Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: gadgetfreak on January 15, 2018, 11:07:48 pm
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HI, I've been reading a ton here, still trying to learn.
I'm in the midst of a remodel so that my roofdeck can support a spa. I have to crane in one, so I'm looking for reliability obviously.
It's also a tight space. I have width only 100" so, would probably want something no wider than 91" just to give a little wiggle room. It's a U, so the back would also be against a wall. Length I'm not concerned about as we have a few more feet but I'd want it as close to the back wall as possible.
I live at the beach have 3 kids, so a few things I'm thinking of needing.
1. Something that can handle sandy feet, filtering it etc. obviously I'll have a foot washing station before they step in, but coming from the beach, there might be sand in their swim trunks hair etc.
2. 2 kids of eczema, so what's the best water filtration system these days? chemical or no chemical? UV?
3. do I need panel access to the side or back of the unit for repairs? which one where I just need the front panel and worst case back panel? (I could empty it and slide it fwd) for maintenance.
4. Cover that pivots backwards and stands up I think would be the best? do they all have covers easily removed like that?
5. Wifi- would prefer something I can on my phone turn up the heat walking back from the beach or on the way home.
Much of the use is kids sitting in there, playing, probably 95 degrees, but after they leave, want to crank it up to 103 etc for the adults.
Strong jets at the shoulders, scapula, lower back, lower glutes is why I'm getting it. Which has strong jets there? and deep (I'm 5 11") would love to sit chin deep.
I've researched & looks like the Jacuzzi 585 is a nice one (no wifi though) 91x91 445 gallons
the Hotspring grandee NXT 91 x 100" 450 gallons
Bullfrog A8L 91x91
Marquis signature series
Does anyone believe in the Marquis - Microsilk thing?
thanks in advance! I'll be hopefully checking out the top 2 recommendations with wet tests on local dealers. I'm in LA, hope they are all local.
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Welcome to the forum. Sounds like your first accessory might be some kind of spa vacuum to get the sand off the bottom of the tub. I have no experience with this, but would think it would settle on the bottom. There is a device that is about 4 foot long with a canister at one end. You put your thumb over the hole on the other of the handle until you get it over the grit, move your finger and it sucks the grit into the canister. There is a small hand held bulb version, but for the most part it is a piece of Chinese made crap that falls apart quick.
I don't know anything about eczema, but do they use a topical cream for this? Creams and lotions are notorious for gunking up filters. Check with your Sundance dealer, they may have a Wifi add on.
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All the brands you listed are reputable, top-tier brands.
To answer some of your questions. You should only need side or back access if there is an in foam leak or a LED light fails. In foam leaks are rare on premium brands, but they can happen. LED lights are probably more common, but you could own a hot tub for 10 years and have no issues or have a light fail in the first 6 months. As long as you can at least slide out the hot tub, you should be fine.
No hot tub will appreciate sand. Have a foot bath outside and also invest in a spa vac or something to suck out whatever sand accumulates on the bottom.
WiFi. I wouldn't make it a priority. Hot Spring Connextion I do kind of like, but it has a higher cost than anything else due to the subscription fee that also sends notifications to your dealer if there is an issue. The Balboa WiFi that would be on Marquis and Bullfrog, unless it has changed in the last year, I think it is awful. I sold Marquis from 2014-2017 and the few I sold had a lot of connectivity issues. I had issues connecting to my floor model.
No such thing as no chemical. Regardless of whether you have ozone, UV, mineral, or whatever, you still need some chlorine or bromine. Anyone who says differently is lying. All of your premium manufacturers will have an adequate filter system that will do an acceptable job, regardless of their method of circulation. Hot Spring Highlife Collection with the no-bypass is the only one that filters all the water all the time. Do I think it is better than others, yes, but everything you listed will do a fine job.
MicroSilk. I don't know how much scientific data there is, but I did like it. It helped my wife's skin when we would sit in the floor model at work. Just remember MicroSilk cannot run when the other pumps do. In 3 years, I think I sold 7-8 spas with it, all happy customers, but not a highly demanded feature.
Jet power is important, but I would not base my decision on that. How the jet(s) actually feel to you is what matters. I have sat in some hot tubs where there is so much power, it actually hurts and that is not therapeutic.
I mentioned earlier that I used to sell Marquis. The Euphoria is a great hot tub and one that I would definitely consider. I now sell Hot Spring and Caldera. The Grandee is a great choice but I would also look at the Caldera Niagara and Salina as well as the Limelight Pulse.
