Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: SJK on April 10, 2005, 10:23:58 am
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Add me to the list of confused first timers looking at hot tubs. I have three dealers in my town selling among others Coast, Sundance and Beachcomber. We like the Beachcomber dealer's presentation but the technology seem a little different from the others....slightly smaller HP motors running fewer ports, the motor on the outside of the tub (in the step). I wasn't as impressed by the power on the Sundance (the dealer said you don't want to get 'beat up' by your tub) and yet I hear lots of positives on the Sundance on this forum and almost nothing on Beachcomber. The skirt on the Beachcomber seemed a lot more solid than the sundance and the overall quality seemed better, but the more I read the less sure I am. I live in Canada, so insulation values and cost of heating are issues. Any comments or advice? Thanks.
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I would wet test both the Sundance and Beachcomber. They are both high quality spas, and let the wet-test be the deciding factor.
However, don't get cought up in the horsepower and the number of jets in either spa. It is the number of massages you are looking for, not the number of jets or pumps. An example is Hotspring, they get one of the greatest massages with ONE jet.
The skirting on the Beachcomber is more solid than the Sundance.
I wouldn't worry about the cost of heating either because both will cost roughly the same amount. Probably within 2 dollars per month of each other.
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I agree w Chris on this one, take the plunge. Wet test will decide which spa is right for YOU. Every spa is rated by everyone differently,YOU make the decision based on what you feel is right for YOU.
Remember, it's not all about horsepower...
hottubber... ;D
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Makes sense. Thanks for the solid advice.
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Whats the deal about small circulating pumps? Beachcomber says they aren't necessary to effectively treat the water. And any comments about having the motor outside the tub. The Sundance guy says its a bad idea.
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Whatever keeps the water clean is an effective system.
Do you need a circ pump? No.
Do you need a filter system which keeps your water clean? Absolutley.
There are dozens of ways to accomplish this.
Any major brand of spa will have good filtering.
As far as the motor outside the tub, I have no idea.
Probably just another point for us to debate endlessly over.
Brewman
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You are looking at two high quality tubs, in my opinion! Give them a wet test and see what you think then. That should really help with your decision.
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SJK,
Beachcomber uses a BIG circulating pump to filter the water and Sundance uses a little one with pump 1 coming on low every so often (this is programmable) to help filter the water. I don't know if the circ pump is an option in Beachcomber or it's standard.
Every manufacturer tackles filtration differently and none of the major manufacturers have a problem keeping the water clean. Don't let this be a deciding factor in selecting your tub.
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I stand corrected. I misread the Beachcomber Q&A brochure which claimed that SMALL circulating pumps are not recommended. I went back to the dealer who pointed out their larger circulating pump.
What about the turbo option? Its an extra $350.00, but I've been told its "a guy thing" - not really that useful. I'm almost sold on the 720.
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What about the turbo option? Its an extra $350.00, but I've been told its "a guy thing" - not really that useful. I'm almost sold on the 720.
Is this the more powerful foot pump? I would say if your planning on wet testing, test one with and one without and see. If your not wet testing, ask yourself can you live without it - if the answer is yes then do without.
Good Luck!
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Once you buy it the debate is over. They both will give you long term enjoyment. Ask for a copy of the warranty and read the words. What they give you in numbers they take away with words, exclusions, limitations and prorations.
What is your feel for the dealer? How long have they been selling the line? I don't think you can make a bad choice between the two.
Keep in mind, you are going to own it and enjoy it for a long time go with the better choice in quality, value and dealer service.
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We passed over the Beachcomber during our search due to the external pump. The additional space required just wouldn't work in our location.
Make sure you take the extra space into account!
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Having owned a Beachcomber, having a friend who has a 700 series and now owning Jacuzzi (sister to Sundance)....thought I should chime in here.
One dealer explained it best to me....if you're just looking to soak in hot water then brand A might be a better buy for you than brand B that has significant hydrotherapy.
