Well, I signed up to be a Freeflow dealer. I have BEEN one before, but it was long long ago, when the world was right and people had money to spend. We simply sold far more HotSpring tubs and finally gave up on the lower-priced units. But - things being as they are
now, we thought selling a low-priced tub would be a good thing, and getting them from Watkins MFG who purchased them last year should make the after-sale support far better. Watkins obviously thinks the same thing, or they wouldn't have purchased Freeflow!
We got 6 of them on a truck Monday, along with a few other HotSpring tubs we needed, and put a couple of the smaller ones on the floor Tuesday. Today, we finally had time and help to put a couple more out on display.
First impressions:
There are two series - Sport and Premier. Some of the tubs are available in both series: the "Sport Series" and the "Premier Series," the only difference being the siding, and a waterfall on one of the models. So, you can choose pretty much the same tub with the plastic roto-molded siding, or simulated wood siding very similar to that on the Limelight spas. Not all the models are this way, just a few, but even that should make it easier for us dealers to show all the models without having to buy every single tub they make, and I hope it makes it easier for shoppers to get the tub they want at the price they want by making what I hope will be a simple choice of the siding. In typical Watkins fashion, they did not make it simple by giving them the same names (with and without siding) - but you can figure it out pretty easily. I like the idea, and it's also an easy way for shoppers to lower the price if they are really shopping for a low price model, or don't mind paying just a bit more for a better look.
Speaking of performance, I have not had time to fill and run one yet, but I will. Hopefully, tomorrow (Sat Aug 25, 2012). They are plug and play, so I'm not expecting them to rock the world. But with newer pump technology, and free-flowing plumbing (flex PVC with few if any 90 degree elbows, just like most tubs these days) I'm
hoping they will have decent jet action. I'll let you know...
They do look a lot like the Freeflow spas we sold before. The surface is made by rotational molding, and the material is pliable, so there is a bit of waviness to all the surfaces. I don't know if Watkins will change molds or make changes to the designs to minimize that, but it's always been part of the deal with plastics of this type: even the playground equipment, storage tanks and any of the dozens of other items made in this fashion tend to have this characteristic. I think that the dull finish of both the interior and exterior tends to soften this - you don't notice it as much as you would if it was a shiny surface.
The insulating foam is soft - I'm guessing 2 pound density. With no 'hard shell' coating on the foam, you can easily poke your fingers into the bottom - but keep in mind that the bottom is mostly sealed with the exception of some cut away areas left open to allow for plumbing and other necessities. It may not be as strong as a regular HotSpring tub, but you sure will have no problem getting into it to find a leak or to do other work, down the road.
The equipment is generic. Parts should be available for DIY repair, or to save money if you are paying for any repairs after the warranty expires. And installing a more powerful pump shouldn't be tough, if you feel the need... just a thought.
The tiny models are, in fact
TINY!!
The first model we unwrapped and put on display was the Emerald, one of the tubs in the "Sport" series. It is only 70" x 61" inches (32" tall). That's not very big - put in whole numbers, that is under 5' by under 6', and less than 3' tall. The seats are
way deep, but I can't figure how you could put four people in the thing. Looking for a
tiny little tub? I think we have found it. If you soak solo, you have four seating choices, all with different jet configurations. Have three friends who want to soak with you? You had better be VERY good friends... We are going to put them on the floor at $2995 as an introductory price. That's less than half the price of the smallest HotSpring - I think those who are looking for this size and type of tub should be very happy with them.
The larger tubs
are much more generous. Obviously, the small tubs are made for folks looking to fit a tub into a tight place, and they will do it. The bigger tubs are going to be of interest to people who want to soak with friends or family, or who want to be able to stretch out without engaging in turf wars with your significant other.
All are plug and play - but convertible. So, you get a 1000 watt heater and 1.5HP pump. Keep in mind, this is Watkins MFG we are talking about, so the HP numbers are REAL. The tubs can convert to 220, which brings the heater up to 4000 watts - and of course you can then heat and jet concurrently.
OK - sorry for the mini-series post, but this is the first time in a very long time I have had anything other than main-stream HotSpring Portable Spas on our showroom floor. We can all learn together.
