Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: solo on August 31, 2007, 03:54:22 pm
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I am looking for my first spa. Not so much for personal use, but more for hydrotherapy. I went to a local shop that sells Bullfrog spas and I had sticker shock. I wasn't expecting a hot tub to cost so much. Now, the tub I want is a Bullfrog 562. The MSRP is around $12000. My dealer told me that he sells at 80% MSRP.
My questions are:
1. When you bought your bullfrog spa, how much did you get your dealer to come off his price? Not the MSRP, but the price he quoted you.
2. How long have you owned your bullfrog spa and are you still happy with it?
3. Are there any features that you wish you had bought or features that you regret buying?
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I would say before you set your heart on a Bull frog spa see what else is out there! Narrow it down to 2 or 3 makes and then do a wet test!!! See what you like.
FWIW BF spas are fine from what I know,but its always good to compare and find something that works for you.
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Solo,
We have had our Bullfrog 451 for a little over a year and are very happy.
I assume the price your quoting is in Can. funds, our dealer sells the 562 for a little less then that, I think I saw it priced at $9995. We negotiated about $400 off of our dealers asking price for our tub, sorry but I have no idea what its MSRP was. As for your question about what features we wish we had purchased. We both wish we had bought the 562 instead of the 451.
We love our tub and use it 2 to 3 times a week.
The comments from Jacuzzi Jim are right on though, look around and see what else is out there and wet test two or three different tubs to help you make up your mind
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It sounds high, depending on the options. I just ordered a customized Bullfrog 562 today with steps, cover, easy lift, ozone, LED, circulation pump, aux. controls, premier control, remote spa monitor, 4.8 jet pumps, extra JetPak and delivery for about $500.00 US less than what you were quoted.
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I'm definitely on board with looking at other models and makes. I plan to look at 2 by Hot Springs (Sovereign and Prodigy) as well as one by Tiger River ( Bengal). I deally I'd like to be under $7000 (USD).
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Bullfrog was in the top 3 of our list when we were spa shopping - we were quoted a price of 9000 for a 562. The local Bullfrog dealer was resistant to negotiate from the quoted price - seems to be in line with what you are getting.
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It sounds high, depending on the options. I just ordered a customized Bullfrog 562 today with steps, cover, easy lift, ozone, LED, circulation pump, aux. controls, premier control, remote spa monitor, 4.8 jet pumps, extra JetPak and delivery for about $500.00 US less than what you were quoted.
Hey NROBY,
Congrats! welcome to the lily pad your going to love it :)
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We own a Bullfrog 562 for over a year now and not a single issue or complaint. We included the clover and lifter, upgraded 5hp pumps, ozonator, premier control, remote spa monitor, steps, led lighting, and Bose stereo option, delivered and setup with chemicals and test kit for less than $9800. Not the cheapest spa out there by any means, but well made and quiet. I think part of the problem with pricing is that there are so few dealers.
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Just curious, how many Bullfrog owners buy extra jet packs and actually switch them out? This is a neat feature, I'm just wondering how owners actually use it.
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Vangaurd
Its not so much about buying extra jetpacks although that option exists, its more about the ability to customise your tub. My wife likes the corner seat so she can look out over the yard and she like the "Mini Neckblaster" jetpack so we put that jetpack in the corner. I like the lounge seat with the calf jets and I like the "Gyro'sage" jetpack so we put them together.
We have thought about buying another jetpack (Oscilator) but have not done so yet
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Vangaurd
Its not so much about buying extra jetpacks although that option exists, its more about the ability to customise your tub. My wife likes the corner seat so she can look out over the yard and she like the "Mini Neckblaster" jetpack so we put that jetpack in the corner. I like the lounge seat with the calf jets and I like the "Gyro'sage" jetpack so we put them together.
We have thought about buying another jetpack (Oscilator) but have not done so yet
My thought on that is this: Once you get the tub configured the way you want it, you aren't going to change out the jet packs. So although it is a neat selling point, I probably wouldn't use it. So long as you find a hot tub configured the way you like it, no need to change things up.
