Original > Hot Tub Forum

Caldera and Hot Spring Construction?

<< < (2/3) > >>

The Wizard of Spas:
Not at all an attempt to derail or otherwise inject unhelpful snark to the thread so please take this next bit in good faith:

Insulation is only as good as the cover, and how well the tub is sealed between the cabinet / frame / acrylic.  So much time is spent dissecting  the subtlest of nuances in insulation but it always was strange that nobody talks of (example) how dense is the foam is on the cover, is there a full pillow down the seam, is there a full seal around the lip that keeps the heat in and the cold out? 

If the tub is off the ground (on a deck), is there insulation on the floor to keep the loss of heat mitigated? Is there a vent on the tub? 

Then there is the whole concept of what is the electrical draw based on the motors, etc. and how does that effect your monthly costs?

Again - sorry if I am off topic a bit but it just is something that is always bothering me since it never seems to be addressed. 

EDIT: Spelling

wcmorris:
Thanks for all the comments. They were helpful.

We looked at American Whirlpool, Hot Spring, Caldera, and Bullfrog. I went to the dealer today with the intention of putting a deposit down on a Bullfrog A7L but I wanted to see some in person and this dealer also sells Hot Spring so I wanted to take a quick look at those even though I didn't think it was what I would want. Long story short I actually ended up putting a deposit on the Hot Spring Envoy. I liked the lighting and overall look of the tub better than the Bullfrog and my wife wasn't a fan of the jetpacks. She wanted something more traditional. My initial draw to the Bullfrog was it's construction but I didn't realize the Hot Spring Highlife collection is all composite frame and full insulation. Seems like a well made tub and we think it'll fit our family well. Now just need to get through the likely many months long wait.

Sammi:

--- Quote from: wcmorris on March 06, 2021, 02:54:30 pm ---Thanks for all the comments. They were helpful.

We looked at American Whirlpool, Hot Spring, Caldera, and Bullfrog. I went to the dealer today with the intention of putting a deposit down on a Bullfrog A7L but I wanted to see some in person and this dealer also sells Hot Spring so I wanted to take a quick look at those even though I didn't think it was what I would want. Long story short I actually ended up putting a deposit on the Hot Spring Envoy. I liked the lighting and overall look of the tub better than the Bullfrog and my wife wasn't a fan of the jetpacks. She wanted something more traditional. My initial draw to the Bullfrog was it's construction but I didn't realize the Hot Spring Highlife collection is all composite frame and full insulation. Seems like a well made tub and we think it'll fit our family well. Now just need to get through the likely many months long wait.

--- End quote ---

I was in the same boat as you last fall. I golf with a Bullfrog dealer who used to work for a Hot Springs dealer. He was selling me hard on Bullfrog. He didn't have one for me for at least 7 months and didn't have anything to wet test. To be fair the Bullfrog could have been great - I wouldn't know as we didn't went test - but looking at them dry and sitting in them it didn't look or feel really comfy. Not a fair assessment but it is what it is.

We were able to wet test an Envoy. Looked comfy, felt comfy, and we were able to get exact specs we wanted in 3 weeks. We use it daily and have zero regrets. Its a fantastic spa.

We live where it gets cold - really cold - like -30F for days cold. Still used the spa even then with no issues. You won''t regret your decision.

If you are at all a music lover spend the extra grand on the speaker system. So many people say to pass on it but I can't imagine the spa without it. My wife and I absolutely love it. Sound is amazing and is a huge upgrade from competitor spas systems.

Red MC:

--- Quote from: The Wizard of Spas on March 06, 2021, 11:05:12 am ---Not at all an attempt to derail or otherwise inject unhelpful snark to the thread so please take this next bit in good faith:

Insulation is only as good as the cover, and how well the tub is sealed between the cabinet / frame / acrylic.  So much time is spent dissecting  the subtlest of nuances in insulation but it always was strange that nobody talks of (example) how dense is the foam is on the cover, is there a full pillow down the seam, is there a full seal around the lip that keeps the heat in and the cold out? 

--- End quote ---

Yes, the cover can make a big difference, and the basic cover that the manufacturer or dealer provides when you buy a new hot tub isn't necessarily optimal.

Our last hot tub came with a 3" cover, and after a year one side became water logged and heavy and our electric bill started to go up.  After another year, the other side was starting to get water logged as well so we replaced it.  The second cover was good for a few years, but then the same thing started to happen.  This time, we ordered a custom cover from Robert's Hot Tubs, tapered in thickness from 6" in the center to 4" at the edge and 2 lbs/cuft density.  It was expensive, and too big for our existing cover lifter.  But it really dropped our electricity bill in the winter.

The new hot tub we just got at the beginning of Dec came with the typical 3" cover, and I'm looking forward to replacing it with another custom one.

wcmorris:

--- Quote from: Sammi on March 06, 2021, 06:00:17 pm ---I was in the same boat as you last fall. I golf with a Bullfrog dealer who used to work for a Hot Springs dealer. He was selling me hard on Bullfrog. He didn't have one for me for at least 7 months and didn't have anything to wet test. To be fair the Bullfrog could have been great - I wouldn't know as we didn't went test - but looking at them dry and sitting in them it didn't look or feel really comfy. Not a fair assessment but it is what it is.

We were able to wet test an Envoy. Looked comfy, felt comfy, and we were able to get exact specs we wanted in 3 weeks. We use it daily and have zero regrets. Its a fantastic spa.

We live where it gets cold - really cold - like -30F for days cold. Still used the spa even then with no issues. You won''t regret your decision.

If you are at all a music lover spend the extra grand on the speaker system. So many people say to pass on it but I can't imagine the spa without it. My wife and I absolutely love it. Sound is amazing and is a huge upgrade from competitor spas systems.

--- End quote ---

Glad to here the Envoy is working out well for you. Makes me feel good about my decision to purchase one.

Do you have the Freshwater Salt System? If so, how do you like it? I'm debating on it but I'm concerned about the potential cost, maintenance required, and the salt water potentially damaging my stamped concrete patio. However, I would prefer to use the salt system if it works well.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page