Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: gizmodo on November 09, 2014, 03:24:16 pm

Title: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: gizmodo on November 09, 2014, 03:24:16 pm
Hi everybody.  My wife and I are starting to look into buying a hot tub.  I've been reading this forum over the past few weeks.    We've never owned a hot tub, but I grew up with an inground pool in our back yard.  So far we have wet tested the Bullfrog A7.  We are also looking at a Jacuzzi J-470 and possibly the J-345.  After our wet test the dealer said the price of the A7 (basic A7, no stereo, cloud control, etc) was $11,725 plus tax.  The Jacuzzi dealer offered us the J-345 for $9600 plus tax.  We didn't ask for a price on the J-470 yet.  Unfortunately the Jacuzzi dealer only has a 470 filled, so we wouldn't be able to wet test the J-345.  We also looked at the Marquis Euphoria, but the dealer wouldn't talk very much about the chemical cartridge setup and was somewhat evasive when pressed about chemicals, so we have ruled out Marquis simply because of that.  If that is a mistake, let us know!  My understanding is that the dealer is almost as important and the spa you buy though.

All prices include cover, cover lift, steps, delivery and chemicals.

How do the two prices we have so far sound?  We are in Minnesota.  I know it can vary widely. 

Also, if there are any other tubs we should consider feel free to post up.
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: hottubdan on November 09, 2014, 09:25:51 pm
Have you checked out Hot Spring, Sundance and Caldera?
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: gizmodo on November 09, 2014, 10:32:16 pm
Hi hottubdan.  We looked at the Sundance hot tubs and plan on visiting the Hot Spring dealer in our area.  We weren't planning on looking at Caldera.
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: Chartreux on November 09, 2014, 10:49:07 pm
Sundance has nice spas you should look at them and ask about a wet tests, Keep us posted as to what you decide on, and yes having a dealer that will work with you is very important and you should trust the one you buy your hot tub/spa from...
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: Spatech_tuo on November 10, 2014, 11:21:16 am
Hi hottubdan.  We looked at the Sundance hot tubs and plan on visiting the Hot Spring dealer in our area.  We weren't planning on looking at Caldera.

I'll let others comment on pricing but between Bullfrog, Caldera, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, and Sundance you've hit on 5 of the top spas so you really can't go wrong, its a matter of which one works best for you and within your budget. The one you decide on will be with you for years so by all means take your time and visit them all and wet test your top 3 or so and go with whichever wet tests best and has a dealer you feel comfortable with.
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: Topline Mike on November 10, 2014, 11:22:07 am
That price seems high for an A7.  I was quoted 11.8 for an A8.  I ended up buying a Jacuzzi J375, and love it.  Madison, WI area. 
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on November 10, 2014, 11:31:17 am
gizmodo if your in the Twin Cities area I could show you some Hot Spring models if you'd like  :)
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: gizmodo on November 10, 2014, 11:41:34 am
Sundance has nice spas you should look at them and ask about a wet tests, Keep us posted as to what you decide on, and yes having a dealer that will work with you is very important and you should trust the one you buy your hot tub/spa from...
They seemed like a nice spa, but the lady we talked to didn't seem interested in selling a tub.

I'll let others comment on pricing but between Bullfrog, Caldera, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, and Sundance you've hit on 5 of the top spas so you really can't go wrong, its a matter of which one works best for you and within your budget. The one you decide on will be with you for years so by all means take your time and visit them all and wet test your top 3 or so and go with whichever wet tests best and has a dealer you feel comfortable with.
Thanks for the advice!  We are in no rush and I wouldn't be surprised if we hold off buying until the spring since we are supposed to get 6-12 inches of snow today and we don't have a place to put it yet.

That price seems high for an A7.  I was quoted 11.8 for an A8.  I ended up buying a Jacuzzi J375, and love it.  Madison, WI area.
That's what I was thinking too.  The odd thing is the first time we were in the store he told us the price of the floor model and then mentioned everything it includes.  After our wet test we asked him for a price and then he wrote a number, listed all the stuff that comes with (cover, etc) and added a price for those and then showed us the "deal" we would get.  Up until that point he had done a good job of not being a salesman.  That trick left a sour taste in our mouth.  I even tried calling the other two Bullfrog dealer in Minnesota but it appears as though they all are owned by the same person/company because they told me to call the one we had visited.

gizmodo if your in the Twin Cities area I could show you some Hot Spring models if you'd like  :)
We are in Farmington.  We were planning on heading to the Lake Elmo store tonight if the weather isn't too bad.  Would that be your store?
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on November 10, 2014, 01:21:33 pm
Sundance has nice spas you should look at them and ask about a wet tests, Keep us posted as to what you decide on, and yes having a dealer that will work with you is very important and you should trust the one you buy your hot tub/spa from...
They seemed like a nice spa, but the lady we talked to didn't seem interested in selling a tub.

