Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Buckee on January 12, 2006, 05:26:34 pm
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I remember reading a while back that somebody brilliant made their waterfall feature less intrusive & more enjoyable by placing a few rocks in front to break up the stream - made it a quiet gurgle instead of a constant flow. We have a HS with the Bella fontana feature - 3 outlets that shoot 3 streams of water upward, also making quite a splash & a lot of racket.
So far the only good use we've found is to ask a new guest to bend over & check the temp on the outside display before getting in - then my 13 year old delinquent son covers 2 of the holes with his fingers & the 3rd hole becomes a water cannon aimed at the display. This is recommended treatment only for special guests.
Has anybody done anything creative to trick out the Bellafontana? I'm hesitant to stick stuff in to partially block the holes, but I'm going to experiment this weekend. Thanks in advance for advice!
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I think the HS water feature is kinda lame. It is rare that we use it.
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I think the HS water feature is kinda lame. It is rare that we use it.
I think using "lame" and "water feature" in the same sentence is redundant in spas in general. It's all for show. Some are different that others and they do try to be inventive nowadays but in the end what pupose do they serve outside the showroom floor?
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With a long list of improvements and changes they could make, that one somehow made it to the top of their list for some reason. Some want it, some don't.
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I will run ours for guests and that's about it. Otherwise it's worthless.
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I think in the end after the sizzle wears off, things like water falls, lights and to a lesser extent stereos do not matter much. If your spa is reliable and the jets feel good to your body than most are happy....this might be a case where less can in the long run be more of a good thing......
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All great input, but I have a couple of questions. Does your car need automatic windshield wipers, or heated seats, electric windows, dvd players, individual entertainment centers, spinning hub caps, under carriage running lights (what ever they call those) ? No, no it doesn't, but all those things are things the buying public wants, just like hot tub stereos, exterior and interior color changing lights, and water features. As "worthless" as they may be, they apparently have value to some body, since every day I talk to customers that insist their new spa have at the very least a waterfall.
I think in the end after the sizzle wears off, things like water falls, lights and to a lesser extent stereos do not matter much. If your spa is reliable and the jets feel good to your body than most are happy....this might be a case where less can in the long run be more of a good thing......
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Last night while soaking, I asked my husband (who says he could never again be without a hot tub), if he would be unhappy if we didn't have a waterfall. He said he knows after seeing it in the show room, he wanted it but to be honest, it doesn't do much. My oldest son loves to sit under it and let it splash on his shoulders. I think it is an expected feature in expensive tubs.
When I show the tub to friends, it is the waterfall that gets the ahhhh's and oooohs. As for the lights, we all agree, we just love them. There is no light in our back yard. We have no street lights, or any artificial light so the lights in the spa are awsome. I don't care for the red though. And the sound system, we will never be sorry for that or get tired of it. It seems like the only time we really enjoy music now is in the tub.
;)
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I agree that the waterfalls are purely ornimental, and turn mine on for guests. I like mine. It's neat. It looks cool. I turn it on occasionaly. I just woudn't pay a significant amout extra for it. But I like it.
I also have been in the habit of running them for a few minutes when I get in the tub to clear out any stagnet water that might be in it's plumbing (I don't know the actual plumbing schematics, but figured there could be some trapped water back there). I also notice the first gush of water off the feature is significantly cooler than the tub water.
I also wonder, for us winter heat misers, :) how much does running a water feature cool the water off in fridig temps?
As far as changing the belafonte display I wonder if nozzles could be adapted to it to chage the water pattern, direction?
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All great input, but I have a couple of questions. Does your car need automatic windshield wipers, or heated seats, electric windows, dvd players, individual entertainment centers, spinning hub caps, under carriage running lights (what ever they call those) ? No, no it doesn't, but all those things are things the buying public wants, just like hot tub stereos, exterior and interior color changing lights, and water features. As "worthless" as they may be, they apparently have value to some body, since every day I talk to customers that insist their new spa have at the very least a waterfall.
A couple of things...I never said they were worthless...just that in the end most find them to be of little value.....I think that most people here after owning their spa find out what is important to them and that while shopping they may have thought certain things mattered more than they really do....and that for most people in the end its all about how it feels to your body and is it reliable ....if you get those things right than most are happy with thier spa......
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Does your car need automatic windshield wipers, or heated seats, electric windows, dvd players, individual entertainment centers, spinning hub caps, under carriage running lights (what ever they call those) ?
No and the only thing it does have of those listed are electric windows. I would compare those to a cover lifter, which I do think is a necessity. Granted I could live without it, but why? I get much more use out of my car and my tub with it.
On a side note... my inlaws buy cars about every 10 years or so. They had an 89 Sentra and still have a 93 small Toyota pick up... neither car has power steering, power windows, a radio, AC, etc. The truck doesn't even have a bumper, believe it or not that was an option. They bought a baseline Accord in 2002 and hate it because it has power windows, a radio, and power steering. They thought is was a total waste and to this day wish they could have found a car without all those extras.
