Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: schutawie on July 16, 2004, 09:46:33 pm
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My husband and I are buying our first hot tub. He does not have any preferences other than jets for his hamstrings. We found the Marquis Everyday tubs (model 636 and 530) to have the jets in the lounger that will work this area, but we cannot find any other hot tubs that have jets for the upper legs, which surprises me.
We're currently looking at the Everyday 626 and 530 Marquis tubs as well as the Reward (which unfortunately does not have these jets in the lounger). Does anyone have any info on these tubs? It's hard to find info on the Everyday line of hot tubs.
Also, anyone have any input into the jets for the hamstrings? We want to make sure we're considering all the facts before we buy.
Thanks!
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I'm actually not a fan of hamstring jets in the lounge. It is just one more thing to possibly make you float. I sat in the 636 and it has a four great hamstring jets in the first corner seat to the right of the control. Wet teest is and see.
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Thanks for the comments. We wet tested the Euphoria and the 530 but the 636 and Reward were not filled. I have to ask if they'll arrange for us to wet test those. Hopefully that will make our decision easier.
My other concern is that the 636 (with ozinator option and Spa Frog option) is only about $600 less than the Silver Aniversary Reward, however the 636 has less 'premium' features and you lose 2 years off the warranty. That seems like a lot to lose for a mere $600. But if the 636 has the features we want..... that's our dilemma.
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You should look at the standard reward (not the SA). It has a lot of feature including the ozone and frog in addition an incredible whirlpool system. I think that if the dealer really wants a sale they would be happy to fill it for you. Otherwise tell them that if they give you a 30-satisfaction guarantee you will just test it at home. Either way I don’t think you can lose with that spa! BTW, it should be priced close to the 636.
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With the SA Reward, I believe you get more HK40 jets and a bigger second pump. It also circulates more water than the regular reward. But, in your opinion, does having the whirlpool feature outweigh these benefits? I'm only asking because since I'm a first time buyer, it's helpful to hear what other people who have hot tubs think versus what you yourself imagine you would want.
Thanks for your input - it's greatly appreciated.
Stacey
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Take a look at the Caldera spas with the Euphoria jet.
Its a very powerful jet in the bottom used for upper thigh and butt. Be sure to pull the nozzle out for 40% more pressure.
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With the SA Reward, I believe you get more HK40 jets and a bigger second pump. It also circulates more water than the regular reward. But, in your opinion, does having the whirlpool feature outweigh these benefits? I'm only asking because since I'm a first time buyer, it's helpful to hear what other people who have hot tubs think versus what you yourself imagine you would want.
I really like the SA Reward! Yes I do love the Whirlpool jets but if you want to save a few $$$ then the Standard Reward is a great option. With less plumbing and less HK40 jets you actually get more power out of the whirlpool jets.
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I was quoted these prices (incl. delivery and installation and cover):
Reward - $7489 (minus $200 internet coupon)
SA Reward - $7733 (minus $200 internet coupon)
Everyday 636 - $7178 (including Spa Frog system and ozinator options; minus $200 internet coupton)
Everyday 530 - $6389 (including Spa Frog system and ozinator options; minus $200 internet coupton)
The cover lifter is $259 but the store is running a special for $200 off the lifter.
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Pretty much all of the Catalina spas with lounge seats have jets that jun up and down the legs. If they begin to make you float, turn them down a bit.
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There's a lot to choose from on the Catalina web site. How do I find out if any dealers carry their products locally? I only saw the link to email a state rep. Most sites let you key in your zip code and tell you where to go that's closest to your home.
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Yeah, that's the only real bummer. But if you just e-mail the rep, he/she will not contact you, but will send your information on to the local dealer who should contact you via e-mail or regular mail. It is my suggestion that you do not include your phone number unles you want an agressive salesman calling you wondering when you are going to come in and look/buy a hot tub! Not that there's anything wrong with that! I just don't like being called at home. I wish there was a do not call list for businesses. I get about 10 unsolicited sales calls a day, ARGH!
