Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: wmccall on January 03, 2006, 12:11:57 am
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I was thinking that only those of you who have had thier tubs at least a year should respond to this, but its a free country, or continent if your prefer, and a semi free website ;) But if you have something to add, feel free.
My tub is three years old, and as long as the manufacturer continues to support me, I'll have this tub at least till its 5 years old unless something unforseen happens.
But being your moderator, I still stop in different dealers to look around and its almost like shopping. Occasionally I think it I had to do it all over again, would I do anything differently?
Well, we talk about being comfortable with your dealer, well I was, and that isn't worth much 3 years later for me. If I had to buy today I probably wouldn't consider Dynasty since we don't have a local dealer any more. This tub has been so right for us, but I'd need local support.
There is the old lounger vs no lounger issue. For me at this point, its the least used seat in our tub, but I'm glad its there, but if wouldn't be a top priority and a good deal could sway me to go either way.
I bought without wet testing, but now that I know what I like, I'd have to wet test. That leads you into the do you wet test a similar model, or only the exact one? I'd take that one on a case by case basis.
Texture vs smooth surface. My wife would probably win out and we would get a textured surface again, but I sure like to looks of some of your pearlescent tubs. We have no children and infrequent guests, I think we could take care of a smooth tub.
In a similar note, my lights are dissapointing. It uses a color wheel and the colors can't be stopped. When on it rotates through the colors. Lower model Dynasty tubs and newer models have modes where you can stop the colors. I don't know how I ended up with the crappy lights.
Waterfall? I rarely use it, wouldn't pay extra for it.
Display, I like being able to see the set temp and the current temp on command, that would be a high priority for me.
Ozone? I'm not sure. I'm probaby be replacing mine soon, its almost 3 years old. Now that I'm more experienced, I may be more likely to notice a difference, if there is one, when I get it working again. More on that when it happens.
Pumps. I did fall for the 7hp pumps. I guess they are actually 4.6hp continuous, but they are strong. That is still important to me. I like calm tranquil water, but I want to be able to strip paint when needed. I suffer from restless leg syndrome and strong jets are the only thing that give me relief. I currently have 2 pumps, a single speed (Hi) and a dual speed (Hi-low) Having more dual speed pumps would be a big seller for me.
I'd definitely buy a better cover lifter. Why spend $7000 and get cheap on a cover lifter? I didn't know any better. I'd go for a good hydraulic assist mounted under the tub.
I'd probably give more weight to a design with a cool down seat.
open seating vs molded seats. Again I think the wife would win out and we would end up with open seating, and I like that alot, but I might consider an open design that had one molded therapy seat with jets to hit the upper thighs.
Powerful foot jet. - I love that about ours, would definitely look for that.
Perhaps I'll have more thoughts after reading some of your replies.
Happy 2006!
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Oh, yea, neck jets. Nothing relieves a tension headache in the neck and back of the head like neck jets.
I also like having removable jets. I added couple more spinner and pulsating jets, but I have moved them to where I want them and there probably isn't another tub exactly like mine anywhere, and it is perfect for me!
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I'd probably stay with our Optima, but would opt for the synthetic cabinetry. Now I think that's all Sundance offers- no wood anymore.
We have good dealer and service support- as I found out several weeks ago when our circulation pump needed replacing during a cold snap. So no complaints there.
I'd definately not have started out using Baqua had I known about that stuff- but I replaced it over a year ago.
Jet placement and power is fine for us. Seating is also fine- plenty of options there.
All in all, I don't think I'd change too much.
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well, I would stay with the arctic tundra if I had to do it all over. I would have liked to spend the extra money for the extra jets. I dont have enough foot jets, that is a regret of mine.
I love the cedar, but the staining could become an issue for me down the road.
My dealer support is wonderful, and I have not had any problems.
other than that, I am completely satisfied. I am still thinking about enclosing my unit, but that will have to wait as the basement project is now underway. That will own my next 10,000. Once this basement is finished, I think that will be it for me and my home renovations.
Well, the wife is calling for new flooring upstairs as well. Will it ever end.
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well, I would stay with the arctic tundra if I had to do it all over. I would have liked to spend the extra money for the extra jets. I dont have enough foot jets, that is a regret of mine.
I love the cedar, but the staining could become an issue for me down the road.
My dealer support is wonderful, and I have not had any problems.
other than that, I am completely satisfied. I am still thinking about enclosing my unit, but that will have to wait as the basement project is now underway. That will own my next 10,000. Once this basement is finished, I think that will be it for me and my home renovations.
Well, the wife is calling for new flooring upstairs as well. Will it ever end.
