Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: hkc on May 28, 2013, 08:47:42 pm
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My husband and I are first-time hot tub shoppers, hopefully buyers soon. We thought we wanted a round tub, but after sitting in a jacuzzi j-210 model we found it to be a little too crowded for the two of us. We sat in a brand new Iris model by Garden Spas and found the shape awkward. The dealer had a floor model Genesis by Hawkeye that we thought was huge until we sat in it- and really liked having the room. My only reservation is it's a bit larger than what we wanted, as we're putting it on a deck, and that we don't know if this is a good company/model. It's no longer on the Hawkeye website, so I was wondering if it was discontinued. The dealer quoted us $4900 for it, which we thought was a good deal. Can anyone lend some insight? Thanks in advance!
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I don't know much about the hawkeye brand sounds like a cal-spa? Check out Nordic spas maybe free flow and see if you have a dealer in your area, not a bad brand.
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The dealer also carried Nordic but said Hawkeye was a better brand. I found some Nordics on Wayfair.com but after speaking with the guy today I'm not sure which way to go. Are the rotomolded spas not going to hold up? Does it make sense to get a cheaper entry-level model to see if we enjoy having it and upgrade later? I guess I just don't want to buy junk, but I don't want to buy something crappy and then not use it. Are the inexpensive ones reliable? I found this http://www.wayfair.com/Home-and-Garden-Spas-4-Person-Plug-and-Play-Spa-with-14-Jets-LPI14XR-HGS1009.html
which looks better than the nordic basic cottage version. Does the brand make that much of a difference?
Sorry... after three straight days of research and visiting hot tub stores I seem to be more confused than when I started.
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Welcome to the forum. I've seen that spa once, but never known anyone who owned it.
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That round tub is made by leisure..http://www.recdirectfactoryoutlets.com/spas_life.php..after much research not too long ago I was told to stay away from them..if you want a basic tub I would check out Costco,they sell Watkins free flow line under a different name,get great reviews and have Costco backing
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Here's correct link..http://www.recdirectfactoryoutlets.com/spas_life.phphttp://www.recdirectfactoryoutlets.com/spas_life.php
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Thanks, I wasn't really looking for something so basic. I really liked the Hawkeye and I'm restricted by only having about 82" square in area. I'm also looking at Hot Springs Prodigy and Jetsetter. I'm just trying to find the best product that has a more open seating plan that won't take up my entire deck or entire savings account! There seems to be a big jump in price from $4500 to about $6k. Is the extra money worth it in a smaller spa? Should I try a more basic model to start or get something better? Just trying to figure out the best plan. I'm goign to sit in the Hot Springs models this weekend. I also like the Marquis models but the dealer is about 45 minutes away.
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hawkeye is a genesis made by calspa,i have the geo spa also made by calspa i love it!..however most on this forum hate calspa..the genesis is a rotomold just like costcos aquatera ..both are basic tubs if you are a first time time buyer you can get a 10% off from wayfair plus 10% in store credit from wayfair..my tub was 3750 at the time ended up costing me 3200 plus i got 320 in credit..here is the tub i bought 3 months ago...http://www.wayfair.com/Geo-Spas-6-Person-Square-Plug-and-Play-Spa-With-30-Jets-GE730B-W-CALS1003.html....i would highly recomend it in this price range..beutiful acrylic (not that plastic feel) nice lighting great jets and relatively powerful pump..i have it hooked to 110 just plugged it in..but can be 220 wired also..certainly looks and performs better than the price would indicate..keep in mind these tubs are literarly dropped in your drive way,the geo was 800 pounds..had to hire a spa moving company to put in its final place..
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http://www.wayfair.com/Geo-Spas-6-Person-Square-Plug-and-Play-Spa-With-30-Jets-GE730B-W-CALS1003.html
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Thanks, I wasn't really looking for something so basic. I really liked the Hawkeye and I'm restricted by only having about 82" square in area. I'm also looking at Hot Springs Prodigy and Jetsetter. I'm just trying to find the best product that has a more open seating plan that won't take up my entire deck or entire savings account! There seems to be a big jump in price from $4500 to about $6k. Is the extra money worth it in a smaller spa? Should I try a more basic model to start or get something better? Just trying to figure out the best plan. I'm goign to sit in the Hot Springs models this weekend. I also like the Marquis models but the dealer is about 45 minutes away.
