Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Hounds tub on December 09, 2007, 12:07:35 pm
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We've looked at many tubs over the last couple of days. Marguis, Dynasty, Coleman, and Artesian. We liked the Pelican Bay by Artesian, but everyone told us to stay away from them. No one would say as to why. After reading many reviews we still don't understand as to why we were told to avoid them. Most reveiw I've read have been postive. Can anyone enlighten us? We really liked the idea of being able to control individual chairs.
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Artesian makes a fine spa! There are many happy owners who frequent this site.
I too was/am impressed with their patented Direct Flo system. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if money were not a factor I'd probably be in a Piper Glen right now.
If the wet test went good and the dealer is reputable, go for it!
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I agree with Chad. I've been frequenting this site for a while and have had many a chat with Artesian owners -- some with the higher end and some with the Island series with their Helix jets. They all seem very happy. Also, like Chad, my wife and I tested the Piper Glen. Probably in the top 2 or 3 tubs we tested. Just didn't feel like spending that kind of money.
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I own an Artesian Island series tub and it is a great tub! Artesian isn't as known as some others but IMO it makes a great product. Some people on the internet complain that the customer service stinks but I have talked to Artesian and emailed them and I would rate them top notch there as well. Even the "best" tub with a crappy dealer will be a horror.
The only real problem I have had with the tub is that certain jets break. This is not an Artesian problem but the jet maker's problem (Waterway) and it only occured in a small portion of their tubs in late 2004 and early 2005. My tub is 2 1/2 YO and the dealer has taken care of all the jets that have broken under warranty. I did have air to a certain seat not turn off once and the dealer repaired it again under warranty.
I believe they have gone to Balboa controllers and some spa techs consider Balboa better than the Gecko they used to use.
I too wanted a Piper Glen but money was an important decision for purchasing a spa. My tub was about $3000 less than the Piper but the Piper at the time was about $3000 less than the D1 Bay series which was the other impressive high end tub that I saw. The Pelican Bay is fairly new to the Platinum lineup but it uses the same components as the Piper.
Hopefully this helps!
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They are more expensive than others, but I account that at having more pumps.
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They are more expensive than others, but I account that at having more pumps.
We're not saying that they're overpriced. They're actually right on par with any of the top teir spas offered by all the major brands. Those spas in that price range are just a little higher than the typical spa purchased by your average consumer. I beleive that the majority of spas purchased are the ones in the $6K-$8K range. Which are most manufacturer's middle teir spas- they utilize most of the same components but are typically not as large, don't have as many bells and whistles, and possibly don't have as long of a warranty. Kinda like buying a Toyota instead of a Lexus.
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Ditto here. The Amore' Bay (D1) was the highest price tub we looked at. About a thousand less was the Piper Glen. If you like the Artesian, I tried an island series (I think it was the Grand Bahama) and really liked it. If you don't like the lounger (I didn't care for it), I think their Grand Cayman is basically the same tub without it. Several thousand less than some of the other tubs we looked at. Give it a wet test!
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I don't know where you got your info from.
As Chad said - all tubs are comperable to their equivilents. A Jacuzzi 400 series is about the price of an Artesian Platinum series which is about the price of a Sundance 800 series ...
The problem lies when you look at a $6,000 tub and then see a $12,000 tub and say holy $#%t!!! look at that price but it can be very misleading. Also the Pelican Bay is a larger tub than normal I believe which = more $$$.
You can buy a 2 person tub for a lot leass than a 8 person tub. Yes, something may be $500 more but it's not totally out of the league of similar tubs.
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Just kinda hard to part with 13,500, when you can find lots of other tubs cheaper. In the 8-9 gran range
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Artisan is a nice spa maker and the piper Glen is a nice spa. I think you get more bang for your dollar from thier Island series. I have watched and listened to people who tested the piper Glen and I would say its 50/50 as to weather or not they like it....its not so much they don't like it, just that for many the pump per seat does not give the performance that they thought it would.
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I looked @ the Island series. just didn't seem like it has any features at all.
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Just kinda hard to part with 13,500, when you can find lots of other tubs cheaper. In the 8-9 gran range
I agree. It all comes down to how much spa you actually need.
For me?, I knew that 95% of the time it would just be me soakin', so anything over 7x7 was kinda overkill. It was also my first spa, so I thought It would be better to buy something middle of the road to get a feel of how much I actually used/liked it. Now over a year later, I soak almost everyday and will probably by a higher end spa once this one's warranty runs out. I just didn't want to have too much invested in something that I had never owned before. I really wanted a lounger but the only ones I liked were in some of the higher end spas thus is why I'll probably end up buying one that is a little more than I actually need. But sometimes it's worth the extra money to get what you want as long as you feel you're getting your money's worth.
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I looked @ the Island series. just didn't seem like it has any features at all.
The Island series is marketed "ala carte". You can order it as a basic, no frills model or loaded with jets, pumps, and high-end features. You can customize it to be just what you want. The ability to customize and the above-the-waterline neck/shoulder jets are what make the Island series different from the Platinum Elite and Platinum Series. Consequently, I don't consider the Island Series their "lower line".
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Vinny,
I agree with you -- for the most part -- and it might just be regional differences, but there still was a somewhat significant price difference between the top end spas. Marquis Epic -- their top end spa -- is still under $10K unless you go stereo -- then it's $11K to low $11's. Jacuzzi J480 fully loaded you're in low $11's by me. Piper Glen you're mid $12's and Amore' Bay you're over $13K -- without a stereo! So, there is a difference in Chicago area. Take the first and the last of those -- both top end by their manufacturer -- both without a stereo. Epic = Mid to uper $9K range versus Amore' Bay -- approx. $13K.
