Original > Hot Tub Forum
Committing to a Spa
Guzzi:
Kiva,
I am fairly confident that there’s consensus from the various dealers/spa techs here, that Bullfrog would be included amongst the ‘top tier’ spa manufacturers. Strong spas on the other hand, is unlikely to be ranked above a third tier product, and would be closely associated with mass merchandisers big box offerings. (Home Depot, among them).
Watkins (conglomerate owner of Hot Springs, Caldera & others) manufactures spas for big box retailer; Costco, under the Aquaterra label.
Immediate qualitative differences in shell/cabinet construction, gaudy lighting, reliance on small-diameter jetting to boost ‘jet count’ ...all jump out and demand notice of the discriminating shopper, whom has been exposed to samples of top tier products.
I considered the Bullfrog X5L, R5L and A5L, as they have wrist jets either as a standard feature, or an available option. The relatively (to me) low jet pressure in both jet packs for neck/shoulders, was the determining factor in moving on to other spas. I like the plumbing theory that BF spas utilize, I do concur with others that the modular jet pack assemblies do place limits on sculpted curves designed into the seat molds.
Even the D1 Spas Triad with massage sequencer (2.5 continuous hp pump) is still too weak, to my taste (HS Aria’s quartet jets were better) ...but looks like my best option for 2020 in a small 250-ish gallon spa with wrist jets.
kiva:
--- Quote from: Guzzi on December 04, 2020, 06:06:11 am ---Kiva,
I am fairly confident that there’s consensus from the various dealers/spa techs here, that Bullfrog would be included amongst the ‘top tier’ spa manufacturers. Strong spas on the other hand, is unlikely to be ranked above a third tier product, and would be closely associated with mass merchandisers big box offerings. (Home Depot, among them).
Watkins (conglomerate owner of Hot Springs, Caldera & others) manufactures spas for big box retailer; Costco, under the Aquaterra label.
Immediate qualitative differences in shell/cabinet construction, gaudy lighting, reliance on small-diameter jetting to boost ‘jet count’ ...all jump out and demand notice of the discriminating shopper, whom has been exposed to samples of top tier products.
I considered the Bullfrog X5L, R5L and A5L, as they have wrist jets either as a standard feature, or an available option. The relatively (to me) low jet pressure in both jet packs for neck/shoulders, was the determining factor in moving on to other spas. I like the plumbing theory that BF spas utilize, I do concur with others that the modular jet pack assemblies do place limits on sculpted curves designed into the seat molds.
Even the D1 Spas Triad with massage sequencer (2.5 continuous hp pump) is still too weak, to my taste (HS Aria’s quartet jets were better) ...but looks like my best option for 2020 in a small 250-ish gallon spa with wrist jets.
--- End quote ---
Thank you for the information. I will scratch StrongSpas off the list. We could go tomorrow and check out the BF. That is an interesting point re: the curve vs. modular setup. If we end up going with the sovereign, what do you think of the price we're being offered?
d00nut:
The Price on the sovereign is insanely low. Especially with tax included? I'm closer to $13 without tax
kiva:
--- Quote from: d00nut on December 04, 2020, 05:56:04 pm ---The Price on the sovereign is insanely low. Especially with tax included? I'm closer to $13 without tax
--- End quote ---
That's good to know. Thank you. We're headed to check out some Bullfrog spas today and we'll see what becomes of it.
kiva:
Wet tested the Bullfrog today. Pretty cool stuff. I can see why people like them. On the surface, it seems a better deal than the sovereign, but i've only just started my reading on them. Without any negotiations, here are the prices:
R6L: $10,500 + tax ($11261). Includes delivery, coverlift and steps, ozone, and 2 pumps. Built to order. Available March 2021, absent any other upcoming shutdowns.
R7L: $12,000 + tax ($12870). same as above. I don't think we *need* the bigger tub as 90% of the time it is going to have 2 people in it. it does have that 4th jetpack. Available Feb 2021.
X6L: $8500 + tax ($9116). 1 pump. We were not able to wet test or sit in this. No jetpacks, but the jets are similar to some pack setups.
The A series seemed to be too expensive for us. nice features and all w/ the touchscreen, etc., but to get 2 pumps, etc. is like $13k+.
The nearest BF dealer is 90min away. He is the assigned dealer for our region. He stated a 2 day turnaround time and $99 trip charge per issue for service. He reported in the event that he weren't in business (he's been selling BF for 8 years; his current location is new after a previous partnership in another dealership), BF would certainly get another distributor / dealer in the area to take over service. This seems to be a weak area with buying from an out-of-area dealer. Not sure what else I should be considering / asking the dealer re: service.
Any thoughts on the pricing? Comparison to the HS sovereign? We liked how the best jet in the soveriign - the motomassager - can be put pretty much anywhere you want in the Bullfrog. Not exactly the same, but the customization was pretty cool.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version