This is an investment. You already have a good start with the brands you listed. Check out the local dealers too because they are your point of contact and the ones that should be there for you after the sale for the next however many years. A bad dealer can make for a poor ownership experience, regardless of brand. Dry test all interested models. You can learn a lot about the seating positions and what is comfortable for you. Then wet test.
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I've personally sold a lot of Marquis with MicroSilk to people with eczema. I think meriflower on the forum here switched from a Bullfrog to a Marquis Spirit in order to get the MicroSilk feature. All positive feedback to everyone I've sold the system to.
One other positive thing about Marquis at the beach is the DuraWood cabinet, which is similar to Trex-decking material with special UV inhibitors. A lot of the synthetic cabinets will weather from the salty air, the DuraWood material tends to do particularly well at the beach.
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Welcome to the forum. Sounds like your first accessory might be some kind of spa vacuum to get the sand off the bottom of the tub. I have no experience with this, but would think it would settle on the bottom. There is a device that is about 4 foot long with a canister at one end. You put your thumb over the hole on the other of the handle until you get it over the grit, move your finger and it sucks the grit into the canister. There is a small hand held bulb version, but for the most part it is a piece of Chinese made crap that falls apart quick.
I don't know anything about eczema, but do they use a topical cream for this? Creams and lotions are notorious for gunking up filters. Check with your Sundance dealer, they may have a Wifi add on.
great advice on the vacuum, i'll probably build an enclosure to have one up there plugged in to use. I'll also build out a footwashing station.
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All the brands you listed are reputable, top-tier brands.
To answer some of your questions. You should only need side or back access if there is an in foam leak or a LED light fails. In foam leaks are rare on premium brands, but they can happen. LED lights are probably more common, but you could own a hot tub for 10 years and have no issues or have a light fail in the first 6 months. As long as you can at least slide out the hot tub, you should be fine.
No hot tub will appreciate sand. Have a foot bath outside and also invest in a spa vac or something to suck out whatever sand accumulates on the bottom.
WiFi. I wouldn't make it a priority. Hot Spring Connextion I do kind of like, but it has a higher cost than anything else due to the subscription fee that also sends notifications to your dealer if there is an issue. The Balboa WiFi that would be on Marquis and Bullfrog, unless it has changed in the last year, I think it is awful. I sold Marquis from 2014-2017 and the few I sold had a lot of connectivity issues. I had issues connecting to my floor model.
No such thing as no chemical. Regardless of whether you have ozone, UV, mineral, or whatever, you still need some chlorine or bromine. Anyone who says differently is lying. All of your premium manufacturers will have an adequate filter system that will do an acceptable job, regardless of their method of circulation. Hot Spring Highlife Collection with the no-bypass is the only one that filters all the water all the time. Do I think it is better than others, yes, but everything you listed will do a fine job.
MicroSilk. I don't know how much scientific data there is, but I did like it. It helped my wife's skin when we would sit in the floor model at work. Just remember MicroSilk cannot run when the other pumps do. In 3 years, I think I sold 7-8 spas with it, all happy customers, but not a highly demanded feature.
Jet power is important, but I would not base my decision on that. How the jet(s) actually feel to you is what matters. I have sat in some hot tubs where there is so much power, it actually hurts and that is not therapeutic.
I mentioned earlier that I used to sell Marquis. The Euphoria is a great hot tub and one that I would definitely consider. I now sell Hot Spring and Caldera. The Grandee is a great choice but I would also look at the Caldera Niagara and Salina as well as the Limelight Pulse.
This is an investment. You already have a good start with the brands you listed. Check out the local dealers too because they are your point of contact and the ones that should be there for you after the sale for the next however many years. A bad dealer can make for a poor ownership experience, regardless of brand. Dry test all interested models. You can learn a lot about the seating positions and what is comfortable for you. Then wet test.
has anyone tried this https://www.phin.co/hot-tub/ ? how often do you have to drain? do you have a "pool guy" come by?
do any of the spas do something like this where it tells you where the pH and chemical needs are? Best to go with bromine?
Really disappointed to hear none of the are great wifi, it's not that hard.. even my bbq has it :) just want to check temp and water quality. Although maybe the phin can give me the water quality.
How fast do these things generally heat up? what temp are you keeping yours at? I live in manhattan beach so weather is pretty consistent, coldest is maybe 55 outside, usually 60 at night. I was hoping for wifi, just to be able to turn on the heat rather than walk all the way to roof deck then back down and wait 30 min.
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I mentioned earlier that I used to sell Marquis. The Euphoria is a great hot tub and one that I would definitely consider. I now sell Hot Spring and Caldera. The Grandee is a great choice but I would also look at the Caldera Niagara and Salina as well as the Limelight Pulse.
