Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: hottbpete on September 12, 2006, 11:33:24 am
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I went to Bull Frog's website today. The best I have seen. Check out the buiuld a spa program. Great site. I now wonder about the tubs?
Do they compare to Hotsprings, Caldera, Jacuzzi? are they a mid tier or high end ? Any thoughts would be appreciated. The dealer is 1 hour away and I do not want to go down and see them if they are a small player that may be out of business next year.
Thanks
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the theory behind the interchangable packs is awsome but the reality of it is the are the packs are run in series so the first pack (whatever it may be) will be strong while the last pack in the series (whatever it may be) is weaker. The packs are expensive and im not to sure how many people in 20-30 degree weather are going to want to be changing packs and storing them. The website check it out, when you start adding packs notice the power output meter they drop enormously as you add packs and that is comming from the bullfrog website.
BigPoppa
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There have been a few threads about BullFrog. Do a search and check them out. The few owners that have posted like theirs, the most recent being "In Canada eh" has one and is happy with it. Competing dealers fault the jetpacks a gimmick, and repeat rumors about problems with stagnant water behind the packs, and whether upgrades have addressed it adequately. As far as the longevity of the company, they don't appear to be a fly-by-night operation, but I haven't reviewed their financials. A reputable dealer in my city sells them. I doubt they'd bother with a line that is likely to be out of business tomorrow.
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I've wet tested about 10 tubs and, so far, my family feels the Bullfrog 682 is the most comfortable.
My personal opinion is that the tubs are built well enough for their use but they are not overengineered or overbuilt like the Arctic and a few other brands. This is not necessarily a bad thing. They are built adequately for the task.
I did notice a slight decrease in jet pressure the further I got from the pump but nothing that bothered me in the least. Their tubs are deep and we found their shell to be very comfortable. They were candid about past issues with stagnant water behind the jetpacks and explained what they have done to address it (positive pressure line to "push" water out. Sounded reasonable to me.
It is an acrylic/abs shell. Personally, I'd prefer a fiberglass one but their warranty is good which is a sign to me that they believe in their shells.
Financially, I think Bullfrog is in good shape. They are a privately held company so there are no public records to verify this. I use to live about 5 miles from their factory and their location always seemed well tended and attractive.
Right now they are a front runner for my family. They may end up being the tub we purchase.
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There have been a few threads about BullFrog. Do a search and check them out. The few owners that have posted like theirs, the most recent being "In Canada eh" has one and is happy with it. Competing dealers fault the jetpacks a gimmick, and repeat rumors about problems with stagnant water behind the packs, and whether upgrades have addressed it adequately. As far as the longevity of the company, they don't appear to be a fly-by-night operation, but I haven't reviewed their financials. A reputable dealer in my city sells them. I doubt they'd bother with a line that is likely to be out of business tomorrow.
I must say I strongly take offense to your comments about competing dealers and rumors. I shared what I knew about the product in the other thread but my source was dealers who sold the product. It is amazing but if someone does not like the message just blame the messenger as they must surly have some kind of an ax to grind. Bigpoppa is also someone who has sold the product so why do you choose to slander those who are 100 times more involved with the product than you are....
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I must say I strongly take offense to your comments about competing dealers and rumors. I shared what I knew about the product in the other thread but my source was dealers who sold the product. It is amazing but if someone does not like the message just blame the messenger as they must surly have some kind of an ax to grind. Bigpoppa is also someone who has sold the product so why do you choose to slander those who are 100 times more involved with the product than you are....
Simmer down there big fella! How did I slander you? :-? If I did, I certainly apologize and retract whatever I said that was not true. In hindsight, perhaps I should have left the phrase "competing dealers" out of my post, but it seemed to me that most of the negative comments on BullFrog that I have seen come from dealers.
As far as "not liking the message" or "blaming the messenger", I could not care less about BullFrog or you. I was simply sharing what I had seen on the topic. It seems to me that you are the one with a problem with a message. I wasn't even referring to you, but I went back to look at your posts to see why I upset you so. IMO your posts on Bullfrog were clearly identified as rumors (to your credit, by the way). You heard from a former dealer, and truck drivers told you. Are we to take that as "fact"?
If BigPoppa said he has sold Bullfrog somewhere, I missed that. If your comment about "100 times more involved in the product than you" means that a lowly spa owner doesn't have the right to question or comment when a dealer posts opinions... this will be a pretty useless site.
