Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: p0opstlnksal0t on November 30, 2015, 02:34:02 pm
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we have decided to have Accent Spa's build us a custom hot tub. The pricing is great, the warranty is great and this place has a good reputation and reviews. We picked a Marathon Acrylic shell that is 137"x95.5"x44" (without cabinet), Seats 10+ and is 1500 Gallons. Its a monster and more of a party spa like my wife and I wanted. We didnt really like the contoured molded seats in almost all of the spa's we water tested. We actually prefer the bench seating arrangement haha... We really wanted the most stripped down spa that we could find with good hydrotherapy benefits but without all the electronics, circuit boards, and laser shows that all of the other spas produced. Now we will get to design our own with simple on off buttons for the motors and air.
We will have 3x Waterway 5hp pumps and somewhere around 25 (10gpm flow) Waterway mini storm Jets per pump. These pumps flow 250-260gpm so I think 25 jets per pump sounds like a good match. This will put us around 75 water jets total. We will also have a 1.5 hp blower. Does anyone know how many air jets we should run with a 1.5hp blower? For some reason I thought the blower sent air to the water jets where its introduced and produces bubbly water through the water jets? I really show my knowledge of these mechanisms with that last sentence haha. Anyways we go back in shortly to pick the jet locations. It looks like there are a multitude of different thread in storm type jets and bodies to choose from.
I would love to hear suggestions on the design and jet placement and tips on jet styles to pick!
(http://www.marathonspaandbath.com/publishImages/Colossus~~element14.jpg)
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Are there any options to get bigger jets in the tub. Those mini jets make a lot of people itchy and really aren't all that therapeutic. I've never heard of this brand before so hopefully someone who knows them will chime in
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there are the cluster, mini, and poly jets I can choose from. Poly looks to be the biggest
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229-1510 Adj. Cluster Storm Directional 2 ¼”
229-1530 Adj. Cluster Storm Fixed Twin 2 ¼”
229-0100 Adj. Cluster Storm Rifled 2 ¼”
229-9700 Adj. Cluster Storm Shower 2 ¼”
229-7900 Mini-Storm Directional 3″
229-7910 Mini-Storm Roto 3″
229-7940 Mini-Storm Twin Roto 3″
229-7810 Mini-Storm Massage 3″
229-8350 Mini-Storm Galaxy 3″
229-8380 Mini-Storm Multi-Massage 3″
229-8040 Poly Storm Directional 3 3/8″
229-8000 Poly Storm Roto 3 3/8″
229-8130 Poly Storm Twin Roto 3 3/8″
229-8020 Poly Storm Massage 3 3/8″
229-8180 Poly Storm Galaxy 3 3/8″
229-8520 Poly Storm Galaxy Massage 3 3/8″
229-8280 Poly Storm Multi-Massage 3 3/8″
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3@ 5hp pumps over kill, go with 2. Skip the blower, and good luck with it..
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More pics of the shell we are getting.
Thanks for the feedback guys. The only reason I had them add another pump (originally 2 pumps) was because of similar sized tubs running 3 pumps as well...
(http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd342/p0opstlnksal0t/IMG_2636.jpg)
(http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd342/p0opstlnksal0t/IMG_2633.jpg)
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Anyone have any suggestions for colors? We originally picked black cabinet with almond/white cover.... Im thinking with the Carribean blue these colors may not be ideal. The only reason we went with the white cover was due to constant sun and heat exposure in Houston, Tx. I figured it would hold up the best...
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More pics of the shell we are getting.
Thanks for the feedback guys. The only reason I had them add another pump (originally 2 pumps) was because of similar sized tubs running 3 pumps as well...
(http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd342/p0opstlnksal0t/IMG_2636.jpg)
(http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd342/p0opstlnksal0t/IMG_2633.jpg)
Those spas and jets are designed for what the pump puts out. Hey it will either work or it won't or your going to create a lot of back pressure at the manifolds and wet ends. What have you got for filtration size?