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Not necessarily true. You find that you need something different because of a sports injury, normal injury or just plain aging gives you a different set of aches and pains. And most of us hope to own the tub for years.
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Just curious, how many Bullfrog owners buy extra jet packs and actually switch them out? This is a neat feature, I'm just wondering how owners actually use it.
I just ordered a Bullfrog Spa and negotiated with the dealer to include an extra JetPak. I did this for two reasons; to have an even wider range of jet therapy and to have a spare JetPak should there ever be a problem with one of the Jetpaks since I reside 100 miles from the dealer. Hopefully it will be for the reason of enhanced jet therapy options!
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Vangaurd
Its not so much about buying extra jetpacks although that option exists, its more about the ability to customise your tub. My wife likes the corner seat so she can look out over the yard and she like the "Mini Neckblaster" jetpack so we put that jetpack in the corner. I like the lounge seat with the calf jets and I like the "Gyro'sage" jetpack so we put them together.
We have thought about buying another jetpack (Oscilator) but have not done so yet
Anyone else have some favorite Jet Paks they'd like to give props to?
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I've never met anyone that had a BF over 3 years old....
They seem to be mostly concept, pay for engineering not concept.
I think that over a 5-year period you will see more issues with that system than something that is less modular.
IMO, the concept of customizing the jet pack is more for the purchase and buying process then long term use.
For those that have had their BF for around a year I would be interested in seeing the back of your jet packs around the fittings to see if you've built up any mold, algae or other debris. That potential certainly exists and I would love to test it out.
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Here is a jetpack off a 3-yr old Bullfrog someone recently traded in on a HotSpring Envoy:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC03993.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC03992.jpg)
We gave her a $400 credit and disposed of her spa for her free.
I put it up on the trophy wall with some added accoutrements:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/trophy.jpg)
Terminator
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For those that have had their BF for around a year I would be interested in seeing the back of your jet packs around the fittings to see if you've built up any mold, algae or other debris. That potential certainly exists and I would love to test it out.
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I would like to see a pic after the circ pump was put in.
104 degrees
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she like the "Mini Neckblaster" jetpack so we put that jetpack in the corner.
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Does it splash alot???
John 104 degrees
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For those that have had their BF for around a year I would be interested in seeing the back of your jet packs around the fittings to see if you've built up any mold, algae or other debris. That potential certainly exists and I would love to test it out.
Stuart,
Just completed a water change on the weekend, 5th one since having the spa delivered last April. The back of the jetpack looks as good as the day the spa was delivered. While I agree that the potential for a problem is there, given a proper water care program THERE IS NO ISSUE OF CIRCULATION BEHIND THE JETPACKS. Hot Springs has also added a small circulation line to the "Motomassage" if I remember right. Since Bullfrog added the small line to the back of the jetpack (which you can see clearly in Term's picture) this issue has been eliminated IMO, I wish you other dealers would let this go, its really like beating a dead horse
Term,
I love the cattle horns and your placement on the wall ;D but all I see on that jetpack is some discoloration of the air hoses. I would guess that any 3 year old spa would be similar but maybe I'm wrong
John 104 degrees,
We have the "Mini Neckblaster" and it does splash water around a little if your not right under the neck jets
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Term,
I love the cattle horns and your placement on the wall ;D but all I see on that jetpack is some discoloration of the air hoses. I would guess that any 3 year old spa would be similar but maybe I'm wrong
Term,
He brings up a good question. What was the reason the owner traded in their 3 yr old Bullfrog?
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Term,
He brings up a good question. What was the reason the owner traded in their 3 yr old Bullfrog?
According to the customer, they did not feel like the jets provided an adequate massage. It was also only a 3-seater and they wanted something bigger.