Again, I am sorry I offended you -- Obviously, that's just my nature. ::)
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First off the only reason I mentioned the drivers were they get to see how different plants are run and their feedback was postive so no slandering of the product there or in my post...also not all the dealers were former some were current. but the real issue is that while they have some unique ideas and options the real practical usefulness they seem to be less than really beneficial. the issue that you mentioned as rumor with build behind the jets packs...it is not a rumor but a real world problem as Bullfrog has made changes to attempt to address the issue...they certainly would not try to fix a problem that existed only as rumor....and dealers told me that they felt that while helping it still did not fully correct the problem.....I went out of my way to mention that as a company they were highly thought of by THOSE who did business with them and that it means something to hear that.....but when you say that the only things said are rumors posted by competing dealers it is false....also Bullfrog has a very small dealer base....at this time I am really unsure to how many dealers really compete with them...
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I actually dont sell nor have sold BullFrog, but i am very familiar with them. It's not a bad spa. a couple more years of design improvments im sure will make up for there shortcommings right now.
BigPoppa
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the issue that you mentioned as rumor with build behind the jets packs...it is not a rumor but a real world problem as Bullfrog has made changes to attempt to address the issue...they certainly would not try to fix a problem that existed only as rumor....and dealers told me that they felt that while helping it still did not fully correct the problem.....but when you say that the only things said are rumors posted by competing dealers it is false....
:-? I'm still not clear on my slander, but I guess your problem is with my definition of rumor. I believe that when someone passes something along that they have been told, but do not have first-hand knowledge of -- that is a rumor -- whether it is true or not. Perhaps you would you have preferred "gossip" or "hearsay"?
Just so I can be clear on slander: When did I say "only"? Did you just slander me? ;) When you implied BigPoppa sold BullFrog, was that slander? 8-) By the way, does something false posted on the internet constitute slander or is it libel? :-/
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Just so I can be clear on slander: When did I say "only"? Did you just slander me? ;) When you implied BigPoppa sold BullFrog, was that slander? 8-)
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;D ;DEHOLA CHINGATHA ;D ;D That was funny
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my mistake to mention Bigpoppa as having sold bullfrog.....what I took as slander was you said only competing dealers spoke about issues that may or may not be true....and that again is not true the issues that were mentioned were genuine and in the minds of some who are still involved with the line not fully resolved.....but if you go back reread the thread that most of this taken from you will see that my comments while not being overly supportive of the product were far from saying they were a poor unit and in fact I made sure to mention the positives about them....Bullfrog is a line that is smaller in scope than some others and there is not a lot of feed back for them so when they get asked about they are few replies.... if you can offer something that may be useful to those seeking information you ( I) try and do so....
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Let's get back to the original issue if we can.......any additional input on Bullfrog
By the way, I spoke to Bullfrog and they will sell direct and drop it at your house ....no tax!
The standing water issue must be around due to the fact when I called and talked to a rep, one of the first issues they brought up was the standing water issue. Talk about bringing up an objection.....sales 101 goof Anyway. She told me that each set of jets also have a recirculationg tube that continously changes the water behind the set.
Any input?
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Well you know to change the jet packs you have to unscrew unions, in my experience screwing and unscrewing unions all the time causes failure of unions.
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Yes...first off they knew they had real problem with the standing water and that was the point, that some of the dealers I have spoken to did not have full confidence that it is has been solved by the adding of the tube....as for them selling direct this would seem to be supportive of what I shared about them having such smaller dealer network....
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Let's get back to the original issue if we can.......any additional input on Bullfrog
What, you didn't find the discussion of "rumor" and "slander" helpful? ;)
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Well you know to change the jet packs you have to unscrew unions, in my experience screwing and unscrewing unions all the time causes failure of unions.
OK got a bunch of stuff to say first one is in regard to unions above quote. Thats what unions are made for, to take something apart. They are designed into process piping systems all over the place for that exact reason.
OK back to the subject
I will take Mendo for his word when he says OTHER dealers not him have complained about problems behind the seat. What I will say is that in my opinion the problem has been corrected. We have gone 2 1/2 months since the last water change and have had no problems at all and I have been checking ;).
The tub itself stacks up well against others in the mid/high end of the market. Can you compare them to some Hot Springs, 800 series Sundance or 400 series Jaccuzzis, no you can't but they are not marketed as such either, Bullfrog tubs cost thousands less than above mentioned tubs. In my opinion they are one of the best mid/high end tubs out there. They use Balboa controls, Del ozonator, Aquaflow pumps, Waterway jets for the most part and have one of the best warranties around, lifetime warranty on the shell and jetpack plumbing!