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Coast Mirage: 65 Jet Model - 3x 5HP Xtreme Super Flow Pumps
Artesian Bimini: 72 Jets 2x 6 BHP pumps, 1x 4.8 BHP pump
Arctic Spa Ocean Epic: 61 Jets 5 pumps (I think at least one pump is for swim-spa)
D1 Serena Bay: 84 jets 1 x 3.6/(2.0) HP Dual Speed Pump and 2 x 3.6/(2.0) HP Single Speed Pumps. 2 x Circulation Pumps
Thats just from quick google-fu
What do I need to ask Accents about the filtration? Should I have a bypass? is there a recommended plumbing size I need to bring up? I figured the pumps would all have their own intakes and discharges and the filter setup would just siphon/bypass off of one of the 3 main pumps? They are also throwing in an Ozonator so I can use less chems...
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One of the hardest parts of design in a portable tub is the jet "feel." To say 10 GPM feels good from that jet is hard unless you run that jet at several flows and test the feel. Those are adjustable at the ring of the jet right? If you start out small in jet size you can get bigger in the same hole later if you decide to try for some designed hydrotherapy. Get the best gaskets you can get and make sure all mating surfaces are clean and smooth. Try and make them easy to remove down the road. And mention that to your supplier.
Even harder to figure out is that everyone has a different "feel" that's preferable.
Advantage Portable Hot Tub.
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Coast Mirage: 65 Jet Model - 3x 5HP Xtreme Super Flow Pumps
Artesian Bimini: 72 Jets 2x 6 BHP pumps, 1x 4.8 BHP pump
Arctic Spa Ocean Epic: 61 Jets 5 pumps (I think at least one pump is for swim-spa)
D1 Serena Bay: 84 jets 1 x 3.6/(2.0) HP Dual Speed Pump and 2 x 3.6/(2.0) HP Single Speed Pumps. 2 x Circulation Pumps
Thats just from quick google-fu
What do I need to ask Accents about the filtration? Should I have a bypass? is there a recommended plumbing size I need to bring up? I figured the pumps would all have their own intakes and discharges and the filter setup would just siphon/bypass off of one of the 3 main pumps? They are also throwing in an Ozonator so I can use less chems...
Yes I know all about those spa's. And they were designed by company's that spend a lot of money designing them and testing what will and will not work. Curious what these guys are charging you to build you a spa? You also mentioned no circuit board, how do you plan to control this spa/heat it? And no need to be insulting, you came here asking questions you might as well be "more" informed on what your buying/building. What are they using for backing on the shell, you putting this in the ground then back filling or dropping it in a deck?
Filtration wise, should be no smaller than say a 50 sqft bigger if they can do it. That pump should be a 2 speed and 1/2 by-passed to a suction with a check valve. The other two should probably have at least 2 suctions per pump VGB compliant type screens.
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One of the hardest parts of design in a portable tub is the jet "feel." To say 10 GPM feels good from that jet is hard unless you run that jet at several flows and test the feel. Those are adjustable at the ring of the jet right? If you start out small in jet size you can get bigger in the same hole later if you decide to try for some designed hydrotherapy. Get the best gaskets you can get and make sure awell mating surfaces are clean and smooth. Try and make them easy to remove down the road. And mention that to your supplier.
Even harder to figure out is that everyone has a different "feel" that's preferable.
Advantage Portable Hot Tub.
Thanks for the info. They have another custom tub running a similar pump/jet config I may wet test. I think there are 6 or 7 variation of diffuser types and I believe they are adjustable at the ring
Coast Mirage: 65 Jet Model - 3x 5HP Xtreme Super Flow Pumps
Artesian Bimini: 72 Jets 2x 6 BHP pumps, 1x 4.8 BHP pump
Arctic Spa Ocean Epic: 61 Jets 5 pumps (I think at least one pump is for swim-spa)
D1 Serena Bay: 84 jets 1 x 3.6/(2.0) HP Dual Speed Pump and 2 x 3.6/(2.0) HP Single Speed Pumps. 2 x Circulation Pumps
Thats just from quick google-fu
What do I need to ask Accents about the filtration? Should I have a bypass? is there a recommended plumbing size I need to bring up? I figured the pumps would all have their own intakes and discharges and the filter setup would just siphon/bypass off of one of the 3 main pumps? They are also throwing in an Ozonator so I can use less chems...
