Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: armydude on March 01, 2006, 04:14:07 pm
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I just found this forum and it looks like alot of people here have good knowledge, advice andd opinions. What I would like to know is - what the best hot tub I can purchase under 6,000 dollars with our wants/needs. The bells and whitsles my wife would like is a light that can do basic color changes and a stereo system. Other options we would like are aromatherapy and a water effect option (these are not that big an issue). The one must have is a lounger seat. We would like to be able to seat 4 comfortably in the spa. So again I ask humbly for the experience and knowledge of those here on the forum in helping my wife and I pick a quality hot tub that won't break the bank. In case it matters we are located in south eastern PA. Thanks in advance for you reponses.
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Avoid Costco, Sam's Club, and other non spa dealers, unless you feel real comfortable without support for setup and service. Not sure that the spas sold at those places would have some of the bells and whistles you're looking for.
Go to several spa dealers in your area, and ask them to show you what they have in your price range. Many spa dealers carry value priced sister lines parallel to their flagship brands- for expample, Sundance has a value priced line, which used to be called Sweetwater, but the brand has folded into Sundance using model series numbers instead. Hot Springs has the Tiger River line, and I'm sure there are others.
Also make sure you allow enough money for the stuff that's not included in the spa- like electrical, foundation, and other site prep.
Be sure to hop in several tubs once you narrow down your options, and try them out. This is especially true if you're shopping for a lounger. You need to make sure it fits and that you like the seating and jet action.
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Welcome!
Unfortunately, some of your requests require some money to purchase. The light is no big thing, you can get one for about $100, but the stereo can be expensive - $600 and up, some people resort to outdoor speakers or a boom box. The aromatherapy I believe requires a blower system and that's usually in premium spas ($8,000 +). As far as water effect, some tubs have waterfalls and some are optional and some have "fountains" so it really depends on what you're looking for.
For around $6,000, I would say your area (I assuming around Philly) you can probably get a Jacuzzi, Beachcomber, Artesian Island, Emerald, possibly Sundance 700 (?) series and LA Spas. There may be others but these are what I found shopping in late 2004 to have lower priced, nice units.
Hope this helps!
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what the best hot tub I can purchase under 6,000 dollars with our wants/needs. The bells and whitsles my wife would like is a light that can do basic color changes and a stereo system.
1) You're looking to not spend over $6k but at what cost? Not at the cost of quality so look at the better spa makers but don't get the largest spa or the ones with teh most flash.
2) Do yourself a favor, skip the stereo in the spa. It'll save you a lot of money and they're simply NOT a good value option. Often more than 10% of the cost of the spa will be the stereo alone if you go that route and even if money wasn't an option, they are a potential headache once you get past that 1 yr warranty.
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Check out the Tiger River Bengal and HotSpot Mallorca, both are in your price range, though you will have to sacrifice the sound system. There are lots of other choices out there, good luck in your search.
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Just to add my two cents: Spa stereos usually only have a one year warranty, and I'd REALLY recommend you spend your money on a quality spa, not bells and whistles. You can set up outdoor speakers (you'll need wiring out there anyway, right?) and a little stereo unit for a small fraction of the cost of a spa system. I'm not the expert, but my boyfriend has a home business in home theater and the like, and he was really amused by the costs of spa stereos that we saw while shopping for a spa.
I second the vote to look into Tiger River, and also recommend looking at Coleman. I started out only willing/able to spend about $6000, and both those companies have good VALUE in that range
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In the Philly area a dealer to check out is Springdance. Throughout their stores they have multiple brands.
I am on the west coast, so Springdance is not me. ;)
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and another thing that everyone here seems to agree on...the cost up front may be higher than you'd like to spend, but still small compared to the cost of repairs later on if you get a 'cheap' tub or try to cut corners where it counts.
the value, however, is not just a dollar amount, but the peace of mind of having bought a tub from a spa dealer that will be behind the product you finally purchase throughout the warranty, and after.
Find a reputable dealer in your area to discuss your wants and needs with. You may find that the stereo being part of the spa isn't necessary (they're VERY not cheap), and you can "make do" with a bookshelf style stereo, or boombox.....Many spas have "cool" lighting, and I saw a post that told you of the availability of a color changing LED light. That might be the cheapest way to go, without giving up on the idea. Ask if the light changing package is extra on the tubs you look at, to be sure.
Water features.....waterfalls, etc.....some of them run the prices of the tubs higher, but plenty of the people on this forum find them overrated.
Aromatherapy can be done by simply buying bottles of Spazzaz or other scented crystals or liquids. Use in moderation, however....there's also a fish that you can fill with the scented liquid, and it releases the stuff at a 'slow' rate...
Also, the tubs are listed at 2 voltages.....115 and 230, I believe.....the firstb plugs in to an outlet, but apparently doesn't allow the use of the heater and jets at the same time. This may or may not be issue for you.
Just a few things for you to consider that could help you figure out what's important and what you could cut costs on.
Best of luck!!
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Check out the Marquis Everyday line..