Bosco,
How long have you had your tub?
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I have had to do it all over again sort of as I moved and needed to get a new tub...
Dealer support is important. I also need good therapy for my back and health issues so this typically means a tub with more pumps and jets. I like a lounger and got one again. Also seats with good therapy.
I could do without the waterfalls and built in stereo... But usually the better tubs have them so I got those but don't use them. I also got the fiber optic lights and jets and they are nice.
I got a deal from the Dynasty factory in TN and they have supported me very well. It is a variation of their paramount deluxe as I don't have pop up speakers but two built in, and no TV.
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If I could do it all over again, and probably will in 3-4 years.....
If money isn't an issue....I'm looking at either a Sundance Optima or Majesta and HS Grandee / Vanguard. Although I've been happy with my Jacuzzi J-355, I think there are some things that those manufacturers offer that I don't have.
I would also opt for a darker coloured shell, that doesn't give the water any particular tint.
I do have a lounger now, and would change that to a non lounge, as my wife really can't use that seat, and it limits our tub to really a 4 person tub despite the fact that it's over 7 foot square.
I would consider Jacuzzi again however if my money situation is the same, and if they change their filtration system to a fixed area with a weir (similar to SD or HS)
Ironically, I was just going to start a post on this very topic!!
Mark
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What would we do different, that's easy.
We love everything about our Optima, but even with just us two in it, we still play footsies sometimes.
Next time....Maxxus, all the way! (And to think at first we were looking at the two person tubs) ::)
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We haven't had our tub a year...but there are a few things I'd do differently. Like mccall...I could do without the waterfall...would definitely get the foot dome. We have pretty good foot therapy in our Epic but only in two seats. I like the dome because all parties can use it.
I like the pearlescent finish. I thought I wanted the textured finish but glad we didn't go that route. We've had no problems with the pearlescent so far. Hopefully, I can say that further down the road.
Love the soundsations!! I like having music in the tub. It's very soothing. All in all very pleased with our Epic but when it comes time to replace will probably look at other brands without the tri-zone.
Not complaining about the tri-zone...just that in 10-15 years when it's time to replace I'm sure there will be new and even better options. By then we'll be ready for something different.
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we'll I haven't had my tub a year, but anyways there are a couple of things I wish were done differently.
1. I wish we would have justified more money and got the bigger tubs solera or heet (LA Spas), but being a first time owner I never thought that we would be using and enjoying the thing as much as we do, so the justification for spending that much wasn't there.
2. I would get a lighter color. I like the looks of the midnight color, but the led light is best said as a big disappointment.
3. Placement--looked good when we got it, but now with the colder weather and wind, it's not such a great place. but we can change that this spring. so look forward to the question what's the best way to move a hot tub?
I do think I would keep the LA model, dealership, ozone and even the waterfalls and lounger.
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I'm going to chime in as well. I have had my Tiger River Caspain for almost a year, and prior to that I had a Nordic for 2 years.
Overall I am very happy with the Caspian.
It's got a waterfall which I only turn on a few times if at all. Like Wm said, I would not pay extra for this.
It's only has one large, colored light. ( Bug zapper blue). It has 3 dimming postions and I like it a lot. I wouldn't pay extra for lights on the next tub.
I love the foot dome and would look for that feature again.
I don't have a lounger and do not regret it. I prefer to have more seating for entertaining.
Cool off seats are a must. I have 2 and they get used a lot.
I wish I had neck jets ! This would be on my list!
I wish I had more rotating/swirley jets.
I have the plastic steps and they work fine, but they are a bit lightweight and if you step on them wrong, they can move on you. I can upgrade these, and proabaly would prefer a larger/longer step.
I have 2 molded seats and they are great, but I love to entertain and really enjoy the open seats. some open seating is must for me.
I would prefer the display to show actual and set temp, but wouldn't give it a lot of weight in my final decision. (nice to have, but I wouldn't trade anything off for it, or pay a lot more for it).
My tub is 7' by 7'. It fits me fine, but If I was buying again I wouldn't mind something bigger. :) Not deeper, but more room for more freinds is always good :)
I have several cup holders and they are used constantly. Gotta have cup holders. A must. And plenty of em!
I have a 24 hr circ pump and ozone and can't complain.
I like the 24 hr circ pump better than the timed filter cycles on my older tub, as it's not as nosiey (the tub is outsided the bedroom and I could hear the filter cycles on the older tub.)
I didn't listen to a tub with a stereo installed (I was already over my budget) but next time I would at least test a tub with one. Although my outdoor bose speakers are fine, they are hard to hear above the jets. I am curious if the in-spa steroes work better?
