Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: wewannahottub on July 25, 2008, 11:28:08 am
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Well, well, well.... It's about time...
Many here have wondered if we have wet tested the Tundra yet, the spa we are seriously considering, well, we wet test it today!!!
The store owner has it ready, and will wait for us after work.
I am guessing many of you are wondering what has taken us so long,... well, with summer being here, it is kinda hard to want to jump in hot water, not to mention the expense of owning an oversized hot water heater. Heck, couldn't even get my pool to clear up, but it finally is today. :( ;)
I'll post later and let ya'll know how it went!!!
Chrisi :) :) :)
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Good luck; hopefully this is the "one" for you and your family!
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Hi Chrisi:
I await with baited breath your wet testing impressions. I want to hear about that huge foot jet that my wife fell in love with :o
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Well how was it????
You are aware of the 600 post rule. If you haven't purchased a tub by 600 posts your not allowed to post until you buy one. ;D Seriously I hope you loved it!
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Well?????
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Yeah...don't go to work without telling us what you think.... :o
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I am guessing many of you are wondering what has taken us so long,... well, with summer being here, it is kinda hard to want to jump in hot water, not to mention the expense of owning an oversized hot water heater.
Chrisi :) :) :)
Interesting, yesterday it was 108 degrees in the evening and my tub was set for 101 but was at 102 because of the heat. I climbed in and it felt great. Not as cool as a pool but it was cooler than the air. When it is hot I like to use it in the cool mornings. I love to soak at about 5:30AM as the sun is rising in the desert. OK Chrisi, I'm just chewing the fat here waiting for a report from you. You have left us all hanging. Please enquiring minds want to know, what is wewannahottub going to buy?
Scott 8-)
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Sorry all. Got home late that night, with other stuff we were doing, and work was nuts.
Well, I loved the Tundra, and the seats were nice and deep. ARRGGHH, the only issue (again) is the way the foot well is shaped, with the extra level, hubby is banging his feet, but floats if he puts his feet on the upper level.
Soooo,, we may look at the Clearwater Orlando, now that that dealership has opened a second store, and we are dealing with different salespeople and management, and when we stopped in, the manager said, no prob, we can wet test (if all remember, this was an issue the first time we looked at it, price was right, colors were right, they wouldn't fil the tub.) I'd rather have the Arctic, especially that dealer, and I think In Canada has it right, if I don't have one by 600 posts, I'll probably be booted, or just lurk.... ;D ;D but what the hey, I feel like I have a group of friends out there, so I'll still be here, posting like I actually have a spa!! I keep telling hubby maybe he really should try a lounger, but he keeps saying no!! Now, those Orlando seats, I know Hillbilly Hot tub knows what I'm talking about!! Too bad she isn't in my area!! Girl knows her stuff!!
well, the drama/saga continues. ::) ::) ::) ::) :-/ :-/ :-/
still----wewannahottub------ ;)
BTW, henryk, me and hubby loved that massive power foot jet!!! Man, and those rotating jets, grooowwwlllllll...... ;) Henry-Do your pillows come off freqently?? Drove us nuts wet testing, and drives my friend nuts, too.
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Looked at the Artic online that looks like a nice tub. I have found that during the wet tests that there isn't the perfect spa but you find one that works so much better than the rest. I wish that there were more dealers in each city to enable all of us to try all the brands. Wish I could try the Artic and the Marquis Epic. Keep plugging away I think that I am closing in on the HS Envoy.
Dave
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Doesn't everyone float in their hot tub?? I have always floated in all the ones I've been in and I float in ours. I just have to keep my feet on the foot dome. I'm curious now. What makes people float? The jets? Body fat content?? Just wondering.
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Dave, I don't have a Marquis dealer close to me either. Arctic is my fave overall, by far, but I don't expect the dealer, or any dealer, to keep getting in tubs for us to wet test. Like you said, too bad there aren't more dealers/more tubs, and may the best dealer/tub win. ;)
Kacrab, I think it is a mix of body fat/jets. I also seem to find the finish is coming in play: when we wet tested the Jacuzzi J470 and the Arctic Klondiker, they both had a rougher finish, and we didn't float as much as, for example, the Dynasty, that had a beautiful, swirly smooth finish. I think it is also how the seats are sloped... :question
For my hubby, the seats of the Tundra were plenty deep enough, just like JQZ J470 near the waterfall--BTW, my second fave.