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I want to thank everyone who responded. I appreciate your opinions and guidance. I heard the same thoughts about the stereo system echoed by from a dealer at the home show but though he was just trying to steer me in a certain direction (his line). Since there seems to be a concensus here about that I will move away from it. I was really interested in the Sundance Spas but they were too expensive for something that I will sell with me house in less than 30 months (the army thing). I will look at some of the suggested models from the brands suggested here. Again thanks for the responses from all who have posted.
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cost of the stereo in the Hot Spring line is $1500 - $1800, from the numbers I've seen.....it's cool, but to me, ain't THAT cool.
I don't know the cost of other stereo systems in the tubs, but if they're close in price, you could get a REALLY nice system for a fraction of the price, and take it with you when you move.
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Armydude,
As mentioned by Vinny and Hottubdan, if you are in the Greater Philadelphia area, as I am. Locally, you could check out the Tiger River Line from Hot Springs, 700 Series from Sundance, LA Spas is also available in your area and Artesian Spas, which is the brand I sell. All of these brands offer quality spas in your price range and are backed by very good dealers. Goodluck and Happy Shoppin. Dave.
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the best hot tub with the features you are looking for....the Cal spa v-850....sells for $5995 with am/fm/cd player and 4 speakers
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In-spa radio/cd = Total waste of money! I mean TOTAL waste of money!!!!
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Snyper. No it ain't. Might be for you. But it wasn't for me. paul
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the best hot tub with the features you are looking for....the Cal spa v-850....sells for $5995 with am/fm/cd player and 4 speakers
No it ain't ... The Artesian Promo line sells for about $2,000 less with stereo!
I'm not a dealer but a happy consumer who shopped around and I don't own the Promo line Artesian.
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In the Philly area a dealer to check out is Springdance. Throughout their stores they have multiple brands.
I am on the west coast, so Springdance is not me. ;)
I live just outside Philly in NJ. I did not buy my tub from SpringDance but they acquired my warranty when the dealer who origianally sold me my HS stopped selling HS. I can say without any reservations that SpringDance is a GREAT dealership. They have treated me as if I had purchased my tub from them and they are extremely friendly and helpful. Any service calls are handled promptly and professionally. I know they sell HS and I believe Tiger River. They sell a quality product and they back their product completely and professionally.
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Look at a nordic or a four winds. We been carring both for years and have verry little problems with either spa manifacturer. I can count the Nordic service calls on one hand. Both have stereos in them. And i'm in northern MN where we average the coldest temp in the nation and these spa run great.
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I bought my Sweetwater (now Sundance) Bahia back in June 2005 as a floor model. I got full warranty, and it came with the stereo. The dealer threw in the LED light for no charge, even though I was willing to pay for it. I paid $5100 plus sales tax, delivery, cover, set up and start-up chems included. This is in north Texas, YMMV in other parts of the country. VERY happy with the spa so far. I believe the Palermo model is the same as mine but has a lounger. Have had up to 7 adults in the spa, so 4 shouldn't be a problem. Happy hunting.
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Marquis comes with the only fully transferrable warranty in the industry if you're going to be selling the house relatively soon.
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The closest Marquis Dealer located near armydude, is about 60 miles away, just outside Atlantic City, in Cardiff, New Jersey. The Dealer is Atlas Pools and Spas.
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Dave, there is a Marquis dealer in Wilmington. Not real sure where Armydude is but I'll bet Wilmington is not 60 miles from him in SE Pa. Actually they are not far from the Air National Guard in New Castle. There is also a home show on the Riverfront in Wilmington this weekend and I know the Marquis dealer will be there....
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Thanks for all the great replies here. I actualy live in Hershey and am moving to Elizabethtown this week, I am actually in the Army not Reserves or National Guard. So that may help direct some of the posts for me. I appreciate the advice and am waiting for the weekend to look at some of the brands that were recommended. I will report back here to say how it went.
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I think National Pool and Spas in Bristol, PA sells Marquis. I went to their store in Robbinsville NJ and I know at the time (Oct 2004) they had Marquis in their Bristol store.
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Go to Bob's InTowne Spas. He sells both Hotspring and Coleman. His store is right accross from the old Marquis plant.
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Vinny,
National Pools in Bristol stopped selling Marquis and took on Artesian this past spring, to sell at that location. They still sell Sundance at their New Jersey Stores. Sounds like the New Castle Delaware, dealer is closest to Philly. But, anyway armydude just said they are moving to Elizabethtown, Pa which is in Lancaster County. So, that brings up a diiferent area. There is an Artesian location on Rt 222 south, just below downtown Lancaster. Goodall Pools and Spas is a fine dealer, located in Harrisburg and Lancaster, they sell Sundance. There other nice dealers in Lancaster also. Dave.