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I was looking at Caldera as well, I like that the Cantabria was 9' by 7'7" as I can go longer rectangle. I like the idea of maximizing water volume. I was just bummed no wifi. would love your thoughts on that one vs. the Grandee since you sell both. Living at the beach, want to make sure it lasts, since craning it is not convenient or cheap and mostly impossible after the front yard is complete. So once it's up there I need it to last a very long time.
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I've personally sold a lot of Marquis with MicroSilk to people with eczema. I think meriflower on the forum here switched from a Bullfrog to a Marquis Spirit in order to get the MicroSilk feature. All positive feedback to everyone I've sold the system to.
One other positive thing about Marquis at the beach is the DuraWood cabinet, which is similar to Trex-decking material with special UV inhibitors. A lot of the synthetic cabinets will weather from the salty air, the DuraWood material tends to do particularly well at the beach.
That is correct. I wasn’t planning to until I found that the MicroSilk helped my eczema. I’m not saying it will help everyone nor is a cure. I have had certain rough spots go away. I will not have a spa without it!
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I mentioned earlier that I used to sell Marquis. The Euphoria is a great hot tub and one that I would definitely consider. I now sell Hot Spring and Caldera. The Grandee is a great choice but I would also look at the Caldera Niagara and Salina as well as the Limelight Pulse.
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I was looking at Caldera as well, I like that the Cantabria was 9' by 7'7" as I can go longer rectangle. I like the idea of maximizing water volume. I was just bummed no wifi. would love your thoughts on that one vs. the Grandee since you sell both. Living at the beach, want to make sure it lasts, since craning it is not convenient or cheap and mostly impossible after the front yard is complete. So once it's up there I need it to last a very long time.
I just actually had a chance to sit in the Cantabria for the first time this past weekend. I liked it and my wife loved it. My only reason for not loving it was that I floated a bit in the lounge, which I didn't when I sat in a Caldera Geneva. My wife didn't float at all. The sequencer in the lounge felt great, there is therapy everywhere, and I fit well in all the seats (I'm 5'9"). The Grandee I loved, my wife only liked. I'm a fan of the Moto-Massage and I had no issue with floating or being pushed out of any seat. My wife said the lounge in the Cantabria along with the jets everywhere is why she likes the Cantabria better. As a reference, we have sat in the Caldera Cantabria, Geneva, Salina and Martinique and Hot Spring Grandee, Envoy, Vanguard, and Jetsetter.
Quality and longevity wise, I think you will see similar results from either hot tub. There are some identical components and others are similar. To me, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference. If you like the moto-massage, open concept no-bypass filtration, and ACE compatibility, then it is Hot Spring. If you like more contoured seating, higher jet count, and in-line sanitation system, then it is Caldera. I sell the brands as being equal because while there are exclusive features for each, I do feel the component quality is equal and it is the same company supporting both brands.
You can get Connextion for either the Caldera or Hot Spring. I have no issues with how it functions and think it does so pretty well. The gripe I get from potential customers is that there is an annual subscription fee. The fee is due to a 3rd party host providing the service which alerts you and the dealer if there is an issue. Hot Spring or Caldera can also access any alerts or alarms to assist in troubleshooting an issue if there was one. The other WiFi modules, like the Balboa one, do not have the monitoring service, which results in a lower ongoing cost.
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I've personally sold a lot of Marquis with MicroSilk to people with eczema. I think meriflower on the forum here switched from a Bullfrog to a Marquis Spirit in order to get the MicroSilk feature. All positive feedback to everyone I've sold the system to.
One other positive thing about Marquis at the beach is the DuraWood cabinet, which is similar to Trex-decking material with special UV inhibitors. A lot of the synthetic cabinets will weather from the salty air, the DuraWood material tends to do particularly well at the beach.
That is correct. I wasn’t planning to until I found that the MicroSilk helped my eczema. I’m not saying it will help everyone nor is a cure. I have had certain rough spots go away. I will not have a spa without it!
thanks just spent a few hours trying to read up on the microsilk. I think this could be a huge winner, looks like Marquis is the only high end brand that integrates it well? Coast Spas and Artesian is the others but they don't seem to have much love here on the forums?
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I mentioned earlier that I used to sell Marquis. The Euphoria is a great hot tub and one that I would definitely consider. I now sell Hot Spring and Caldera. The Grandee is a great choice but I would also look at the Caldera Niagara and Salina as well as the Limelight Pulse.
