Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Tatooed_Lady on December 18, 2006, 03:06:52 pm
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Okay, here's the deal...I'm nuts. :-?
No shock? Ok. How's this? We've got the '06 Grandee sitting in our back yard, and I spent a LOT of time digging up information on tubs, etc. We "went large" because I figured it'd be better for hubby (6'3") to stretch out in, my son's taller than me now and still growing, we've got some friends/family that have trickled in from time to time and I figured that getting a larger tub would keep things simple. Plus, I drooled over it...bea-u-tiful!
So now, we're thinking of DOWNSIZING (yes, it's been LESS than a year since fill #1)!!! It's turned out that my son has used it about 4 times that I know of, and our 'friends' all think that 30 miles is too far to drive to come see us, even though it's the SAME distance for us to go to see them! Sheesh.
So it's me and the long-legged hubby. And I find that although it's great for being able to stretch out in, it's deep. Really deep. Not like "holy cow, I need a snorkle!" deep, but deep enough that with my 6% body fat ::) (okay, 26% or so), I tend to float out of every deep seat. Unfortunate but true. I haven't lost that weight yet, but I'm procrastinating about it seriously now! :D
So we went to the HS dealer that we got this tub from, and my hubby joked (at the time) with the owner about being there to trade it in. She about fell over. He mentioned that, and I started getting ideas (wicked me!)...I figure that the tub won't gain any value if we keep it longer, so this would be a good time to trade...I've thought that a lounger MIGHT work, if it were more of an upright style, that is.
They've got HS, Tiger River and Jacuzzi, and I've been considering going to Jacuzzi...if I went to, say, a J-355 or thereabouts, it might be an even swap...it's something I'm seriously considering...
I would say "we" are considering the swap, but the hubby's been letting me take the reins in any projects or purchases that go on around here....that sillyass. ;)
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Okay, here's the deal...I'm nuts. :-?
You say that like there's something wrong with it.
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Going from a Grandee to a J355? :-?
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I'd say it's a slight step down. Maybe look into the Vanguard.
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Brewman - Nope, nothing at all wrong with being nuts, so long as you do it right and do it well. :)
Ehizzle - I'm not real sure what we'd wind up with...but I can't see going out and spending MORE money on a tub than what we've got invested already. I saw and liked the J-470 (or 480, whatever)...however, that's trading a behemoth for a behemoth....I'm thinking a bit smaller so I can brace around the tub easier, a little shallower so I don't feel like Shamu setting sail....and cheaper, doubtless, simply because I can't see the dealer giving us 100% of our cost back on a trade, even though it's under a year. If we went down in initial cost, we could get more chemicals, accessories, whatever....I'm not saying go from an $8k tub to $4k and get nothing but a 1.5 oz. jar of Vaseline in the deal, though. ;)
Term, you'd know....what kind of depreciation would we be looking at on the Grandee? I'm looking ballpark numbers, not exact science, so don't worry about the TX to WI translation. :D
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If you are thinking to go Jacuzzi you may want to wait for the 07 spas and see the changes they are making to the J-300 line of spas.
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Grandee - 100'' x 91'' x 38''
J-355 - 91'' x 84'' x 38''
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If you paid $8,000 for it, I would be surprised if your dealer gave you more than $5000 for it after a year.
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TatooLady
you mentioned floating and bracing.. terms i'm familiar with being more of a floater myself. Is the 355 the one w/ the foot dome? If not you might want to take a look at the Jacuzzi (365?) w/ the foot dome .. besides a fantastic massage... it REALLY helps to stay put.. Just a thought.
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Is the 355 the one w/ the foot dome?
No foot dome on the J-355.
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You would probaly be better off selling the tub on your own.
The dealer will take it off your hands a flip it for a nice profit. Try the newspaper first
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Have you tried running the tub with the minimum water level? My wife has much less problem with floating when the water is at the low mark versus "full". 3 inches lower water also allows her to use more of the seats comfortably.
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My advice would be try different things but I wouldn't get rid of the tub even if it didn't work. The money invested was too much to waste.
I have a much different opinion on my tub than most people - I bought it for hot water and jets to soothe my aching back(and other parts too). I dry tested it but didn't wet test it and it fits OK and works great. I don't live in my tub and if I used it 40 miutes a day (which I don't) it's only a hot tub - it's better than trying to fit a 6' body in a 5' bathtub ... that scenario doesn't work.
My opinion is that you really don't know anything until you live with it. Houses, cars or anything else seems great until you live with it a while. and know it's faults - some you can live with and some you can't. Try to live with this as it could be a very costly decision to buy another tub.
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Ohhhh, I'm with Vinny. ...it would really not be worth the trouble and aggrivation to switch out tubs, not to mention the cost!