Yes I know all about those spa's. And they were designed by company's that spend a lot of money designing them and testing what will and will not work. Curious what these guys are charging you to build you a spa? You also mentioned no circuit board, how do you plan to control this spa/heat it? And no need to be insulting, you came here asking questions you might as well be "more" informed on what your buying/building. What are they using for backing on the shell, you putting this in the ground then back filling or dropping it in a deck?
Filtration wise, should be no smaller than say a 50 sqft bigger if they can do it. That pump should be a 2 speed and 1/2 by-passed to a suction with a check valve. The other two should probably have at least 2 suctions per pump VGB compliant type screens.
Please forgive my absent minded posting etiquette. I meant no disrespect in the way I listed those previous tubs and their pump make ups. I merely ppointed to that to show why i had personally chosen for them to add another pump making it 3 pumps total. If it is better to have only 2 then I'm all for it haha.
This will be in a cabinet sitting on top of a Concrete slab. IT looks like it has some sort of thick coating on the underside of it but I will ask more specifics. I think it will have at least a 50sq ft filter but I do not know about the bypass. All of this information is golden thanks you guys!
Sorry it uses a heater temp control knob
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It's 10k for the tub with 2 motors and a blower 65 jets (any combo of water/air). I added another pump and more jets for another 1000.00
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http://www.marathonspaandbath.com/Colossus.html
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Looks like a party I'd like to be invited to.
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It's 10k for the tub with 2 motors and a blower 65 jets (any combo of water/air). I added another pump and more jets for another 1000.00
My personal opinion is that's a lot of money for that tub. Looks like very dated shells and not so up to date controls. I couldn't find a single review positive or negative for them on line anywhere. It's your money and if your comfortable with it then go ahead. Just out of curiosity did you wet test anything else to compare it to something else?
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So far I have wet tested a few used tubs. One was an older looking morgan, a used dr wellness, a used sundance and a used hot springs all were enjoyable honestly. We've also tested a new coast mirage and a big D1 spa that accent spa had. We actually enjoyed the jets on on of their accent custom made spas. I guess we aren't very picky. Honestly I prefer the non digital controls over digital stuff... call me old fashion lol. The accent custom spa we priced out was actually much bigger interior wise than the coast mirage. The mirage felt cramped and thus far I have not been real fond of all of the molded bucket seats. We also tested an artesian but it had these wierd shoulder bulges that dug right into my deltoids when seated in the corner chairs. I could imagine the pain of those things gouging my shoulders after a nasty shoulder workout. I think we've grown fond of the bench style seating and we do like the lounges. Leg and feet therapy will be a big must as well. My wife has plantar fasciosis and I personally get lower back pain from time to time when I go on heavy deadlifting workout routines. Lower back pumps are pretty frequent as well during heavy back and leg training.
I think my perfect hot tub would be as big as possible (party sized good for 8 people or more comfortable) with good back, shoulder leg and feet therapy. Also as simple as possible with less stuff to break. I want it to last as long as possible and I'm a big fan of simple push buttons, manual dials and no fancy electronics. The simpler the better. Thus why I was attracted to this custom spa to begin with.
Should I ask about foam insulation? We are in houston so we might see 1 or two months of 30-50 degree weather. The rest of the time it's 60-100 degrees. Cold insulation probably won't be an issue. It's the sun and heat outside.that worries me.
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I got a quote for the artesian bimini at 16500.00 the problem is there is not one in stock anywhere so a wet test is impossible. The coast mirage is 15k and has all sorts of stereo equip and digital stuff on it with WiFi connect etc... all of which I have no interest in.
