Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Andocrx on May 08, 2019, 10:05:15 pm

Title: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Andocrx on May 08, 2019, 10:05:15 pm
Hi everyone,

We are shopping for our first tub and have narrowed it down to 3

Sundance Optima
Lay-Z-Boy Mirage BY Hydropool
Bullfrog A7

Would really like to hear your thoughts on those 3 that we have narrowed it down to.   I know what a lot of you are going to tell me and its to wet test them and we are absolutely going to do that  hopefully over the next week we can fit then all in.

Few things we liked about these tubs are the large seating/ captain chairs and the big foot well in the center of the tub where we have fund on some models the center foot well is not big enough to fit 5-6 people. 

Would really like to hear from Bullfrog owners on how they are liking there spa and if they have had any major complaints  with them i cant find a lot online with people complaining about having a lot of issues with them.  I really like there design of the tub with less plumbing and being able to pick your spa packs and place it where ever you like in the tub.

I am sure the wet test will tell us alot and will answer a lot of our question but being a first time buyer of a hot tub any advice on certain question we should be asking to the the seller.   

The optima is from a sundance dealer and would be serviced from them we are located in Canada close to Toronto area and there are many sundance dealers in the Greater Toronto area. Not positive on there warranty need to find out how long they give on part and labor.

The A7 would be bought from a store who sell tubs , outdoor furniture and also will do landscaping.  Based on online review they are a trusted company and have been in business for about 12 years with 2 stores . I believe Bullfrog come with 5 year parts and labor but maybe someone can confirm?

The Lay-z-boy Mirage would be purchased right from the Hydropool factory here in Mississauga ont and you are able to see the tubs being tested through show room window at the factory.  They would be doing any service if needed comes with a 3 year warranty.

Sorry to drag this on but hope to hear your feed back .
Thanks
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: wmccall on May 09, 2019, 12:48:14 pm
Good luck with your choice. I've only seen the Lazyboy tubs once, many years ago. Not sure if they have changed.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: bradleyabell on May 10, 2019, 07:42:09 am
Have you wet tested all 3?  If not, do that first.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Sam on May 10, 2019, 03:47:10 pm
I would not personally put lazy boy/Hydropool in the same class as Sundance and Bullfrog.  I am not an owner but a dealer that sells Bullfrog (and a few other brands) and I can't tell you how many times I've had people come in to wet test and mention that the Bullfrog jets are in a class of their own.  They are generally very reliable and a great company to work with. 

Sundance also makes a great hot tub with excellent jetting. They are owned by Apollo Group which is the largest hot tub manufacturer in the world and began with Jacuzzi, the Kleenex of hot tubs.  The Sundance should have a 5 year warranty just like the Bullfrog.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: The Wizard of Spas on May 10, 2019, 06:18:59 pm
Have you wet tested all 3?  If not, do that first.

+1

If [BRAND X] is the greatest thing ever, but you sit in it and it does not at all feel comfortable, are you going to buy [BRAND X]?
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Andocrx on May 10, 2019, 07:46:10 pm
Hi all,

Thanks Sam for your response to my post, BullFrog is First of the three that I am most interested I would say.

NO we have not wet tested any yet we are planning on wet testing the lay-z-boy Mirage this weekend and will  try and fit in one more of the other 2 if time permits. 

will update when we wet test each and let you all know what we thought of them.

Thanks
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Andocrx on May 11, 2019, 12:19:25 pm

HI Sam,

Wonder if you can tell me which are the most popular jet packs that we should request to ask to try and we go for our wet test.  We are looking for something that will a good powerful massage.

Thanks




Have you wet tested all 3?  If not, do that first.

+1

If [BRAND X] is the greatest thing ever, but you sit in it and it does not at all feel comfortable, are you going to buy [BRAND X]?
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Hottubguy on May 11, 2019, 01:17:08 pm
Have you wet tested all 3?  If not, do that first.

+2 to this. For what’s its worth I would also put Sundance and BF way above hydropool/lazy boy any day of the week from a performance and a efficiency standpoint.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: swilly1000 on May 12, 2019, 12:47:29 am
I can't tell you how many times I've had people come in to wet test and mention that the Bullfrog jets are in a class of their own.