Are you sure you are not finding that the whole "tubbing" experience is less than what you expected? I would really be sure that it was the deep seats, the tendancy to float and the size of the tub that has made you rethink your current tub....or could it be the fact that it doesn't really do all that you thought it would? :-/
Why not get the hubby, a nice glass (or two) of wine, some good music and go out and enjoy that tub....focus on the things that are great about the tub. You can get creative and anchor yourself or just maybe enjoy floating a bit..And then go in and rearrange ALL of your furniture...you'll feel lots better and forget about this really crazy idea of yours!! :o ;)
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Okay, here's the deal...I'm nuts. :-?
Yes you are. ;)
You have a great spa and you are thinking of trading it because you tend to float out of every deap seat. Either sit in one of the shallow seats, or wet test a potential replacement spa to make sure you are comfortable. :)
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When we got our first tub (Marquis 2004 SA Reward) we liked it but the thing it didn't have was leg jets. We liked the dealer, warranty, power of the jets etc. In 2005, Marquis came out with the Epic which has leg jets. We went to wet test it and fell in love with not only the leg jets but also the therapy pillar. We had to have it.
We talked to the dealer and he said to figure about 1000.00 depreciation per year if I sold it privately ( I think we paid around 8000.00) They would only give me about 5000.00 for a trade-in. We decided to try to sell it on our own. If we could sell, great, new tub and if not, we'd learn to be happy with what we had. I listed it on craigs list for 6800.00. Within about a week we had it sold for 6200.00. When they delivered our Epic, they took the Reward and delivered it to the guy who bought it. (he paid 200.00)
A couple things were in my favor: 1. Marquis has a transferrable warranty and 2. This all happened in Sept. I don't know if it will be harder to do in the middle of the winter. And just to let you know, I only had the 1 response to my ad-I think I got lucky.
I don't remember where in Wisc you are, but I checked Craigslist in Wisc. and there are several locations http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/wi
Good Luck
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If you are thinking to go Jacuzzi you may want to wait for the 07 spas and see the changes they are making to the J-300 line of spas.
JJ, You got my attention - so what will be new in '07?
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I bought my tub on Craigslist, I think hot tubs tend to get a lot of traffic, but it depends on your area. You could always list it high-ish to gauge the interest, and if they pay it, your decision is made. As mentioned though, the Hot Springs warranty isn't transferable and that would tend to scare me off on such a high-dollar purchase.
I tend to agree with Vinny and Boni, if you can find a way to make your current tub meet your needs, that's the way to go. Weighted seat cushions can help with floating, I'm told?
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TL, did your dealer offer to buy it back from you? I guess you could sell it on Craigslist or ebay but I'm sure you would lose quite a bit of money. >:(
It's too bad you don't live closer to me. I would trade my babied 05' Envoy--installed in Nov. 05. My kids could use it like a small pool. I love my Envoy but the Grandee was one of my first choices. Hey wait, you're a truck driver right? :)
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I hate to see you lose so much money on this after one year. That is what you'll do, too. I suggest getting pillows to see if it will raise you enough to counter the floating. If you float in a Hot Spring, you'll float in most other spas. Its the water, not the tub.
If you have to look around, maybe consider a Caldera Moorea. Caldera has ridges in the foot well that help you stay anchored in the spa. The ridges are different than domes. The ridge helps keep your heel in place to help you stay down.
Also, if you are looking at a lounger as a way to stay down, you better wet test. Loungers tend to see more floating - not less. Since you are more horizontal, you will float more.
Good luck with this. This is a perfect example of needing to wet test before buying. You would have known you will float and maybe bought something different.
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Wow. I'm sorry that the tub isn't working out for you.
Folks, this is a very clear example on why it's improtant to wet test.
Tat, is that bad that you are willing to take a loss on the tub? If so, please wet test the new tub.
If the grandee is too deep, would draining a bit out make a difference?
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Tat,
If it will make you feel better, I'll come and use your tub! ;) After all, I'm still tubless in Bristol. :(
I'll even bring some Shiner Bock. ;D
What kind of $$ are you looking to get? Perhaps you and I can negotiate and come to some agreement that would make all parties happy.
PM if you're interested.
Skellman
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Term, you'd know....what kind of depreciation would we be looking at on the Grandee?
We would probably give you $4500 on trade and we would sell it for about $6000-6500.
I agree with what others have posted, sell it yourself and you will come out further ahead. It should be a pretty easy sell.
Good luck and I hope it works out for you which ever way you decide. :)
Termy
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Here's another thought! Maybe you can find another family in your area that purchased an smaller hottub in the last year or so, that would like to go to a larger one! There should be plenty of those kinds of people around! After all, that is the American way! Bigger is better for most people. Place a small want ad, post flyers, and maybe even ask your "dealer friend" to help you out. A lot of times, trading can be the fairest way.