these guys quoted me 10k for their colossus which is 1500 gallons, all manual controls, ozonator system, diverted valves for controlling flow to different seats cover cover lift and custom 3 tall steps 6' wide delivered. I asked if I could add another pump and jet bank and they can for another 1k not that I've signed anything yet
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So far I have wet tested a few used tubs. One was an older looking morgan, a used dr wellness, a used sundance and a used hot springs all were enjoyable honestly. We've also tested a new coast mirage and a big D1 spa that accent spa had. We actually enjoyed the jets on on of their accent custom made spas. I guess we aren't very picky. Honestly I prefer the non digital controls over digital stuff... call me old fashion lol. The accent custom spa we priced out was actually much bigger interior wise than the coast mirage. The mirage felt cramped and thus far I have not been real fond of all of the molded bucket seats. We also tested an artesian but it had these wierd shoulder bulges that dug right into my deltoids when seated in the corner chairs. I could imagine the pain of those things gouging my shoulders after a nasty shoulder workout. I think we've grown fond of the bench style seating and we do like the lounges. Leg and feet therapy will be a big must as well. My wife has plantar fasciosis and I personally get lower back pain from time to time when I go on heavy deadlifting workout routines. Lower back pumps are pretty frequent as well during heavy back and leg training.
I think my perfect hot tub would be as big as possible (party sized good for 8 people or more comfortable) with good back, shoulder leg and feet therapy. Also as simple as possible with less stuff to break. I want it to last as long as possible and I'm a big fan of simple push buttons, manual dials and no fancy electronics. The simpler the better. Thus why I was attracted to this custom spa to begin with.
Should I ask about foam insulation? We are in houston so we might see 1 or two months of 30-50 degree weather. The rest of the time it's 60-100 degrees. Cold insulation probably won't be an issue. It's the sun and heat outside.that worries me.
Ok gotcha. Anyway to test the tub you are getting or are they all custom built? Foam insulation isn't as big a deal to you as it would be in the colder states. Hopefully it works out for you
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It is just a shell right now I have no way of testing the model we are getting. Knowing this I'm guessing my best way to proceed would be to find other tubs using these jets and copy similar layouts and jet arrangements haha. Also I'm guessing I will end up with combinations of cluster, mini storm and poly storm jets to suit our needs. I could also use power storm jets but they run from 12-20 gpm so I would be using less which is not a big deal but it would be an upcharge especially if we are adding more diverter valves. Should I go with the basic formula of dividing out the flow of the jets into the flow rate of the pumps? How much loss is expected in the actual tubing? How.much loss should I account for with the filtration, heater,etc...
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It's your money but 11 grand for that spa is insane, JMO. 16,000 for the Artesian Bimini 3 year warranty is way high probably MSRP. You should be able to get into a Sundance Aspen or Jacuzzi J-495 possibly the HS gleam in the 12000+ range if you negotiate. If you can afford 11 for that, you can afford more for a premium spa. You want something that will "last long term" they would be a good option. When I look at what you want in that spa the quality just isn't there at that price point at best even with the free ozonator.
One other thing to mention, the spa you are looking at is 137x95x44 @ 1500 gallons. The Jacuzzi is 110x90x41 @ 520 gallons (that's generous) no way it's a 1000 more gallons than the Jacuzzi or the Sundance. I want you to know I have no card in this game, hell I don't even sell Jacuzzi any more. But I see someone ready to spend that kind of money on that spa and it's a head shaker, specially when you say you can't wet test the others yet you can't wet test this thing either until it's built and delivered. Again good luck to you in your purchase and I hope it works well for you.
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Another issue is the financing. All of the hot springs, jacuzzi, sundance, artesian dealers out here use the same bank for financing. Unfortunately my credit is not good enough for these. Accent sells d1, coast and their own custom spas they build using water way parts and marathon shells. They are able to finance me so I could potentially get financed for the coast mirage at 15k. I ddint get a quote on the big d1 spa though. I'll find out what the Serena Bay is going for while I'm at it. The coast mirage for some reason looked sigificantly smaller when looking inside versus this other custom one. I don't however believe it could be anywhere near 1500 gallons.
This is the actual she'll builder: http://www.marathonspaandbath.com/Spas.html
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Is it possible that the 1500 gallons comes in because it is very deep? The only thing I'm looking at those 2 "loungers" side by side, and I can't see any way for the upper lounger's occupant to have water on their shoulders without the lower lounger's occupant's head being underwater. Maybe it's just how I am looking at it?? Otherwise the upper lounger will only have water to your belly.
Also, if the financing is the issue, it might be worth approaching your bank to see if you can get approved for a secured line of credit. The interest rate will likely be lower and then you can have more freedom to choose whatever tub you want.
