Original > Hot Tub Forum
Caldera and Hot Spring Construction?
wcmorris:
I'm a first time hot tub buyer and I've been researching Bullfrog, Caldera, and Hot Springs as those are what my local dealers sell. I'm pretty set on the Bullfrog at this point and will likely submit my order for one this weekend which my dealer is saying would be August delivery.
Anyway, my question is does anyone know specifics about the construction of the newer Caldera and Hot Springs? Bullfrog has all of that information showing you details about the frame and full insulation, but the others do not. Both Caldera and Hot Spring just have little blurbs about being energy efficient blah blah blah. Nothing in regards to if they have metal, wood, composite frames, full insulation or not... Can any owners or folks knowledgeable about these brands speak to the construction?
This is one of the main reasons I'm choosing the Bullfrog over them. It seems they're doing themselves a disservice by not detailing more construction related information on their websites.
cranbiz:
Hot Springs and Caldera use closed cell foam. The problem with closed cell foam is it gets hard over time and can become a bear to get thru if a leak occurs.
I believe (but I honestly I'm not sure of this) that Bullfrog uses an open cell foam. Both types work for insulation but a tub with open cell foam is easier to work on and in the event of a leak, the leak is easier to find.
castletonia:
--- Quote from: cranbiz on March 05, 2021, 10:50:45 am ---Hot Springs and Caldera use closed cell foam. The problem with closed cell foam is it gets hard over time and can become a bear to get thru if a leak occurs.
I believe (but I honestly I'm not sure of this) that Bullfrog uses an open cell foam. Both types work for insulation but a tub with open cell foam is easier to work on and in the event of a leak, the leak is easier to find.
--- End quote ---
All of Caldera and Hot Spring Hot Spot and Limelight use FiberCor, which is not a foam. Only the Highlife Collection uses foam insulation.
wcmorris:
--- Quote from: castletonia on March 05, 2021, 12:38:18 pm ---
--- Quote from: cranbiz on March 05, 2021, 10:50:45 am ---Hot Springs and Caldera use closed cell foam. The problem with closed cell foam is it gets hard over time and can become a bear to get thru if a leak occurs.
I believe (but I honestly I'm not sure of this) that Bullfrog uses an open cell foam. Both types work for insulation but a tub with open cell foam is easier to work on and in the event of a leak, the leak is easier to find.
--- End quote ---
All of Caldera and Hot Spring Hot Spot and Limelight use FiberCor, which is not a foam. Only the Highlife Collection uses foam insulation.
--- End quote ---
So I would assume foam is the better option if they only use it in the highlife collection which I believe is their top tier?
castletonia:
--- Quote from: wcmorris on March 05, 2021, 12:44:57 pm ---
--- Quote from: castletonia on March 05, 2021, 12:38:18 pm ---
--- Quote from: cranbiz on March 05, 2021, 10:50:45 am ---Hot Springs and Caldera use closed cell foam. The problem with closed cell foam is it gets hard over time and can become a bear to get thru if a leak occurs.
I believe (but I honestly I'm not sure of this) that Bullfrog uses an open cell foam. Both types work for insulation but a tub with open cell foam is easier to work on and in the event of a leak, the leak is easier to find.
--- End quote ---
All of Caldera and Hot Spring Hot Spot and Limelight use FiberCor, which is not a foam. Only the Highlife Collection uses foam insulation.
--- End quote ---
So I would assume foam is the better option if they only use it in the highlife collection which I believe is their top tier?
--- End quote ---
Is it more efficient, yes, but it is also not traditional 1/2# foam that most manufacturers use. In their internal testing, the FiberCor was more efficient than traditional 1/2# foam while providing the benefit of easier service since it can be removed by hand or with a wet/dry shop vac.
All Caldera Spas along with Hot Spot/Limelight Hot Spring use a pressure treated wood frame. Highlife is a full synthetic frame.
I'm a Hot Spring / Caldera dealer so I have my bias. Bullfrog makes a quality product and I would be that the efficiency between the brands would be similar and you probably wouldn't notice the difference on your utility bill. I personally don't care between wood or synthetic frames because the hot tub should outlast both. Buy the hot tub that best suits your needs from the most reputable dealer.
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