As far as best tub we didn't float, was D1 Amore' bay--it has a bench seat on the one end, but we didn't care to have a bench, you are sitting more upright and I think you float less, and the massage seats were great. When I think about the jets, though, none compare to the massage I had from Arctic, or Jqz--esp that waterfall seat on the 470----whoa!!
Seems this has been dragging on for a looooonnnnnggggg time,
So, that in mind, it may bring to light a new subject/poll--how long did you look before you bought!!??? ;)
and again==I am still "wewannahottub" ....... ;D ;D :'( :'(
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Hey Chrisi:
Good to hear about your soak. I know what your saying about the foot well, we don't seem to have a problem with floating, I found getting around the tub upon entery a bit tricky becaus of it. But you get use to it. The real use I found for it is that both of us now use it to sit on to get our feet closer to that massive foot jet, that seems to be real purpose of it...I guess.
The head rests do come off, when they are hit/knocked but seem to go back on fairly easily once you get the technique down. This seems to be more of an issue with kids beating around the tub. Instead of trying to push them back on, I slide the suction cup scross the disk and they hold well...unless the plastic disk is damaged. Like any system there are always pros and cons, the pro side is that if we go away and the spa isn't used we can just pop the headrests off and bring them inside. On the other hand they are comfortable, I hope they do become a problem. I initially would have perferred having none and not dealing with any headrest...you think they would form the spa such that a cushion of any type would not be required.
So far we are enjoying it immensly, the massage level is great and the Onzen water treatment system works like a charm (so far)....wife enjoys the soft skin etc etc
Happy wife...Happy life ;)
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Chrisi,
I wouldn't be afraid to ask your Arctic Dealer to bring in another tub to try out. Who knows, they may even have the one in stock that you want and it would just be a matter of moving it over and filling it up. I know myself as a dealer would do that for you Chrisi. We want to earn our customers business as much as the next guy, and will do pretty much what ever it takes to get it.
Now, since you know you like the feel of the jets and the Arctic best, does your dealer have a Summit to wet test. It is very similar to the Tundra, but the seats are shaped a little different, and your husband may not float out as bad in that model. I would also maybe look at the Kodiak, or the 7 foot Yukon. All are comfortable models, and I would be surprised if he floated in those spas.
Tell your husband that two years ago, I had a guy that refused to buy a spa with a lounger, and he ordered a Summit Signature. But, we had a Kodiak Legend Extreme as the running tub, and he wanted to come in and try out the feel of the jets just to make sure he liked it. He quickly fell in love with lounger, and said he couldn’t have any tub but that one now. So not only did he get the spa with the lounger, he upgraded to the LE series as well. Also, the guy was 6'4 and fit just fine in it.
Good luck to you in your continued search! :)
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Kimbo--
I tried getting him in the lounger in the Klondiker, he just wouldn't do it.
Funny thing is== I wanted to look at the Summit. I don't mind that the one corner seat is replaced by a small bench seat, there are still 3 other nice, deep seats. Do you know if the Summit's corner seats are as deep as the Tundra's?? That is why we wanted to look at Tundra. He did sit in a dry Glacier, and liked how those seats sloped. (I don't remember if he was comfy with the headrest or not) I know the dealer will transfer the water, if we want. My friend has the Kodiak, but he hasn't been in thier tub yet, and they have some issues going on---dad is ill and needs to move in with them. So, that may not happen for a while (going over there to hang out).
I think he looked at the Yukon, too, but I think only the 8 ft models have that massively powerful volcano jet??! (he liked that!)
I will try to keep being patient.... ;)
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Thats all you can do is try right!!! ;)
The corner seats in the Summit are not quite as deep as the Tundra, but are very close. They do have more of a slope to them like the Glacier though, so if hubby liked those seats, he should give the Summit a try as well. And you are right, only the 8 foot tubs have the great volcano jet. It is very nice in the Summit as well.
