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Hi all...I'm a first time buyer and could use some advice. I've been doing research and visiting showrooms the past two months and I think I'm starting to narrow down my choices. A little background.. My parents have had a Hot Springs Classic (the dog bowl... 4 jets, open seating) for the the past 25 years. It's the spa I grew up with and is my benchmark of what I find comfortable seating. I'm a big boy and my girlfriend is tall. We originally thought we wanted a round design as barrier free is what I ideally want. I don't fit comfortably in most spa's molded seats. We found that the round spa didn't give us the type of foot well space we would like. So, the research began and I looked at other designs while keeping in mind my need for a less restrictive seating layout. I've looked at most major brands with showrooms in my area (MA). I "think" I've narrowed it down to two that we will wet test soon. The Bullfrog R6L and Hot Springs Flair (although I was also taken with the Hot Springs Aria... but the 10K+ price may put it out of reach). The corner seats in these models are comfortable as they're not too restrictive in the hip/leg area and I found the loungers nice as well (no side "lip" being a big reason... I'm not trapped in there). I do have some concerns with each model that I hope some of you here can help with. Biggest issue is pump strength (Bullfrog has 1, Hot Springs 2). We both want a high water pressure on our backs. It seams the Bullfrog is pretty weak when all the jets are on. Once I shut off the one jetpack and other jets not being used, pressure seams acceptable for 2 (we haven't tried it at the same time yet). I had high hopes that the Flair would be stronger with the two pumps but it seams that the main corner seat and lounger (the 2 seats we would primarily use) were on the same pump with a diverter valve. They were both ok when the valve was in the middle but to get either to full blast, the other one was pretty much shut down. You also couldn't shut off the jets not in use as easily as the Bullfrog. I'd love to hear from people who have these spas and what they think of the pressure. Initial prices I've gotten (without negotiating) are $6999 for the R6L and $7999 for an in stock Flair. These aren't "out the door prices" yet.... Can you think of any other barrier free designs/brands I should look at? How do these prices sound? We have The Big E (state fair) opening up soon. Am I better off waiting for an event like that or try to make a deal on a floor model? Thanks!!!
jump up to an R7, MUCH better jetting options than the Flair which basically has 3 styles of jets and the construction on the Bullfrog is also much better, sealed base and maintenance free framework that has a lifetime warranty..the Flair uses crappy wood and a piece of poly plastic for the base
Quote from: BullFrogSpasMN on August 21, 2015, 12:46:56 pmjump up to an R7, MUCH better jetting options than the Flair which basically has 3 styles of jets and the construction on the Bullfrog is also much better, sealed base and maintenance free framework that has a lifetime warranty..the Flair uses crappy wood and a piece of poly plastic for the baseThat's not what you were saying a month or 2 ago when you sold Hot Springs!