IMO, Beachcomber has some cool features, but it doesn't hold a candle to Sundance's jetting. I think if you check other threads with Beachcomber in them, there's quite a few comments to their jetting. Again, for some people, that floats their boat, whereas others, like myself like a much stronger jetting package, which a Sundance - Jacuzzi - Hot Springs would deliver.
This all said, I did enjoy my 530 BC, and never had water problems. Their system worked fine, just like my Jacuzzi does now.
Mark
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I own a 720X Beachcomber and as far as jets, if I devert air from bottom to top potions of jets it feels like Im going to displace a disk or something, VERY powerful. The pumps under the steps are easy to get to, my tub is inside so insulation is not a factor. Love my tub! ;D
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At the risk of sounding redundant--WET TEST, WET TEST, WET TEST, WET TEST!!!
;D
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We passed over the Beachcomber during our search due to the external pump. The additional space required just wouldn't work in our location.
Make sure you take the extra space into account!
The Beachcomber dealer lost a sale then by not mentioning the fact that you can purchase a Beachcomber with the equipment inside the tub.
That being said, about 95% of the tubs I sell have the protec option. (equipment exterior)
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...and since the Protec functions as a step anyways...how does this take up more space?
I don't have a Beachcomber. My tub has its pumps inside. Yet I still need a step to get into it.
Not really an issue.
Jc
...unless your tub is counter-sunk into a deck..?..?
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SJK,
Beachcomber uses a BIG circulating pump to filter the water and Sundance uses a little one with pump 1 coming on low every so often (this is programmable) to help filter the water. I don't know if the circ pump is an option in Beachcomber or it's standard.
Every manufacturer tackles filtration differently and none of the major manufacturers have a problem keeping the water clean. Don't let this be a deciding factor in selecting your tub.
I will go one step further with this. In my (measley) three years in the business, I have yet to encounter anyone, I repeat, anyone who has complained of inferior filtration systems. This includes a variety of tubs purchased at big box stores.
Filtration just isn't an issue within the industry - at least in my neck of the woods.
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What about the turbo option? Its an extra $350.00, but I've been told its "a guy thing" - not really that useful. I'm almost sold on the 720.
I am not a fan of the turbo feature personally. (Beachcomber's term for a blower.) I would sooner spend the money to upgrade both pumps 1 hp each, rather than get the turbo if you are that concerned about power.
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I will go one step further with this. In my (measley) three years in the business, I have yet to encounter anyone, I repeat, anyone who has complained of inferior filtration systems. This includes a variety of tubs purchased at big box stores.
Filtration just isn't an issue within the industry - at least in my neck of the woods.
Filtration is a major issue in the industry, maybe not in sales of the unit but in ownership for sure. The reason many big box store spas and inferior products last such a short lifespan is due directly to filtration, and customer neglect. It may not happen tomorrow, but mediocre filtration can lead to many problems with a spa. Vital components are in direct contact with your spa water and your filtering system is your first defense in the longevity of your components. I realize many spas out there filter very well, but 125 manufacturers don't, and thats why many are deemed unreliable. I understand filtration may not come up in a sales pitch for many, unless in competition with spas that promote superior filtration, but the average customer with the average spa knows no difference. For all they know, there 5 year old home depot special that has had the heater replaced 3 times was due to the filtration, or lack there of. I'm sure there were other determining factors, but rest assured the filtration was one of them. Sorry for the long post ;)
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pkud, very good points about the importance of filtration.
Terminator
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Always something new to learn, that's why I love this site ;D
Pkud, (or anyone with the answer) could you let me know a few of the more common problems associated with poor filtration? Also, whether these problems are due to a flaw in the filtration system or caused by negligence?
I would have thought that things like ensuring your ph is balanced, your hardness was in proper range etc... would play a much larger role in the health and safety of the components of a hot tub. ???
FWIW I was not trying to discuss the sales tactics regarding filtration, but rather it's performance on the hot tub. I should have written that I have never had any customers complain about dirty cloudy water due to a poor filtration system.