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drewstar, I have had my tub for 6 months now
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drewstar, I have had my tub for 6 months now
Thanks.
How often do they rercomend staining the cedar? my old tub was cedar and wasn't properly taken care of, by the time it made it's way to me, it was in pretty bad shape.
The cedar looked like crap and was a shame. I see the new tubs with the cedar and they look stunning. (I've got the perma wood and happy so far).
The old cedar skirt does burn well. :)
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How often the wood needs maintenance depends a lot on the environment the spa is in.
We have redwood instead of cedar, but I suspect maintenance wise they are the same- our deck is largely cedar and needs maintenance like our spa does.
Our spa sits behind the house under the deck, so on 3 sides, it's pretty protected from the elements. On the 4th side- the one which points south, and also unprotected from direct sun, and our irrigation system, and rain, etc,, the finish fades and needs touching up yearly. If it wasn't for this, the other 3 sides would only need touch up maybe every 2 or 3 years.
Our next spa, if there is one, will have synthetic cabinetry.
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I've got a redwood cabinet and I clean and stain it once per year. It looks great but does take a good half day to get it done.
My spa is three and a half years old. When I purchased it was down to Sundance and HotSpring. Now, I would add Caldera to the mix and choose between the three.
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And Happy 2006 to you, Bill!
I've only had my Marquis Reward for 6 months but I'll chime in anyway.
Neck jets: I hate our neck jets. I always keep them turned off. They're a great idea except the placement on ours has them half in the water and half out. So they sputter. It's really annoying being so close to your ear. I talked to my dealer about this and he feels the same way.
Marquis - work on this!
Floating remote: I love it. I can control both jets and both sets of lights. It definitely needs a quiet soak button. It's needed because simply turning off the jets doesn't allways turn off jet 1 - it decides on it's own it needs to filter the water. There's a button for it on the main display but it should also be on the floating remote.
Marquis - work on this!
I should have gone for the hydraulic assist on the cover lifter. We're doing fine without it but it does make things easier. We'll definitely revisit this when buying a new cover but that won't be for awhile yet.
My favorite seat is dead center with both diverters set to forward. I sit facing the waterfall. This sets me up with 3 jets on my back and 3 jets each on both feet. It is so relaxing with both pumps set to high. Gives me goose flesh just thinking about it. ;D
I enjoy the lounger. I would have liked some foot jets on it but it's no big deal. I move from seat to seat going from hotter to cooler so I always end up in the corner cool down seat before leaving the tub. I like the variety.
I definitely enjoy the textured surface. It's a little more reassuring to me as I step around in the tub or getting in or out of it. There's more traction then in a smooth tub. Frankly, I think the smooth surface looks boring and cheap. Too each their own!
There are so many good looking models to choose from. I'd definitely wet test again and I would check out other manufacturer's models. Maybe they have a quiet neck jet!
My lights can be stopped at a particular color. Blood red is ghoulish, by the way... :P Lights can be fun if you're having a party, otherwise I never use them nor would I pay extra for it. Same with the waterfall. I figure water diverted to the waterfall lessens the pressure I'm looking for.
When it comes to jets, I like both extremes. It's great to sit and soak with jets off . Many times, that's all my wife use. Then again, if I've had a tough class in karate I do want powerful jets to soothe the aches and pains. So Yes! to more powerful pumps. I never use the lower setting. "Paint stripping" says it all. ;)
I vote yes on the Ozonater - until some scientific testing determining its just a sales gimmick I'll trust that its actually helping to lower my bromine levels.
Definitely have to have a display where I can easily check the temp and change it if needed. My Marquis Reward also allows you to start a timer to let me know how long I've been in the tub. It changes between current temp and time I've been soaking. That's very useful! I'd look for that in future tubs.
Phil
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My lights can be stopped at a particular color. Blood red is ghoulish, by the way...
Phil
It's gotta be better than yellow, no? ::)
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Have had my tub for only 6 months and would not do much different. One thing is to get a hydraulic cover lifter, I got a cover slide. The slide works but you need to be in the tub. I do not like the look of the lifters on the cover but would trade that for more functionality. Glad I passed on the ozone, have had good luck using only dichlor and N2.
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I have had my HS Vanguard for three months. I really like the dual moto massage and the neck jets. The soothing seven jets are worthless. I wish there was more jets for therapy(legs and arms). At the time of purchase HS was the best value for the buck. I have back problems and the Vanguard seemed to be the best for the problem. Knowing what I know now especially from this forum I might have spent a little more money and bought one with a lot more jets. Not just for the back area.
