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Artesian Spas

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flamingoezz:
I visited my local Jacuzzi, D1 and now Artesian Dealer.  I must say Artesian was by far the dealer I'd trust most.  Two models appealed to me -- the Grand Bahamas Elite ($9,999) and the Antigua Elite ($8,999). Both come with steps, cover, lifter, starter chemicals.

A few questions:

Are those prices pretty fair? Would welcome what others paid on island elite series..

Do you find their jets to be stronger than average? -- i didn't wet test yet but feeling the jets with my hand it was hard to tell. Want to make sure the 3HP pumps for individual seats are comparable with other spas that have fewer, more powerful pumps since i like a more forceful massage.

I'd be happy with a spa that can seat 4 a little cozy, but 3 without playing footsie.  The 7' Antigua looked like the footwell might be a little tight when people are occupying both captain's chairs.  Anyone whose sat in one comment?

The Wizard of Spas:
The best way to answer your question is to wet test:  "Strength" of the motor/jets is subjective.  Try it out for yourself and then the answer will be clear.

The Island Elite series does well with the (2) DirectFlow zones as they negate the need for larger pumps- the motors sit under the seat and are plumbed directly to the chair.  Its a really neat feature.  They have patented double helix jets which feel like a spinning, pulsing jet but doesnt have the moving parts associated with said jets.  In all- Artesian is a great brand and when I did sell them I really had great support with any service or warranty needs- A bonus to both the dealer and the consumer.

Overall- You're looking at 2 really outstanding brands so if you made a U-turn and decided on the Jacuzzi, you'll still be getting a great quality tub.  Its really all about the feel so wet test and go from there.  Good luck moving forward.

flamingoezz:
I plan to wet test in a week or two.

any comment on the pricing? When I go back I want to be ready to pull the trigger if I like it.

I understand the jet strength and comfort can be subjective. Any opinions on their parts and longevity (jets, motors, etc)?  Having individual motors for certain seats is a big selling point for me, but I don't want to see it turn into a money pit either

The Wizard of Spas:
Pricing seems a smidge high for me but there are a lot of variables in pricing:  Location, delivery, extras, etc.  Overall its probably in the same pricing as a cross-section of Artesian dealers, but I'd prefer an actual Artesian dealer to comment on that as they are more qualified than myself.

As for the motors- There is a lot to unpack in that question.  The bad, as you noted, is that when you increase the number of parts (in this case- motors) its inevitable that you increase the odds and costs of replacing said parts.  That is just common sense. 

The good, though, is that you may camp out in one of the two DirectFlow seats.  That is the motor that gets used extensively (with the circulation pump handling heating, filtering, ozone, etc), while the other pumps (1 DirectFlow pump, and then either 1 or 2 more motors for the rest of the seats, depending on which tub you purchase) not getting much use save for when you're having guests over.  Therefor those motors may have a longer lifespan than, say, a tub that has 2 motors that are always in use b/c each one handles half of the spa.  Make sense?

Its probably a net-zero in reality.  I can see how one could lean towards the "bad" and others can lean towards the "good."  Artesian uses Balboa motors who, from my limited interaction on the motor-side of things, have done well in my personal experience.  I'll leave it to others with more experience with that particular brand, however, to expound upon the reputation of Balboa motors. 

Their jets are CMP and they are great.  I personally prefer CMP over Waterway.  Additionally, I'd check into the pan base if I were you.  It is an add-on but I like it when spas go beyond the 3/16" ABS sheet stapled to the bottom of the tub, and offer additional protection from the elements, critters, etc.  Their ozone is Plasma, I believe, and that is a pretty long-lasting generator (up to 5 years).  Some people opt for the Crystal AOP or Diamond AOP but I dont like the replacement costs, vs, say, getting the @ease in-line sanitizer.  But that is all ancillary to the larger picture- which is Artesian is a fine product with quality parts and a great reputation.  And, if the wet test doesn't end up going well and you look back into Jacuzzi, their tubs are great as well and this is a perfect fall-back option for you. 

I hope this helps. 

JustAnotherNewbie:
Hi there,
I purchased an Island Margarita Elite two years ago. I'm happy to report to you we are very happy with the purchase and I use it every day. The tub is high quality and the warranty for the Elite series is better then most. We did have an issue with a pump, which was our fault. We utilized the warranty  service call. He fixed the problem and replaced the topside control due to condensation free except for the trip charge. So as far as quality and service experience big thumbs up.
Now as to the price. I live in southern Ca. We paid a little over $10 all in for the tub. I'm not sure exactly,  you can check my posts from 15/16 and may find the info helpful. That's a couple years ago.
As far as space, how many people do you expect to be in at any time? I originally  planned party central, but in reality  , it's me by myself or the wife 99% of the time. So, my advice would be the smaller Antigua.
As far as comparing  power, I've been in a bunch of tubs and by far my Elite blows them all away. Jacuzzi,  HotSpring, Caldera,  all great, but Artesian  is best IMHO.
Good luck.

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