Original > Hot Tub Forum
New to Hot Tubs: Top Reliable Brands?
Tman122:
--- Quote from: castletonia on March 20, 2018, 01:06:22 pm ---In alphabetical order, I would go Arctic, Artesian, Bullfrog, Caldera, D1, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Marquis, and Sundance as my top brands. Go to the website of each and put in your zip code to see if you have a local dealer. No dealer = irrelevant brand for you. Research your dealers because they are almost as important as the brand. Go from there.
--- End quote ---
I would add Beachcomber to make a solid top ten.
jtd1216:
WOW! Thanks for all the help everyone. This is a great way to get started. OK so I did what you said!
Top rated dealers in my area based on reviews: Bullfrog, D1, Hotspring,
Decent rated dealers (Mixed-reviews) in my area: Caldera (this dealer specializes in hearth/fireplace though), Jacuzzi
As far as budget.... OK, so we've had a bit of a rude awakening after reading some pricing on this forum, and even a little discouraged. We are planning a large patio project in our backyard, something we've always wanted. We've also wanted a hot tub--my wife especially.
As I mentioned, we've never owned a hot tub before, so don't really know how far beyond entry level we'd need. We like to entertain, but mostly want this for me and her to relax and also for some hydro therapy, because we're both fairly active and could use that.
So, originally (and please don't laugh haha) I was thinking, "oh how much could they be? 4? maybe 5-thousand?" Yikes... I'm seeing a lot of numbers in the 8-12 range on here and that's just not in the cards for us.
I'm wondering if those are more for mid range people who might be getting into their second hot tub and want to level up. That's where we could really use some help next.
Thanks so much again for your help, everyone! Truly appreciated!!
buttoh:
--- Quote from: jtd1216 on March 20, 2018, 09:19:11 pm ---WOW! Thanks for all the help everyone. This is a great way to get started. OK so I did what you said!
Top rated dealers in my area based on reviews: Bullfrog, D1, Hotspring,
Decent rated dealers (Mixed-reviews) in my area: Caldera (this dealer specializes in hearth/fireplace though), Jacuzzi
As far as budget.... OK, so we've had a bit of a rude awakening after reading some pricing on this forum, and even a little discouraged. We are planning a large patio project in our backyard, something we've always wanted. We've also wanted a hot tub--my wife especially.
As I mentioned, we've never owned a hot tub before, so don't really know how far beyond entry level we'd need. We like to entertain, but mostly want this for me and her to relax and also for some hydro therapy, because we're both fairly active and could use that.
So, originally (and please don't laugh haha) I was thinking, "oh how much could they be? 4? maybe 5-thousand?" Yikes... I'm seeing a lot of numbers in the 8-12 range on here and that's just not in the cards for us.
I'm wondering if those are more for mid range people who might be getting into their second hot tub and want to level up. That's where we could really use some help next.
Thanks so much again for your help, everyone! Truly appreciated!!
--- End quote ---
In hot tubs, you will get what you pay for. Be careful not to pay for what you won't get..... In other words, service is just as important as quality. Also, you will see some "flashy" tubs at big box stores or "home shows" that don't have a local dealer. Buyer beware. You are better buying a Bullfrog X series than some other bigger tubs with more "JETS", more "PUMPS", etc. Or buy a Hot Spot from Hot springs over some other big box store "special". Insulation is really important. Quality components is really important. Do the manufactures stand behind the dealer? Most of the reputable ones like Bullfrog, Hotsprings and Jacuzzi (same company) do. Most importantly, YOU need to do your research. Don't depend on dealer. All dealers have their take on the brands they carry. That is all well and good. Have your take on brands based on your research. Wet test. You will be shocked how your opinion will change from tub to tub.
Spatech_tuo:
--- Quote from: jtd1216 on March 20, 2018, 09:19:11 pm ---WOW! Thanks for all the help everyone. This is a great way to get started. OK so I did what you said!
Top rated dealers in my area based on reviews: Bullfrog, D1, Hotspring,
Decent rated dealers (Mixed-reviews) in my area: Caldera (this dealer specializes in hearth/fireplace though), Jacuzzi
As far as budget.... OK, so we've had a bit of a rude awakening
--- End quote ---
1) People VERY often go in blind with a budget they think is in line with what they want only to find out otherwise so your budget awakening is not unique.
2) You've listed 5 very good brands all of which will have top of the line models over $10k but those same companies will have mid line models where they take out a lot of the bells and whistles to meet a lower budget. You've seen people here talk about Bullfrog or Hot Spring or ... models at prices you aren't prepared to go to but those same people had lower priced options they could have considered at those same dealers so don't be totally discouraged, go visit and see what your options are.
Jacuzzi Jim:
--- Quote from: buttoh on March 20, 2018, 11:17:30 pm ---
--- Quote from: jtd1216 on March 20, 2018, 09:19:11 pm ---WOW! Thanks for all the help everyone. This is a great way to get started. OK so I did what you said!
Top rated dealers in my area based on reviews: Bullfrog, D1, Hotspring,
Decent rated dealers (Mixed-reviews) in my area: Caldera (this dealer specializes in hearth/fireplace though), Jacuzzi
As far as budget.... OK, so we've had a bit of a rude awakening after reading some pricing on this forum, and even a little discouraged. We are planning a large patio project in our backyard, something we've always wanted. We've also wanted a hot tub--my wife especially.
As I mentioned, we've never owned a hot tub before, so don't really know how far beyond entry level we'd need. We like to entertain, but mostly want this for me and her to relax and also for some hydro therapy, because we're both fairly active and could use that.
So, originally (and please don't laugh haha) I was thinking, "oh how much could they be? 4? maybe 5-thousand?" Yikes... I'm seeing a lot of numbers in the 8-12 range on here and that's just not in the cards for us.
I'm wondering if those are more for mid range people who might be getting into their second hot tub and want to level up. That's where we could really use some help next.
Thanks so much again for your help, everyone! Truly appreciated!!
--- End quote ---
In hot tubs, you will get what you pay for. Be careful not to pay for what you won't get..... In other words, service is just as important as quality. Also, you will see some "flashy" tubs at big box stores or "home shows" that don't have a local dealer. Buyer beware. You are better buying a Bullfrog X series than some other bigger tubs with more "JETS", more "PUMPS", etc. Or buy a Hot Spot from Hot springs over some other big box store "special". Insulation is really important. Quality components is really important. Do the manufactures stand behind the dealer? Most of the reputable ones like Bullfrog, Hotsprings and Jacuzzi (same company) do. Most importantly, YOU need to do your research. Don't depend on dealer. All dealers have their take on the brands they carry. That is all well and good. Have your take on brands based on your research. Wet test. You will be shocked how your opinion will change from tub to tub.
--- End quote ---
Bullfrog, Jacuzzi and Hot Springs are not the same company. Jacuzzi, Sundance, Thermospa's and D1 yes. Hot Springs, Caldera and freeflow are all one company as well. Bullfrog is independent.
And many times Dealers/companies like the one I work for, go above and beyond to what the manufacturer offers to take care of the customer.
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