In regards to the jet packs, Sure you are probably not going to buy a complete back up set so you can change them around but we did move ours so we could have our favorite jet pack in our favourite seat :). We have talked about buying one other jet pack we wish we had bought with the tub.
One of the nicest things about Bullfrog is you can order the tub however you want it. Pick out your jet packs based on wet test, with a circ pump or not, with or without ozone and choose the hp and size of your pump.
In regards to pressure differences, you can install a blank into one of the manifolds behind the seat on 2 pump models that will divert pressure to one side or the other.
I think I got it all but if you have other questions ask away and I'll do my best, remember that I am not a dealer just a happy customer so I can't help you with pricing and other stuff dealer related.
I still think Mendo should pick up Bullfrog to compliment his existing line ;)
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I still think Mendo should pick up Bullfrog to compliment his existing line ;)
lol...never say never....I think most who do carry them do so as a second line...and for a dealer they may work great in complimenting your first line....
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Mendo
My dealer carries them as thier first line, Beachcomber is thier second.
Bullfrogs are alot cheaper and they sell alot more of them than Beachcomber, thier showroom had 6 Bullfrogs and 2 Beachcombers. You could sell a lot of Tadepoles in your area.
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wow now thats interesting....I think most carry them second...it is really interesting that since Beachcomber is made in Canada that they would not be his first line....
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One note: I did not like about the Bullfrog was that the power at the end of line meaning the last seat on the one plumbing line didnt seem to have enough power as it seemed to weaken as you went down the line of seats, I can see how they are trying to make up for it buy putting less or smaller jets in those packs but still seemed weak.
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Mendo
I believe its just a pricing and volume thing since the Bullfrog is cheaper they sell more so they give more floor space, The Beachcomber tubs were very nice though.
Spaman
Thats what that "blank" I mentioned is used for. Yah I admit its kinda cheesy but it works and its cool to see a company respond to thier customers. The one e-mail we sent them was answered in 4 hours, thats pretty fast when you compare it to the cable company, bell or your bank ;D
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Bullfrog is pretty good but if you don't get the larger pumps (as recommended), you can have pressure issues (as with any product). The fact that Bullfrog allows/promotes customization is one benefit few other spa can extend so the optional jet packs DO make sense. There are no issues with "gunk behind the seats", that was (somewhat) true about four years ago but would also have applied to most any tub who was poorly maintained. How do I know this? I am not a dealer but did do extensive research on their products when I was considering becoming a dealer. As others on here have stated, they are not a bad tub at all. I would compare them with other higher line products like the mid-line Jacuzzi, Sundance, Master, Marquis, Caldera, etc. Not a Dimension One of the higher end versions from Hot Springs, Master or others, but for the prices they are a pretty good deal. One down issue is that they really do not have a lot of dealers so finding the best price point for a certain spa is not as easy for bullfrog as it is with other lines.
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Well you know to change the jet packs you have to unscrew unions, in my experience screwing and unscrewing unions all the time causes failure of unions.
OK got a bunch of stuff to say first one is in regard to unions above quote. Thats what unions are made for, to take something apart. They are designed into process piping systems all over the place for that exact reason.
OK back to the subject
I will take Mendo for his word when he says OTHER dealers not him have complained about problems behind the seat. What I will say is that in my opinion the problem has been corrected. We have gone 2 1/2 months since the last water change and have had no problems at all and I have been checking ;).
The tub itself stacks up well against others in the mid/high end of the market. Can you compare them to some Hot Springs, 800 series Sundance or 400 series Jaccuzzis, no you can't but they are not marketed as such either, Bullfrog tubs cost thousands less than above mentioned tubs. In my opinion they are one of the best mid/high end tubs out there. They use Balboa controls, Del ozonator, Aquaflow pumps, Waterway jets for the most part and have one of the best warranties around, lifetime warranty on the shell and jetpack plumbing!
In regards to the jet packs, Sure you are probably not going to buy a complete back up set so you can change them around but we did move ours so we could have our favorite jet pack in our favourite seat :). We have talked about buying one other jet pack we wish we had bought with the tub.
One of the nicest things about Bullfrog is you can order the tub however you want it. Pick out your jet packs based on wet test, with a circ pump or not, with or without ozone and choose the hp and size of your pump.