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Another issue is the financing. All of the hot springs, jacuzzi, sundance, artesian dealers out here use the same bank for financing. Unfortunately my credit is not good enough for these. Accent sells d1, coast and their own custom spas they build using water way parts and marathon shells. They are able to finance me so I could potentially get financed for the coast mirage at 15k. I ddint get a quote on the big d1 spa though. I'll find out what the Serena Bay is going for while I'm at it. The coast mirage for some reason looked sigificantly smaller when looking inside versus this other custom one. I don't however believe it could be anywhere near 1500 gallons.
This is the actual she'll builder: http://www.marathonspaandbath.com/Spas.html
The dimensions just don't equate to a extra 1000 gallons. If your cash flow/credit is struggling, as a dad I would say get something you can afford. Go for a 8x8 spa in the 6500 to 7500 range. You can have a pretty good party in that as well.
Don't blow the money on something that is just not going to last as long as you think it might, or achieve what you think you need to achieve. Good friends will be impressed with what ever you have. In time you might find it's just you and the hot little lady sitting in a big f'ing spa by yourselves 80 percent of the time thinking why did we get this thing..
I am done with the fatherly advice now, your a big boy make the decision you need to make and in 5 or 10 years if you are still where you live now, you can say you feel good about the decision you made.
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Have to agree with Jim on this one. I can't imagine borrowing money to pay for a spa, let alone borrowing the money if I didn't have a good credit rating. That's just not in my DNA. If I can't pay cash, then I just don't need it.
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I work in the oil/gas and back in 2008 we had a downturn that hurt houston pretty bad. I was laid off for a year and lost my house. This tore up my credit and ive been piecing it back together ever since. I am not interested in playing the envy game but I have my parents (both with arthritis/rheumatoid) that will be in here all the time, as well as 4 sisters, 2 brother in laws, and multiple nieces/nephews. So size is really a big factor. The 16.5k for the Artesian Bimini is too much (but it does come with extended 5 year warranty, cover, steps, etc...). Ive heard of deals on here for much less though and the only dealer in town will not budge on the price. They are also overpriced on the Jacuzzi 495. actually its weird. All of the dealers Ive called locally seem to be overpriced compared to pricing ive seen on this board. I took the liberty of calling around 3 local spa repair guys and asked them about Accent custom spa's. They all said basically the same thing. The controls are dated, one guy went into detail about how he prefers the manual buttons and pneumatic switches over the LCD control boards. One guy mentioned that the s
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Really sorry to hear about your situation and what you went through. Also didn't mean to sound judgmental. Hope you find something that works for you.
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Ok it uses a 50 sq ft skimmer filter
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Really sorry to hear about your situation and what you went through. Also didn't mean to sound judgmental. Hope you find something that works for you.
No worries bud, I did not plan well enough. Anyways, usually I would buy this with cash only. I also do not really like taking out a line of credit but Accent has a Black Friday finance deal for 0 percent interest for 12 months which I could easily pay off. The other dealers other than doctor wellness will not finance us.
Would a tub this size need a filter that uses two of the 50 sq ft waterway skimmers? they make a dual 50 sq ft skimmer filter I was looking at online...
Also If as far as pump/jet ratio would I need to use a quantity of jets that divide equally into the flow rate of the pump? say 25x 10 gpm jets for 1 250gpm pump or would the loss of flow in the plumbing mean that I should lower my jet numbers to pump ratio? If I were to utilize 25x 10 gpm jets and use a diverter valve to shut off roughly half of the jets to one seat would this strain the pump? Would this increase the pressure significantly now that the pump is trying to flow 250 gpm though 12 or 13 10gpm jets, etc...?
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I feel you poop, get what ever is right for you and the family. But these guys on here are very truthfull and their advice/opinions have proven true time and again. You can get a Paradise H2 right now for about $11k also. (At least in my area) http://laspas.com/paradise-h2/ Nearst dealer to you is in Belton.
BLUE CREST POOLS & SPAS INC (153.98 mi / 247.81 km)
Address 1: 1404 N MAIN
City: BELTON
State: TX
Postal Code: 76513
Country: USA
Phone: (254) 939-8250
Maybe check them out. I know there are a couple H2 owners on this site who are very happy. The last thing you want is to be sitting in your new $11,000 tub wishing you got something different.