I look at it this way, If I bought this home and the spa came with it I would be thrilled and would not have any complaints.
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It's gotta be better than yellow, no? ::)
Well drewstar, there are some people that might enjoy yellow. :O :P
...but not me! 8)
Phil
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Phil...do I ever agree about the neck jets on Marquis' spas! That is one thing I was really looking forward to and I don't even use them because they are noisy and splash water everywhere. Wish I had been more aware of that when we wet tested.
Definitely would get a hydraulic lift. I have tendititis in my right elbow from just lifting the front half back.
All in all we're pretty happy with our purchase. By the time we're ready to buy again I'm sure Marquis will have addressed these issues.
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We've had a Beachcomber 730 for nearly a year and so far the honeymoon continues. Dealer support has been as great as day one.... then again I've had no issues, so well see.
Overall we love it, with a few small exceptions. The neck jets are so high, they sputter and are noisy if the water is down even an inch or two, so we don't use them as much as we could. Same with the foot jets: we can have either two seats with the foot jets, or all the seats with no foot jets, and we like to move around. Its a minor irritation
No waterfall - don't care. No stereo - care even less. No lounger - don't miss it. We do have the circ pump, which I like, as well as the synthetic cabinet which I really like. I want to sit in it, not refinish it. I like the lights, but agree the red is creepy. We just set it to rotate the shades of blue, although if the stars are out we don't use them at all.
Overall the variety of jets and their different configurations are good (which is why we move around) but I wish more of the seats targeted the inside shoulder blades, which is where I get muscle knots the size of golf balls.
The coverlifter is great, the heating cost is excellent (we live in cottage country in Ontario) and it runs pretty quiet. All said we're pretty happy and think we made the best of the available choices. Had we lived in Toronto we might have wet tested more kinds and I after reading this forum I've often been curious about some of the other tubs. Maybe its a case of not knowing what we're missing, but what the hell, ignorance is bliss after all.
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If I had to do it over again I probably wouldn't get neck jet collar seats. The neck jets are fine but the collar is a little confining. The neck jets in the Emerald Spa were without the collar. Also, the smaller neck collar seat doesn't fit anyone except my kids and they don't use the tub too much.
For those of you that have neck jets and find them splashy, try raising the water level a bit. I keep mine turned off to just a trickle and turn them on full when I need that type of therapy. Maybe the collar keeps the splashyness away ???
Artesian uses semi molded seats and they are comfortable and I wouldn't change that. The quasi lounger seats get used but the "leg" jets don't, I float when I use them so I wouldn't get a lounger.
The LED is nice but was really chosen because of the light color tub. I originally was going to get the black granite color but I like the idea of NEVER having to change a bulb and would get it again. I don't use the light much but the youngest loves to have it on.
I like the power, although I didn't wet test I'm happy at how powerful it is AND the fact that everyone in the tub can have jets on for them - that I definately wouldn't change.
Perhaps the only other thing I would change is it's size. Since I'm the only one using it most of the time, I really could have bought a smaller tub but I didn't know it at the time - maybe a 4 seater would do. Hopefully this tub will last me a while (10+ years) and then my kids might be having kids - so who knows! ;D
Everything else about the tub is great, so next time no neck collar seats and quasi loungers
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NE-Phil and cappyKat:
The above water neck jets on a Marquis do make noise, but think about it. Your neck is in line with your chin, and your chin needs to be above water, so how do you make a therapeutical neck jet without having it above water? If it was any lower or underwater, it wouldn't be hitting your neck.
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Thank you! ;D
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Yes, that makes sense and I can put up with the noise, but they also spray and I end-up with water all over my face. I'm trying to relax not go swimming.
It's a minor nuisance and doesn't cause me to dislike my choice in tubs.
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Hi Cappy, I was starting to feel sad that maybe you were disappointed in your tub. You were so excited. I think the neck jets are just one thing that they can't do much about because of where they have to be located to get your neck. You would laugh if you saw me in my tub, I wear a ski hat because I keep getting sinus infections and any little chill on my head just makes it feel worse. When I get done doing my neck, my hat is dripping wet and I look like a drowned rat! The kids and husband think it is a riot... ;D
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NE-Phil and cappyKat:
The above water neck jets on a Marquis do make noise, but think about it. Your neck is in line with your chin, and your chin needs to be above water, so how do you make a therapeutical neck jet without having it above water? If it was any lower or underwater, it wouldn't be hitting your neck.