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Thanks for the info. The Marquis dealer I'm working with has been really good. No phone calls at home, just a post card in the mail. But when I call her with questions or stop in the show room, she's been really nice - answers my questions and does not push me. That has made the whole experience a positive one from that angle.
My kids like the store too because they got free beach balls and water bottles from them :-)
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I expect to wet test a Marquis Reward later today. I've had a difficult experience with making an appointment to wet test at my dealership and hoping he can find time for me today. I'm looking forward to trying out the tub and I'll let you know what I think!
IonHeaven
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Good luck! I'd really love to hear what you think of the Reward. Just in case they have a 636 filled, see if you can jump in and let me know how the two compare. I'd also be curious as to how your dealer views the Everyday line as compared to the Premium line.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Have fun!
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With the SA Reward, I believe you get more HK40 jets and a bigger second pump. It also circulates more water than the regular reward. But, in your opinion, does having the whirlpool feature outweigh these benefits?
Yep, you get 30 more gallons per minute out of one half of the tub with the SA and more jets in the seats instead of the whirlpool jets. You wanted opinion so here it is... in the non-SA I loved the whirlpool and my favorite "seat" was the post seat that pushes 100% of both pumps to one location - you don't get that in the SA. A few of the added jets in the SA were nice, especially the seat opposite the lounge with the foot jets "under the lounge", but ultimately I found no significant difference with the extra 30 gpm flowing through half of the tub. The reward is a fantastic tub, it was the most comfortable lounger I tested and it helped me determine that I did not want a lounger - I went with the Euphoria (not SA).
Bottom line, you need to wet test both to know what you like. Travel out of area to wet test if you need to. Marquis is pushing their SA over their non SA versions which is trickling down to the dealers - let your experience determine which is better for you.
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Advice taken. Saving a few hundred dollars is always a plus too. I will be calling my dealer this week to see if I can set something up. They have a regular Reward in the showroom (but not an SA). I'm hoping I can test that one out. I tend to fall for the extra bells and whistles (just because they're there). I need to be objective when I test.
Thanks for sharing your opinions.
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Someone just told me that the Sun Dance Cameo has hamstring jets in it. Is that true?
I called my Marquis dealer to see if I could wet test a Reward and Everyday 636. I was told that they only have one of each line filled "We can't fill ALL of them".... and of course, neither of the ones filled are the ones I want to test. They told me I could test a Quest, which is "like" a Reward..... Maybe I'm wrong, but when I'm spending this much money on a tub, I want to test out exactly what I'm going to get. I think it may be time to start lookng at a Cameo if it has what we're looking for....
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schutawie, you are not wrong. You should wet test the tub that you want to buy. Once the dealer knows you are a serious buyer and not a casual shopper, they are generally more willing to fill tubs. There is the possiblilty that they can't fill the tub you want (they don't have one, the showroom is really too small to fill another tub...). I ended up traveling to other, larger, dealers to wet test all the tubs I wanted to test.
I wet tested the Reward and the Quest, and the Quest is nothing like the Reward. Smaller tub, one 160 GPM pump vs 160 and 130 in the Reward, the seats are shaped differently , especially the lounger, it's shallower than the Reward, etc...
If you know you like the Reward, or any other tub for that matter, and like the dealer, I'd suggest doing whatever you can to wet test it.
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Thanks empolgation. I'm glad to hear that I'm not being unrealistic with this. They have both tubs in the showroom - but only have the Quest, Euphoria, and 530 tubs filled. The reason I'm skeptical about buying a tub without trying it out is that on paper, I thought the Euphoria was the tub for me. But when I got in it, I found it wasn't. I agreee 100% with the wet test recommendation. It proved itself to me.
On paper, the Reward looks like what I'd like but I need to test it. However, it doesn't have the hamstring jets, which is the only thing my husband wants in a tub and is on the 636. I'm just leary about buying a 'lower' line of hot tub but paying close to the same price as one of the Premium tubs. I think you give up a lot.