In regards to pressure differences, you can install a blank into one of the manifolds behind the seat on 2 pump models that will divert pressure to one side or the other.
I think I got it all but if you have other questions ask away and I'll do my best, remember that I am not a dealer just a happy customer so I can't help you with pricing and other stuff dealer related.
I still think Mendo should pick up Bullfrog to compliment his existing line ;)
Yes unions are made to be screwed and unscrewed but not all the time, trust me continuous screwing and unscrewing of unions will cause a failure, im not talking about broken threads or anything but you will get leaks from the seals being open and closed consistantly......
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Yes unions are made to be screwed and unscrewed but not all the time, trust me continuous screwing and unscrewing of unions will cause a failure, im not talking about broken threads or anything but you will get leaks from the seals being open and closed consistantly......
Ok, as a reminder, I still consider myself an industry outsider and I've never seen a Bullfrog. Most poeple SHOULD be only moving these occasionally and rarely after they get the tub set the way they want wouldn't you think? Also, I thought these paks go in and out with the flip of a lever and easy removal. There aren't threads that need to be done or undone is there? I know I can mess up threads on the best equipment and it usually on a Friday before a holiday weekend and the customer wants you gone.
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Yes unions are made to be screwed and unscrewed but not all the time, trust me continuous screwing and unscrewing of unions will cause a failure, im not talking about broken threads or anything but you will get leaks from the seals being open and closed consistantly......
Ok, as a reminder, I still consider myself an industry outsider and I've never seen a Bullfrog. Most poeple SHOULD be only moving these occasionally and rarely after they get the tub set the way they want wouldn't you think? Also, I thought these paks go in and out with the flip of a lever and easy removal. There aren't threads that need to be done or undone is there? I know I can mess up threads on the best equipment and it usually on a Friday before a holiday weekend and the customer wants you gone.
I'd agree, you'll rarely be moving these seats around so I wouldn't worry about the unions. Good concept that is nice at the point of sale but I don't think it does much for you afterward. I've never sat in one so I can't say how they feel but they get kudos IMO for at least being different.
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I'd agree, you'll rarely be moving these seats around so I wouldn't worry about the unions. Good concept that is nice at the point of sale but I don't think it does much for you afterward. I've never sat in one so I can't say how they feel but they get kudos IMO for at least being different.
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Yes, they do....What I was trying share in my post was that while being a nice idea its real genuine usefulness might not really mean that much....and again people I know who have worked with like them as a company.
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You gotta love some of the JetPaks like the BodyWand LOL
http://www.bullfrogspas.com/pages/jetpak-bodywand.asp
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I have had my Bullfrog 331 for 5 mos. 2006 model, I love it, the problems people are saying about the stagnet water behind the jetpacks is false.
And I believe Jim Arjuna started this rumor plus, as my routine once a month I take out the packs and brush behind them, but I have never found anything behind them other than you would see at the waterline anyway.
It is comfortable for me and it is very easy on the electric bill and it is right outside my bedroom and a barely hear it kick on to heat the water or filter
I have moved the packs a few times and have had no problems, Plus the packs have a lifetime warranty on them, so bullfrog will replace them if there is a problem.
My dealer could not answer a question I had about the controls last week so I called Bullfrog directly and after a short time on hold they solved my problem and told me if I had any problem no matter how small to feel free to give them a call.
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I have had my Bullfrog 331 for 5 mos. 2006 model, I love it, the problems people are saying about the stagnet water behind the jetpacks is false.
And I believe Jim Arjuna started this rumor plus, as my routine once a month I take out the packs and brush behind them, but I have never found anything behind them other than you would see at the waterline anyway.
It is comfortable for me and it is very easy on the electric bill and it is right outside my bedroom and a barely hear it kick on to heat the water or filter
I have moved the packs a few times and have had no problems, Plus the packs have a lifetime warranty on them, so bullfrog will replace them if there is a problem.
My dealer could not answer a question I had about the controls last week so I called Bullfrog directly and after a short time on hold they solved my problem and told me if I had any problem no matter how small to feel free to give them a call.
Congratulations on your spa may you continue to enjoy for many years to come. Your statement about the water behind the packs is inaccurate. Bullfrog themselves knew there was a problem that is why they have tried to fix it and perhaps as of now it is fully resolved but to say it is was always just a rumor is not correct.