Hideaway_King,
I understand what you're saying. Still, I would expect turning off the air controls would help but it doesn't. If straight water was the only thing going through the neck jets, that would make a big difference in decreasing the noisy sputtering and splashing but it appears to always be a mixture of air and water. Go figure.
As Vinny suggests, I make it a point to keep the water up to the maximum level. It doesn't help either.
Phil
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I own a 2004 Marquise Euphria (standard model).
We just love it. If I were to buy again today. I would stick with Marquise and the same dealer hands down.
As for changes I like the stripping paint idea. I have to pumps of different power. I have to change seats to strip paint. However not to sound like I am waffeling. It is nice at times to have two options. With technology always improving. One day maybe we can dial a power setting per seat. And get what one would want at any given moment for any seat style.
I like the feature in the new Epic becase of the jets on my back and I can work my feet with the foot jets at the same time.
On my Euphoria I do like that power pillar. It comes in so handy for may different body parts for deep theropy relief.
Can improvments be made? Yes, but I sincerely feel I got my moneys worth and more. I really have nothing to complain about.
Ok, Ok someone is twisting my arm. I am on my 3rd LED light. And I hardly use it. But again the dealer keeps replacing them for free so far. This is the only problem I have had.
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I have only had my spa since November but I would say if I could do it again ( and by that I mean if I could spend more $$) I would go with a bigger spa.
The Jetsetter is nice and does the trick but their just isn't a whole lot of extra room in there. It is advertised as a three person tub but I find it the most enjoyable when it is just me in it so that I can move around a bit.
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Bonibelle...no, I'm not disappointed. Given the placement of neck jets obviously they are going to cause noise and splashing. I can get use to it.
We've got to get our dealer out to hook up our soundsations correctly. We finally got the dolphin remote and black box after 3 months!! We're not getting balanced sound. It's louder on one side than the other, so something isn't just right. As a matter of fact, I'm going to call the dealer right now while I'm thinking about it.
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I have been struggling with whether or not to add to this thread because I don't want to sound negative, but decided in the end to go ahead. Our Envoy is 1 year old and it has been satisfactory and our local dealer has been outstanding. I am very satisfied overall.
With that said, if I had it to do over again, I would probably not buy another Envoy. I still think the Caldera Geneva Utopia is better and I still miss it. I would also look hard at other models from HotSpring, and I would take another hard look at Marquis and Jacuzzi and maybe Sundance if they have established a local dealer.
Here are the things that I would like to see improved on the Envoy:
1. The Soothing Seven Jets are worthless and that seat never gets used. I know some people like them. Maybe it would be possible to offer the option of some other configuration on an interchangeable basis?
2. The lounger is too short for my 6' self, too big for my 5' wife. Interestingly enough the Caldera fits us both much better.
3. The water feature looks dumb. I would prefer a water fall similar to that used by many other companies.
4. The neck jets in the lounger are not as good as the ones in the Caldera which are angled down onto the neck instead of up.
5. Power is insufficient. I would prefer much more water volume with low pressure similar to the Marquis scheme.
6. The main control panel outside the tub is not great for access or ease of use when in the tub and is vulnerable to damage (Hurricane Wilma filled mine with sand). The one inside is much easier to use and is protected. I would redesign the main controller, and move it up such that it is at once easier to use and access from inside the tub, and not exposed when the cover is in place.
7. This and every tub should copy the little bump in the footwell that Caldera has. It makes life much easier especially for short people to stay planted.
Regards,
Bill
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I like what Bill said. I didn't want to be negative either but he gave me the courage to just "say it". If the truth be known I wanted the Sundance Optima or Cameo but they were just too pricey. Once those were eliminated as choices we picked the Epic. It was a good choice and I'm very happy with it. Now it too has become pricey so I'm just thankful I even have a hot-tub to talk about!!
Any hot water with bubbles feels good!!
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I've had a Sundance Cameo for 6 months. If I had it to do over, I would purchase the exact same tub. No complaints and no regrets.
Stereo - My fiance wanted the stereo and said he would pay for it so I got it. I would have been happy without it but it does sound great and guests seem to really enjoy it.
Jets - I love the power. I can adjust them to just a mild massage or blast myself out of the seat.
Lounger - My fiance wanted the lounger and I've not been able to get him out of it long enough for anyone else to try it.
Foot Jets - I will never purchase another tub without them.
Seating - So far there has only been 4 people in the tub at once and there was no footsie. The tub was plenty big enough for everyone to be comfortable.
Waterfall - I like it because I can turn it off if I want to. It looks good with the lights on and the sound can be soothing.
