owners, do you like the spot by the waterfall not having a seat? Seems like a nice place to stand up out of the tub. I also wondered if I would miss having a cool down seat as well as a seat for a 6th person? I'm guessing the controls outside the tub must be so you can check them without opening the cover.
Remember, I only wet tested the Vista and the Sovergn, but I don't think I can go wrong ordering the Envoy. The captains chair and foot jets looks great and I'm hoping I wont float in the lounge too much.
Thanks for all your comments.
Now the color. My husband says green granite for ease of maintainence. I'm leaning toward pearl, but hearing alot about how terrific the copper is. The pearl must be great with that cool light though!
Hope your all enjoying your tub while I dream on...dream on...dream until your dreams come true...
IonHeaven
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Sounds like you've made up your mind. You'll love your new Beachcomber! ;D
Just teasing IonHeaven! Glad things are coming together for you. Hope you stick around here my dear after the purchase too! You'll find it hard to leave. wink wink! ;D Who says I have an addictive type personality? ::) I could stop posting if I wanted....really! I just uhhhh don't want to! ;)
Steve
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I loved the Beachcomber and it is still my top choice for everything but the neck jets. I needed more in that area. My husband is dissapointed that the cabinet won't be cedar like the beachcomber was. We liked the step so much that he will probably build something like it for our tub.
A few friends have realized my new found hot tub education and asked my advice. I have steered them to the Beachcomber dealer, they will get a great spa for a great price.
This really has been harder than buying a car. My only reservation now is that I did not wet test the Envoy. Only the Vista and Sovergn and loved them both. My husband keeps asking me...'How can you buy a tub you didn't wet test?' Am I being foolish?
and yes, I hope to be reporting to you on how great everything about whatever the spa I wind up with is...SOON! Besides, I'll have a ton of questions about chemicals, spa cover protectors (steve) and so on...
In the meantime, I'll soak in the lake,
IonHeaven
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First, Steve, you better not quit posting, you and your wit would be sorely missed around here!!! ;)
Ionheaven, I think you would be happy in any HotSpring product. I feel you should wet test any spa you are going to buy, but with the hard ships you have faced, and the fact you loved the Vista and Sovereign, I say "You can't go wrong"!!! If you had only like one or the other (of the HotSpring products) I would say, do a wet test.
The thing is, I think you will be happy with either brand!
Okspacpl, Ok, I'm going to have to go back to the Sundance dealer. I bought my last bottle of chlorine from them, since the HotSpring dealer I bought from quit selling spas, altogether. I don't live very far from the North store, but they still had Sundance and Marquis. They are really starting to sell Artesian? Hmmm...Emerald must have either dropped the line, or been dropped. They mainly sold LA Spas. Just to let you know, I have heard good things about Artesian. On Dr. Spa's board, there is a gentleman that goes by Northman. He has an Artesian and loves it!!! Have you gone to Emerald yet? Just curious. You are making me
reminiscent of my shopping days!
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Great news! The HS dealer that is 2 hours away is filling the Envoy for me to wet test! They have been the best to work with with basically no close second in my area. I think we are almost there...spatopia here we come!
IonHeaven