I've met 4 other people who own Bullfrog Spas. When I've asked them how they like the spas, these have been the replies:
Customer 1: Owns the business next door to the Bullfrog dealer (Tobacco store that provides cigars for our parties). He is no longer on speaking terms with the dealership due to (according to him) numerous mechanical failures and the unwillingness of the dealer to correct them. In four years of ownership, spa has worked about 6 months. Said that the jetpacks get very nasty.
Customer 2: Bought a Bullfrog, did not like it very much, sold it with house less than 6 months later.
Customer 3: Bought a house with a Bullfrog, has owned it less than 3 weeks, loves the spa but then added "The jetpacks are really hard to clean...they get pretty nasty."
Customer 4: Met a girl who worked at the competition's selling Bullfrog Spas. She said they leaked like crazy (albeit, into the spa), jets were weak, and the jetpacks were hard to clean. She bought a HotSpring Sovereign because she said "After selling against you guys for eight years, I knew I wanted a HotSpring."
These are not my opinions, I like a lot of things about the Bullfrog and I tell people they are the best alternative in our area to a HotSpring Spa. I'm just reporting what I've been told by actual owners.
Terminator
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Term,
He brings up a good question. What was the reason the owner traded in their 3 yr old Bullfrog?
Great Question. Why term?
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Term and others,
It sounds like a couple of your customers may have had an older Bullfrog. Keep in mind that Bullfrog added (yes, its a design compromise) the circ line a couple of years ago. I did hear that there was a problem in the past, and all I am saying is that the problem appears to be corrected, as long as the tubs owner follows a correct water care program, which is important no matter what brand of tub you own.
And thanks for the political correct disclaimer at the bottom of your post ;)
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John 104 degrees,
We have the "Mini Neckblaster" and it does splash water around a little if your not right under the neck jets[/quote]
Thanks :)
Does anybody have the neck Blaster? hows that one?
104 degrees
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John,
Our dealer said that most folks go with the "Mini" version. They have only sold a couple of full sized versions and those customers said it was a little too much and that they have to turn the jets down. I can believe it, the full sized "Neckblaster" has 8 jets angled at the back of your neck....ouch!
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"Neckblaster" has 8 jets angled at the back of your neck....ouch![/quote]
I think its like 10 jets :) ummyyyyy.
Thank you. John
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Term,
Funny, I have a contractor in town that is desperately trying to trade his 2-year-old BF in for similar reasons. He is not happy with the massage or the water quality....
The problem is that I can't fairly give him enough trade against a new spa to make it worth his while. He is coming in next week to talk about selling it on consignment.
BTW, this guy sold a few spas for the BF dealer because of his relationship with builders in town. He has asked me what I can do for some of those builders also.
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I have the mini neck blaster as well, and 4 neck jets are more than enough.
Not sure I'd buy a hot tub from a salesman who purposefully ridiculed another brand though, makes them look small IMHO. Also not sure how water quality has anything to do with the manufacturer either, just refer to Term's Pulitzer winning filtration flow diagram....
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He is not happy with the massage or the water quality....
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I have a Crown xl from nordic. I think i only have a scimmer type filtation. My water is cristal clear do to clorine. i think you need to know how to keep your spa up. i think people have no clue on what it takes to keep there water clean.
Is this the problem??? he seems like he would be to busy to take care of the spa???
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Now it won't confuse shoppers:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/trophycopy.jpg)
Terminator
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Now it won't confuse shoppers:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/trophycopy.jpg)
Terminator
Is that the SpaFrog everyone keeps talking 'bout?
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Term,
Funny, I have a contractor in town that is desperately trying to trade his 2-year-old BF in for similar reasons. He is not happy with the massage or the water quality....
Having been in a couple of other tubs I can tell you that our Bullfrog has a least, as powerful of a massage as the others. Water quality is not the fault of the tub manufacturer, please don't insult my and all the other good people from this forums intelligence. Stuart I really cannot understand what appears to be a blatant bashing of Bullfrogs products or those that have purchased them.