Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: bobhol on September 15, 2004, 12:20:59 pm
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Looking at the Hydropool 575 and Beachcomber 578. Both tubs have features that I'm happy with, the dealers are both local, and prices are within $500. The Hydropool has a promo. to include an ozonator, 5 year warranty, and a cover lifter. This seems to be an advantage for Hydropool. Can anyone give me information to help this decision.
Thanks
Bobhol
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Steve, is that you? ;D
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Not sure what you're looking for in a tub, but if they're around the $ 8K mark, definitely peak at either Jacuzzi or their sister brand Sweetwater. I've had a Beachcomber 530, and never liked the lack of power the pump had. I believe the 578 only has one pump as well, and it just doesn't seem to be powerful enough. I'm considering a Jacuzzi J-345, and it has a ton of power, when you need it, and great roomy feel.
I don't know a lot about hydropool.
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I am quite interested in what you will have to say about this Steve, considering your past connections to Beachcomber, and current ones to Hydropool.
Unless Hydropool has changed the height of the 575 in the last 2 years, I would guess that the height difference between the two tubs could make an impact on the decision. (38" vs 29.5")
Have you tried wet testing the two models yet? I promise you they will feel different, and that may be enough to make your decision for you.
Joe
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the hydropool is 36 high ,but is also made in 29 inch . oh,did i mention i am in canada and the price is 7200 for hydropool and 7500 for beachcomber bobhol
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Steve, is that you? ;D
LMAO! Smart a$$! ;D
I am quite interested in what you will have to say about this Steve, considering your past connections to Beachcomber, and current ones to Hydropool.
Unless Hydropool has changed the height of the 575 in the last 2 years, I would guess that the height difference between the two tubs could make an impact on the decision. (38" vs 29.5")
Have you tried wet testing the two models yet? I promise you they will feel different, and that may be enough to make your decision for you.
Joe
A little insight for ya bobhol...I sold Beachcomber for many years and I've recently taken on a position with Hydropool. I can answer any specific questions you can fire at me.
Both are quality products. Power hasn't been an issue though there's always the odd "junkie" who says different. Mostly Jacuzzi dealers! J/K ;)
I've personally owned the 578 for a couple of years and love it. Obviously, it's on its way out and I'll be replacing it with a #638. The 575 is sold with both 29 & 36" heights. It actually sits a little deeper than the 578 though 2" shorter.
The main difference is alternative insulation differences and the floor filtration standard with all Hydropool spas. Where are you located?
Steve
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Hi Steve,
I guess specifically, I'm looking for quality, dependability, and cost of ownership. I live in Peterborough, ON. and winters are cold. Any other differences you can tell me would be appreciated.
Thanks
Bobhol
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Hi Steve,
I guess specifically, I'm looking for quality, dependability, and cost of ownership. I live in Peterborough, ON. and winters are cold. Any other differences you can tell me would be appreciated.
Thanks
Bobhol
The above mentioned concerns doesn't vary much between these 2 products. I believe visiting your dealers and getting a feel for their approach will help you decide. If you have the opportunity to test them out, do so.
For what it's worth, I do like the insulation method and serviceability of the Hydropool better along with the ability to clean the spa from top to bottom with their Self Clean Plus filtration. No more spa vacs needed! When changing filters or cleaning them, Hydropools design doesn't allow the dirty water to enter back into the spa which I really like. I also like the fact that Hydropool spas have the ability to be purchased in different packages. If you like one model, it can be designed in one of two or three packages (silver, gold, platinum, etc) offering different jet packages. If you like one model in the Beachcomber but want more or less jets, you have to move to a completely different model. Variety is the spice of life don't ya know! ;D
Both are very comfortable and known for high quality.
I didn't leave Beachcomber for any other reason than I just received a better offer with more long-term benefits.
Steve
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Steve wrote:
For what it's worth, I do like the insulation method and serviceability of the Hydropool better along with the ability to clean the spa from top to bottom with their Self Clean Plus filtration. No more spa vacs needed! When changing filters or cleaning them, Hydropools design doesn't allow the dirty water to enter back into the spa which I really like.
Now Steve, I understand you have tow the party line. As a Beachcomber dealer, can you please tell us all how many spa vacs you sold anually or on a per tub ratio? BE HONEST NOW!