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I am glad you found a Clearwater dealer willing to accomodate you. My personal tub is the Orlando. I love to go in the power seat(left front corner) and then after 20 minutes go over to the reclining seats. I have switched some jets around so my power seat in the corner really blasts me, then relax in the other.
Keep trying tubs. The Clearwater Monoco has a lounge that most do not float out of. Also new this year is the Monte Carlo, a very impressive round tub with some great therapy seats.(not shown on their website yet)
Keep trying, you will find the tub you like!
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Keep on searching and you will find one that works. My wife loved almost every tub but they did not fit me. We loved the Jets in the Jacuzzi, Arctic was great too and sundance was reasonably priced for the quality but they did not fit right. We settled on Pacific spas because it was 41" deep, had long seats that you could semi lounge in and the foot dome and sports therapy package was great. Web site is:
http://www.pacificspas.ca/index.htm
You can punch in your zip or postal code to check for dealers. To me fit was the most important, Jets next and the service was a close third. Keep up the searching and you will find one. Where else can you be treated like royalty and get a free soak in a hot tub. The hot tub dealers are amongst the friendliest people on the planet. Kudos to all the dealers for making all of of us first time buyers feel welcome. :)
BTW we bought the Calypso if you did not know which one. :D
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Now that I have owned a hot tub for awhile I found that what was important to me while I was looking is different after ownership.
Things like:
Powerful jets and diverter valves. At first I would use the diverter valves to throw the full force into the seat I was sitting in. I often got a little bruising and found that more is not always better. I run my jets with the diverter valves in the middle and I hardly ever touch them. Most of the time I do it to impress friends in the tub.
I thought I would need 7 seats for all the wild parties. 99% of the time I soak alone or with my wife only. Three is the most I have had in the tub at one time. I find that the diameter of a 7 seater is nice. I like to stretch out.
I thought floating was a bad thing, now I live for it. I like to put my head on a corner pillow and take in a deep breath. I float with my feet in one corner and head in the other. I suspend myself over the center volcano jet and find the weightlessness very relaxing.
I thought I needed a stereo, wife likes it but I do not. I like the relaxing sound of the waterfall with the light show.
I thought I would not use it during the hot summer months. When it is 112 degrees outside 101 degree water feels great.
What I find is important now is deep seats and nice feeling jets, I'm happier now with my J-470 then when I bought it or I just got use to it. Don't know but if I had it to do over I think I would have ended up right where I am now. In hot water.....
Scott 8-)
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Keep on searching and you will find one that works. My wife loved almost every tub but they did not fit me. We loved the Jets in the Jacuzzi, Arctic was great too and sundance was reasonably priced for the quality but they did not fit right. We settled on Pacific spas because it was 41" deep, had long seats that you could semi lounge in and the foot dome and sports therapy package was great. Web site is:
http://www.pacificspas.ca/index.htm
You can punch in your zip or postal code to check for dealers. To me fit was the most important, Jets next and the service was a close third. Keep up the searching and you will find one. Where else can you be treated like royalty and get a free soak in a hot tub. The hot tub dealers are amongst the friendliest people on the planet. Kudos to all the dealers for making all of of us first time buyers feel welcome. :)
BTW we bought the Calypso if you did not know which one. :D
Calypso--
Actually, my husband has been eyeing up the Calypso for a while, but last time I called our local dealer, he only had one small spa to look at. I told hubby to call again...
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Now that I have owned a hot tub for awhile I found that what was important to me while I was looking is different after ownership.
Things like:
Powerful jets and diverter valves. At first I would use the diverter valves to throw the full force into the seat I was sitting in. I often got a little bruising and found that more is not always better. I run my jets with the diverter valves in the middle and I hardly ever touch them. Most of the time I do it to impress friends in the tub.
I thought I would need 7 seats for all the wild parties. 99% of the time I soak alone or with my wife only. Three is the most I have had in the tub at one time. I find that the diameter of a 7 seater is nice. I like to stretch out.
