Original > Hot Tub Forum
First Time Purchaser Help
Spatech_tuo:
--- Quote from: aug0211 on December 06, 2018, 09:28:42 am ---Hi everyone,
We're getting into setting up wet tests. Pricing is the next step after/during that.
Can I get a list of ballpark ranges to expect for fair pricing on the following? I know pricing can be a big range, so I will keep that in mind. I'm just hoping to collect as many data points as possible to make sure I'm not *way* off in my discussions.
Hot Spring NXT Grandee
Hot Spring NXT Envoy
Jacuzzi J-575
D1 Amore Bay
D1 Sarena Bay
Thanks!
--- End quote ---
What city/area are you in?
Tman122:
--- Quote from: Spatech_tuo on December 07, 2018, 12:00:50 am ---What city/area are you in?
--- End quote ---
Somewhere by Bill, ain't he a buckeye?
Spatech_tuo:
--- Quote from: Tman122 on December 07, 2018, 07:55:58 am ---
--- Quote from: Spatech_tuo on December 07, 2018, 12:00:50 am ---What city/area are you in?
--- End quote ---
Somewhere by Bill, ain't he a buckeye?
--- End quote ---
Aha, I guess I should have scrolled up.
aug0211:
Sorry, yep, I'm a buckeye.
Any ballpark numbers out there?
aug0211:
Well, we wet tested four tubs today:
1. Hot Spring Grandee with ACE salt system - we both floated a ton, and fought to stay in the seats. Also realized we really want a central hub for feet if it’s an open layout. We do love the exterior styling and the remote control of the NXT line, but the rest was not workable. This seemed like a no go, unfortunately. *Note: we will consider the Envoy, but cannot find one to wet test which is a must for us.
2. Bullfrog A8 - the quality was noticeably lower than the Hot Spring and tub felt small. Jet strength was not consistent across the jet packs and the control panel was all but unresponsive. Miserable to work with. This was a no go for the entire brand, unfortunately.
3. Jacuzzi 470 - this started to get better. No remote control which was a bummer, but we did not float nearly as much as in the Hot Spring. Jets did well and the speakers (option) were surprisingly a nice touch. The dual waterfalls were nice and we enjoyed the waterfall more than water spout options in the Hot Spring. Enjoyed the high-back styling. We noticed more “divides” between each seat which helped us stay put. We also liked the individual jet-level of customization for water power - big win there (and in Sundance).
4. Sundance Optima 880 - possibly the top pick from what we tested, maybe a tie with the Jacuzzi 470. The cabinet looks like it’s from the 80s, which I could not get over. The no high-back styling like the Jacuzzi offers. The jets seemed better than the Jacuzzi. We did not have float issues, and again enjoyed the waterfall, though it was only a single and not double like the Jacuzzi. We did like the built in grab bars as well (potential focus for us as a family where accessibility is a concern). Excited about the scent option and bubbles as nice touches. As listed on Jacuzzi, enjoyed individual jet power customization.
Next steps:
1. We would love a Hot Spring NXT, as the exterior styling and remote control are top notch. It would probably have to be the Envoy, which we cannot wet test, so we have to wait on that most likely and see what 2019 might bring to our dealer’s floor.
2. Jacuzzi 500 series is a strong contender - dealer does not have any to see, which is a concern, but after testing the 400 series, we are thinking we should have a good feel for it (does this make sense?) and just want the styling touches.
3. We are really interested in the 900 series of the Sundance spas. Specifically the 980 Kingston and Claremont. Dealer is supposed to get a 980 in next week, so we’ll check it out.
Key Learnings:
1. Wet test is critical, we learned that we float. We did a full 180 on the foot hubs and now they are very attractive to us.
2. Control panel - using it while in the tub was important to test. We learned which ones were usable and which ones freak out.
3. Cool down seat - must have for us!
4. Salt water was a bit different but not massively.
Questions:
1. Any chance the salt system in the Hot Spring caused our float issues? Or is the salt level too low to impact buoyancy that much?
2. Thoughts on Sundance? Sounds like they are a step up from Jacuzzi? Are they reputable/top tier/going to last a long time/good customer service/etc?
3. Dealer mentioned that darker shells would show dirt quickly/easily and was recommending a lighter shell. We were nervous about sun glare but don’t want to be fighting with water marks on a darker shell non-stop. Is the dealer right? Or full of it?
4. Pricing? I know everyone is hesitant to touch this, but I’d love to hear whatever input might be out there. What have people paid for Jacuzzi 500 series? Sundance 900 series?
5. Other brands/tubs/recommendations to check out?
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