And how much dirty water flowed back into your Beachcomber? How many of your customers noticed/commented on this issue?
HotTubMan
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Steve - You like the insulation method of hydropool better?!?
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"Now Steve, I understand you have tow the party line. As a Beachcomber dealer, can you please tell us all how many spa vacs you sold anually or on a per tub ratio? BE HONEST NOW!"
Well, I didn't keep a record on my desk if that's what you're asking but in the years I was there (former dealer of Beachcomber), I would say hundreds. I know what you're getting at. I personally never owned one either but we also don't have an application where sand and dirt can be introduced into the spa. If we did, I most likely would have needed to purchase one. Never anything BUT honest BTW.
"And how much dirty water flowed back into your Beachcomber? How many of your customers noticed/commented on this issue?"
In gallons or liters? ;D Does it really matter? The fact is that my comment is true and accurate. Yes, it was mentioned many times and I even approched Beachcomber directly to design a gate of sorts that would close during the removal of the filter to help prevent this.
Steve
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Steve - You like the insulation method of hydropool better?!?
He does NOW!
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He does NOW!
LOL ;D
...Yeah, it's makes great common sense when you take the time to understand it Bethshar. It offers the high R-value of a Beachcomber with other benefits. Take my opinion for just that. I'm not stating superiority or wanting to get into a debate on which is best. I took the time to research it and I really like the concept. Nuff said!
Steve
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Steve, is that you? ;D
I gotta say the thought crossed my mind to! I did however decide that it couldn't be, Steve has his hands full enough being Steve! ;D
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LMAO! Smart a$$! ;D
Yea I seldom miss the chance to be one, thats why I'm nearing 900 posts :) At least it seems to me that Hydropool updates its dealer list faster than Beachcomber did. For the fun of it , I looked to see if there was a local dealer here, and oddly enough there is. It is the dealer who sold Masterspas when I was in buying mode, the one who never called me back. I need some MPS soon, so I'll use that as an excuse to check it out.
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is there any difference in operating noise with the motor outside the tub in the beachcomber . bobhol
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is there any difference in operating noise with the motor outside the tub in the beachcomber . bobhol
Noise is more dependant on your application and what the tub is sitting on in my experience. Either way, get the hush pump with any Beachcomber purchase. The Hydropool circulates every bit as quiet.
Protec is garbage! Why a box 'O pumps would be a benefit to you I have no idea! ;) ;D
Darn Jeckle & Hyde thing again...My new meds aren't working. :-/
Steve
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Now Steve, dont go bashing protec or i'll start bashing self cleaning etc.
Protec and Self-cleaning are not patented, but unique to there brands. It is how they differentiate themselves. If these features were really as revolutionary as the manufacturers/dealers claim, someone would copy it wouldn't they?
Remember hundreds of brands = hundreds of unique reasons why "my tub is the best"
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Now Steve, dont go bashing protec or i'll start bashing self cleaning etc.
Protec and Self-cleaning are not patented, but unique to there brands. It is how they differentiate themselves. If these features were really as revolutionary as the manufacturers/dealers claim, someone would copy it wouldn't they?
Remember hundreds of brands = hundreds of unique reasons why "my tub is the best"
I'm sorry HTM... that was meant for people with a sense of humor. Have you ever seen a bigger advocate against "the best tub marketing BS" than I? Read some of my posts; They're boring as he11 but you'll get to see how I really feel on that topic...
Steve
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First, wmccall, I was going to ask if it was an employee of Steve's!
I applaud you, Steve! Thanks for being objective...well...as objective as you can be... :-*!
;)
You may have the Jekyll/Hyde thing going, but I thought it might have been coached! (Sorry bobhol!)
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I've personally owned the 578 for a couple of years and love it. Obviously, it's on its way out and I'll be replacing it with a #638. The 575 is sold with both 29 & 36" heights. It actually sits a little deeper than the 578 though 2" shorter.
If the Hydropool sits a little deeper, where does that depth come from? It is 2" shallower already, and I would have to guess the remaining difference would come from the footwell. Does that mean that Hydropool has very shallow footwells, thus compromising the comfort of the tub?
Noise is more dependant on your application and what the tub is sitting on in my experience. Either way, get the hush pump with any Beachcomber purchase. The Hydropool circulates every bit as quiet.