Remote - Love it except I can't see it at night so I'm always tuning the radio to another station or turning off one of the pumps ::)
Only thing I would change would be to add cup holders. I ordered some online that have suction cups on the bottom and they work well but I would rather have had them built in.
Just my 2 cents :)
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Ol' Leaky's turn....
Had my Beachcomber 750 since August. Can't comment on the dealer, since we've had absolutely zero issues so far.
No stereo or waterfall; didn't want them then, aren't important now. I'm (we're) not in there for the music or the entertainment (although my teenagers may beg to differ). No lounger, and I wouldn't get one on the next tub either.
Very happy with the light colored textured surface, cool down seats with textured dimples, gorgeous and maintanance-free slatting, 38" depth, and open seating arrangement. Plenty of room for 5 or 6 with no uncomfortable touching issues.
24 hour circ pump has been nice, and the filter is pretty easy to clean. Cost has been tough to nail down, but worth the bump in the electric bill. I went with ozone, and have been happy with my water management.
The LED light is nice, and can be set to many different effects, but my wife and I usually just leave it off unless entering or exiting.
The two "updraft" jets near the cool-down seats are nice, as they can be directed many different directions for hands, wrists, calves, etc.
On the "opposite" side-
-The secondary controls for lights and pumps are nice, but there's no light on the panel, so they are essentially a "brail" feature at night.
-Our neck jets, like the others, tend to be somewhat noisy and splashy. My wife really enjoys them, though.
-The foot jets really pump out the power, but they're only on full blast when the #2 pump is diverted to them, rendering half of the tub without power.
-Although the jets are interchangeable and adjustable for power, they do tend to "unlock" and come out too easy when the pumps are on.
-We opted for a small, side step rather than the larger center one (our model has the "Protec" system with the hardware under the main step), and it is really too small, being somewhat unstable if not stepped on just right. I will probably attach it to the main step to eliminate this issue.
All that said, I am very happy with our decision. The reasons I went with the choices I did have validated themselves over the last 5 months. As a picky aerospace engineer, I would test and research before I made any new purchase, but am content with my current spa.
Greg
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Had my Vanguard for a little over 2 years now! I still absolutely love it! I would, however, like to check out the new dual moto massage jets! Otherwise, I wouldn't change a thing. There is a new HS dealer in town, so I may go see what they look like! If HS wasn't available, I would go with the LA Fiji model!
But, I'm not planning on upgrading any time too soon! I'd have to go through the crane ordeal again! ;)
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As in most all consumer goods , improvements are always strived for but in the end if your spa works well for you now and you are happy, stay happy....it so easy to listen to someone speak about something new and they are so excited and with their enthusiasm it sounds so good, sometimes when you see it or try it....it hits you that YES its nice but you know what I still like mine and what I have and we lose sight of how nice it just might really be....lol.....ummmm I hope this makes sense.
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As in most all consumer goods , improvements are always strived for but in the end if your spa works well for you now and you are happy, stay happy....it so easy to listen to someone speak about something new and they are so excited and with their enthusiasm it sounds so good, sometimes when you see it or try it....it hits you that YES its nice but you know what I still like mine and what I have and we lose sight of how nice it just might really be....lol.....ummmm I hope this makes sense.
It makes total sense to me!
And I believe it's true of all big ticket item. I know I listen to people about houses, how they only want new construction ... "oh they're so pretty and modern" ... I have a 35 YO house and for the money I paid for it 5 ½ years ago, I couldn't touch a new construction house with what I got inside mine. I have a house full of hardwood floors, full basement, 1/3 acre of property and a huge front porch. This is true of cars and I guess tubs as well.
I think that as you buy big ticket items, you do have to relize why you bought it. Eventually everything changes sometimes for the better and sometimes not.
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after 3 months with my Arctic Avalanche:
I dislike that the most the filter runs is 2 hours at a time, 4 times a day........I'm pretty freakin hairy, and there always seems to be hair floating around in the tub....or sometimes, these little globs that look like a clump of woolies, and when you go to grab it, it disintegrates....sop I would prefer a model that has a small 24hour circulation pump....maybe even 100% filtration, but I think that narrows it to ONLY Hot Springs....wouldn't want to narrow my options too much.
Being well into January, I'm very happy with the thermopane construction, or whatever it's called......I see no reason to go full foam.......we even had a power outage for a good part of x-mas day...probably 6 hours, and when it came back on, I went and checked the water and it was at 99 (down from 102)....so....
I would ditch the neck/shoulder jets....not only are they useless....which is just a neutral thing......they're are a nuisance...they're in the way and interfere with the comfort of the main massage seat.