Cary in South Dakota
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Here's another thought! Maybe you can find another family in your area that purchased an smaller hottub in the last year or so, that would like to go to a larger one! There should be plenty of those kinds of people around! After all, that is the American way! Bigger is better for most people. Place a small want ad, post flyers, and maybe even ask your "dealer friend" to help you out. A lot of times, trading can be the fairest way.
Cary in South Dakota
You know...that's not a bad idea. Pick out the right tub, and I wonder if the dealer would give you a list of folks who bought one in the past year?
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Here's another thought! Maybe you can find another family in your area that purchased an smaller hottub in the last year or so, that would like to go to a larger one! There should be plenty of those kinds of people around! After all, that is the American way! Bigger is better for most people. Place a small want ad, post flyers, and maybe even ask your "dealer friend" to help you out. A lot of times, trading can be the fairest way.
Cary in South Dakota
I think that is a fantastic idea!! You never know, it could work out great for you.
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I hate to see you lose so much money on this after one year. That is what you'll do, too. I suggest getting pillows to see if it will raise you enough to counter the floating. If you float in a Hot Spring, you'll float in most other spas. Its the water, not the tub.
If you have to look around, maybe consider a Caldera Moorea. Caldera has ridges in the foot well that help you stay anchored in the spa. The ridges are different than domes. The ridge helps keep your heel in place to help you stay down.
Also, if you are looking at a lounger as a way to stay down, you better wet test. Loungers tend to see more floating - not less. Since you are more horizontal, you will float more.
Good luck with this. This is a perfect example of needing to wet test before buying. You would have known you will float and maybe bought something different.
I tend to believe that ergonomics of the seats contribute to whether or not you float, it's not JUST the water.
I'm mostly referrring to the loungers. I floated like a rubber duckie in the Sundance Maxxus lounger, but I stay so comfortable in the LA Spa Paradise H-2 lounger that I fall asleep.
It's miserable if you have to strain your muscles to hold yourself down in the spa. What's the point of tubbing if you can't relax all your muscles?
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Not nuts and depending on exactly HOW good your dealer is will determine if the swap actually works out financially. In most cases you get about 50% of value for used tubs. However, if your dealer is flexible then you may get a greater value (consumer-wise). Of course, because I own a Jacuzzi, I think they are a good value. Since your stepping down in size you might want to consider not stepping down in ammenities. Jacuzzi has a 400-series. Take a look at what the dealer sells each unit for and try to see if they would be willing to swap you into a 400-series 365. but WET TEST it FIRST to make certain you don't float out of it. If they wany any cash for the 400-series, move down to the 300-series but don't go to the 200-series. Dropping down tot he 345/400 series or 365/300 series is about the best deal I think you will be able to work with them. Your lucky you have a dealer who carrys both lines. That's a little unique.
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but what about next year when she wants a bigger tub? What then? ;)
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Wow, this topic sparked a lot of interest, and some great ideas!
First off, I can't lower the water level, as it's below the pillows and just covering the top of the uppermost jets. Selling on my own would mean having some goobers coming to the house, probably wanting to dip their bodies in our tub.... *shudder* ;)
This isn't a hard and fast "gotta go, gotta go NOW!" thing...but it's something I think I'll talk to my dealer about. No harm in checking into things, at any rate.
Skellman *lol* I don't think my hubby's ever heard of, much less indulged in Shiner Bock...he's just found New Glarus and a couple others that my father dropped off for him. Although, if you keep talking beer, he might just be up for sharing the tub. ;) I also haven't thought things through enough to have a hard and fast number in my head for how much I'd want....I just know what I paid.
I sorta like the idea of getting a hold of others that have bought tubs in the last year that might be too small for their uses....a swap sounds about do-able, if the situation were right.
The lounger MIGHT be a 'bad' idea, but I think if it's more of an upright seating position, or a shallower tub, I'd be alright...yes, I know, water = floating, but I've found that to keep in the corner (deep) seats, if I sit up straight, I can stay seated easier...but then, that defeats the purpose of relaxing.
And finally, no, it's not that the tub doesn't do what I want, and that I'm dissatisfied with its use. We use it to relax, and I fight to stay in the seats enough that I can't relax as well as I want to. I can't say that the Grandee hasn't performed 110% and has been excellent in terms of jet power, cost efficiency, etc...just that unless I lose some of my float-ability, I won't be able to fully relax....and I LOVE the corner seats, they're very comfortable in shape...
Ok, I'm done babbling this round.....NEXT! :D
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I'm glad you liked my idea about possible swapping. It would probably be hard to do this (it may upset your dealer) but you could ask him if he knew anyone that may be interested in a swap. Or maybe even tell him that you would be glad to pay a "broker" fee if he could arrange a swap, or ask him if he would sell your tub on consignment or refer people to you and you would pay him a fee.