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I was looking at Caldera as well, I like that the Cantabria was 9' by 7'7" as I can go longer rectangle. I like the idea of maximizing water volume. I was just bummed no wifi. would love your thoughts on that one vs. the Grandee since you sell both. Living at the beach, want to make sure it lasts, since craning it is not convenient or cheap and mostly impossible after the front yard is complete. So once it's up there I need it to last a very long time.
I just actually had a chance to sit in the Cantabria for the first time this past weekend. I liked it and my wife loved it. My only reason for not loving it was that I floated a bit in the lounge, which I didn't when I sat in a Caldera Geneva. My wife didn't float at all. The sequencer in the lounge felt great, there is therapy everywhere, and I fit well in all the seats (I'm 5'9"). The Grandee I loved, my wife only liked. I'm a fan of the Moto-Massage and I had no issue with floating or being pushed out of any seat. My wife said the lounge in the Cantabria along with the jets everywhere is why she likes the Cantabria better. As a reference, we have sat in the Caldera Cantabria, Geneva, Salina and Martinique and Hot Spring Grandee, Envoy, Vanguard, and Jetsetter.
Quality and longevity wise, I think you will see similar results from either hot tub. There are some identical components and others are similar. To me, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference. If you like the moto-massage, open concept no-bypass filtration, and ACE compatibility, then it is Hot Spring. If you like more contoured seating, higher jet count, and in-line sanitation system, then it is Caldera. I sell the brands as being equal because while there are exclusive features for each, I do feel the component quality is equal and it is the same company supporting both brands.
You can get Connextion for either the Caldera or Hot Spring. I have no issues with how it functions and think it does so pretty well. The gripe I get from potential customers is that there is an annual subscription fee. The fee is due to a 3rd party host providing the service which alerts you and the dealer if there is an issue. Hot Spring or Caldera can also access any alerts or alarms to assist in troubleshooting an issue if there was one. The other WiFi modules, like the Balboa one, do not have the monitoring service, which results in a lower ongoing cost.
wow, reading this a few times over!! thank you so much!! I think I found a short list. But the microsilk on the marquis "the show"(since it's the biggest) also looks great. I'll have to research moto massage, ACE etc terminology you used. and clearly wet test these. Did you like the Marquis as much since you used to sell those?
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Marquis makes a quality hot tub. I never saw or sat in a Show, so I cannot comment on that model. The Euphoria and Resort were my favorites followed by the Epic. From a therapy standpoint, my only gripe was that any lounge or adirondack chair that had the low back H.O.T. Zone therapy, I would get pushed and float out of that seat when the HOT Zone therapy was on.
Microsilk is owned by Balboa electronics so only manufacturers that use Balboa can have Microsilk. I think Marquis implements it the best. I would wet test a Marquis with Microsilk and make a decision after whether you think you need it and if so, that is your brand.
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Just to clarify something from your first post. You have had a structural engineer do the design work for the upgrades to your roof deck in anticipation of adding another 6,000 to 8,000 pounds to your roof structure? Tub and water and then another 1,000 pounds of people plus the added weight of the deck structure.
Building permits have all passed and are approved?
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gadgetfreak: MicroSilk isn't available on "The Show" model. You can get MicroSilk on the following Marquis models: Epic, Euphoria, Resort, Promise, Spirit, V94, V94L, V84, V84L, V77L, V65L. The reason it's not available on some models is because the MicroSilk pump and plumbing requires room underneath the hood that some models can't accommodate. Good luck in your search.
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I would recommend wet testing for sure in this scenario since you are spending extra time & money in doing a rooftop install. Bullfrog & Marquis imo both have better jetting than Hot Spring and Jacuzzi so a wet test will be important if you are looking for a premium jet experience...as far as skin issues I would def. look into MicroSilk and/or a Salt System...I sell Bullfrog with Balboa equipment but at this point they do not offer Microsilk but we do sell a lot of salt water systems which can be as beneficial to the overall soaking experience especially when doing with extreme skin issues/skin sensitivity...Good Luck!
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Just to clarify something from your first post. You have had a structural engineer do the design work for the upgrades to your roof deck in anticipation of adding another 6,000 to 8,000 pounds to your roof structure? Tub and water and then another 1,000 pounds of people plus the added weight of the deck structure.
Building permits have all passed and are approved?
yes, structural engineering and plans are being done as we speak. I figure 10K load is about right. and i think they usually plan for much more than that as a variance.
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Went to two dealers today. Wife definitely wants a lounge seat after looking. We looked at the Jacuzzi J575,
It was the most expensive, $15K. Wifi would be extra $300 and a monthly fee after a year! I think thinking it thru I don't need the wifi, not worth it long term.
Hotspring spas, we like the NXT line, they only had the Aria, looks like the Envoy would fit for us. Price was about $11,200. I do like the pop up speakers.