Now you sound like a politician trying to avoid the topic Steve ;)
Bobhol, when you are sitting in the tubs with the pumps (for the jets) running, the Beachcomber will seem quieter. That is because the noise generated will be contained by the step rather than travelling through the water where you are sitting. I do agree with you Steve regarding the hush pump.
That is a very competetive price for the 578 that the Peterbourough dealer is offering by the way. Is it a 2004, and are they going to service the tub as well?
Joe
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I am really enjoying this one !
At last I can be on Steves side and out of the two the Hydropool would be my choice .... every time ! ;)
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Steve;
Sorry my sense of humour was turned off last night. You got my Mr.Hyde ;)
Zzaphod;
Lost of ways to build a hot tub. Colemans are 35" and sit as deep or deepr than Beachcombers. The bottom a Beachcomber is a good 3"+ off the ground with the framing and centre drain. Coleman has neither. I'll let Steve explain how/why Hydropool does it.
HotTubMan
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Steve;
Colemans are 35" and sit as deep or deepr than Beachcombers. The bottom a Beachcomber is a good 3"+ off the ground with the framing and centre drain. Coleman has neither. I'll let Steve explain how/why Hydropool does it.
Sorry HTM, I did not consider the fact that a company would not put any insulation on the bottom of their hot tubs, along with the framing and floor drain of course.
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Sorry HTM, I did not consider the fact that a company would not put any insulation on the bottom of their hot tubs, along with the framing and floor drain of course.
That is an amusing conclusion but I am not surprised to hear this from the cult of Beachcomber. I did not say anything about insulation. I said the Beachcomber has a drain 1" and Framing that elevates it. The Coleman has insulation at the bottom.
ZZaphod, ever sold anything but Beachcomber? Been in any tubs besides a Beachcomber? Beachcomber was the first brand of tub I ever sold. It took 3+ months to deprogram the brainwashing. I now see that there is a lot more to hot tubs than the miopic world of Keith Scott.
HotTubMan
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The peterborough dealer did not give me the 7500 price.I do have it offered to me from a nearby dealer. i would really prefer to deal in town, but that will be up to my local dealer if I decide to go with beachcomber. Anyone else have any more info on the differences between Beachcomber and Hydropool? Also the Serenity line from hydropool has been suggested. anyone own one of these tubs?
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I am really enjoying this one !
At last I can be on Steves side
Oh no...What have I done? ??? ;D
Steve
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Oh no...What have I done? ??? ;D
Steve
You know what they say Steve... There's a fine line between love and hate.lol
Spahappy
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That is an amusing conclusion but I am not surprised to hear this from the cult of Beachcomber. I did not say anything about insulation. I said the Beachcomber has a drain 1" and Framing that elevates it. The Coleman has insulation at the bottom.
ZZaphod, ever sold anything but Beachcomber? Been in any tubs besides a Beachcomber? Beachcomber was the first brand of tub I ever sold. It took 3+ months to deprogram the brainwashing. I now see that there is a lot more to hot tubs than the miopic world of Keith Scott.
HotTubMan
Ouch!
I must admit to tunnel vision at times, and usually avoid posting at those times due to my bias. It simply seemed odd for you to point out that Beachcomber has 3"- 4" of frame below the bottom of the shell as if it were a negative thing.
Like most people on here I am definitely more familiar with my brand than anything else, and one of the main reasons for being here is to learn. Yes I have sat in other tubs, but Beachcomber is the only tub I have ever sold. In my neck of the woods, I wouldn't consider selling anything else because there is only one other dealership that has gained my respect. And there is no way I could feel comfortable selling their line of tubs.
As for the whole "Cult of Beachcomber" thing...I can't speak now, they may be watching me :o ;D
Joe
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If the Hydropool sits a little deeper, where does that depth come from? It is 2" shallower already, and I would have to guess the remaining difference would come from the footwell. Does that mean that Hydropool has very shallow footwells, thus compromising the comfort of the tub?
Zzaphod,
I was merely responding to these comments. I have no idea which has the deeper footwell as I am not familiar with that Hydropool model. You replied and I got my back up a little, keep selling those Beachcombers!
HTMan
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I have a question for the Beachcomber sales people.
When I looked at BCs I asked the dealer about how they service leaks. I asked that in the context that I didn't see any way to remove the skirting. The dealer told me that they work from underneath, lifting the spa on a fork lift, digging out the foam, then re-foaming.