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I have had my Bullfrog 331 for 5 mos. 2006 model, I love it
Yeah :) :) :)
Finally another Bullfrog owner welcome to the forum, what model do you have?
Mendo, see we are starting to gain a foothold ;), maybe just a small corner of your showroom 2 maybe 3 Bullfrogs 8-)
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I have a problem with companies that use Lifetime warranties. Example: Bullfrog if I'm not mistaken claims to have a lifetime warranty on jet packs against LEAKS. Well how would you know if your jet pack was leaking? It would just leak into the tub.
The jet pack idea is kinda cool, but how good are the jet packs? How often would you change them once you had your spa? I like their web site. Wet testing could get tricky if you wanted to try every pack.
Their advertising suggests that they have a better system to flow water through the jets, but have you ever looked at the back of a pack? The cramped space and turns or "spaghetti" is as bad as it gets.
However, I would definitely compare them to any high end spa on the market, although I doubt they are "thousands" less. They use very high components.
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Their advertising suggests that they have a better system to flow water through the jets, but have you ever looked at the back of a pack? The cramped space and turns or "spaghetti" is as bad as it gets.
However, I would definitely compare them to any high end spa on the market, although I doubt they are "thousands" less. They use very high components.
Kyle
The underside of any spa behind the equipment compartment divider is a collection of hoses, Bullfrog just puts it all behind the seat.
In regards to the pricing thing and remember this is in Canadian dollars. Our second choice in tubs when we were shopping was the Caldera Martinique and was very similar in size and shape although it had 2 pumps, had a price of $ 8450 can$. including delivery,cover,gfci,ozone and cover lifter. The Bullfrog 451( one pump) was $6995 can$ including the same goodies. While not thousands and thousands less it was one and one half thousand less. Keep in mind these are Canadian prices and things may be very different in the US
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OK, first off, I have never sold or serviced a BullFrog spa. However, I did speak to the owner and developer of the spas when he first showed them at the NSPI show. My employer and I were deciding which spas to sell in his expanded showroom. Although we did not choose the BullFrog, I was impressed. Granted, the upgradable seats are a gimmic. But the overall theory is good. In that first meeting I was shown that the main feed line was a loop, distributing water evenly to all seats. I was also shown that water is displaced behind the seat to reduce the chance of stagnant water. Also the minimum conections going into the shell below the waterline decreases the chance of leaks.
There are better spas out there, but I just wanted to post my honest opinion.
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I appreciate your honest opinion, mine is no less so. I have a problem with those who suggest the stagnant water was a false hood...as I have already posted if it was all just a rumor spread by the competition BULLFROG would have not tried to fix the problem and again perhaps it has been completely and fully resolved but to simply say it never was... is in fact dishonest or false... the only reason for me to bring it up was if someone hears it is still a problem from those I know who carry the line, they have said that they have addressed it, however they were still in a wait and see mode...
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Hey all, new here...Just got my first spa, a Bullfrog model 562 with Bose stereo, and we love it. I've got to admit the cooler the nights get the more I'm lovin this...can't wait for that first light snow...
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"Constant screwing around causes union failure."
Got it. Gonna write that one down.
Words to live by folks. And you thought you'd only get hot tub advice in here. ;)
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I'm just happy to see a few more Bullfrog owners start chiming in around here :)
Mendo,
Are you paying attention to this? Small corner of your showroom, lets get some Bullfrogs out your way! ;D
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Gotta add my 2 on this This is not a Bash but an Educated opinion with relevant experience
-the little tube on the manifold does not have enough pressure to push water through the tiny little space between the mould in the seat
- unions do wear out over excessive use in Bullfrogs
- not all seats fit in all spots
- Kyle in his previous post was dead on
- If the glue joint does fail it will be far worse a repair than any
other tub
- the jet packs are based on Gallons per minute so tubs are
preset with packs that make the flow meter look great and
if you decide to change up you may have to upgrade your
pump as well
- there is also a jet warranty issue going on right now where
they are falling apart
- decent tub good marketability but design still need some
work and not high end
- the top perimeter of a hot tub is the most vunerable to heat
loss in the winter but yet the main piping is right there with nothing to protect it.
I do know what Im talking about for I sold and serviced Bullfrogs & am still in good contact with the other service tech for them currently
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We bought a bullfrog (tadpole) this August, and we love it. The only problem we have as I posted earlier was the expense on the Tubby tablets in our saltwater system for it. Other than that it has been a great relief from teacing 2 -3 fitness classes a day.