We also looked at the Caldera, they had the Cantabria on the showroom floor. It looked great, except it's wide, not long, so the front is on the wrong side for us. The Geneva, looks like it'll fit though. Priced also for $11K or so. The neck massage on one of the seats looks pretty good.
I didn't think the prices would be that much different. $11k vs. 15K.
The Hotsprings has the cartridge for the chlorine or bromine. Gimicky?
For the lounger, the wrist jet on the jacuzzi was cool. I type a lot so a massage for the wrist would help with some carpel.
I like the idea of speakers in the spa as well. How do they sound?
Next up is going to a dealer for the BullFrog A8D, although I might be a few inches too wide depending on how the cover is mounted.
Would love thoughts on pricing and comparisons, will the bullfrog be priced closer to 11k or 15K?
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Speakers in spa's are almost always the first thing to break.
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You mentioned the Caldera Geneva. That is the tub we have and are pretty happy with it is top notch on hydro therapy as are the others in the price line you mentioned I’m sure. I had high hopes for the neck jets you mentioned also and they do work but are not as impressive as I had hoped. The Geneva does have the wrist jets in the deep corner seat and I didn’t think much about them when we bought it but they are now one of my favorite features. Another is the second control panel inside the tub. We hardly ever use the main panel when inside the tub.
Don’t waste your money on sound is my advice. Install some good quality outdoor speakers on the walls out there. Sounds like you are having construction done so put the wiring in during that phase. Or go buy a nice blue tooth cube and set it out there when you want music. With the jets going you wont hear quality sound and when just soaking in the still water it wont take much to give you some music. I think as other have said putting speakers in a tub is asking for trouble.
Loungers are great and don’t just think about the location of the control panel think about your enter and exit point and the view from the main seating points. In the Geneva it is best to enter at the cool down seat. First it is the flattest seat and highest to step down on and second it is the least used so chances are someone wont have to move for someone else to get out. If you are getting ready to get out you are over heating you move to that seat for a few minutes cool down and then get out. Entering at the lounger would be the worst. Also keep in mind where the filters are for working on them and we use the cover for the filters like a end table and often keep a ice water pitcher there and some plastic cups. We walk out and set stuff there all the times. I often set my iPhone there in a zip lock bag of course. It is convent if that spot is close to where you walk up to the tub and not on the other side.
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I forgot to mention the cartridges, or inline feeder as they call them “frog” system. I have that on our Geneva and used it the first year we had it. It is no way a gimmick but IMO don’t work as well as they lead you to believe. The idea is great as you don’t have to remember every day to add chlorine. Great if you are going away for a couple weeks etc. I don’t think they dispense as accurately as they say and they were not close enough for our usage pattern. They are pricey and IMO should have been designed to be refillable with bulk material. One cartridge is sanitizer crushed bromine chunks or @ease chunks of a chlorine based material. The other cartridge is full of “minerals” some claim the minerals aid in letting the sanitizer work better. I used them for a couple years and now I don’t and I cant tell a difference. So I would IMO only say the minerals are a gimmick.
I don’t use the cartridges at all now as I daily dose the tub with dichlor or Clorox / bleach as my sanitizer of choice. Doing it right after we get out for the day. Kills everything bad overnight and the water has just a trace left when we get in the next day. More for the bugs in the water less eating up my skin. When we go away on vacation I pop in an @ease cartridge turn down the water temp and forget it. come back to nice clean water.
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You mentioned the Caldera Geneva. That is the tub we have and are pretty happy with it is top notch on hydro therapy as are the others in the price line you mentioned I’m sure. I had high hopes for the neck jets you mentioned also and they do work but are not as impressive as I had hoped. The Geneva does have the wrist jets in the deep corner seat and I didn’t think much about them when we bought it but they are now one of my favorite features. Another is the second control panel inside the tub. We hardly ever use the main panel when inside the tub.
Don’t waste your money on sound is my advice. Install some good quality outdoor speakers on the walls out there. Sounds like you are having construction done so put the wiring in during that phase. Or go buy a nice blue tooth cube and set it out there when you want music. With the jets going you wont hear quality sound and when just soaking in the still water it wont take much to give you some music. I think as other have said putting speakers in a tub is asking for trouble.