Otherwise, you will have to do it all yourself.
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Tattooed Lady,
I realize that anything that detracts from relaxing is counter productive - but have you considered either a weight belt (scuba diver's type) or jogger's wrist or ankle weights?
I have a Marquis Quest - and if I run my jets full power I get 'blown' out of any seat in the spa.... if I use less power - either by closing some of the jets or using the low pump setting, or not turning the air injector on .... the less force allows me to comfortably stay in any of the seats...
Just a thought. :)
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SurgTec, I've considered those belts, but I haven't found anyone around here that sells them. Right now, funds are limited due to that holly jolly fatman that's supposed to swing by in a few days to drop off expensive things that we can't afford ;) so I guess I'll have to continue the search online (I'd rather be able to check this stuff out in person).
I love the internet for most things, but some things are harder than others to buy sight unseen. :(
I'm still thinking that if I get rid of about 50 pounds of tushy, I'll sink better. :D
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I'm at a loss.
You'll consider taken a loss in the thousands (not to mention hook ups and moves) by swapping the tub, as a viable solution, but a weight belt is out of the budget?
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drewstar *lol* no, it's not quite like that......I'm doing some thinking at this point...wondering what direction to head, and not necessarily making a lot of sense in the process.
I want more comfort, and I've considered weighting myself down (been afraid that the bricks in the yard might scratch the shell), been debating on swapping out the tub, etc....all that good stuff. I actually make a lot more sense by the time I'm done than when I first think of stuff. :D
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drewstar *lol* no, it's not quite like that......I'm doing some thinking at this point...wondering what direction to head, and not necessarily making a lot of sense in the process.
I want more comfort, and I've considered weighting myself down (been afraid that the bricks in the yard might scratch the shell), been debating on swapping out the tub, etc....all that good stuff. I actually make a lot more sense by the time I'm done than when I first think of stuff. :D
Oh, I was just trying to get a jump on your posting for next Fall
"My tub is too small!"
;) ;) ;) ;)
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We women tend to think out loud....it lets us collect opinions and information and then make educated decisions!
(Ok, it sounds good)...would you believe our indecisiveness makes for interesing posting.. ;).
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I own a Vanguard and my wife would float out of the seats. She floated because she couldn't keep her feet on the floor. So I went to Home Depot and got some of those non skid strips and put them in the floor of the spa the next time I drained. She never floated again. That's my version of the Caldera dome.
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I'm not much up for the non slip strips.....but it sounds more comfortable an option than my hubby sitting on my lap. ;) He's offered, he was denied. Maybe it's not me...maybe it's the swimsuit that's keeping things afloat....hmmm...yeah, that's it! :D
Actually, I do bounce a lot of things off others, to gather as much info as possible so I don't think "Why the HELL did I just do that???" Plus it HAS made some waves on this forum. ;)
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PM me your address, and I'll send you a no-float belt.
You'll have to buy your own gravel, or lead or whatever you want to put in it.
I use Aquarium Gravel, it's cheap and already washed ;)
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PM me your address, and I'll send you a no-float belt.
You'll have to buy your own gravel, or lead or whatever you want to put in it.
I use Aquarium Gravel, it's cheap and already washed ;)
That was very nice of you Chas....I don't care what they say about you.... ;)
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I tend to believe that ergonomics of the seats contribute to whether or not you float, it's not JUST the water.
I'm mostly referrring to the loungers. I floated like a rubber duckie in the Sundance Maxxus lounger, but I stay so comfortable in the LA Spa Paradise H-2 lounger that I fall asleep.
It's miserable if you have to strain your muscles to hold yourself down in the spa. What's the point of tubbing if you can't relax all your muscles?
Isn't that what I was saying in my post?? That's why I mentioned the foot ridges and that different loungers will cause more floating than others.
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PM me your address, and I'll send you a no-float belt.
You'll have to buy your own gravel, or lead or whatever you want to put in it.
I use Aquarium Gravel, it's cheap and already washed ;)
that's just an offer to send a belt, not to come pour Mr. Bubble in the tub, right? ;)
Unbelievable....thanks!
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Do they make some sort of seat pad/cushion/non-floating thingy that'd raise you up a couple inches? Idealy, it wouldn't float and you could move it from 1 seat to another. Just a thought.
Side note, I haven't been on the site in quite a while, been enjoying my tub so much I guess, but I was SHOCKED to read this thread TAT! I just remember all the threads when you were building the pad, prepping for delivery and the pics of THE GRANDEE DAY! Sorry it didn't pan out exactly as planned...hopefully you find something that works better. Good luck!