Swell-Tub's New Spa Search

[Jacuzzi Jim]

How is it night and day? ...The second diverter valve?  Same pumps right?  Does it give better (deeper) massage?

 2nd diverter would be one, the foot dome would be next, then the size 88X88 vs 91X91 the other strange thing is they are both 39" in the front then 44 in the back, both seats in the back of the spa are the same, yet on the J-465 I sit way higher in the back 2 seats compared to the J-470.  The pillows on the 465 hit me just below the neck the 470s hit me in the back of the head. The J-465 does have a really long lounge though! Personally I just don't like it for the price,when I could have the 470 for a bit more. The lighted step on the 470 is a plus as well!

 Don't even get me started on the base!!  Just kidding on that part.  

[Tailhooker]

 2nd diverter would be one, the foot dome would be next, then the size 88X88 vs 91X91 the other strange thing is they are both 39" in the front then 44 in the back, both seats in the back of the spa are the same, yet on the J-465 I sit way higher in the back 2 seats compared to the J-470.  The pillows on the 465 hit me just below the neck the 470s hit me in the back of the head. The J-465 does have a really long lounge though! Personally I just don't like it for the price,when I could have the 470 for a bit more. The lighted step on the 470 is a plus as well!

 Don't even get me started on the base!!  Just kidding on that part.  

So the base is made out of... blah, blah, blah!!!

[wewannahottub]

So the base is made out of... blah, blah, blah!!!

TH--You're catching onto these guys!!  

Chrisi

[Swell-Tub]

Well next Saturday they are coming to pour the concrete pad for my spa. I'm getting closer. If we bought right now it would come down to two choices, either the Sundance Optima or Jacuzzi J-470. The problem is I can't wet test a J-470 because my local dealer doesn't have one. My Sundance dealer is opening a new store by my house next month and I'm hoping to wet test an Optima at that time.

I do have a question? Where is the electrical hookups on spas. I'm assuming the front where the service door is at. The reason I ask is I need to know where to put the electrical conduit in the concrete so the wires come up where they are needed.

Scott  

[Swell-Tub]

I just finished watching the BullFrog DVD. Does anyone on this site own a BullFrog? What do you think about them? The new 682 looks like a very nice tub.

Scott  

[In Canada eh]

SWell-Tub

  We have had our Bullfrog 451 for almost 2 years.  We are very happy with it and have had no problems with the tub at all.

  BauerN from this site is a Bullfrog dealer, there are also a couple of other owners who stop by from time to time.

[BauerN]

I just finished watching the BullFrog DVD. Does anyone on this site own a BullFrog? What do you think about them? The new 682 looks like a very nice tub.

Scott  

Scott,

I'm a big no-lounger fan (I just really like to stretch out in the spa - and I do some of my flexibility training in the spa).

682 was my personal favorite (until the 462 - going to put one in after our move this summer).  I'm only 5'9", so the smaller tub fits me great - from your posts the 682 would probably be the best Bullfrog for you.

I still recommend a wet test - as you are looking at a lot of different spas.  I wouldn't have been able to decide between the Optima, Chelsee, and 462 without trying them.

I have a lot of technical insights into Bullfrog Spas - if I can help more, just let me know.

[webboy]

Hello Scott,

If you still plan on coming up to Salt Lake City this month and want a tour of our facilities, let me know and I can help you out. There is a 552 model ready to wet test and if you like it we can talk.

On a personal note. I have the 462. It is Bullfrog Spas second tier spa. It has fewer JetPaks but I like it alot. I can tell you which JetPaks I like the most and I do love the hot tub. The 682 is a great spa, no lounger but great seating options.

Good luck and let me know it you want that tour!

[Swell-Tub]

The local BullFrog dealer went out of business and they have to return the tubs back to the manufacturer. I might get a screaming deal on one of the tubs so as not to return them. My concern is service. How often do tubs really need a technician? If I consider this option after I figure out a wet test. Then I will be without local support. The nearest dealer is 2 hours away in St. George and I'm not sure if he will service it since he won't be selling it. I may be buying more headaches than the great deal might be worth?

Scott  :-?

[In Canada eh]

My concern is service. How often do tubs really need a technician?

Scott  :-?

Swell,

   I'm not sure if its normal or not, but we have not needed a service tech in 2 years of owning our 451.  For what its worth I'm sure Bullfrog will be looking hard to open a dealer in a city the size of Vegas.  If the price was right I might chance it

[BauerN]

Scott,

Bullfrog is a VERY reliable spa (so are a lot of others), and the technology makes repairs (when needed) VERY easy.
That said, there are a lot of services a good local dealer offers.

In speaking with my regional Bullfrog rep on the Las Vegas area, he stated that Bullfrog was very actively seeking a new dealer.

I think you would be well advised to speak with both Bullfrog International, and the dealer in St. George.  They should be able to let you know if the level of service you want and need can be provided.  Even better, they can tell you how it would be provided until you have a more local dealer.

[Swell-Tub]

I poured my spa concrete pad today. I did an electrical stub-up at 6'6" from the back of the tub and pad location. I hope it lines up with whatever spa I end up buying. I did 1 1/4 inch electrical conduit.

Scott  

[Swell-Tub]

Well we fell for it. All over Vegas they advertised a big Spa show at a local Casino event center. Thinking we would see several spa manufacturers we went. When we got there they had about 15 different Spas setup and they were all Master Spa's. I must admit they were great looking tubs. The Legend had those above water jets that shoot down on you shoulders. We also liked the surround seats. We were invited back tomorrow for a wet test. So far our short list is still Jacuzzi 470 and Sundance Optima. We have been thinking about the BullFrog 682 as well.

Scott  

[wewannahottub]

Scott,  

We happened to go to a D1 Dealer that had a Master LSX as well, and wet tested it.  Again, Tom didn't fit under the reverse pull neck jets, and I was fighting to stay in that seat, as well as the surround seat, which otherwise, was great therapy.  Plus, it was a little too full of water.  We both floated in the lounger, but we were just testing what was available.

Let us know what happens!

Chrisi

[Chad]

I do have a question? Where is the electrical hookups on spas. I'm assuming the front where the service door is at. The reason I ask is I need to know where to put the electrical conduit in the concrete so the wires come up where they are needed.

Scott  

I poured my spa concrete pad today. I did an electrical stub-up at 6'6" from the back of the tub and pad location. I hope it lines up with whatever spa I end up buying. I did 1 1/4 inch electrical conduit.

Scott  

Sorry, I just now saw your post from the other day. You could have just brought the conduit up at the edge of the slab, drilled a hole through the ABS "bowl"(since your buying a Sundance or Jacuzzi), and ran it around the inside of the spa to the front panel. That's exactly what I did. Don't be nervous about drilling a hole in the side of the "bowl" as there are two holes already drilled out by the factory for the same purpose.