Loungers are great and don’t just think about the location of the control panel think about your enter and exit point and the view from the main seating points. In the Geneva it is best to enter at the cool down seat. First it is the flattest seat and highest to step down on and second it is the least used so chances are someone wont have to move for someone else to get out. If you are getting ready to get out you are over heating you move to that seat for a few minutes cool down and then get out. Entering at the lounger would be the worst. Also keep in mind where the filters are for working on them and we use the cover for the filters like a end table and often keep a ice water pitcher there and some plastic cups. We walk out and set stuff there all the times. I often set my iPhone there in a zip lock bag of course. It is convent if that spot is close to where you walk up to the tub and not on the other side.
thx, i'll skip the speakers, already have speakers wired out there w/ a sonos amp. I unfortunately given the shape of my deck, only can enter from the front of the spa on all of these. I'll keep note on entry/exit and spots to put drinks!
Thoughts on the prices so far? Why is Jacuzzi 15k vs. the others at 11k? will Bullfrog and Marquis be the lower or higher of that range?
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I checked out the bullfrog, looks pretty cool. I'm hoping to wet test it, just not sure which one will fit. Marquis unfortunately the dealer is an hour away, so hoping to find time.
Any fans of the bullfrog A8D (dual lounger) or the A7L (smaller single lounger). Price difference is 12k vs 10K.
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You mentioned the Caldera Geneva. That is the tub we have and are pretty happy with it is top notch on hydro therapy as are the others in the price line you mentioned I’m sure. I had high hopes for the neck jets you mentioned also and they do work but are not as impressive as I had hoped. The Geneva does have the wrist jets in the deep corner seat and I didn’t think much about them when we bought it but they are now one of my favorite features. Another is the second control panel inside the tub. We hardly ever use the main panel when inside the tub.
Don’t waste your money on sound is my advice. Install some good quality outdoor speakers on the walls out there. Sounds like you are having construction done so put the wiring in during that phase. Or go buy a nice blue tooth cube and set it out there when you want music. With the jets going you wont hear quality sound and when just soaking in the still water it wont take much to give you some music. I think as other have said putting speakers in a tub is asking for trouble.
Loungers are great and don’t just think about the location of the control panel think about your enter and exit point and the view from the main seating points. In the Geneva it is best to enter at the cool down seat. First it is the flattest seat and highest to step down on and second it is the least used so chances are someone wont have to move for someone else to get out. If you are getting ready to get out you are over heating you move to that seat for a few minutes cool down and then get out. Entering at the lounger would be the worst. Also keep in mind where the filters are for working on them and we use the cover for the filters like a end table and often keep a ice water pitcher there and some plastic cups. We walk out and set stuff there all the times. I often set my iPhone there in a zip lock bag of course. It is convent if that spot is close to where you walk up to the tub and not on the other side.
thx, i'll skip the speakers, already have speakers wired out there w/ a sonos amp. I unfortunately given the shape of my deck, only can enter from the front of the spa on all of these. I'll keep note on entry/exit and spots to put drinks!
Thoughts on the prices so far? Why is Jacuzzi 15k vs. the others at 11k? will Bullfrog and Marquis be the lower or higher of that range?
Jazuzzi is highly overrated and highly overpriced in my humble opinion, especially since now they build them with $8 an hour labor in Mexico, Hot Spring is also built down there but imo a much better tub overall, especially at the price difference you are looking at. Bullfrog will probably fall in between those 2 numbers...13-14k ish....Wet Test, Wet Test, Wet Test....If you are a jet guy Bullfrog will blow both of them away
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You mentioned the Caldera Geneva. That is the tub we have and are pretty happy with it is top notch on hydro therapy as are the others in the price line you mentioned I’m sure. I had high hopes for the neck jets you mentioned also and they do work but are not as impressive as I had hoped. The Geneva does have the wrist jets in the deep corner seat and I didn’t think much about them when we bought it but they are now one of my favorite features. Another is the second control panel inside the tub. We hardly ever use the main panel when inside the tub.
Don’t waste your money on sound is my advice. Install some good quality outdoor speakers on the walls out there. Sounds like you are having construction done so put the wiring in during that phase. Or go buy a nice blue tooth cube and set it out there when you want music. With the jets going you wont hear quality sound and when just soaking in the still water it wont take much to give you some music. I think as other have said putting speakers in a tub is asking for trouble.
Loungers are great and don’t just think about the location of the control panel think about your enter and exit point and the view from the main seating points. In the Geneva it is best to enter at the cool down seat. First it is the flattest seat and highest to step down on and second it is the least used so chances are someone wont have to move for someone else to get out. If you are getting ready to get out you are over heating you move to that seat for a few minutes cool down and then get out. Entering at the lounger would be the worst. Also keep in mind where the filters are for working on them and we use the cover for the filters like a end table and often keep a ice water pitcher there and some plastic cups. We walk out and set stuff there all the times. I often set my iPhone there in a zip lock bag of course. It is convent if that spot is close to where you walk up to the tub and not on the other side.
thx, i'll skip the speakers, already have speakers wired out there w/ a sonos amp. I unfortunately given the shape of my deck, only can enter from the front of the spa on all of these. I'll keep note on entry/exit and spots to put drinks!