Master Twilight Series is best in class...period.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Tman122 on May 12, 2019, 07:33:12 am
Master Twilight Series is best in class...period.

Your best in class is a lot different than mine and a majority of other folks.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Andocrx on May 12, 2019, 08:33:58 pm
Hi Everyone,

So we wet tested the Lay-Z-Boy Tranquility spa today this model  has the lounger.
http://www.lazboyhottubs.com/en/Hot_Tubs/Premier_Collection/HPHTLZPremier-Tranquility__Tranquility

 At first we were looking at the Mirage without lounger but  decided to give it a try and wow I loved that seat high powered jets from your back, hips, legs  right down to your foot.  I was a little unsure because I heard people say that they didn't like a lounger because they found they floated out of the chair i did not have this problem at all.

I would say We were quite happy with it but at the same time have nothing to compare it to.  We are planning on wet testing the BullFrog A7 and the Sundance Optima next weekend hopefully we will be able to find a winner !

Will keep you all updated
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Sam on May 13, 2019, 12:27:13 pm

HI Sam,

Wonder if you can tell me which are the most popular jet packs that we should request to ask to try and we go for our wet test.  We are looking for something that will a good powerful massage.

Thanks




Have you wet tested all 3?  If not, do that first.

+1

If [BRAND X] is the greatest thing ever, but you sit in it and it does not at all feel comfortable, are you going to buy [BRAND X]?

Trio, neck masseuse, oscillator, alleviate, gyrossage, versa, wellness, rainshower, deep relief, and pulsator are the most popular.  My personal favorites are the trio, oscillator, rainshower, gyrossage, and alleviate.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Andocrx on May 13, 2019, 04:33:22 pm
Thanks Sam will be sure to to make sure we test those packs when we go in.

Have a good night
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Andocrx on May 14, 2019, 06:56:50 pm

Update Saturday we are going for Back to back Wet test first to Bull Frog to test the A7L then we will head over to Sundance to test the Optima.

Will let you know how we make out so far we wet tested the Lay-Z-boy Tranqulity and liked it but do not have nothing to compare it to yet.

Well let you know how we make out on Saturday! 
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: bradleyabell on May 15, 2019, 07:31:59 am
Good luck!! 
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Jangles on May 15, 2019, 10:48:26 pm
I’m in almost the exact same predicament as you. I also live in Ontario, just north of Toronto. We narrowed it down to the bullfrog A8, hydropool 720 and the Sundance Optima. We looked at the lazy boy hydropool but didn’t find it as comfortable as they claim and if I was to go with hydropool I’d want to have their “self cleaning” option available which isn’t on the lazy boy. When we wet tested the optima I was very pleased with the jets and seats but my wife found she was floating. They also had a kingston 980 that we were impressed with but it was a shallower tub and me being 6’5” there was only 1 seat that my shoulders were under water. I found the A8 to be the most spacious tub, best back, shoulder and feet jets but very little in calf’s hips and seat jets. I’m curious where you’re shopping and what prices you are being quoted. The industry here seems very hush hush on prices.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Tman122 on May 16, 2019, 02:27:18 pm
I’d want to have their “self cleaning” option

Every single tub in the world is self cleaning except whirlpool bath tubs. You drain them every time you use them.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Hottubguy on May 16, 2019, 08:35:09 pm
Self cleaning option is the biggest gimmick there is. All tubs are self cleaning
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Andocrx on May 16, 2019, 09:33:30 pm
HI Jangles,

 I agree with TMan and hottubguy I sort of find the self cleaning option that Hydropool has sort of a gimmick and they are just using that fancy word to attracted customers.  All hot tubs have filters 1 or 2 of them that will filter your water to help keep it clean.

Funny you are in the same boat as me  lol I have only got a price from the lay-z-boy Hydropool factory store in Mississauga I will find out what the price of the A7L and the Sundance Optima on Saturday. 

I do agree with you when you say its hush hush when trying to get pricing, we all want to know that we are getting a good price and not over paying. 
Have you gotten any quotes yet that you are willing to share?

IF you are north of Toronto I believe you may be close to Barrie they have a BullFrog dealer there not sure check them out yet or not.

Let me know how you make out and if you are willing to share your  pricing would help out a lot.