Good luck keep us posted.
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Also If as far as pump/jet ratio would I need to use a quantity of jets that divide equally into the flow rate of the pump? say 25x 10 gpm jets for 1 250gpm pump or would the loss of flow in the plumbing mean that I should lower my jet numbers to pump ratio? If I were to utilize 25x 10 gpm jets and use a diverter valve to shut off roughly half of the jets to one seat would this strain the pump? Would this increase the pressure significantly now that the pump is trying to flow 250 gpm though 12 or 13 10gpm jets, etc...?
Yes friction loss is a factor. Calculating it is difficult but not impossible. Most quality manufacturers have done the testing and have the numbers. X amount of feet of tubing of each specific size, quantity of fittings, manifold loss, all these things have an effect on 250 GPM. You need a delivery and manifold system that covers the 250 both in suction and flow. Even though you will likely have less than 250 to work with from the manifold. Then your distribution from the manifold is where you start calculating loss and jet size. It's not easy. Some just wing it.
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For that kind of price, won't the dealer who is custom-building it be able to provide more help on the technical specifics of what works and how much you need?
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I work in the oil/gas and back in 2008 we had a downturn that hurt houston pretty bad. I was laid off for a year and lost my house. This tore up my credit and ive been piecing it back together ever since. I am not interested in playing the envy game but I have my parents (both with arthritis/rheumatoid) that will be in here all the time, as well as 4 sisters, 2 brother in laws, and multiple nieces/nephews. So size is really a big factor. The 16.5k for the Artesian Bimini is too much (but it does come with extended 5 year warranty, cover, steps, etc...). Ive heard of deals on here for much less though and the only dealer in town will not budge on the price. They are also overpriced on the Jacuzzi 495. actually its weird. All of the dealers Ive called locally seem to be overpriced compared to pricing ive seen on this board. I took the liberty of calling around 3 local spa repair guys and asked them about Accent custom spa's. They all said basically the same thing. The controls are dated, one guy went into detail about how he prefers the manual buttons and pneumatic switches over the LCD control boards. One guy mentioned that the s
Have you tried going to the dealer and negotiating. A lot of times when people call me for prices I shoot MSRP prices to give them a idea but tubs on my floor are quite a bit below MSRP. There is no way I would drop 11k on that tub. I would look at used options if financing is a issue
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I feel you poop, get what ever is right for you and the family. But these guys on here are very truthfull and their advice/opinions have proven true time and again. You can get a Paradise H2 right now for about $11k also. (At least in my area) http://laspas.com/paradise-h2/ Nearst dealer to you is in Belton.
BLUE CREST POOLS & SPAS INC (153.98 mi / 247.81 km)
Address 1: 1404 N MAIN
City: BELTON
State: TX
Postal Code: 76513
Country: USA
Phone: (254) 939-8250
Maybe check them out. I know there are a couple H2 owners on this site who are very happy. The last thing you want is to be sitting in your new $11,000 tub wishing you got something different.
Good luck keep us posted.
Thanks for the tip! I really like the Paradise H2 but I do not like the dealer being 2+ hours away. let alone their reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-crest-pools-and-spas-belton
It looks like that is the only place that sell LA spas nearby too.
I talked with w hot springs/D1 dealer yesterday and tried negotiating prices on a HS Gleam cheapest I could get was 16.5k WTF? and their D1 Amore Bay in stock is 14.5k.... I guess these houston dealers are all in bed with each other....
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For that kind of price, won't the dealer who is custom-building it be able to provide more help on the technical specifics of what works and how much you need?
Yes they have their own method... the engineer in me wants to improve upon it hahaha
Also If as far as pump/jet ratio would I need to use a quantity of jets that divide equally into the flow rate of the pump? say 25x 10 gpm jets for 1 250gpm pump or would the loss of flow in the plumbing mean that I should lower my jet numbers to pump ratio? If I were to utilize 25x 10 gpm jets and use a diverter valve to shut off roughly half of the jets to one seat would this strain the pump? Would this increase the pressure significantly now that the pump is trying to flow 250 gpm though 12 or 13 10gpm jets, etc...?