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I had no clue where Elizabethtown, Pa is. Hey, I'm a New York City boy! ;)
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You should look into the Jacuzzi J355 (I think). As do all Jacuzzi's, it has a water feature. It has a lounger. It comes STANDARD with the LED lighting. It has an optional stereo that is quite good and not a whole lot of money in comparison to the other brands. The size is comprable to the Bahia by Sundance but the warranty is longer than the Sundance. And the most important thing is that you should still be able to get one of these for your price point WITH all the stuff you want. I bought my J-370 about 3 years ago. It has all that stuff and ran me $6,500 including the stereo
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Today I am going to the Home Show (again) in Harrisburg to look at all the brands. I hope to make deciscion today/tommorrow since all the special pricing at the show ends on Sunday. I think we have decided that we will not get any music option because of all of the advice had pointed us away from it.
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NOT SURE WHAT AREA IN PA. YOU ARE IN, BUT YOU REALLY NEED TO CHECK OUT THE ARTESIAN LINE
YOU CAN GO TO A STORE CALLED
ARTESIAN FACTORY OUTLET
1 IN YORK (717)751-0658
1 IN LANCASTER (717)207-0610
THIS WEEKEND YOU CAN GO TO THE
PA. HOME SHOW IN HARISBURG
GO TO THE ARTESIAN FACTORY OUTLET BOOTH
AND ASK FOR JT OR CHAD OR MARC
ARTESIAN FACTORY OUTLET IS KNOWN AS
SPLASH POOLS AND SPAS DOWN IN THE SOUTH
IF YOU GO TELL THEM SPACHAMP SENT YOU
THEY HAVE ALL KINDS OF DEALS GOING ON AT THE
SHOW
GOOD LUCK
YOU CAN ALSO GO TO
WWW.SPLASHPOOLSANDSPAS.COM
WWW.ARTESIANSPAS.COM
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The Harrisburg Home Show, in the Farm Arena, is one of the best on the East Coast. Most of the top brands will be there and the prices are excellent, as it a much cheaper show, to exhibit in, compared to shows like the Philadelphia Home Show, where prices for spas are higher at the show,than on the showroom floor, due to convention center/union fees. All of the dealers exhibiting at Harrisburg, will be from your Elizabethtown area. With tomorrow being the last day of the show, you might grab an awesome show floor model deal. Goodluck. Dave.
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NJDave,
I see that you are Marquis dealer and since I might be buying. Could you tell me what the best price should be for a 530 or Quest models, and also what is the big deal of the Ultimate package.
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Just my two cents. I purchased a Sundance Capri for $6000 even in January on a closeout sale. We've used it almost every day since it was delivered and we absolutely love it. Probably the best investment I've ever made. We had wet-tested Marquis, Hot Spring, and Bullfrog as well, but in the end, the Sundance blew the others away in terms of comfort, jet-action, and overall design. Everybody's different though, so no matter what, make sure you wet test (at least once) before you buy. Stick with the major brands, and if it feels right to you, that's the one.
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Arnydude,
Actually, I am a Artesian Dealer. Not sure what the Marquis should sell for. But, it is a very good choice. Maybe some one who purchased a Marquis recently could tell you what they paid. Dave.
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Armydude,
I purchased a Marquis Quest 2005 floor model in January (delivered in early Feb.). I got delivery, cover, cover lifter, steps, LED light, start up chems included all for $ 6697 - minus a $200 coupon from the Marquis web site. Because I was able to get a Doctor's prescription for medically necessary hydrotherapy - I paid NO SALES TAX.
I love the Quest - it has plenty of jets and different seating options. The zoned therapy allows you to put all the power to one seat or all the seats. I simple LOVE the neck therapy jets - my primary reason for needeing a spa!
I live in Central Florida - I hope this info. helps.
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Well to everyone who posted to my question I have made my purchase this afteroughtnoon. I bought a 2005 Sundance Marin for 7700 (this included tax, delivery, setup, cover etc.). I think I got a decent deal but would like to hear from the experts if they think I did all right. Once again thanks to everyone who helped out.
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Great! Congratulations! If I am correct you probably purchased your spa from Goodall Pools and Spas, with locations in Harrisburg and Lancaster. Great Spa and Dealer choice. They will give you supreme service. Did you buy at the Harrisburg Show? Goodluck with your new tub at your new home. A nice house warming gift to yourself. Enjoy. Dave.
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:) Congratulations on the new tub! Now the waiting begins - for delivery and electrical... It is painful - now you own it and you can't wait to be IN IT !
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Well to everyone who posted to my question I have made my purchase this afteroughtnoon. I bought a 2005 Sundance Marin for 7700 (this included tax, delivery, setup, cover etc.). I think I got a decent deal but would like to hear from the experts if they think I did all right. Once again thanks to everyone who helped out.
What happened to wanting to stay under $6,000? :D
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Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!
The Sundance Marin? $7700? NO!!
WHAT?
ARE YOU NUTS?
Ok....just joking. ;D
I know nothing about it other than Sundance makes a quality product. Congratulations!
:)
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For others like me who are curious abut the Marin, here it is:
(http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7607/marinbig0fo.jpg)
And the specs can be found here:
http://sundancespas.com/800Series/MarinSpecs.php
Army dude, what color did you get? What did you like about the tub? Come on! nows the time to tell us what sold you.
;D
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What happened to wanting to stay under $6,000? :D
We ALL wanted that, didn't we? Sigh.