Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: sjones145 on June 11, 2015, 11:42:47 am
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I've been researching spas for about 8 weeks now and have learned much through forums like this. We're a family of four (my husband, me, son and daughter). Primary purpose of spa is to relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits as well.. some entertaining w/kids & their friends. I'm thinking of a spa capacity for 6 - 7 persons.
I really liked the Caldera Geneva but the best price that I have (all features, cover, tax) is $10.5K. That's a bit high.
My target price w/tax, cover, lifter, ozone system, steps is ~$8000. (we'll need to spend another $1K to run the 230V line)
I think we've narrowed down to the South Seas Spas (748L or 850L) and the Bullfrog (A7L, A6L or R6L). we definitely want a lounger, captain chair and one or two seats with higher elevation.
Please offer up your recommendations on the above, especially Bullfrog. What is a fair market price in the Houston area?
Thank you
sjones
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South Seas (Artesian) and Bullfrog are probably on par with each other so I'd question back whether you've tried to set up a wet test with either? Every spa maker has different brands at different price points so while $8k out the door can be a bit limiting there are good spas out there at that level but whichever spa you buy will be in your back yard for the next decade plus so take your time deciding and try to wet test since that will tell you as much as anything.
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Hi - I haven't wet tested, only dry-tested both. The Caldera Geneva we did wet test, though.
I plan to wet-test in next week or so.
really, with running the 230V line, my target total price is $10K (so, spa w/taxes would be ~$8800 - $9000
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Hi - I haven't wet tested, only dry-tested both. The Caldera Geneva we did wet test, though.
I plan to wet-test in next week or so.
really, with running the 230V line, my target total price is $10K (so, spa w/taxes would be ~$8800 - $9000
If you liked the Geneva after a wet test but it was $1500 over tour budget then they should have had a model just below that to wet test that would meet your budget but as long as you are wet testing then you should find something that works because $9k tax included will still get you a good spa.
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sorry, I meant to state we tested the Cantabria - largest model in Utopia series but too big.
I've sent another message to the dealer to see what they can offer in our price point. the other models that they had to wet test were D1s -- these were too deep and above $13K.
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I'm down to final steps: go back to wet test and make a decision. I have tried to negotiate and doesn't seem I will get much more off pricing. Does the below seem to be good market pricing in Houston area:
Caldera Geneva (tax, delivery, start-up, cover, cover lifter II, steps): $10.5K (Caldera Palatino would be $8.6K but seems a bit lower quality)
Bullfrog R7L (tax, delivery, start-up, cover, cover lifter, Wifi module, stainless steel jets, ozonator, steps): $10.3K
South Seas 850L (tax, delivery, ozonator, steps): $9.5K
I realize this is not exactly an apples to apples comparison and that warranties are different as well. I'm comfortable with the 3 above models and dealers, now I need to know if these are fair and competitive prices.
Thank you
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I would think there is wiggle room in all of them. Get serious now and decide between the three and make an offer about a grand below or ask for extras (filters, chems, extend warr)
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ok, two more posts :)
I've eliminated the South Seas Spas. Although I read good things, I feel that the quality & class of hot-tub is a step up for the Caldera Geneva and Bullfrog R7L.
I might negotiate a bit on price. Both sit comfortably. Now the key question, for me, comes down to reliability & quality. Is the Bullfrog Jet Pack system really much more reliable in terms of plumbing leakage vs a traditional plumbed style? I really do not anticipate that we will be switching around the jetpacks on the Bullfrog. Same question for shell and other engineering of the spas. Warranty on these two models is more or less the same and I hope I won't have to have an incident during the warranty period.
So - please feedback on the engineering & reliability aspects. My next post -- which spa I Chose.
Thanks
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Both have good reputations and the prices are basically the same so assuming both dealers seem like the kind that will be there for you after the sale, this really should be all about which wet tests better IMO.