Now, since water can be a tricky SOB and the leak may show itself feet from the actual leak, how much of that foam has to be dug out, and how big of a pain is it working from underneath the unit?
I'm serious about this, I took BC off my list when I heard that.
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Are they going to drive the forklift into your backyard? Will they be able to get the tub out of the backyard if the foam is full of water?
But seriousy, leaks are of minor concern.
HTMan
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I asked the same question concerning the Beachcomber panels on another forum. I had hope that there was a way to remove the panels for easier repairs, especially if I wanted to attempt a leak fix on my own, once the warranty ran out. I did get a response relating to the forklift method and another one stating that the individual boards had to be removed (ripped-off) in the effected areas. I'm having a difficult time believing that either of these methods could be true in a well engineered product. Does anybody really know the truth to this removable panel issue? Surly there must be some hidden clips or retainers somewhere allowing you access. Most of the brands I looked at have screws on the outside or some other visible means of removal. I would love to purchase a Beachcomber. I like the depth of their tubs, their use of only one pump (530 model), not using pillows, etc. This access issue, if it's true, is no trivial matter to me. It suggests expensive repairs once the warranty expires and little chance of do-it-yourself servicing. Can any Beachcomber owners or otherwise comment on this? Thanks in advance, SteveL
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When I bought my tub last year I asked the dealer the same thing. He showed me a tub that he pulled apart to show people the insulation, when it sold he put the slats back together.Tongue and Groove slats I guess.. The fork truck thing sounds a little extreme to me.
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The tounge and groove slats are difficult to remove with the tub on the ground. Take a close look and think about it for a second. The slats are start 1" above the ground. How far under the acrylic/fiberglass shell are they inserted? :)
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A good Beachcomber dealer will have no problem with leak repair ...
If you do something often enough you get good at it !!! ::)
Sorry Steve ... I cant help it
;)
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I asked Beachcomber directly about servicing their spas in the event of a leak. This is what they said. "this can be a problem if the leak is in the main enclosure. This is due mainly to difficulties in accessing the inside of our spa housings and then having to remove and replace the foam insulation" They went on to say -
"However, leaks tend to only be become a problem as our spas get older"
If you want to talk to Beachcomber yourself you can call them on 1-800-663-6557
Steve K
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Who cares if the slats are difficult to remove, that's what the warranty and the dealer are here for. The oil filter on my Toyota truck couldn't be in a worse spot. Maybe I should have bought something else.
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RDF, no offense, but I would care once the warranty was over. Remember, the Beachcomber has a relatively short warranty unless you pay to upgrade it. Also consider that once these boards are removed it could be difficult to restore the undamaged looks of the skirting. And, what kind of skill can you count on from your service person? I don't know if these board are nailed, screwed from the inside, glued or what. I would think that damage is possible with removal.
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No offense taken, I just think if someones gonna worry about everything that can go wrong, why buy a tub? How do the slats get put on in the first place?
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RDF;
Are you suggesting that maintenance and ease of repair should be non-issues? I suppose if you have unlimited resources to pay someone to fix and maintain your appliances it wouldn't matter.
If a glued fitting comes apart and I can get to it, I can have my 12 year old execute the repair. If I need tear skirting and foam apart to get to it, I think the path of least resistence might appeal to me.
BTW the slats are tounge and grove, with finishing nails. The corners are one piece. If you have to destroy one slat, at least three are required for the fix (if you know what you are doing, likely more than that the first time).
HTMan
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Obviously it is easier to get in there if the whole side comes off, but for 5 years I don't have to worry about it. After that if I get a leak or two, I'll survive.
I didn't want to buy a tub I didn't like because it has removeable sides. By the way, not knocking Marquis because they make a great tub, but I think their sides look kind of flimsey, a little pressure on the side and it caves in. Those tongue and groove slats may be a pain in the ..., but they sure look good and are solid as a rock. That's about it for me on this topic.
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After comparing hydropool and beachcomber, my Hydropool dealer wanted me to wait to see a new line from Hydropool called Serenity. It had new molds and was updated. It seemed to have everything I needed at a much more reasonable price. I'm giving up the better filtration system that Hydropool has exclusively, but am gaining more tub and better features for less money. I bought the Serenity 6000 elite plus, and am now waiting for delivery. Steve....what do you think of that???
Bobhol