Yes friction loss is a factor. Calculating it is difficult but not impossible. Most quality manufacturers have done the testing and have the numbers. X amount of feet of tubing of each specific size, quantity of fittings, manifold loss, all these things have an effect on 250 GPM. You need a delivery and manifold system that covers the 250 both in suction and flow. Even though you will likely have less than 250 to work with from the manifold. Then your distribution from the manifold is where you start calculating loss and jet size. It's not easy. Some just wing it.
I cant find any documentation to show what the loss is utilizing these manifolds
(http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1a6ntHVXXXXcZXVXXq6xXFXXXC/-font-b-Manifold-b-font-Hot-Tub-font-b-Spa-b-font-2-with-12.jpg)
I guess I could assume a rough 30% loss.... I think If I went with 3 pumps I would not want to use any diverter valves which would take away another 30% or so... maybe split each pump going to 2 seats.
The cluster storm jets are: ¼" Nozzle for 7 GPM @ 12 PSI flow rate
Mini storm and poly storm jets appear to flow the same (10gpm) with the difference being the bezel sizes i think...
Then there are the power storm jets which flow 12-18gpm
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I agree that this sounds like a bad idea. If you do go for it, skip the blower and air bubbles. There is a reason none of the reputable manufacturers use them anymore.
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Also, have you looked at the South Seas 965L by artesian?
http://www.southseasspas.com/content/spas/deluxe/965L.html
It should be less than the one you are looking at, but much higher quality. You can also get it without all of the bells and whistles. It's actually a great hot tub, imo.
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Just food for thought. I bought our Coast Freedom "elite" model for $10,700 last Aug, and that is Canadian dollars..a fairly basic tub compared to others with no stereo equipment,etc.
If I paid that up here, with the exchange alone now, there should be a fairly sizable price difference on tubs in that range from various manufactuers?
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I feel you poop, get what ever is right for you and the family. But these guys on here are very truthfull and their advice/opinions have proven true time and again. You can get a Paradise H2 right now for about $11k also. (At least in my area) http://laspas.com/paradise-h2/ Nearst dealer to you is in Belton.
BLUE CREST POOLS & SPAS INC (153.98 mi / 247.81 km)
Address 1: 1404 N MAIN
City: BELTON
State: TX
Postal Code: 76513
Country: USA
Phone: (254) 939-8250
Maybe check them out. I know there are a couple H2 owners on this site who are very happy. The last thing you want is to be sitting in your new $11,000 tub wishing you got something different.
Good luck keep us posted.
Thanks for the tip! I really like the Paradise H2 but I do not like the dealer being 2+ hours away. let alone their reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-crest-pools-and-spas-belton
It looks like that is the only place that sell LA spas nearby too.
I talked with w hot springs/D1 dealer yesterday and tried negotiating prices on a HS Gleam cheapest I could get was 16.5k WTF? and their D1 Amore Bay in stock is 14.5k.... I guess these houston dealers are all in bed with each other....
some dealers do have the "buy it at my price or buy it somewhere else" attitude but if you walked in for a check for 15k for a Gleam I'd be shocked if they turned it down, although I think you can get a much better tub (not the same size obviously) but overall much better jetting from a different spa for less money imho
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For that kind of price, won't the dealer who is custom-building it be able to provide more help on the technical specifics of what works and how much you need?
Yes they have their own method... the engineer in me wants to improve upon it hahaha
Also If as far as pump/jet ratio would I need to use a quantity of jets that divide equally into the flow rate of the pump? say 25x 10 gpm jets for 1 250gpm pump or would the loss of flow in the plumbing mean that I should lower my jet numbers to pump ratio? If I were to utilize 25x 10 gpm jets and use a diverter valve to shut off roughly half of the jets to one seat would this strain the pump? Would this increase the pressure significantly now that the pump is trying to flow 250 gpm though 12 or 13 10gpm jets, etc...?