Stacey
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Your Hot Tub doesn't get filled with paper after it's delivered - ya gotta get in it wet!!
Good for you for learning that early on in your search,
More visits to the dealer and a clear demonstration of serious interest should help persuade the dealer to fill the tub you want.
Unfortunately Marquis tubs tend to lack leg jets. I found that a lounger wasn't for me and as mentioned above those with hamstring jets can assist in the floating factor; also I've noticed that pretty much all hamstring/calf jets I test just didn't have the power I was looking for.
If you are creative you can find great leg therapy in some of the Marquis. With both the Euphoria and Reward (non-SA) you can sit on the filters (2 Marquis dealers recommended it including the Marquis owned "dealer") and get great leg therapy from the "post seat"; also the whirlpool jets in both tubs on high speed turn into great leg therapy with a comfortable swing of the legs. In the Reward SA you can put your legs up on the middle seat opposite the lounger as well as sit upright in about the middle of the lounger.
I'm sure you can be as equally creative with other tubs to get good leg therapy, it just might take a little out of the box thinking.
Good Luck!
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Hi!
I wet tested the Marquis Reward, finally, and liked it very much. I've had quite a time getting my dealer to find a time to let me wet test. He insisted that I couldn't wet test during store hours. This seemed unusual to me since I have wet tested at Hot Springs, Sundance, Beachcomer, D1, and Master Spa with no problems at all.
However, once I got in the tub I found it very 'rewarding'. ;) You definately have to wet test like everyone says!
The controls are great. You can reach them from anywhere and they provide many options. I think for hamstrings its a good choice since it has several sets of vertical jets that you can manuver in front of that are very powerful, yet not punishing.
My focus is neck and shoulder and the jets in this area were superior! However, I am short and couldn't reach foot jets from anywhere it seemed.
I'm not quite sure what to make of all the jets for the whirlpool and the workout pit. Not sure that I would use it to work out. Any other suggested uses? I do think they would be great for hamstrings though. Definately wet test!
BTW, I've not been too impressed with leg jets in loungers thus far. I did like them in the Hydropool, but can't find out any info on that tub from anyone??
I wet tested the quest also, which IMO did not compare at all; quite a difference.
My dealer did not appear to think that the Everyday line was a good choice. Less insulation, shorter warranty and other stuff I can't remember. He seemed to say that he keeps them around so you can compare the better quality/value your getting in the Marquis line. I'm just telling you what HE seemed to be saying. I personally don't know, I only saw the Everyday models, none were set up to test.
The price here for the Reward is $7095, tax not included, with cupon. It includes, steps, cover lifter, spa frog and the cover you can jump on...what's with that?
However, I have some questions about the Marquis spas:
Is Marquis the only spa in the world that is UL listed? My dealer said that is has the only factory installed ozone system that is UL listed in the world.
If there is a problem with a part, does the dealer send it in to be checked and await approval before replacing the part?
My dealer said Marquis is not like the other companys, where you have to wait for approval before replacement. He said that they simply replace the part under a no fault customer warranty.
This seemed to be true when I read the brochure, but when I printed the fine print off the website it appears that only applies to the heater??
The spa had so many great features. But I'm uneasy about some of the claims the dealer made.
Also, I couldn't get an appointment to wet test for nearly 3 weeks. We corresponded on the phone numerous times about appointments, and when I finally was able to get there at a time he was able to let me wet test the tub, he told me that the special price which included spa frog and upgraded cover ends August 1st...now only a few days away.
Wow, I've got alot of questions about this spa, don't I? My alternative is the Beachcomber 720x from a culligan dealer just learning the business. He's very honest about it though.
I'm ready to buy a spa, the electricians been here, the slab is ready to be poured and I'm in need of a soak! Not sure what's holding me back on my decision...
Thanks for any comments on my questions, and those of you wet testing, keep us posted!
IonHeaven