The Prodiigy may be more but you're getting far more as well IMO. The Prodigy will be far more energy efficient with better filtration, jetting, a better warranty and its a quality made spa with a proven track record for many years. By all mean wet test.
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Now I'm really confused. I thought the Hawkeye spa was NOT a rotomold. http://www.hawkeyespas.com/hot-tubs/hot-tub-showroom.php
Am I not understanding what that term means? Is anyone here familiar with this brand? They don't seem to come up very often.
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Sorry..I thought I read genesis...I do not know anything about hawkeye tubs..
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Oh and rotomold just means its a one piece molded plastic tub..no acrylic
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look into this one..made by watkins..same as free flow...http://www.costco.com/AquaTerra%e2%84%a2-Spas-Verona--22-jet%2c-6-person-Spa.product.11757578.html
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I checked out the costco link but that doesn't seem to be the same quality as the one I sat in, and it's a little on the big side. I checked out Hawkeye and they've been in business over 20 years. I would think someone on here at least knew about them and could give me an idea of quality and reputation. Otherwise I just have the word of the dealer... thanks.
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I checked out the costco link but that doesn't seem to be the same quality as the one I sat in, and it's a little on the big side. I checked out Hawkeye and they've been in business over 20 years. I would think someone on here at least knew about them and could give me an idea of quality and reputation. Otherwise I just have the word of the dealer... thanks.
They're more of a smaller regional player and you just don't hear too much on this forum. You can always do a search on them here and on the other spa forums.
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I checked out the costco link but that doesn't seem to be the same quality as the one I sat in, and it's a little on the big side.
This is a very good assumption. The Costco offerings are price point offerings only. What ever it takes to get to the price point the manufacturer does.
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i personall know 2 people who have the aquaterra tubs...both are happy with them..they are made by th watkins..tman could be right in that they are built cheaper to bring down cost..i personally dont know..but for 3 grand i dont think you can beat it..i thought u originally were in that price range..
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also as far as looks on the outside and the feel of the tub..its exactly and i mean exactly like free flow..they look identical..so im not sure what you mean by .."quality" unless you opened them both AND COMPARED COMPONENTS
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I checked out the costco link but that doesn't seem to be the same quality as the one I sat in, and it's a little on the big side.
This is a very good assumption. The Costco offerings are price point offerings only. What ever it takes to get to the price point the manufacturer does.
Normally I would say you are 100% correct but on the freeflow's they are exact with diefferent names. I had Watkins by more store a few months ago trying to sell me these and I asked about that and he said they were the same but you should be able to get relatively the same price in a hot tub store on those as you can get at the online places
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A store is gonna sell that tub I posted for $2999???..no way!.at least not here in ny
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In Long Island everything costs more lol.
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Yea ..bad point I made:)
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Normally I would say you are 100% correct but on the freeflow's they are exact with diefferent names. I had Watkins by more store a few months ago trying to sell me these and I asked about that and he said they were the same but you should be able to get relatively the same price in a hot tub store on those as you can get at the online places
So the manufacturer told you there was no difference? Do you honestly think they would tell you if they cut a few corners?
They wouldn't be the same price from a dealer because a dealer would offer probably more warranty, delivery show room to touch them and the warm and fuzzys that come from a dealer versus online or box store. That's important to a lot of people.
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Yeah I do believe them. They were trying to sign me up as a dealer they would arm me with any info that tells me why the tub they are selling me is better then the mass merchant one. Warranty is the same. Obviously a dealer will charge extra for start up chemicals and placement of tub where it's going but if someone just wants one dropped in there driveway then dealers can come close on price if not match it
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We did a lot of looking today and at this point it's down to the Hotsping Prodigy, Relay or Glow, the Marquis Mirage or the Hawkeye Genesis. We have a wet test scheduled for Wednesday at the Hotspring dealer. The Marquis dealer didn't have the Mirage in stock and I'm hesitant to buy sight-unseen. Going back to sit in the Hawkeye dry again tomorrow. Anyone have any experience with these models? Preferences? I really like the ACE system in the Hotsprings but it's a steep upgrade on an already pricey tub.