Thanks
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Jangles on May 17, 2019, 01:01:36 am
I agree the term self cleaning is a little bit of a misconception,but the idea that it’s also pulling from the bottom where a lot of grit sits is kind of a nice touch. Right now the fully loaded platinum 720 is 15k out the door, the optima is 18k out the door and the A8 is 17 out the door. The floor model Kingston 980 is 17.5 out the door. I’ve been to Barrie and wet tested the A7 and to a couple different sundances. I did speak with my pool guy today who has been in the industry for 10 years. He didn’t really have a preference of what tub is the best quality or bang for buck however he did say that having hydropool’s manufacturing plant so close by is a major plus for any issues we may have during the tubs lifespan. I’m curious what other people’s thoughts were on which tub is the best out of the above mentioned.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: bradleyabell on May 17, 2019, 08:16:05 am
I love my Bullfrog tub...!
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Andocrx on May 17, 2019, 05:26:53 pm
I love my Bullfrog tub...!

Hi Bradley,

May I ask which bull Frog tub do you have ?   How long have you owned it for and what can you tell us about owner a bull frog spa? 

sound like you love it which is great but what would you say is the things that set it apart from some of the others you were looking at the start?

Would love to hear your comments.

Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Hottubguy on May 17, 2019, 07:37:15 pm
I love my Bullfrog tub...!

Hi Bradley,

May I ask which bull Frog tub do you have ?   How long have you owned it for and what can you tell us about owner a bull frog spa? 

sound like you love it which is great but what would you say is the things that set it apart from some of the others you were looking at the start?

Would love to hear your comments.

Think you are overthinking things wet test and buy the one you like the best. What I like or what anybody else likes might not be what you like
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: The Wizard of Spas on May 18, 2019, 10:37:46 am
I love my Bullfrog tub...!

Hi Bradley,

May I ask which bull Frog tub do you have ?   How long have you owned it for and what can you tell us about owner a bull frog spa? 

sound like you love it which is great but what would you say is the things that set it apart from some of the others you were looking at the start?

Would love to hear your comments.

Think you are overthinking things wet test and buy the one you like the best. What I like or what anybody else likes might not be what you like

+1 all day on Hottubguy's post.

A while back I suggested a pinned topic for those who come here for help finding their way through the buying process/  I could be missing something here but it would essentially be - Find out what brands are represented in your area and limit your information input to strictly those brands, research the dealer's reputability and eliminate those with poor reputations, visit the showroom of the brands and dealers you are comfortable with, and wet test.  From there, seek out more input on what you like, because regardless of what anyone says about any specific brand or model, if the hot tub simply is not comfortable to you - the purchaser - you're not going to purchase it. 

Simplify the process and trust your instincts but seek clarity when necessary - that is what everyone on this site is here for!
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: BullFrogSpasMN on May 18, 2019, 11:18:21 am
I agree the term self cleaning is a little bit of a misconception,but the idea that it’s also pulling from the bottom where a lot of grit sits is kind of a nice touch. Right now the fully loaded platinum 720 is 15k out the door, the optima is 18k out the door and the A8 is 17 out the door. The floor model Kingston 980 is 17.5 out the door. I’ve been to Barrie and wet tested the A7 and to a couple different sundances. I did speak with my pool guy today who has been in the industry for 10 years. He didn’t really have a preference of what tub is the best quality or bang for buck however he did say that having hydropool’s manufacturing plant so close by is a major plus for any issues we may have during the tubs lifespan. I’m curious what other people’s thoughts were on which tub is the best out of the above mentioned.

An Optima is $1,000 more than an A8??? lol sorry but that's comical
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Andocrx on May 19, 2019, 11:29:52 am
HI all,

So we wet tested the Both the Sundance Optima and the Bull Frog A8L.

Both were very nice but I think we would give the Edge to the Optima when it come to the over all hydrotherapy we are looking for.
 
But from a built stand point the Bull Frog was a way better made tub in my opinion seemed like it will last a long time.

The optima in the tub cabinet frame and corner pieces had a lot of wood which did  not even look like pressure treated   Something to think about as I am sure short term it will not be an issue but long term with it being outside and ever being a chance for a leak makes me a little scared with the wood rotting.