I'll let others comment on pricing but between Bullfrog, Caldera, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, and Sundance you've hit on 5 of the top spas so you really can't go wrong, its a matter of which one works best for you and within your budget. The one you decide on will be with you for years so by all means take your time and visit them all and wet test your top 3 or so and go with whichever wet tests best and has a dealer you feel comfortable with.
Thanks for the advice!  We are in no rush and I wouldn't be surprised if we hold off buying until the spring since we are supposed to get 6-12 inches of snow today and we don't have a place to put it yet.

That price seems high for an A7.  I was quoted 11.8 for an A8.  I ended up buying a Jacuzzi J375, and love it.  Madison, WI area.
That's what I was thinking too.  The odd thing is the first time we were in the store he told us the price of the floor model and then mentioned everything it includes.  After our wet test we asked him for a price and then he wrote a number, listed all the stuff that comes with (cover, etc) and added a price for those and then showed us the "deal" we would get.  Up until that point he had done a good job of not being a salesman.  That trick left a sour taste in our mouth.  I even tried calling the other two Bullfrog dealer in Minnesota but it appears as though they all are owned by the same person/company because they told me to call the one we had visited.

gizmodo if your in the Twin Cities area I could show you some Hot Spring models if you'd like  :)
We are in Farmington.  We were planning on heading to the Lake Elmo store tonight if the weather isn't too bad.  Would that be your store?

I sent you a private message...Thanks
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: meriflower on November 11, 2014, 12:44:42 pm
Hey we're in Farmington too!  :)  We have Bullfrog and love it!  Going on 10 months and have had zero problems.  Because of that I can't tell you how our dealers service department is.  I can tell you the delivery and setup was quick and efficient, everything was delivered and setup as promised and they took away my old spa. The Bullfrog dealers are all owned by one store which is located in Rochester.  Before owning Bullfrog we did own two Marquis spas.  We didn't have very good luck with Marquis but the dealer was good on coming out for repairs and being a good go-between with Marquis.  What other brands that are here in the Twin Cities - a lot!  Other brands that we seriously considered were Hot Spring and Arctic.  Take your time and do a lot of wet tests.
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: SCbarber on November 14, 2014, 10:19:11 pm
We paid $10,4 OTD for our A7 with steps and cover and we love it.
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: gizmodo on November 15, 2014, 06:29:05 pm
Just an update on this.  We went and talked to Eric (TwinCitiesHotSpring) today and are going back to do a wet test tomorrow.  We are excited to get into another tub and see how it compares.  Eric was really helpful and was a great guy to talk to.  If anyone is in the area and looking for a hot tub you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not at least talking to him.

SCbarber - Where are you located?
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: gizmodo on November 18, 2014, 01:38:19 am
We ended up buying a Hot Springs Envoy NXT with the Ace Saltwater System.  My wife and I both felt the seats were more comfortable in the Envoy than the A7, and we just fit better.  We placed the order today, Montery Gray cabinet and Ice Gray shell!  We can't wait for it to arrive.

As before Eric was awesome in the process.  Not that we plan to anytime soon, but I would definitely buy another hot tub from him again!
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: Hot Spring Ace on November 18, 2014, 12:26:29 pm
We ended up buying a Hot Springs Envoy NXT with the Ace Saltwater System.  My wife and I both felt the seats were more comfortable in the Envoy than the A7, and we just fit better.  We placed the order today, Montery Gray cabinet and Ice Gray shell!  We can't wait for it to arrive.

As before Eric was awesome in the process.  Not that we plan to anytime soon, but I would definitely buy another hot tub from him again!

There are a lot of varying opinions on this site but one thing we all agree on is WET TEST so kudos to you for taking the proper approach and congrats!!!
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on November 18, 2014, 12:57:04 pm
We ended up buying a Hot Springs Envoy NXT with the Ace Saltwater System.  My wife and I both felt the seats were more comfortable in the Envoy than the A7, and we just fit better.  We placed the order today, Montery Gray cabinet and Ice Gray shell!  We can't wait for it to arrive.

As before Eric was awesome in the process.  Not that we plan to anytime soon, but I would definitely buy another hot tub from him again!


Thanks again for the business, I've already submitted it to be ordered....grey on grey NXT w/ a slate cover, such a good choice, Envoy is a a top dog spa imo!

oh and just remember those fire tables, make sure you show your wife: http://www.outdoorrooms.com/ (http://www.outdoorrooms.com/)   8) free delivery and setup on any of the tables
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on November 18, 2014, 04:51:18 pm
We ended up buying a Hot Springs Envoy NXT with the Ace Saltwater System.  My wife and I both felt the seats were more comfortable in the Envoy than the A7, and we just fit better.  We placed the order today, Montery Gray cabinet and Ice Gray shell!  We can't wait for it to arrive.