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The truck doesn't even have a bumper, believe it or not that was an option...
I do not belive that. :)
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Features like waterfalls, stainless steal escutcheons, microban, etc. are really only there for the showroom selling.
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I do not belive that. :)
Are you calling me a liar? ;D What benefit would I get out of making that crap up? Next time I'm in OR I will take a pic and send it to you.
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Are you calling me a liar? ;D What benefit would I get out of making that crap up? Next time I'm in OR I will take a pic and send it to you.
No. But maybe you heard wrong, or someone was pulling your leg?
I have no doubt you could produce a picture of a toyota without a bumper. But was it an option?
It's an offense to drive a vehichle here in MA without a bumper. I find it hard to belive that Toyota had "Bumper" as an option.
Do you know what year the toyota is? model? I'll research it if I get some details.
But more importantly, did the Toyota have the Waterfall option?
;)
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In Ohio, rear bumpers are mandatory on cars, not mandatory on trucks.
Could be the same for Brooks in-laws. When I bought my 93 F150 new, I had a choice of bumpers, or none at all.
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Thanks LtDan. I was beginning to doubt myself which is a strange feeling, when you know what you know is how it is. :)
As for the waterfall... we usually leave it on, but we could take or leave it. Now, it was a must have from my oldest that and jets, lol.
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She's correct, at least in California. I bought an early 90's Toyota truck in college without a bumper. I couldn't afford the upgrade package. It's probably illegal today though.
No. But maybe you heard wrong, or someone was pulling your leg?
I have no doubt you could produce a picture of a toyota without a bumper. But was it an option?
It's an offense to drive a vehichle here in MA without a bumper. I find it hard to belive that Toyota had "Bumper" as an option.
Do you know what year the toyota is? model? I'll research it if I get some details.
But more importantly, did the Toyota have the Waterfall option?
;)
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Looks like its 3-0 in favor of no bumpers. ;D
Care to apologize yet Drewstar? :-*
One should never doubt me. You should know that by now. ;)
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Back to water features - I think that the water features that run on the circ. pump are nice but when you have to run a jet pump(even on low speed) the noise of the pump cancels any relaxation one may find with the sound of trickling/babbling water.
PS - Brook is right about rear bumpers being an option on older pickups
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Waterfalls can be nice but since the cover has to be open for them to work....are they practical to use as ambiance for the yard .....we encourage people who are looking for that to get a small fountain of some type as it can be enjoyed though out the day.....
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I agree that the waterfalls are purely ornimental,
Last year at the State Fair there was an Catalina Dealer (from bad memory ) but I'm not sure it was an Artesian tub, that had a water feature like the hot springs one, except it shot water all the way accross the tub and had one on each side of the tub. It looked like an expensive bird bath. Just an attention getter I guess like that goofy Coast spa they had in their other booth.
(http://www.coastspas.com/site/html/models/tubs/serenityfront.jpg)
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Looks like its 3-0 in favor of no bumpers. ;D
Care to apologize yet Drewstar? :-*
One should never doubt me. You should know that by now. ;)
My notes to the Oregon DMV went unanswered. huh. Who would have thought that the DMV would be so unresponsive? ::)
Brook, I stand humbled in your bumperless truck knowedge and wont ever question you again....well maybe, but all in good fun. ;D ;)
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Huh. The DMV answered me.
What do you make of this?
Dear Mr. Drewstar,
Oregon's equipment laws require that all original vehicle safety equipment be in good working condition when the vehicle is sold by a dealer or by a private party. So bumpers would be required at the time of sale.
However, there is no vehicle statute that requires bumpers for operation.
Some vehicles bumpers do have required equipment in them, such as lighting equipment and license plate brackets. All of these would need to be there and in good working condition as they are required for
operation.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Stan Porter, Manager
Vehicle Safety Standards and Motorcycle Programs
Transportation Safety Division - ODOT
235 Union St. NE
Salem, OR 97301-1054
(503) 986-4198
FAX (503) 986-434
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Kind of like talking out of both sides. Does it need bumpers or not?
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But it doesn't need a waterfall..that's a good thing ;D
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Kind of like talking out of both sides. Does it need bumpers or not?
I dunno. Screw this. I'm contacting Mr Toyota.
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The first time I saw the Bella Fontana at the NSPI Show in New Orleans, my reaction was "That's lame!"
Once I got one set up in the mood room at my store, I absolutely loved it. Still love it! I come in early sometimes and get in the Envoy, turn the jets on and get a good massage for about 10-15 minutes. After that, I turn the jets off and just watch the lights in the fountain change colors and listen to the sound of running water. I wish every single spa we sold had one.
Evidently a lot of people like it. It'd make your head explode if you knew how many Envoys were sold last year.
Terminator
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Bumpers were optional equiptment on pickup trucks through the 70's 80's and 90s' on Ford, Chevy and Dodge not sure about the imports. I have been in the car business since 1983 (Chevrolet dealership). The dealership has sold many trucks without bumpers during those years. Your correct Brook.
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Terminator
How do you use the Bella Fontana feature without having the jets on??
