Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: GCLOUD911 on July 08, 2005, 06:21:25 pm
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We have been shopping for spas for 2 weeks now and it has come down to either a Hot Spring or Arctic Spa...We're sooooo tired of hearing salespeople tell us "they have the best spas", not like they'd tell us they sell the worst ones if they want to get a sale...
Any input between the two?
Thanks
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I'm still in the deciding mode but can you help us out a little what models of these manufactures were you comparing and have you wet tested either model this might be your deciding factor either one is a good choice take your time and then you will be able to relqx for a long time
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We wet tested the Vanguard and loved it and this was one of the only dealers in our area that the salespeople didn't "bad mouth" the other brands of spas. They were including steps, cover, cover lift, lighting package, all the chemicals, extra filters, aromatherapy stuff, clarion lights, delivery/installation and the GFCI box for our electrician to install!!!! We were very impressed with them, but then just happened upon a new store in town carrying Arctic Spas. Just went to check them out today, and my husband was going to go later and then we were going to compare notes on what we liked or disliked about Arctic.
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ANYONE OUT THERE THAT CAN OFFER US SOME HELP???
HOT SPRING VS ARCTIC SPAS???? PLEASE????? :-/
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Check your PM.
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ANYONE OUT THERE THAT CAN OFFER US SOME HELP???
I don't think you need help. You are taking a good approach. You found a spa that you really liked and before buying you're checking out another. Wet test that also, compare notes, compare dealers/manufacturers, etc. You can get others opinions and some will say Hot Springs and some will say Arctic but you can't decide based on that as neither has a bad reputation and both have happy customers. I have an opinion as I am more of a fuill foam, stay with the tried and true type and would lean toward the Hot Springs but what does that mean. It's your spa, not mine and its not like I could say the Arctic is a bad choice just as those who say go with Arctic will probably add "but either way you should be happy". Wet test both and if in doubt, let the person who more controls the happiness in the house decide (my wife in our house).
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I currently own a HotSpring Vanguard and absolutely adore it! Now that you know I am prejudiced, I will say you are doing the right things! Ask questions, wet test, and be sure to take a notebook with a pen and take notes! This way, in a few days, you will remember the specific things you liked or dis-liked about either tub. I finally narrowed my choices to 2, then scheduled back-to-back wet tests! Really helped to confirm the decision!!!
Just a few thoughts! I really don't think you can go wrong with either choice!!!
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Thank you for the words of encouragement, everyone! :D
OK, fatman...for a newbie...what is PM?????
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what is PM??
That simply means chech your mail for a Private Message.
I have owned an Arctic for almost one year and so far we have been very pleased with the tub. But I would encourage you to heed the advice of others and research this site and educate yourself as best as you can to ensure you get the right tub for your needs.
Good Luck
Jc
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T.U.O. hit the nail on head.
You are on the right track. Wet test both.
Each is energy efficient. Each has an outstanding warranty.
There are of corse some major differences.
Filtration-Advantage HS.
Bottom of spa- Advantage Arctic
Jetting/massage- You be the judge, wet test
Do up a chart and compare the pros and cons. Ultimately the wet test should be the deciding factor here.
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I agree with everyone here. It all depends on your wet test at the end of the day. If you feel comfortable in one tub over the other then that is the right tub for you. You can look all you want but once you get in them it is a completely different feel. Who knows you may even get in a different brand all together.
Now for my bias. I just purchased the arctic spas tundra siganture series hot tub. I am getting it this week.
I have spent the last year researching and testing every brand I could get into. I started with one idea and wound up with a tub a little more costly then what I wanted to spend.
Things that I looked for were the following,
Comfort, Wet test wet test wet test.
warranty, very important to me
design, how the tub is built
dealer/customer support.
After all of the reading that I have done, I found that owners of Arcitc spas were very happy with their customer support. Make sure you ask about your local dealer.
You are walking a fine line with this topic in regards to many debates that have been raised. You will have people argue that FF tubs are better insulated then TP tubs and so forth. The bottom line is all tubs are built well, its just which one you select.
The main problem with arcitc is that they have a new design concept and a poor sales reputation. They are known to be shady when it comes to selling. They jump on their covers and tell you they are the strongest. They also try to articulate that they are the best running costs. Any tub in this price range will be great and efficient.
dont be fooled by crummy sales people and enjoy the expierence. My choice, all be it biased, is the Arctic Spas. I am very happy with my choice and it was the right purchase for myslef and my family.