As before Eric was awesome in the process.  Not that we plan to anytime soon, but I would definitely buy another hot tub from him again!


  Nice going!   I am sure you will be happy with it and his service if needed over the years..
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: Tman122 on November 18, 2014, 06:34:38 pm
As Chas used to say "welcome to spatopia"
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: Sam on November 19, 2014, 01:32:44 pm
Grats on your purchase.  Those NXT spas look great! 

Happy Hot-Tubbing  8)
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: gizmodo on November 20, 2014, 09:19:22 pm
We ended up buying a Hot Springs Envoy NXT with the Ace Saltwater System.  My wife and I both felt the seats were more comfortable in the Envoy than the A7, and we just fit better.  We placed the order today, Montery Gray cabinet and Ice Gray shell!  We can't wait for it to arrive.

As before Eric was awesome in the process.  Not that we plan to anytime soon, but I would definitely buy another hot tub from him again!


Thanks again for the business, I've already submitted it to be ordered....grey on grey NXT w/ a slate cover, such a good choice, Envoy is a a top dog spa imo!

oh and just remember those fire tables, make sure you show your wife: http://www.outdoorrooms.com/ (http://www.outdoorrooms.com/)   8) free delivery and setup on any of the tables
Ha!  She did like those tall heaters you have all over the place.

Oh yeah, is my tub on the way yet?  ;D
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on November 21, 2014, 12:11:43 pm
We ended up buying a Hot Springs Envoy NXT with the Ace Saltwater System.  My wife and I both felt the seats were more comfortable in the Envoy than the A7, and we just fit better.  We placed the order today, Montery Gray cabinet and Ice Gray shell!  We can't wait for it to arrive.

As before Eric was awesome in the process.  Not that we plan to anytime soon, but I would definitely buy another hot tub from him again!


Thanks again for the business, I've already submitted it to be ordered....grey on grey NXT w/ a slate cover, such a good choice, Envoy is a a top dog spa imo!

oh and just remember those fire tables, make sure you show your wife: http://www.outdoorrooms.com/ (http://www.outdoorrooms.com/)   8) free delivery and setup on any of the tables
Ha!  She did like those tall heaters you have all over the place.

Oh yeah, is my tub on the way yet?  ;D

well in that case, I'll just leave this here: http://www.lavaheat.com/ (http://www.lavaheat.com/)  8)   also just an FYI I did have your GFI Panel sent out today, so your should have it Monday
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: gizmodo on December 29, 2014, 11:26:56 am
Our Envoy was delivered on the 26th!  It was really easy to get up and running and after a quick call to Eric to get the Ace system online we were enjoying the tub.  So far we love it, no complaints or regrets.  We love sitting in the tub with the outside temp close to 0!
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on January 03, 2015, 12:34:10 pm
Our Envoy was delivered on the 26th!  It was really easy to get up and running and after a quick call to Eric to get the Ace system online we were enjoying the tub.  So far we love it, no complaints or regrets.  We love sitting in the tub with the outside temp close to 0!

pics or it didn't happen  8)
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: gizmodo on February 09, 2015, 12:34:58 pm
I am finally getting around to post pictures.  We have had the tub for about a month and a half and we still love it.  We typically use it 5-6 nights a week.  About the only thing that keeps us out are really windy nights, cold temps aren't a problem.  I know a month and a half isn't much time, but so far the Ace system is working great.  I added salt the day we got it, added Spa Down and haven't done anything since.  I test it every other day and all is well with chemicals!

Anyway, here are a few pictures.

(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq170/gizmodoMN/spa%20014_zps8htomchh.jpg) (http://s444.photobucket.com/user/gizmodoMN/media/spa%20014_zps8htomchh.jpg.html)

(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq170/gizmodoMN/spa%20005_zpscbr1grg0.jpg) (http://s444.photobucket.com/user/gizmodoMN/media/spa%20005_zpscbr1grg0.jpg.html)

(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq170/gizmodoMN/spa%20018_zpsis7gnq3y.jpg) (http://s444.photobucket.com/user/gizmodoMN/media/spa%20018_zpsis7gnq3y.jpg.html)

My wife likes to sit in it with some of the other nieghbor's wives while the guys play boot hockey on our backyard rink.

(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq170/gizmodoMN/rink_zpsr1wcszqf.jpg) (http://s444.photobucket.com/user/gizmodoMN/media/rink_zpsr1wcszqf.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: Topline Mike on February 13, 2015, 05:54:49 pm
Nice tub.  Can you post some day time pics, I don't want to trip over anything when I sneak in at night.   :o
Title: Re: Bullfrog A7 And Jacuzzi J-345 Price Checks
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on February 16, 2015, 01:52:06 pm
Looking Good Nick... I'm glad you and the missus are enjoying the new spa, as always if you need anything give me a call at your convenience.