Thoughts on the prices so far? Why is Jacuzzi 15k vs. the others at 11k? will Bullfrog and Marquis be the lower or higher of that range?
Jazuzzi is highly overrated and highly overpriced in my humble opinion, especially since now they build them with $8 an hour labor in Mexico, Hot Spring is also built down there but imo a much better tub overall, especially at the price difference you are looking at. Bullfrog will probably fall in between those 2 numbers...13-14k ish....Wet Test, Wet Test, Wet Test....If you are a jet guy Bullfrog will blow both of them away
Hot Spring Highlife & NXT are still made in California ;).
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You mentioned the Caldera Geneva. That is the tub we have and are pretty happy with it is top notch on hydro therapy as are the others in the price line you mentioned I’m sure. I had high hopes for the neck jets you mentioned also and they do work but are not as impressive as I had hoped. The Geneva does have the wrist jets in the deep corner seat and I didn’t think much about them when we bought it but they are now one of my favorite features. Another is the second control panel inside the tub. We hardly ever use the main panel when inside the tub.
Don’t waste your money on sound is my advice. Install some good quality outdoor speakers on the walls out there. Sounds like you are having construction done so put the wiring in during that phase. Or go buy a nice blue tooth cube and set it out there when you want music. With the jets going you wont hear quality sound and when just soaking in the still water it wont take much to give you some music. I think as other have said putting speakers in a tub is asking for trouble.
Loungers are great and don’t just think about the location of the control panel think about your enter and exit point and the view from the main seating points. In the Geneva it is best to enter at the cool down seat. First it is the flattest seat and highest to step down on and second it is the least used so chances are someone wont have to move for someone else to get out. If you are getting ready to get out you are over heating you move to that seat for a few minutes cool down and then get out. Entering at the lounger would be the worst. Also keep in mind where the filters are for working on them and we use the cover for the filters like a end table and often keep a ice water pitcher there and some plastic cups. We walk out and set stuff there all the times. I often set my iPhone there in a zip lock bag of course. It is convent if that spot is close to where you walk up to the tub and not on the other side.
thx, i'll skip the speakers, already have speakers wired out there w/ a sonos amp. I unfortunately given the shape of my deck, only can enter from the front of the spa on all of these. I'll keep note on entry/exit and spots to put drinks!
Thoughts on the prices so far? Why is Jacuzzi 15k vs. the others at 11k? will Bullfrog and Marquis be the lower or higher of that range?
Jazuzzi is highly overrated and highly overpriced in my humble opinion, especially since now they build them with $8 an hour labor in Mexico, Hot Spring is also built down there but imo a much better tub overall, especially at the price difference you are looking at. Bullfrog will probably fall in between those 2 numbers...13-14k ish....Wet Test, Wet Test, Wet Test....If you are a jet guy Bullfrog will blow both of them away
In my humble opinion both Jacuzzi and HS will blow away the jets in the BF and they will be quieter if that's important. Wet test for sure.
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Good news, bad news.
Engineering to reinforce says it's a go, but it isn't cheap. Regardless, they are saying 3800lb weight limit for the jacuzzi full of water. So basically a 4 person tub. Would love your thoughts. Wife really wanted a lounge, but given size, maybe either 1 lounge, or supposedly the still 5, even with 4 seats, designed so you can "lounge"across?
I do like the ideas of the packs now since it's a smaller tub so less jets to have that are the right power/spot etc. But I do like the caldera and marquis as they seem much bigger and get closer to my weight limit. weight limit is just for jacuzzi, engineer designed for people in the jacuzzi as well, furniture, etc and extra.
So if Bullfrog, the Still 5 (342 gallons of water, 3300lbs) - 4 seats 5'7" x 6'10" x 31"
Bullfrog A5, (243 gallons, 3200lbs) - 2 loungers? 5'-8" x 7' x 31"
Caldera Provence 265 gallons, 3800lbs, looks much bigger even though 265 gallons 6’6” x 7’ x 35”
https://www.calderaspas.com/shop/utopia/provence#tojets
marquis resort 345 gallons 3700lbs Size: 85.5″ x 85.5″ x 35″
http://www.marquisspas.com/hot-tubs/models/marquis-signature-series/the-resort-hot-tub/
hotspring beam 310gallons 3800lbs 6'8" x 6'8" x 33”
https://www.hotspring.com/shop-hot-tub-models/limelight/4-person-small-hot-tub-beam
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realized the marquis wish and
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/340-6TH-St-Manhattan-Beach-CA-90266/20422741_zpid/
i like the wrist jets on the wish, but that curve of the body is such a waste of space?
reward also fit the bill and gives more seating spots
https://www.marquisspas.com/hot-tubs/models/marquis-signature-series/the-reward-hot-tub/
But the resort has microsilk, and I kind of wanted to get it for my and my sons dry skin, 1 of which has eczema and the limited info out there, seems like it does help for dry skin and eczema.