SRL
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Terminator
How do you use the Bella Fontana feature without having the jets on??
SRL
Just push the Jet Pump 2 button one time and the Bella Fontana will come on. A few of the jets will come on low speed.
Terminator
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Before Watkins introduced water features I had one lady walk out of our store, refusing to even look at the spas because we didn't have any waterfalls.
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Before Watkins introduced water features I had one lady walk out of our store, refusing to even look at the spas because we didn't have any waterfalls.
I can relate... this certainly happens .....I think people see pictures and how nice things look particularly at night and think I have to have that...but after getting it they realize that comfort, reliability, therapy are what really matters .....
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but after getting it they realize that comfort, reliability, therapy are what really matters .....
I agree, if my spa had a waterfall I think it would be used just occasionally such as when guests arrive or with the kids. I know my wife thinks they're nice but I really wonder if she'd turn it on. She uses the spa 4-5 x per week and she uses the jets for a few minutes but then sits there reading with the jets off. In reality people make spa decisions on what they think they're going to like when they get their spa so while I'm sure it's not on the top of people's priorities I think many like them in the showrooms when considering purchasing and I have to believe it can be a small factor in some people's minds (maybe like a tiebreaker) even if they don't come right out and say it.
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Looks like its 3-0 in favor of no bumpers. ;D
Care to apologize yet Drewstar? :-*
One should never doubt me. You should know that by now. ;)
and it's official. Here' s the respionse from Toyota:
We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry.
Regarding the information you have requested for the 1992/1993 year model trucks, the rear bumpers were an option.
Thank you again for your interest.
Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #<deleted by poster >. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Toyota Customer Experience
Brook is right. I was wrong. Sorry Brook. I will never doubt you again on bumpers.
;D ;D ;D ;D
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Brook is right. I was wrong. Sorry Brook. I will never doubt you again on bumpers.
;D ;D ;D ;D
Only on bumpers? Come on now, I think I have shown that I have a vast and varried knowledge base and should never be doubted. ;D
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Only on bumpers? Come on now, I think I have shown that I have a vast and varried knowledge base and should never be doubted. ;D
Yes Dear.
Oh....sorry, for a second I had this strange sensation that i was speaking to my wife. :) ;)
Brook, you have proven yourself to be the queen of "know everythingness. " ;D
wait....was it you (or maybe cappy) that wanted to know how much dihrdrogenmonoxide to add to thier tub? :)
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Buckee,
The visual of what your son does with the waterfall gave me good chuckle. Then I read some of what others wrote and you really started a hornets nest.
Guys, life is too short. Be nice.
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I certainly agree that waterfalls generally add little more then a nice appearance to a spa.
Some spas have waterfalls that are actually functional though. On the Jacuzzi 385 there are two waterfalls positioned over a side seat. They are set apart just enough that each waterfall cascades over one of your shoulders. I have had guests comment that it is their favorite seat when they just want to soak and relax. It doesn't work as well for people taller than 5'7" though since their shoulders are too high when sitting normally.
In no way did the waterfalls did not factor into my decision to buy a J-385. However, I must admit that I use them. It feels very relaxing.
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All great input, but I have a couple of questions. Does your car need automatic windshield wipers, or heated seats, electric windows, dvd players, individual entertainment centers, spinning hub caps, under carriage running lights (what ever they call those) ? No, no it doesn't, but all those things are things the buying public wants, just like hot tub stereos, exterior and interior color changing lights, and water features. As "worthless" as they may be, they apparently have value to some body, since every day I talk to customers that insist their new spa have at the very least a waterfall.
I actually equated the waterfall feature to the picture in picture on my TV. While I always thought PiP looked pretty cool in the show room, I've never bothered with it at home. My attention span is short enough as it is, no need to complicate the issue ;D . The fact that TV has PiP is a non issue for me. There were other features of the TV that I wanted that influenced my decision, and PiP kind of just came along for the ride (I don't know if you can even find a higher end TV without it). The Artesian Piper Glen that I eventually bought didnt even offer the wf feature as an option. Several of the other tubs I looked at (HS and Caldera) did, but I honestly can't remember if it was standard or optional. Will some, continue to enjoy the waterfall after the tub leaves the show room, certainly. Personally I think my rubber duck (also optional) was a better investment.
(http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/2056/smallduck7qt.jpg)
(Editing disabled while spellchecking)
Stop spell checking
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and it's official. Here' s the respionse from Toyota:
We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry.
Regarding the information you have requested for the 1992/1993 year model trucks, the rear bumpers were an option.
Thank you again for your interest.
Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #<deleted by poster >. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Toyota Customer Experience
Brook is right. I was wrong. Sorry Brook. I will never doubt you again on bumpers.
;D ;D ;D ;D
Bein tha "law" here in the backwoods of Virginny whur all us rednecks live, I kin attest to the fact that a lotta trucks up here use a piece of 4x4 lumber and two long bolts for the bumper and the license plate held on by two wood screws ta boot!!! ;)
-Sarge