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It could be a regional thing, when I was looking back in the fall of 2004 there was very little price difference in higher end models.
Artesian Piper Glen was about $9000, the Sundance Optima was about the same, didn't see the Marquis as the Sundance dealer had them at a different location and he talked them down. Jacuzzi J360 to 380 series was maybe $1000 cheaper, D1 Californian and Nautilus was $8000 but they were equivilent to the other tubs I was seeing and other than a very tidy equipment bay - nothing special ... The D1 Bay series was a totally different thing though and they were $11000+. I stopped looking at the premium tubs as $8000 + was too rich for my blood.
In the 2nd tier I saw Sundace Bahia, Down East Windsor SE, Coleman 470, Beachcomber 500 series and the Artesian Grand Cayman and they were all within $300 of each other in the $6500 range. I also saw the Emerald 880 and HS Vanguard and a bunch of other tubs that were around the $7000 to $7500 range along with the Beachcomber 300 series which was in the $6000 range.
As for the Island series not having much as OC_Spas said - you can configure it on how you want it. My tub has 56 jets and 3 therapy pumps, It actually looks very similar to the Piper in it's layout but I'm sure not in it's therapy. I can control how hard or soft the jets feel by the air controller and the rings around the jets themselves. I even got the enima seat :o ;D just like the Piper!
But with everything said - it's your tub and not everyone has the money nor does every tub fit the needs of a person.
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Piper Glen owner here. We bought ours in Oct 2006 and we paid 10K. One of the main things that sold us on the Piper Glen was the individual seat controls. The jets also hit us in all the right spots....we loved the foot dome too. To us it's worth every penny and at the time it was comparable to other models from different manufacturers. We actually thought that we were getting more for our money with the Piper Glen.
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The poster that used the term a la carte, was right on. I was on a budget, but did have a list of things I couldn't live without. 3 months ago we bought an Island series spa from Artesian. We are very happy with the spa. I loved how you could pick and choose how many jets you wanted in the spa. We added the rainforest waterfall and the dynapoint lights. I actually preferred the island series because of the helix jets. Good Luck, I'm sure you'll love whatever spa you choose.
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The Artesian is a nice spa, we sold quite a few but when we took on Jacuzzi there sale dropped.
Anyway the Platinum class is a great spa, the Gold class is also. The Island series were alright sellers but I don't like the 3 year warranty!!! They may have changed that now not sure.
Don't buy into others you have talked to, that say stay away, they are a fine spa!!
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" The Artesian is a nice spa, we sold quite a few but when we took on Jacuzzi there sale dropped."
" The Island series were alright sellers but I don't like the 3 year warranty!!! They may have changed that now not sure."
Interesting! When I brought in Artesian they outsold Jacuzzi 2 to 1! 3 year warranty is standard on the Island series...5 year is an available option.
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I could definately see Artesian island series and Jacuzzi's 300 series being in serious competition. In fact, Jacuzzi almost got our business. Price wise, you can get alot of bang for your buck with either one. We seriously didn't care for the Jacuzzi dealer, so that sealed the deal for us. Either way, we could have gotten a quality spa, with extra perks like a waterfall and lights.
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Key factor to every purchase it the dealer. Do they have good customer service. Do they have inventory of parts. Everthing man made will need repair sooner or later. How far are you from the dealer if they charge a trip charge.
One spa might be great for one and not for another. Insulation, where you live will eliminate certain insulations. If you live in FL, its not a factor but if you live in Anchorage , its a major factor.
Make a list of what is important to your needs. Price, insulation, dealer, etc.
Good Luck
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You mentioned insulation, we live in Pa. The Artesian has full insulation is that a good or bad thing since the piping is covered up, an as you say everything breaks at some point.
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Full foam insulation is the best way to protect the plumbing in your spa.
Spas that don't have much insulation in them are called thermalpane and are not very efficiient.
Thermal pane spas are easier to work on when they start leaking, which is common.
Some salespeople will tell that full foam will harden over time and cause the plumbing to break. This is not very true, but is possible.
Either type will be the best for you. But always wet test.
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Thanks to all who responded, now it's up to the wife. As to which tub she likes best.
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Hi. I'm considering purchasing an Artesian spa. How happy are you with yours after having it for several years?
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Hi. I'm considering purchasing an Artesian spa. How happy are you with yours after having it for several years?
Artesian builds a nice spa. We sold them for quite awhile and they are a solid brand. This thread is almost 9 years old so doubtful any of the original poster or buyers are still around here. But my guess is, they still have their Artesian spa sitting in the back yard and are happy with it.
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I sell their line and am pleased. But you expect me to say that as I SELL THEIR LINE. So to be fair let me tell you why...
I carry another high-end line and have been disappointed in its gradual emphasis in their swim spa line and complete ignoring of their hot tub line. So I sought out other brands. Artesian drew me to them for their unique features not offered anywhere else on the market - features that actually matter and are not a sales gimmick - and as their Island Elite line can stack up against any of my high end competitors in my market but just at a lower price, and that is not even their best line. Thus, if I have to, I can trot out a Platinum Elite model and be on par with them price-wise, while having what I feel is much better features (and again, features that actually matter and are not a silly gimmick).
I look at this from a salesman's POV. I didn't move off of a brand I carried for over two decades on a whim. I did a ton of homework and wanted to be a part of something that was different. I chose to carry Artesian Spas.
This is only intended to inform- I do not have a horse in this race. I know there are other high-end brands, and they will preform admirably. And if you chose one of the other high end units I am sure you'll be happy with your decision. I just am a huge fan of what Artesian Spas does, specifically in their Island Elite line.
I hope this helps. Good luck on your search and good luck moving forward.