Fitnessadict 8-)
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As was mentioned earlier, once the jetpacks are set up there is really little or no reason to move them. Also to clarify the union issue, we're not talking about an iron plumbing union, but one with o-rings that is easily hand tightened and should hold up over many cycles. Not sure what you mean by the packs not fitting in every seat as mine certainly do. As for the gpm issue I upgraded to the largest pumps available and there is more than adequate flow. I suspect most buyers will do their due diligence and choose this option also. I can't speak for the jet warranty issue as my tub is only a few months old. All in all I'm very satified with our Bullfrog and would recommend it to others.
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Pathfinder
While I don't doubt your previous experience, I do have to disagree with a couple of your points.
The water behind the jet issue IMO has been corrected by the small hose behind the seat and the issue here is two fold.
The hose adds chlorinated water to the back of the seat to stop the issue in question
The pressure behind the seat needs to only be 1 to 2 psi greater the the pressure pushing or holding the seat
in place. Remember that 1psi will raise a 1 inch column of water 2.31 feet, if you have ever used a water
level you'll see how this principle works. when we were shopping for our tub I was aware of this
issue/rumour/past problem and asked my dealer about it. He added couple of drops of clarifier behind the
seat with the pump on low and you could see the cloud coming out from the back of the seat
The thing about the unions wearing out
the unions themselves don't wear out the "o"rings do. If you move your seats around constantly you could
wear out the "o" rings. Who cares ! they are available at any factory supply dealer for about $5
Not all seats fit in all places
Yes you are correct in that, there are a couple of the larger jet packs that will only fit in the corner or the
lounger position that have deeper "pockets" for the jet packs
Glue joints are difficult to repair
This is the same for any full foam tub
Jet pack/pump issue
As I have said in previous posts and others have said also, upgrade your pump to the largest available if
your dealer has not already done so
Top perimeter of tub heat loss
The 2 inch line that supplies water is about 4 inches down from the edge on a Bullfrog. On a "regular" tub
there are a number of smaller lines running around the poorly insulated bottom of the tub and I see
no difference. To date we have not noticed any increase in our hydro bill but winter is coming so
I really cannot speak about the energy efficiency yet.
I also cannot speak about the jet warranty issue as I have not experienced it. As for the not high end comment, I have in my previous posts said, no Bullfrogs are not Hot Springs, 800 series Sundance or 400 series Jacuzzi and they are not marketed as such, however the are alot less money. IMO they compare very well to other mid/high end tubs on the market.
It is amazing how much people will react to something that is different or resist change :o
I respect your experience and the fact that you started out your post with "this is not a bash" but I had to add my 1.65 cents
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I dont resist change for the fact that I used to have a 682 in my back yard as a perk So Im not trying to start a debate that bullfrog is a bad tub there are plenty of satisfied customers
that I used to have and continue to deal with me at my new store
As stated by many" there is no perfect tub its the one perfect for you." IMO the tubs are way too new and havent proven themselves for longevity yet only time will tell. In Canada dealers get them for one hell of a low price bc they are part of the IPG buying group which makes pricing very attractive for consumers
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In Canada dealers get them for one hell of a low price bc they are part of the IPG buying group which makes pricing very attractive for consumers
Pathfinder,
Thanks for your thoughts and professional manner.
Just curious about the buying group thing, in Canada most of the dealers I have seen are members of a buying group IPG group sells Bullfrog, Beachcomber and in the past Sundance. Pioneer group sells Hot Springs, Caldera and Elite(maax), Foxx group sells Artesian, Saratoga and I think Marquis. Are you saying that because of this a Bullfrog tub was cheaper in Canada then in the US ?
If so then that would be a first!
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I am considing buying the 451. Please do not bash it I would like to hear from people who have one. I love the size of it a the layout with the lounger and cool down seat. What other brands compare to it? (even if the price is diffrent)
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Ineedhelp,
We have a 451 and we both love it. It is a perfect sized tub for 2 or 3 people, 4 seems to be a little crowded. When we were shopping, we were comparing it to the Caldera Martinique for size and comfort. The Caldera had 2 pumps and the Bullfrog had one large pump, other than that they were very similar. We ordered ours with the 4.8 hp pump , ozone and our choice of jet packs. Scroll back though this post and you should see some good advice and previous concerns about Bullfrog.