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Can I make a suggestion ? I live in the Houston area too and I am also in the market for one. The Houston hot tub and swim spa expo is this weekend. If
You have time, go to it and check it out at Reliant Stadium tomorrow. I tried a Sundance Chelsea and loved it this weekend but I do plan on going to the show tomorrow o make sure I am comparing all tubs and prices since most all the vendors will be there.
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ok, two more posts :)
I've eliminated the South Seas Spas. Although I read good things, I feel that the quality & class of hot-tub is a step up for the Caldera Geneva and Bullfrog R7L.
I might negotiate a bit on price. Both sit comfortably. Now the key question, for me, comes down to reliability & quality. Is the Bullfrog Jet Pack system really much more reliable in terms of plumbing leakage vs a traditional plumbed style? I really do not anticipate that we will be switching around the jetpacks on the Bullfrog. Same question for shell and other engineering of the spas. Warranty on these two models is more or less the same and I hope I won't have to have an incident during the warranty period.
So - please feedback on the engineering & reliability aspects. My next post -- which spa I Chose.
Thanks
If you got a dealer telling you the jet pack system is more reliable than traditional plumbing systems he's lying to you.
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Thanks for the info
We did go to the Expo this am-- only Master Spas so we didn't stay long
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I was so mad about only Master Spa being there and advertising it like other brands would be there -What a huge sham. >:(
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I agree, ver misleading
We'll probably go with the bullfrog R7. I like the Caldera Geneva, too. Both dealers are less than 30 miles and reputable. The main decision point is the price, Caldera is a little more than $500 than the bullfrog. For the most part, feature by feature, is very comparable.
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Thanks for the info
We did go to the Expo this am-- only Master Spas so we didn't stay long
I was wondering about that when the topic of a show came up. It sounds like your going about this the right way. Don't be shy about visiting a dealer multiple times, even if it is just to stop and look again. Multiple visit might get a deal rolling. I will also add my family is smaller and I had dreams of hot tub entertaining and it turned out to be far less than we imagined. I downsized on our 2nd tub. 99% of the time its my wife and I.
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I agree, ver misleading
We'll probably go with the bullfrog R7. I like the Caldera Geneva, too. Both dealers are less than 30 miles and reputable. The main decision point is the price, Caldera is a little more than $500 than the bullfrog. For the most part, feature by feature, is very comparable.
The price difference is pretty minimal when you consider whichever one you purchase will be with you for the next decade plus. Take your time deciding and go with whichever your gut tells you is the better spa for you.
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Thanks. We haven't purchased yet. The R7L is still in contention along sides of Caldera Geneva, Niagara and possibly a Sundance Optima or Cameo. I've put more thought into this purchase than an automobile. It's very confusing on which way to go. I feel that dealers are offering fair market pricing. Just want to make sure we are making the right choice in terms of quality, jets, size, lounge vs no lounge, etc
So still looking
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Thanks. We haven't purchased yet. The R7L is still in contention along sides of Caldera Geneva, Niagara and possibly a Sundance Optima or Cameo. I've put more thought into this purchase than an automobile. It's very confusing on which way to go. I feel that dealers are offering fair market pricing. Just want to make sure we are making the right choice in terms of quality, jets, size, lounge vs no lounge, etc
So still looking
Price aside, do you prefer the Caldera to the Bullfrog? If so, see if you can get them to drop a little. Remember, the Caldera includes the sub panel you need for wiring, lowering your install cost. Makes the prices almost the same.
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Yes, actually. I do prefer the Caldera
Like the aesthetics and also very comfortable with the dealer (30+years with solid reputation)
Heard from Sundance dealer via email and he states I'm comparing Chevy to Cadillac when it comes to Sundabce vs caldera. So price point doesn't seen it will be in line with what I'm wanting
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Yes, actually. I do prefer the Caldera
Like the aesthetics and also very comfortable with the dealer (30+years with solid reputation)
Heard from Sundance dealer via email and he states I'm comparing Chevy to Cadillac when it comes to Sundabce vs caldera. So price point doesn't seen it will be in line with what I'm wanting
Is the Sundance guy calling himself to the Chevy of the Caddy lol? Of course he's going to say his brand is better, that's just salesmanship and there's nothing really wrong with that. In reality both those brands are well thought of so any time a salesman talks down the competition just ignore that part and try to steer him back to talking about his brand and its merits rather than why another brand is inferior.
