Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: carolahb on April 09, 2006, 10:45:40 pm
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Can anyone give me info/opinions on the Softub or the DreamMaker portable tubs? I understand that these are very low end products. The Softub only has 5 jets and I'm wondering it 5 jets will produce enough bubbles.
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Jets useful for more than just making bubbles - they are what makes a tub fun and enjoyable.
You want variety, adjustability, and if you can't wet test you should carefully examine where the various jets will be massaging.
The problem with just 5 jets isn't that it's just five, the problem is that you most likely don't get much in the way of variety or a chance to really get a good massage.
Carefully check the price on the Softub you are looking at, and then see what else you can get for the same dollar amount. If you fall in love with a tub that's a bit more, save up, or use 90 days same-as-cash or whatever. Years from now, you'll be very glad you went for more instead of less.
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My first tub was a nordic, and it had only a few jets and I had a ball with it. Hot swirling water and a decent sized jet on my back was great. Add a few friends, and a cold beer and it's a real nice time.
So, yes, you can have a great expereince in a tub with a few jets. Most of your hot tubs in the resorts only have a few jets. However, It can't compare to the more exspesive tubs.
how are you planning on using this tub? (year round, seasional, how often? inside, outside?). I don't think you can have the jets and the heater on at the same time with a 110v tub. The insulaiton and cost to keep this tub up to temp would be a concern.
Can you wet test the tub?
The things let drove me away from my used low end tub was heating costs, filtration, noise, comfort, realiability....
What are your expectations for this tub?
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I had a friend give me a 10 year old Softub for hanging two ceiling fans. It was considered a four person tub. All it needed was a liner.
Of course it only lasted another two years. However, I think the fact that I had 8 people in it one night might have done something to the heater. Based on the guests that were in the tub with me, it was worth it. ;D 8)
Anyway, I actually liked it. It was low maintenance. It only weighed 75 pounds empty so I was able to roll it down the stairs during the winter and use it inside. When spring came I'd empty it and take it back outside. Thus, the cost to heat wasn't so bad even though it was 110v.
It's not much for therapy but it's a practical tub if you just want a hot soak.
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Sounds like a ball Skellman.
but would you drop $2000 on it?
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Drewstar-As you know I'm about to spend 7k on a Sundance or HotSprings.
The question is what does Carolahb want to spend. If their budget is 2k then their options are limited.
The Softub served it's purpose for me at that time.
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Absolutely Skellman. :)
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I had a soft tub 220 when I lived in a condo and I loved it. It had five jets and you could switch between 3 types of jets. Strait, spinners and a handheld jet ;D
When I hear people talk about energy cost on a soft tub being a concern, thats when I know that they have no idea how it works. There is no heater. They use a heat excange system that cost less than $10.00 a month for me in S. California (home of the highest energy cost this side of the mississippi).
The real down side to a softub is that it only comes with one 20sq.' filter. But for $30.00 you can double the filteration and go to their "no bypass filteration system". It's not needed, but you have that option.
Keep in mind, I don't sell softubs!
Good luck.
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I think I'd also consider buying an older, reconditioned tub from a local dealer...they may even offer a limited warranty (30-90 days) along with it...that is, if the size and weight of the tub can be accomodated....
But then.....that's just me and my $.02. ;)
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I had a soft tub 220 when I lived in a condo and I loved it. It had five jets and you could switch between 3 types of jets. Strait, spinners and a handheld jet ;D
When I hear people talk about energy cost on a soft tub being a concern, thats when I know that they have no idea how it works. There is no heater. They use a heat excange system that cost less than $10.00 a month for me in S. California (home of the highest energy cost this side of the mississippi).
The real down side to a softub is that it only comes with one 20sq.' filter. But for $30.00 you can double the filteration and go to their "no bypass filteration system". It's not needed, but you have that option.
Keep in mind, I don't sell softubs!
Good luck.
How does the heat exchange system work?
I've seen these small, very portable, soft sided spas that do have heaters, and being sold in New England, with salesman telling folks they're great on a fall night.
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The heat exchanger is stailess steel coils wrapped tightly around the motor. When the spa is in a heating mode water passes through the coils and takes the waste heat from the motor and returns it to the tub. When the tub is not heating the heat exchanger closes so the water is not heated continually only has needed.
Very energy efficient. In S. Fla a Softub will cost you less than $5.00 per month to operate on average.
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I actually have the heater here in my office.
Here is my best guess as to how it operates.
It uses the heat generated by the motor. There is a stainless steel (approximately 3/8" diameter)tube "coiled" around the motor. It's connected to the 1-1/2" inlet and outlet of the pump. Thus, I believe the water simply circulates through this tube while the pump is running, picking up the heat transfer from the motor to the coil to the water.
Regarding the cost to heat. If the tub is outside during winter months it will obviously cost more to keep warm. It's just a practical option to think about for saving operating costs in the winter.
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The heat exchanger is stailess steel coils wrapped tightly around the motor. When the spa is in a heating mode water passes through the coils and takes the waste heat from the motor and returns it to the tub. When the tub is not heating the heat exchanger closes so the water is not heated continually only has needed.
Very energy efficient. In S. Fla a Softub will cost you less than $5.00 per month to operate on average.
Ah. From the Softtub page:
http://www.softub.com/justthefacts.html
AS opposed to these guys that have a 1000w heater
http://www.spadepot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PS3500&Category_Code=under2000
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I just bought a DreamMaker Fantasy and I'm having some problems with the company. There is a serious design flaw. The rim of the tub is not even - there are 5 large gaps where the cover does not touch the tub so there is a serious loss of heat.
Because it heats only when the motor is on, it is on a lot, in part, because it loses so much heat due to those gaps. Now it is winter (so is is using more electricity) but I'm also worried about summer when we like to sit on the deck. Since the motor is on virtually all the time I worry about the noise.
The company claims gaps between the rim and the cover have no effect on heat loss (but refuse to provide their test data) and so far have not agreed to fix the problem. They claim I am the only person of 1000 sales to complain. However, I've seen other complaint on the web about the high electric costs which you would expect with significant heat loss.
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for the same dollars you can get a free flow or a Nordic both of which I think far better products.
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California Cooperage model 103 is an excellent tub, well engineered and comfy. Find one at your local Coleman dealer......
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The advantage of Soft tubs are as follows:
Portability
That's it!
They are a glorified kiddies pool with no therapy, no comfort (sitting on the floor) and no heat retention (115V). Often they can cost $2000+ which I find criminal and that money could be better spent on a used spa if cost was the factor.
If it's a soft sided "spa" someone wants, go to your local ToysRus and buy an inflatable wading pool and then stop on your way home at Costco and buy a case of baked beans. You'll get similar results! ;)
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I just bought a DreamMaker Fantasy and I'm having some problems with the company. There is a serious design flaw. The rim of the tub is not even - there are 5 large gaps where the cover does not touch the tub
The company claims gaps between the rim and the cover have no effect on heat loss (but refuse to provide their test data) and so far have not agreed to fix the problem. .
:-? Would your refrigerator or freezer work as well if the door didn't seal? Much less 5 gaps. ::)
They claim I am the only person of 1000 sales to complain.
>:( Sooo...they think you are the problem? I had competitors who approached service/flaw problems the same way.
Operative word here is "HAD". 8-)
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"The company claims gaps between the rim and the cover have no effect on heat loss (but refuse to provide their test data) and so far have not agreed to fix the problem". .
I'm still trying to figure out why anyone would require test data for something as obvious as that??
Send pictures to the manufacturer and ask for a written response. Tell them you're on every spa forum on the internet and people are curious as to how your company is going to handle this. And that your lawyer is too! ;)