I would look for a deeper "V" angle in the seats.....so your buttocks is "under" you, rather than a "U" shape with your lower back curved and your butt moved forward.....really doesn't help with staying "planted in the seat.
I would ditch the quasi lounger (regular seat with "feet up" position) for a more "true" lounger with more leg and foot jets......the most comfortable I've found by far is the Arctic Frontier (My initial pick before my wife decided she wanted the shoulder/neck jets)
Would lose the waterfall.....useless for anything.
Would go smaller.....440 gallon 7 seater is too big for the wife and I.....my mother was in once, and other than that, it's been occupied by in-laws.......don't see the need to spend several thousand extra for a bigger tub for the in-laws....we're more likely to be inside with friends/company that in the tub....most I couldn't convince to get in the tub anyway.
I still really like the "black metallic" textured Microban shell we picked.....still don't like the pealescent ones......and I still really like the cedar cabinet.....I think Arctic has the nicest cabinets by far....but that's JMHO.
I like the northern Lights package...there a re a few settings that are really nice....very slow fades from colour to colour......though there are some that are like strobe lights in a disco. hate those.
Would skip the air blower package....may have turned it on 3 times......the tub bubbles violently, splashing everywhere, and it's noisy, so you have to yell over it when it's on....and contrary to the sales pitch about pulling warm air from the cabinet, when it's 30 below, it's blowing COLD air on you.....and it cools the water quickly.....we've found we tend to sit in still water most of the time.....it's annoying when the filter/heater cycle even cuts in......we spend a few minutes massaging sore backs, etc, but mostly sit and talk quietly.
I was convinced that I would like a stereo for when I got in it alone, without the wife, but I've discovered I rarely get in it without her.......she tends to be in more than I do...She'll get in with her sister or her folks, but I tend to only get in when it's the two of us alone.
Dealer support has been a non issue, as there have been no problems.
If I had to do it over, I think I would have gone for a smaller, MUCH cheaper off-brand.
When I do get in, if I'm not engrossed in coversation with my wife, I'm thinking "Man, is it really worth it??"
:-/
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Keating, if you don't mind me asking (and I mean that in sincerity), what was the price for the Artic Avalanche?
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Don't mind at all.
total price, with "Ultra" jet package, Northern Lights, Forever Floor, upgraded (6"-4" cast core) cover, cover lifter, GFCI, outdoor pony panel, starter chems, extra filters, steps, robe tree, microban shell, CD Ozone, starter chems (all big bottles....no "trial" size), delivery, installation and taxes, was 12.5k Cdn.
I guess that would have been around the 9k US mark?
Bout the same as other similar tubs we looked at, except they charged more on top of that for the delivery, setup, and GFCI
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Don't mind at all.
total price, with "Ultra" jet package, Northern Lights, Forever Floor, upgraded (6"-4" cast core) cover, cover lifter, GFCI, outdoor pony panel, starter chems, extra filters, steps, robe tree, microban shell, CD Ozone, starter chems (all big bottles....no "trial" size), delivery, installation and taxes, was 12.5k Cdn.
I guess that would have been around the 9k US mark?
Bout the same as other similar tubs we looked at, except they charged more on top of that for the delivery, setup, and GFCI
More like 12,500.00 Canada Dollars = 10,792.40 USD
Thanks.
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Wow.
The exchange rate is better than I thought.
:)
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or worse...depends on which side of the fence you're on.
;)
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or worse...depends on which side of the fence you're on.
;)
When did we put up a fence? Or did they? ;) ;)
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When did we put up a fence? Or did they? ;) ;)
We working on it, about 1500 miles south. ;)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,181273,00.html
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I’ll chime in on this one as I had the opportunity to do it over again. I had a 2004 SA Marquis Reward and we loved it….But when we were originally shopping for our first tub, one of the things we REALLY wanted were leg jets. At the time, we were totally sold on not only Marquis, but also the dealer. Compared to the other tubs that we saw and tested, the power of the Marquis won hands down. We were down to deciding between Marquis or leg jets. Marquis won out. Only a year later, Marquis came out with the Epic that had leg jets. We decided to try to sell the Reward. If we could get our money out of it, we’d sell and get the Epic. As luck would have it, we found a buyer, and within a week we had a new tub, the Epic. That was 3 months ago and it was the best decision we ever made!