Its all about the wet test results, what kind of deal you are getting (and what is included in that deal), comfort with the dealer, getting a brand that is well backed by a well regarded manufacturer... and certainly aesthetics come into play too. Of course if you're a married man you also want to flat out ask the wife which one she really wants!!! ;)
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Funny
I am the wife and my husband is doing good and just come along for the ride :-)
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Funny
I am the wife and my husband is doing good and just come along for the ride :-)
Good to see the decision is in the right hands! ;) :D
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any comments on the Hot Spot (Relay, Tempo) vs the Caldera and BullFrog? I did like the Sundance -- the 680 series would be $10.5K plus tax
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Ok, I'm driving myself crazy with investigating spas and probably the readers on this forum :)
I opened a can of worms by visiting a Sundance dealer today and talking to a Hot Springs dealer. The Sundance 780 series price point is $1k over caldera utopia series. The Hot Springs dealer is suggesting that I go with the Hot Spots line.
My gut is telling me to go with Caldera (vs bullfrog) because of the dealer reputation and longevity of being in business. I'm very comfortable with both the sales and tech department. The main con: my kids did a wet test on a caldera Cantabrigians model and thought they 'hurt' versus the bullfrog
I plan to go tomorrow and wet est the Cantabrigians model, hoping they can dial,down the jets and not have the numbing sensation that my kiddos described.
Then, final decision of niagara (semi-lounge) vs geneva
Bullfrog dealer seems willing to do what he can do as well
If I'm appearing overly cautious and annoying, just think of what my family is feeling ;)
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Ok, I'm driving myself crazy with investigating spas and probably the readers on this forum :)...............
If I'm appearing overly cautious and annoying, just think of what my family is feeling ;)
You're in control, sounds like your doing it right, once you make the decision there will be less doubt and you'll start out on the right foot. I've done this twice and felt better the 2nd time doing it this way.
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So glad I continued with looking... Saw hot springs today with my kids. Highlife series is too pricey but the limelight pulse and flair... Loved it, especially the Pulse. Quoted $10.3k without salt system but includes steps, cover, delivery, etc. this is definitely the first choice, 2nd would be Sundance Chelsea followed by caldera than bullfrog
So does 10k seem about right for the pulse?
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I don't know about the price of the pulse but the chelsea should go for less than 10k. Around 8k to 9k probably. It seemed to be a great tub and was one I was interested in but ultimately I got a good deal on an optima. I did wet test the caldera niagara and liked it alot but I couldn't negotiate as good a deal. It seems like you are comparing second level tubs from hot springs and sundance and top level spas from caldera, any one of them would be an excellent choice as long as they are within your budget and you love your wet test.
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The process you guys outline on this forum really works. Both dealers are now willing to move, a bit. Sundance offering 1 year of free chemicals, free cover lifter. I hope we will have a decision by early next week. So, through all this research, I think I will feel good about the purchase. Both seem like great spas - Chelsee & Pulse.
Thank you for your advice!
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You will be happy with either of those. To bad you couldn't throw Marquis and Jacuzzi in the mix.
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right; I actually did visit a Marquis dealer a couple of weeks ago; pleasant but they were honest and said we were outside their service area
Jacuzzi not too far from me -- just wasn't too comfortable w/dealer.
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here's a quick update based on our wet testing:
chelsee = pulse; kids liked both and really couldn't notice any discernible difference (nor could I)
quality seems equivalent
looks are nice on both; lighting on Pulse a bit more attractive
price is only nickels & dimes apart from each other
our favorite is the Sundance Optima, but best price is over $11K; I really want to stay under $10K
any final thoughts on Chelsee vs Pulse?
thanks