Original > Hot Tub Forum
Hot Tub Buying Adventure: Bullfrog, Marquis, Artisan
Tman122:
--- Quote from: econoir on October 28, 2019, 07:39:11 pm ---@Tman122,
Thanks for your reply. We could certainly look at the HS hot tub - any suggestions for a spa for 4-5 people?
Yes, I was very disappointed about the Marquis dealer issue. Unfortunately, we have been down that road too many times and, for us, it just isn't worth it to go into a big purchase like this with a potentially compromised partner.
--- End quote ---
I'm not really up on the current molds from any of the manufacturers. I've been around plumbing and hot tubs for over 30 years. Besides, the mold that is right for me may not be right for you and yours. I say make her happy. HS is worth a look.
Shrugs:
I wet tested HS lately and Sundance and the wife and I both agreed the Sundance was much nicer.
Might wanna check them out while you're at it.
The Wizard of Spas:
--- Quote from: econoir on October 27, 2019, 11:29:27 am ---1st, thanks to all the great people who post here. I have learned a good deal.
CAPTIVA
Pros:
• The dealer will take our old tub for free and try to recycle parts - big plus for us since we hate the thought of just dumping it
• The dealer was a service tech for many years, so very knowledgeable
• We liked the dealer better
• More options to divert water/pump configuration on the fly
• Slightly better quality (e.g. icyene foam, Balboa heating)
• 3 pumps (1 circ, 2 four hp pumps)
• Ozone free option
• Better feet and calf jets
• Water feature
• Will throw in an extended warranty
Cons
• Fixed jets
• Not very customizable
• Frog @ease $150 addition
• Lighting package $500 option
• Better quality "Smart top" cover $1500
BULLFROG R6
Pros:
• Customizable jet packs
• $400 rebate offer
• We have experience with their service quality
• Lighting package included
• Frog @ease included
Cons:
• $300 to haul our old tub and they just dump it
• Somewhat less quality based on what we could get out of the less experienced salesperson
• Not as customizable on the fly
• Feet/calf jets not as good
• 2 pumps (1 circ and 4 hp pump) - 2 pump config is optional
So what are your thoughts or what are we missing that we should consider?
Thanks in advance!
--- End quote ---
I applaud your thorough research. Well done.
I agree with Tman - it seems you're not thrilled with either option. You're on your second hot tub - trust your instincts. You're unlikely to use this tub any differently than the last tub so don't overthink it. Maybe expand your search to other brands?
A few things:
-What is ozone free?
-The @ease on Artesian is in-line and the Bullfrog is not, though it is in the filter area I believe. Hence the price difference. I personally love @ease so either way you go that is terrific.
-I'm always leery when someone says they'll "throw in" something, as its never free. When someone notes they'll throw in steps and cover lift, I'll wager its built into the price and used as a closing method.
-I don't want to trigger the Bullfrog people out there as I mean no malice but I too don't know of anyone who really dives into jetpacks outside of the sales process. And if they all feel the same / similar and you get lost during that process, what does that tell you? Like any tub - you either like or dislike the fell, pressure, etc. so lead with that.
-Rebates always have catches. If not, they'd just simply take it off the price. Never understood a rebate - why not just deduct $400???
-Smart top cover is expensive anywhere. I initially stayed away from them as there were issues from the onset, but others on this forum have noted that they quality has increased recently.
-I'd consider a pan base on the Artesian if you can - that keeps the wood under the bottom of the cabinet from rotting. A nice addition for sure.
I hope this helps. Logs of knowledgeable people on this forum so I am sure others will chime in with other notes and details. Good luck moving forward.
econoir:
@Tman122: got it. Thank you!
@Shrugs: thanks for the tip!
@Wizard of Spas: yes, we are considering expanding our search. In terms of the ozone, the Artisan dealer said he could add or take away the ozone generating module – or at least that was my understanding. Good to hear about @ease – that seems like a feature we will be getting. I think the jet packs were more attractive to my wife due to customization. She recently got a new iPhone 11 and hates it because it is too big for her hands. Having a tub customized for her body specifically is very attractive for someone who often feels products are never made for her. Thanks for the tip on the pan base and for your useful insights.
econoir:
In the end, we went with the Artesian Island Captiva. Should be delivered in a couple of weeks.
It was an interesting process. I thought my wife would have prioritized the jet packs on the Bullfrog that fit her body better, but in the end she was more appreciative of the foot jets and diverter options on the Captiva.
Another difference over buying our 1st hot tub was how much we prioritized the dealer. The first time, it was all about the cost and the features of the tub. Now, being small business owners ourselves, we thought seriously about which dealer we wanted to support and have a relationship with.
Also surprising was how we budgeted our time. Having had and enjoyed an entry-level tub for over a decade, we realized that once we understood what the quality options were in our area, we really couldn't go wrong with whatever we chose. In the end, we just weren't willing to significantly cut into our family time to do a bunch of research for this purchase. I only mention this because others reading this might also not have unlimited time and worry about getting an excellent tub. You can, particularly if you are already on this forum, reading all the great input other members are providing.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to our adventure!
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