Good luck, keep posting your trials and tribulations with us.
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The main problem with arcitc is that they have a new design concept and a poor sales reputation. They are known to be shady when it comes to selling. They jump on their covers and tell you they are the strongest. They also try to articulate that they are the best running costs. Any tub in this price range will be great and efficient.
dont be fooled by crummy sales people and enjoy the expierence.
The local Arctic dealer is still telling people that their tub dosen't have a heater...........
From their website:
Equipment & Plumbing ~ 5 years
Arctic Spas® warrants the spa?s electrical equipment components ~ specifically the pump(s), factory installed ozone system, heater (including the Tru-Guard™ Heater) and control system against malfunctions due to defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years to the original owner from the original date of delivery. Includes parts and labour.
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You're right Bosco!!! They do seem a little shady, at least off my first impression!!! And, yes, the Arctic guy did jump on the cover and asked my step-son if he wanted to join him!
2nd impression/2nd visit today we were there for so long that my 2 year old daughter asked the sales guy for a hug before we left!!!!!!!! ;D
Arctic actually met the price that HS quoted us for their sound system, had a 30% off sale going on their 8 ft tubs and included delivery/set up, starter chemicals with the Nature 2 system, steps, cover, lift...and they were offering the cedar bar with 2 stools but we declined that as we wanted the gunmetal grey aluminum cabinet with platinum shell. If we decide to go with all this and the sound system with AM/FM stereo and MP3 system it would still be $500 less than the tub we looked at with HS. HS tub was a 7 footer and they were going to also give us the GFCI box and throw in clarion lights and a couple bottles of aromatherapy stuff.
Arctic, we're looking at an 8ft Kodiak Signature and the only real difference is they wouldn't be including the GFCI box or extra clarion lights.
We're still debating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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the kodiak is a nice looking tub. where abouts are you from. I am also curious to know the price that they have offered you.
I would not worry about the GFI, they are only 250 can dollars at any home store.
As for the lights, dont settle keep pushing until you realize that you got a good deal.
I am sure that you will make the right decision for you and your family.
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the kodiak is a nice looking tub. where abouts are you from. I am also curious to know the price that they have offered you.
I would not worry about the GFI, they are only 250 can dollars at any home store.
We're from Wisconsin and they are quoting us $8,673. We're not worried about the GFI, very reasonable at home stores around here, too. Thanks Again!
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OK, how do you get the little blue box to go around part of someone else's message so then you can add your own response to that part????
Dang Newbies!!!! ;D
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OK, how do you get the little blue box to go around part of someone else's message so then you can add your own response to that part????
Dang Newbies!!!! ;D
Click "QUOTE" instead of "REPLY"
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Click "QUOTE" instead of "REPLY"
TESTING, TESTING, IS THIS THING ON? Let's see if this works!! ;)
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Yes, it does!!!!! But, now I'm talking to myself!!!! ::)
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Yes, it does!!!!! But, now I'm talking to myself!!!! ::)
Some of the brightest people do that. In fact, I do it all the time. Don't I? Yes I do.
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OK, so we're stiiiiiillllll hemming and hawing and can't make up our minds on which one!! Our neighbor happens to have a HS which he bought last year and we are going to wet test his tonight...He told us he had a few problems with it and that it took about a week for them to even come and look at it. I didn't think a week sounded too bad?? Especially when it was just a problem with one jet and he could still use his spa...Suppose I might feel differently if it were my tub, though.
Everyone is right...this is WORSE than buying a car!! :o
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OK, so we're stiiiiiillllll hemming and hawing and can't make up our minds on which one!! Our neighbor happens to have a HS which he bought last year and we are going to wet test his tonight...He told us he had a few problems with it and that it took about a week for them to even come and look at it. I didn't think a week sounded too bad?? Especially when it was just a problem with one jet and he could still use his spa...Suppose I might feel differently if it were my tub, though.
Everyone is right...this is WORSE than buying a car!! :o
It probably depends on how far you are from the dealer and also how many techs they have on staff. I live around 35-40 miles away from my dealer (across town) and sometimes it can take them a week to get out to see about something I have called them about. (If you didn't know, I own a HotSpring Vanguard.) They try to coordinate trips to my side of town, so they can take care of a few people, not just one. I thought I had a leak (long story, turns out I didn't) and they were here within a couple of days. They even came out twice, once with a regular tech, the second time with the service manager, to check it out! When I found a tear in my cover, they took about a week to make it out to the house! They took care of me in a reasonable amount of time. I know it can depend on the time of year, too!