I thought floating was a bad thing, now I live for it. I like to put my head on a corner pillow and take in a deep breath. I float with my feet in one corner and head in the other. I suspend myself over the center volcano jet and find the weightlessness very relaxing.
I thought I needed a stereo, wife likes it but I do not. I like the relaxing sound of the waterfall with the light show.
I thought I would not use it during the hot summer months. When it is 112 degrees outside 101 degree water feels great.
What I find is important now is deep seats and nice feeling jets, I'm happier now with my J-470 then when I bought it or I just got use to it. Don't know but if I had it to do over I think I would have ended up right where I am now. In hot water.....
Scott 8-)
Scott--
I keep asking hubby why we actually need a 6-7 person spa, I know for company, it will be nice, but we don't throw many shindigs. Maybe a spa will get me into more entertaining. (I would love it!!!)
I know I would like and use the stereo option. It still seems unfathomable that 101 degrees would feel comfy in 118 degree weather!! OUCH! When we tested the Tundra, the water was 103, and hot! We couldn't stay in it long.
Well, after a wedding this Friday, maybe we can wet test Saturday--hubby wants to go biking first--I will need a spa baaaddd!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I keep asking hubby why we actually need a 6-7 person spa, I know for company, it will be nice, but we don't throw many shindigs.
When we tested the Tundra, the water was 103, and hot! We couldn't stay in it long.
1) It may be called a 6-7 person spa but you won't get 6-7 people in that comfortably. Typically, a spa described as a 6-7 person spa is comfortable with 4 to 5 people in it. For that reason I think you always lean on the bigger side of what you think you need.
2) I can't understand why a dealer would have a showroom wet test spa set at 103º. You'd think they'd be wise enough to have it at a more neutral 100º or even 101º.
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We normally keep ours at 98-99 degrees and it is great. Sure the 103 feels great when you get in, but once you start sweating its not fun anymore. We can soak for hours at 99 and feel very comfortable.
We soak almost daily with just the two of us, but about once a week or so we entertain other couples. Usually for a total of four, but on occasion have six people. It's a lot of fun and a great way to break the ice.
Happy Soaking
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Calypso--
Actually, my husband has been eyeing up the Calypso for a while, but last time I called our local dealer, he only had one small spa to look at. I told hubby to call again...
Where are you from? The pacific spa plant is not too far from my home. I would talk to the dealer as the plant may work out a deal to move 2007 models to your dealer at a very reasonable price.
It never hurts to try one more spa. Is there a dealership farther away from you that you can go to on a mini vacation and try the Calypso. Do you like/trust the local Pacific spas dealer?
Good luck
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Calypso-
We are in the Pittsburgh, PA area. There is one dealer in Apollo, PA, which isn't too far from us. Other than them, I don't know where the next dealer would be; I tried searching for many zip codes, even out of state.
We'll have to give them a call. SO far our only delays in dealers getting tubs, is seems everyone needs a full truck load or share a load because of the price of gas, and that can make everything run behind, no biggie, I understand. Plus, I am not in a major rush to get one, though I should, my upper back was kiling me the past 2 nights lifting and turning heavy patients.
I'll have to try to schedule some wet tests between the Clearwater Orlando, and see what the Pacific guy has. I am still hooked on Arctic, though.
Well, time will tell.
Back to bed for night turn--- [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]
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Calypso-
I'll have to try to schedule some wet tests between the Clearwater Orlando, and see what the Pacific guy has. I am still hooked on Arctic, though.
We also liked the Arctic but it just did not fit us as well and was noisier. We loved the jets in the Arctic. If the Arctic is the one that fit the best then that is your spa. We were impressed with the quality of Arctic and wanted a salt water system which was only available in the Pacific and Arctic spas.
It is now 4 months with the saltwater system and our water is excellent. The water balance is stable except for slow rises in Ph. We have not shocked the water since May 19 and the bromine has remained at a constant 3 ppm. If you decide on the Arctic get the Onzon (sp) system.
Good luck and keep us informed on your quest for the holy grail :)