Hot Tub Opinions

[ilmac86]

Hello All

We too are in the research stage of getting a tub and are looking to move on it here in the next few weeks.  We have been looking at the HS Vista model (an 06) for 8,544 and the jacuzzi model J470 (also an 06) for 10,600.  They are both floor models the dealer is willing to cut the price to move them.  To me they both look and feel the same.  I havent seen much negative about either and am looking at an unbiased opinion of why i should go woth one or the other.  

We have also found a bullfrog spa.  Fairly new but i like the concept and the come in aroun 9,400.  has anyone heard of the bullfrog?  They can be found on the web.

What are other things we should look at/be aware of before buying? We have heard some things about wet testing.  What if a dealer wont let you wet test?  What things should we look for while wet testing??

Thank you in advance for the help!

[Steve]

Welcome to the forum.

Many spas can have a similar "look and feel" but the difference is in the wet test if you've narrowed it down to 2 or 3.

You'll want to look for:
1) Comfort
2) The therapy you're after
3) A variety of seating heights for cooling off
4) Determine the noise level of the pumps
5) The ability to alter the intensisty of the jets (Divert pressure)
6) Comfort and stability of getting in and out (steps into the spa)
7) Room for everyones feet (take the entire family with you)
Determine if you float in the lounger (if there is one)
9) Try every seat

If a dealer will not allow a wet test you have 2 choices. Either don't purchase (that would be my stance) or ask for a 30 day guarantee where your purchase is 100% refundable.

Comfort with the dealer is high on the priorities. The sale really doesn't start until you've purchased it. Compare warranties, service and try to speak to people that have purchased from the store.

There's lots more but that will give you some insight at this stage... Good luck!

Steve

[hottubdan]

Just in terms of price, the vista is an amazingly low price.  Most dealers sell it for $10,000+.

[Jacuzzi Jim]

  I really like the J-470!!

But I have to agree with Dan that is a great price for the Vista.

 It all comes down to wet testing and see which one you like the best,Heck you might hate both of them and pick something else.

[Pathfinder]

I would go with either the Vista or the 470     both tubs have better seating than the Bullfrog which is one level seating  there is no way a Bullfrog should sell for that high of a price.  That dealer must be making amazing margins if he can sell for that price.

[In Canada eh]

Bullfrog makes a good tub with the same quality components as the other guys, dell ozone generators, balboa controls, aquaflo pumps, waterway jets and they also come with a great warranty.  We have a Bullfrog 451 and are very happy with it and with our dealer.  That being said, they are also normally lower in price then Hot Springs and Jacuzzi.  If your Bullfrog dealer is over pricing his/her tubs and in my opinion they are, I would look at the HS or the Jacuzzi

[East_TX_Spa]

Ditto what everyone else said.  That is an EXTREMELY low price for the Vista.  We sell it for $10,600.  Good luck on whichever you purchase.

Terminator

[Richs100]

That sounds like a great price on the Vista.  I paid substantially more that that for an Envoy just two months ago.  If everything is kosher, I would wet test, and then jump on it asap.
Big tub too!

[ilmac86]

is 10,600 a bad price for the j470?

[Chad]

is 10,600 a bad price for the j470?

I'm pretty sure that's about what Jacuzzi Jim sells them for.

[ilmac86]

for an 06 floor model tho?

[69ghia]

is 10,600 a bad price for the j470?

Where do you live? You can get the Jacuzzi J470 Cheaper.

[ilmac86]

Rockford IL

[drewstar]

Wet test.  Let that be the deciding factor.   The 470 has the 4 corner seats and a foot dome, the Vista offers the lounger and the moto massage.  It's completely up to you on what you prefer.

If after testing you still feel you could be happy with either one, I'd go with the lower priced vista.  Hotsprings is the industry leader, and recogognized as being a great tub. I wouldn't hesistate to select it.

However, don't take the HS simply because it's an outstanding deal (which in your case it is). Outstanding deals are great, but the tub will be with you for many years and don't deny yourself what you really want to save what works out to be a few bucks a month over the life of the spa..... But if it's a toss up, I would take the Vista. IMHO.  

[ilmac86]

thank you for the great advice and insight all!