If you have any questions with regards to your shopping around post them here, you'll always get contested ;D, but good advice.
There are a couple of Bullfrog owners on this site with different models that could also help
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Which is your favorite jet pack? and is that pump strong enough to run the whole tub? Thanks for your help.
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We ordered our tub with the Gyro'sage, Mini Neckblaster, Alee V8 and clusterburst jet packs. My favorite is the Gyro'sage my wifes is the Neckblaster. We both find the clusterburst a little boring and may purchased the oscillator, which we liked when wet testing. The 4.8 hp pump is the largest available and has more than enough power in all seats. I don't know if you have wet tested yet but our dealer was more than willing to change jet packs if there was one we wanted to try.
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Bullfrog is the first tub company to be carried exclusively by IPG
in Canada
the other tub companies mentioned are not affiliated with buying groups Hot Spring and Caldera are exclusive for all of Ontario to the Principal owners of the Pioneer name and Club pro
But with regards to pricing on the Bullfrogs they were a steal when they joined IPG and with the very close exchange rate now the prices are even better.
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Pathfinder,
Thanks for the insight into the industry, how do you come by your knowledge of the Canadian portion of the spa market, have you worked up here in the past?
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I have worked in the Pool and Spa Industry for 8 yrs now
Started off Building pools then servicing pools and tubs then headed a pool and spa division for a company and now running a pool & spa division for my then at the time client of previous company. So I started in the field and now I get a nice cushy chair and office. But I will still do service calls and visit each one of my customers at least once a year to see how things are
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I went to the Bullfrog Spas website and watched a video that showed a nice-looking girl remove one Jetpak and replace it with another. I didn't see any screwing of unions - not so that I noticed, anyway. She just popped what looked like a pillow-cover off of the top of the seat, reached down, pushed the jetpack forward a bit, and lifted the whole business out. Then she dropped another Jetpak into place, pushed it back into the opening, and put the pillow-cover thing back on. Done.
You can see the video for yourself at: http://www.bullfrogspas.com/pages/jetpaks.asp
So, what's the deal? Has the design changed so that union screwing is eliminated - just "plug and play"? Is the pretty girl so fast at screwing the unions that I didn't see? (if, so, darn!) ;D Or does the video conveniently leave out the step where she would have to fumble around with the union screwing?
Thanks in advance for your explanations!
Regards,
Altazi
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So, what's the deal? Has the design changed so that union screwing is eliminated - just "plug and play"? Is the pretty girl so fast at screwing the unions that I didn't see? (if, so, darn!) ;D Or does the video conveniently leave out the step where she would have to fumble around with the union screwing?
Hmmm.... pretty girls,.......union screwing,...............Bill's gonna stop this one! ;)
No I don't believe the design has changed, our tub is a 06 and it has unions. Maybe the pretty girl really was that fast at union screwing( oh I know thats going to be quoted a couple of times). I don't know why the video dosen't show the unions being undone, its not difficult and takes about 30sec per seat and really is as easy as the video implies. Remove headrest, undo 2 unions, push forward and lift out, set new pack in place, tighten 2 unions, push back and replace head rest.
Hope this clarifies
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Hi, In_Canada_eh,
Based on your description, I don't think the video shows any screwing of unions. NO one could be THAT fast - pretty or not!
Altazi
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The video is misleading. The design hasn't changed as the unions are clearly visible, but for some reason she leaves them disconnected. I'm not sure why they would show it this way because connecting the unions takes only a few seconds.
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Good Morning-
Going to Bullfrog tomorrow for a wet test.
My thoughts are this. I am going to load the tub with max amount of jet packs. I do not plan on switching them in and out.
I am wondering about the pressure if the tub is full of packs?
Give you my update tomorrow. ::)
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Switching a few of them is inevitable as you get to know the tub better. Certain seat depths and angles work best with certain jet packs. As for the jet strength, I opted for the upgraded 2speed higher output pumps and the output is more than you need.
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I am wondering about the pressure if the tub is full of packs?
Give you my update tomorrow. ::)
Hottbpete,
Our tub is a Bullfrog 451, has only one pump and has a couple of water hog jet packs(neckblaster and gyro'sage) and we find the water pressure great.
Remember to talk to your dealer about upgrading the pump if they have not already done so.
I'll look forward to your review
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Watched the video and think I have the answer for why she didn't do the unions......It's all tied to hair color...
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She's Blond! ;D