These are things that the SA reward had and I miss:
1. Countdown timer on the display
2. Swirley jets
3. Second control pad on the opposite side of the tub
Things that I love about the Epic that the Reward didn’t have:
1. Leg jets
2. Lighter color shell
3. Therapy Pillar
4. Depth-up to my chin in most seats-great in the winter
5. I like the foot jets better
Things I don’t care about in the Epic:
1. Lights-I expected a better display-never use them
2. Waterfall-never use it
3. Plastic steps-I had a choice but find I liked the wood better
4. Remote-I like a second control pad better. Maybe if it was lit I’d like it better.
Things I wish I had:
1. Even though I love my foot jets, I wish I had a foot dome for the sole purpose of keeping myself “seated” in front of the pillar-I’m too short to reach the other side.
2. Hydraulic lifter-my dealer talked us out of it because they’ve had problems with it in our climate.
Things I got again and like:
1. Dealer
2. Textured surface
3. Ozone
4. Lounge
5. Neck jets-I agree with the others, they’re splashy and loud, but I like having them when I need them. I use my hands as a collar so they don’t splash and tell my hubby not to talk to me while I’m using them cuz I can’t hear him anyway. My neck was the main reason I got the tub. Hubby’s back is the reason he got it.
6. Synthetic cabinetry- I wouldn’t want the upkeep of real wood.
7. I like both types of lounges, but the one that I have in the Epic is a little to long for me, but I make due. I would definitely get a lounge again.
8. Transferable Warranty- this turned out to be a selling point when we sold the Reward.
Finally, I think the soundstation would be cool, but not worth the money.
Well, there you have it. You don’t hear from me for months, and then I write your ear off! Sorry.
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Hi Ruby,
We have a new Epic and my kids use the count-down timer all the time because they are limited to 15 mins in the hot water. It is on the main control panel. We put the little remote on the opposite side of the spa, by the deep therapy seat. Like you, I wish it was lighted but it controls what we want without moving from that seat.
We also have the Dolphin, which is a remote for the sound system, that also controls spa functions.
Sometimes I go by myself in the spa with just the waterfall (no music ) and lights and really enjoy it. It does draw power from the jets but I think it is relaxing. Enjoy!!!
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oops I forgot, you can add the swirley jets....they pop in, just ask your dealer. ;D
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Bonibelle,
Well I guess I'll have to read my owners manual a little more thoroughly! I've only scanned it for info that I needed at the time.
I thought my dealer said I couldn't add the swirleys- I'll have to check further....Mendo?
As for those alone times-I like dark & still.
Thanks for the info!
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2. Hydraulic lifter-my dealer talked us out of it because they’ve had problems with it in our climate.
Great post Ruby. This is the first I have heard that. Thinking about it, the lifters on many hatchbacks fail after a couple of years. I would consider that a replaceable item and would think they don't fail any faster than an ozonator.
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Don't mind at all.
total price, with "Ultra" jet package, Northern Lights, Forever Floor, upgraded (6"-4" cast core) cover, cover lifter, GFCI, outdoor pony panel, starter chems, extra filters, steps, robe tree, microban shell, CD Ozone, starter chems (all big bottles....no "trial" size), delivery, installation and taxes, was 12.5k Cdn.
I guess that would have been around the 9k US mark?
Bout the same as other similar tubs we looked at, except they charged more on top of that for the delivery, setup, and GFCI
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Ruby
You can all the adjustable jets or if you prefer all but the hk40 or neck jets.....
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Great post, Ruby. I didn't know you could change out any of the jets. Nice to know that.
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Thanks Mendo. Are there any aftermarket problems as far as leaks, etc if I change them out? How much do they cost (or would the price vary by dealer?) Is it easy to do?
Boy, between adding swirleys and learning how to do the countdown timer the only thing I'd be missing is the second control pad or lighted remote!
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very easy..takes all of about 15 seconds....very reasonable priced....
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the lifters on many hatchbacks fail after a couple of years. I would consider that a replaceable item and would think they don't fail any faster than an ozonator.
Weather is a big thing...not failure, but just that they're less effective in cold weather.
My hatch back is fine above freezing, but when the temp dips down to -30 they don't work at all.....when it warms up, they're fine again.
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the struts on the lifts are easy to replace if they fail....weather is not a issue here in so cal ...so I am unsure of how that effects them but again if they fail they be easily replaced ....
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I bought a D! Chairman II
I have the tub about a month and really like the foot dome, leg jets on the lounge, and adjustable height neck jets.
Jets are all large (except neck jets), really adjustable. and powerful.
I will say the tub doesn't have stuff like a waterfall, stereo or TV. I did opt for the LED light but it consists of one fancy bulb and and multible LEDs with exterior lighting. If these features are important to you other brands may be better. (although a stereo may be available?)
Time will tell if I made the right decision.
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Tub does not have multiple LEDs or exterior lighting.