It has been a month now since we took delivery of our 1st Hot Tub, following extensive research and testing.
When we began, we were looking for high end built with low-end gimicks. We wanted a tub that was substance, not all flash/gimmick. We sure found that in Beachcomber. No watefalls... No overdone light shows.. just back to basics quality build and philosophy.
Let me say one thing for certain, this was the most comfortable tub while testing, and it hasn't let us down! The contoured, barrier-free, seating is the best design on the market. Many other manufacturers that offer barrier free design aren't molded nicely to fit your back-end, and are often just benches! Jacuzzi also seemed to do a good job at this!
We were hesitant to go with the 2 x 3.5HP pumps after seeing some out there that double this rating, but there is no shortage of power in these puppies. It all has to do with design! You can effectively run a 250-300 gallon tub on 1.5HP if the plumbing and jet layout is optimal, not just compensating by adding power to a poor design.
The extaseat is amazing! It messages the muscles/tendon/legiments on both side of your spine at the same time, and doesn't jet directly down the middle where the bone it, which would be useless! It does all this while gently messaging your neck with a neck jet at the top.
Good solid hand holds/grips for moving around the tub and entering/exiting has been used more then anticipated. We like the design (nothing to break, weaken/loosen, or discolour), but have used them much more then anticipated. Well though out feature, which Elite (Maax) has copied and incorporated into thier designs.
However, I am finding that we spend more time in the corner seats then the lounger. Next time I would purchase the 730 or the 750 and skip the lounger. It does provide a nice and well used play space for our 2-1/2 y.o. daughter!
The foot wells in the Beachcomber are deeper then many tubs on the market, and fit 6 adult fomfortably without playing a big game of footsies with each other!
Some like the Protec Design, Some think it is "old Shcool" or dated. I personally like it. Very simple to service and can be ordered with the pumps on ANY side of the tub. This is true customization!
Little quirks about the tub are well overweighed by the enjoyment it has brought my family. Things I would suggest for improvement: Photocell on the keypad so it is illuminated on touch of a button and only when dark out. Reflex foot message is very nice, but maybe not in an optinal spot on the 740. A new location or layout may make it feel even better. Also, I know many tubs have this, the heater and/or circ. pump shuts off when the water temp get of 3 degrees above the set temp. They call it summer protection mode, but not being a tech, I don't see what the circulation pump can't be running.
We got a great price on our tub, so took what we could get. I would however probably added the turbo option and garden lights. What's a couple of extra hundred when you are spending $10K already!
All in All, absolutley no regrets in our purchase decision! I would do Beachcomber in a flash again!
Date Purchased: 05/2004
Price Paid: $10
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
- Comfort (Seating & Deep Foot Wells)
- Power
- Simplicity
- Design Thought & Build Quality
Cons:
- Summer Protection Mode (Most tubs have this) - Circ. pump shuts off when the tub gets over 3% higher then temp. setting.
- Control Pad Always Lit
- Reflex Message Placement |