Anyone have these 3?
For me, it's all about the stiff neck, traps (shoulders) and shoulder blade and lower back.
My wife, really wants a lounger. Each one has 1 part I want.
I kind of want a neck, shoulder, wrist and lounge with lots of seats but is 3600lbs wet. with microsilk....
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Just a heads up, when Hot Spring and Caldera list a filled weight they are also including the weight of however many people can fit in the spa. So, for the Beam, that 3800lbs are with 4 average sized adults weighing 175lbs each.
When I sold Marquis, I sat in the Resort multiple times. My only complaint with it was that in the lounge, when having all the power turned to the HK40 jets for the lower back, it would push both my wife and me up and out of the seat. When I would turn off the HK40 jets I was fine. I noticed this on any Marquis I sat in with a lounger or adirondack chair that had the lower back HK40 jets. As for the Reward and Wish, I never brought them in. My previous boss thought the lounge seat was a bit narrow on the Reward.
As for Microsilk, I liked it and if I were to purchase a Marquis, I would get it. It helped my wife's skin. Just remember that you cannot run Microsilk when the other pumps are running.
I would also add the Hot Spring Aria to your list. I know it doesn't have Microsilk or wrist jets, but at least for me, its an awesome spa.
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Hottubguy on the forum here owns a Resort and seems to really like it. I’ve sat in it with water, it’s a nice spa. Good powerful jets. I really like the looks of the Resort as well, very attractive the way it’s shaped.
You might also consider a Marquis V84L, that one can also do MicroSilk and should work with your weight restrictions.
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tried out the marquis, wet tested the epic as that's the only one they had with water. Thought I'd try the jets and the microsilk.
We are going back and doing a wet test for the resort hopefully next week. But they said trying the epic would give a good sense of the jets.
We really liked the micro silk. just soaking for about 10 min, my skin definitely felt softer getting out,it's been 8 hrs and my hands feel really soft, I think I'm sold on the microsilk.
the jets were pretty good, i liked the neck one. The other lounger did push us up out of the seat a bit though. hopefully that doesn't happen in the resort.
The resort does seem pretty pricey though, they had it at $12,400 without the microsilk, which I think is a $1500 option?
The other one, is the V84L, but it only has 1 lounger vs. 2 on the resort.
Do dealers keep the price so close to msrp?
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I think you will find that the Resort has more power than the Epic. It uses the same pumps, has 7 fewer jets and does not have those geyser jets.
Pricing is dependent on the retailer. Some list at MSRP and discount off of that and others may have a lower list price that is non-negotiable. $1,500 is probably the least you will see for Microsilk. You can post your prices on here and we can give advice as to whether they are good or not. Hottubguy and Markee are Marquis dealers and I sold Marquis until last year. We can at least let you know how you are doing but keep in mind that just because Markee or Hottubguy sells a tub at one price does not mean your dealer will or is obligated to sell at the price another dealer does.
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tried out the marquis, wet tested the epic as that's the only one they had with water. Thought I'd try the jets and the microsilk.
We are going back and doing a wet test for the resort hopefully next week. But they said trying the epic would give a good sense of the jets.
We really liked the micro silk. just soaking for about 10 min, my skin definitely felt softer getting out,it's been 8 hrs and my hands feel really soft, I think I'm sold on the microsilk.
the jets were pretty good, i liked the neck one. The other lounger did push us up out of the seat a bit though. hopefully that doesn't happen in the resort.
The resort does seem pretty pricey though, they had it at $12,400 without the microsilk, which I think is a $1500 option?
The other one, is the V84L, but it only has 1 lounger vs. 2 on the resort.
Do dealers keep the price so close to msrp?
What did the price on the resort include? Constellation lights, step, cover lifter? If so that’s right in the ballpark of what I sell it for. I’m surprised you floated in Adirondack seat in the Epic. The Tessort sits differently. I’ve never floated in that seat but I do float a bit in lounge. My wife all 105 lbs of her doesn’t float in lounge so that’s where she sits. Usually it is opposite.