Anyway, sometimes it is a matter of urgency, I think! Wet test! I will say again, I don't think you can go wrong with either brand of tub! I love my HotSpring!!!
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He told us he had a few problems with it and that it took about a week for them to even come and look at it. I didn't think a week sounded too bad?? Especially when it was just a problem with one jet and he could still use his spa...Suppose I might feel differently if it were my tub, though.
That's part of getting comfortable with the dealer. I had a similar problem that didn't prevent me from using my tub or the water from getting hot. This was in the dead of winter and I got the impression that if my problem was more serious they would have come quicker, but they let me know up front when it would be and stuck to their word.
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Well we finally found a sitter for our 2 year old today so we can go wet test an Arctic in peace!!?? ;D
Hopefully making a decision from there!
Thanks again, everyone! :)
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SOLD!!!!!!
We wet tested the Arctic Summit today and loved it!!!! Yes, I know, we originally were going with the Kodiak, but being "childless" at the store today and being able to relax and take our time we found we liked the Summit arrangement even better, so we're going with the Summit Ultra. Should be in around 3-4 weeks complete with AquaTremor Stereo MP3 system!!! The guys in the store are awesome!!! We told him we didn't want the bar and 2 stools that we could have had for free with the internet coupon, so he said he'd give us $250 credit on whatever Cedar option we'd like to go with, be it more wrap around steps or whatever we'd like!!
It is a little over the budget we were allowing ourselves to spend on a spa, but I told my hubby, "If we're going to do it, might as well do it good!"
Thanks again for everyone's input and we'll keep updating on our progress! Only discovered this site about 3 days ago and have found loads of help and information here! Great site and love everyone's pictures of how they have their spas set up! Gives us some great ideas, too!
If we can figure out our computer a little more (or get our neighbor's help) we'll post some pics, too!
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(http://www.articspas.com/images/spas/large_spas/summit_legend_se.jpg) Great looking tub, we all will look forward to hearing about the installation and how it goes after that. Congrats.
http://www.articspas.com/index.php?dest=main&lang=en&option=custom_content&show=1&series=10
Which color?
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[img]
http://www.articspas.com/index.php?dest=main&lang=en&option=custom_content&show=1&series=10
Which color?
Platinum!!! ;D
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Platinum!!! ;D
(http://www.articspas.com/images/shells/platinum.jpg)
I'm sure that will look great at night with the LED lights going.
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Welcome to the Arctic Spa family!
Michael
Arctic Spas & Billiards
Breckenridge, CO
Novi, MI
www.HeavenlyTimes.com
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I loved the sumit. I originally purchased it but later changed my mind to the big tundra. It was a little deeper. I must say though, the sumit was one of the most comfortable seating that I have ever been in. You will be happy with that one for sure.
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Welcome to the Arctic Spa family!
Michael
Arctic Spas & Billiards
Breckenridge, CO
Novi, MI
www.HeavenlyTimes.com
Thanks, Hot Tub Guru!
I'm going to guess that the view from your spas set up in CO are much better than the view we'll have in WI ;)
But we'll all be lounging in comfort!! Much needed!
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I loved the sumit. I originally purchased it but later changed my mind to the big tundra. It was a little deeper. I must say though, the sumit was one of the most comfortable seating that I have ever been in. You will be happy with that one for sure.
The Tundra was actually my first choice...until I sat in it!! Being that I'm only 5' 3 1/2" (have to get that half inch in when you're my height) there was only one seat in the Tundra which I felt comfortable in. The rest I'd have to wear a lifevest for! The Summit was comfort all around!
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Congratulations!
Official blessings when it is delivered!!!
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Yes the views in Colorado are very nice. I sit in my tub looking out at Buffalo Mtn. (12,800 feet) with Red Mtn to the right (12,500 feet).
I'm not a huge fan of the Tundra either as I am 5'6. I have the same problem. However my favorite tub and the one sitting in my backyard is a Kodiak Legend!
Michael
www.HeavenlyTimes.com
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OK, HOT TUB GURU, I'M JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!! :P