Here are the quoted pricing we got on the Tubs Seem very high to me:

Optima $18,500 plus tax which comes to $20,950 with everything delivery cover, lifter and steps.

Bull Frog A8 very same price as above with delivery etc

Bull Frog A7  $16500 plus tax comes to $18,645 delivery cover  etc  all these prices are in Canadian Dollars.

whats your thoughts
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Sam on May 19, 2019, 05:23:02 pm
HI all,

So we wet tested the Both the Sundance Optima and the Bull Frog A8L.

Both were very nice but I think we would give the Edge to the Optima when it come to the over all hydrotherapy we are looking for.
 
But from a built stand point the Bull Frog was a way better made tub in my opinion seemed like it will last a long time.

The optima in the tub cabinet frame and corner pieces had a lot of wood which did  not even look like pressure treated   Something to think about as I am sure short term it will not be an issue but long term with it being outside and ever being a chance for a leak makes me a little scared with the wood rotting.

Here are the quoted pricing we got on the Tubs Seem very high to me:

Optima $18,500 plus tax which comes to $20,950 with everything delivery cover, lifter and steps.

Bull Frog A8 very same price as above with delivery etc

Bull Frog A7  $16500 plus tax comes to $18,645 delivery cover  etc  all these prices are in Canadian Dollars.

whats your thoughts

That is a little high on the Bullfrog if my conversion to usd is correct.  About a grand or so.  If you play hardball maybe more, though importing into Canada probably is what accounts for the difference.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: kattie89 on May 20, 2019, 10:26:06 am
Sam, ok but what can you say about hot tubs pregnancy (https://byrossi.com/hot-tubs-pregnancy/) issue? What I mean ... would it be ok for girl or woman during the pregnancy to take her time in hot tub or some kind of jacuzzi? Are there any temperature suggestions or restrictions? Or you can say only about technical part of hot tubs? My sister loves hot tubs, but she doesn't want to harm a baby, as well as her own wellness.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: kattie89 on May 20, 2019, 11:06:52 am
Quote
A while back I suggested a pinned topic for those who come here for help finding their way through the buying process/  I could be missing something here but it would essentially be - Find out what brands are represented in your area and limit your information input to strictly those brands, research the dealer's reputability and eliminate those with poor reputations, visit the showroom of the brands and dealers you are comfortable with, and wet test.  From there, seek out more input on what you like, because regardless of what anyone says about any specific brand or model, if the hot tub simply is not comfortable to you - the purchaser - you're not going to purchase it.
 

Exactly, sir.
Sometimes ordinary people, who deal with hot tubs for the first time - simply need some more info about it.
About all the options they can get purchasing one or another hot tub, you know.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: Spatech_tuo on May 20, 2019, 02:17:01 pm
Sam, ok but what can you say about hot tubs pregnancy issue? What I mean ... would it be ok for girl or woman during the pregnancy to take her time in hot tub or some kind of jacuzzi? Are there any temperature suggestions or restrictions? Or you can say only about technical part of hot tubs? My sister loves hot tubs, but she doesn't want to harm a baby.

I believe I've seen comments that it should be ok if the water temp is kept at typical body temperature and no higher but the only person whose opinion matters in this regard is her doctor who I assume she is meeting with regularly throughout her pregnancy.
Title: Re: Down to 3 tubs any advice Sundance Lay-z-boy and Bullfrog
Post by: bradleyabell on May 21, 2019, 07:57:38 am
Sam, ok but what can you say about hot tubs pregnancy issue? What I mean ... would it be ok for girl or woman during the pregnancy to take her time in hot tub or some kind of jacuzzi? Are there any temperature suggestions or restrictions? Or you can say only about technical part of hot tubs? My sister loves hot tubs, but she doesn't want to harm a baby.

I believe I've seen comments that it should be ok if the water temp is kept at typical body temperature and no higher but the only person whose opinion matters in this regard is her doctor who I assume she is meeting with regularly throughout her pregnancy.

We kept our tub at 100 in the winter with my wife being pregnant and she is fine.  As long as you don't elevate your body temp you are OK.  Since it is normally less than 30 in the winter where I live...Keeping the tub at 100 was never an issue.