Yes friction loss is a factor. Calculating it is difficult but not impossible. Most quality manufacturers have done the testing and have the numbers. X amount of feet of tubing of each specific size, quantity of fittings, manifold loss, all these things have an effect on 250 GPM. You need a delivery and manifold system that covers the 250 both in suction and flow. Even though you will likely have less than 250 to work with from the manifold. Then your distribution from the manifold is where you start calculating loss and jet size. It's not easy. Some just wing it.
I cant find any documentation to show what the loss is utilizing these manifolds
(http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1a6ntHVXXXXcZXVXXq6xXFXXXC/-font-b-Manifold-b-font-Hot-Tub-font-b-Spa-b-font-2-with-12.jpg)
I guess I could assume a rough 30% loss.... I think If I went with 3 pumps I would not want to use any diverter valves which would take away another 30% or so... maybe split each pump going to 2 seats.
The cluster storm jets are: ¼" Nozzle for 7 GPM @ 12 PSI flow rate
Mini storm and poly storm jets appear to flow the same (10gpm) with the difference being the bezel sizes i think...
Then there are the power storm jets which flow 12-18gpm
But none of your calculations will matter if it's to strong (hurts, makes you itchy) or to soft (does not do much) the only way to know is to feel it. You may like more or less flow.
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Well we ended up pulling the trigger on the custom. the pricing around here is just too high for a larger tub (J495, Gleam, Mirage, Serena Bay, Aspen, Bimini, etc... ) I visited multiple dealers here in Houston and pricing was nothing like what Ive been reading on the boards. Everything was 15.5k+
Anyways I went with Accent Outdoors homemade spa. Ill post updates as to quality and such once it comes in. I drilled them about plumbing, filtration, jets used, etc... I feel like we will be taken care of if something breaks as their customer service, BBB and online reviews are excellent. We may have overpaid for what we got but we got more of what we wanted vs the big guys tub's and got it for 5k cheaper...
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Congratulations, now the hard part is waiting. Looking forward to updates and pics of that giant party tub in action!
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Will do. I know its probably not as nice as these big named guys tubs but it was exactly what we wanted (air controlled) simple effective easy to repair and was as big of a hot tub as we could possibly find for a decent deal. 11k with 5 year all parts warrantied and lifetime on the shell seems as good of a warranty as the others if they honor it. The good online reviews for this company are what allowed us to feel more comfortable about the purchase. This thing is essentially a deep bench seated tub as big as a swim spa.
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Will do. I know its probably not as nice as these big named guys tubs but it was exactly what we wanted (air controlled) simple effective easy to repair and was as big of a hot tub as we could possibly find for a decent deal. 11k with 5 year all parts warrantied and lifetime on the shell seems as good of a warranty as the others if they honor it. The good online reviews for this company are what allowed us to feel more comfortable about the purchase. This thing is essentially a deep bench seated tub as big as a swim spa.
How soon will it be ready?
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It will take about 2 weeks to build out. They're ordering all of the waterway parts monday. I'll update with pics and build quality pics when it gets delivered. I saw another one of there tubs guts. Appears they use about 3-4 in foam insulation under the shell. The plumbing is mostly open for ease of repairing. I personally didn't think full foam would benefit us much in the 9-10 months of houston heat.
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Congrats, I am sure it out well for you.
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After getting 1300-1400 dollar quotes for the 60 amp gfci and disconnect install I hired a local licensed journeyman electrician for 200 bucks I will be buying the parts at lowes and he will be installing for me. I imagine parts will run me about 300 bucks hopefully
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(((BUMP))))
Any update Poop?
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(((BUMP))))
Any update Poop?
The Tub is still going strong. I added some vent/louvers to aid in airflow due to the number of pumps and such heating up. We've since moved and brought our tub with us and this time I did the electrical myself. its pretty simple after watching it done.
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(((BUMP))))
Any update Poop?
The Tub is still going strong. I added some vent/louvers to aid in airflow due to the number of pumps and such heating up. We've since moved and brought our tub with us and this time I did the electrical myself. its pretty simple after watching it done.
Nice, I knew it would work. Good skills poop. Big tub for a good price IMO
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update on this story.... we moved up to Maine, and sold that tub in June 2017.... what a huge hit! i was able to get 4k for the hot tub. anyways this taught me a bit of a lesson.... it will be very hard for me to buy a high end brand new hot tub again.