txlnghrn

We had a similar mindset and budget when purchasing our hot tub and ultimately purchased a new Freeflow TLX through a local dealer a month ago. Cost was $3499 and that includes all the dealer support and a free cover lifter. Freeflow also makes some smaller tubs at a lower price point, but the TLX appealed to us because of the simple design (just a bench seat all the way around) and depth. So far, it has been a great tub and it meets all of our needs - keeps the water hot, a few well-placed jets, well insulated, rugged roto-molded shell, and easy to operate and maintain. Bonus was that we got the "plug & play" that didn't require we run a dedicated electrical line (saved several hundred bucks there). Thus far, we're happy with the price we paid and the product we got. We're also glad we bought through a local dealer, as the delivery, set up, and support for our questions has been invaluable.

I asked him this - they sell more of the Freeflow TLX than any other spa. And yes, I'm sure the simplicity of the design = less things to go wrong = fewer repairs. Either way, so far we are pleased.

We just (about two weeks ago) purchased a Freeflow TLX (the round/octagonal one). We've been very happy with it thus far. We weren't in the market for a fancy spa with a lot of bells and whistles - just wanted a sturdy hot tub with some jets that would let us unwind at night without breaking the bank. Our TLX ran us $3495 USD plus tax, and this included delivery/install (including rewiring a longer cable for the plug & play cord), cover lifter, and chems. Its been 100+ degrees F every day here (S. Texas), so obviously the tub is staying plenty hot. We have the temp set to 103 and normally when we climb in at 9 pm the display reads 105, so its definitely keeping the heat in that it builds up during the day. We've also got it just plugged in to a GFCI outlet but in Texas you don't really need to worry about the heater running while also operating the pump - its just not cold enough to make much of a difference. In Canada, you may want to have it hard-wired so you can run the heater and pump simultaneously. Insulation is spray foam. I know some people don't like the spray foam because it makes it harder to work on leaks, but there are so few jets and features on these tubs that its probably not such a big deal. I spoke rather candidly with the installer while we were waiting for it to fill who said he has less repair calls on the Freeflows than he does the Calderas his dealer also sells. I don't know if that means they break less or just that their warranty is shorter. Overall, very happy with our choice. Its a good, solid, hot tub that suits all our needs at a very reasonable price point. We'll see how it holds up, only time will tell.

Here's the response I got from the manufacturer. Perhaps this will be helpful to others... Thank you for your interest in Aquaterra Spas. Freeflow Spas is the manufacture of the Aquaterra Spa (Harmony). The Harmony and Legend are very different. They may look the same but are made up differently. Harmony is sold retail by Costco only. Legend is sold wholesale through our dealers only. The Harmony uses a Thermal Friction heating system that heats the water by drawing heat from the operation of the pump and the friction caused from the specially designed pump impeller striking the water. This heating system is comparable to a 1.0 kw heater. The Harmony and Harmony LX are available in one standard color only. At this current time the Harmony is only available online only. There is not a location that you can view it in person. The Legend has a 1.0 kw heater. Multiple colors available.

Thanks for the quick responses! I figured that was the situation with the heater. I recall renting a vacation house that had a SoftTub which I believe operates on a similar premise, right? I live in S. Texas where cold climate is never an issue - I think the heat index today is greater than 104. We did consider the Marquis, but don't have a dealer locally. Also looked at the Nordics but prices were higher and the dealer said he couldn't order the one I'd be interested in (Crown XL) and would only sell what he had in stock. I like the Freeflow because its inexpensive, basic, no-frills round tub which is what we are looking for. Seems to get reasonably good reviews given its price point. Also, another benefit is that the dealer is literally right up the street from me. I'd certainly welcome feedback about the Freeflows, as the information here is relatively limited.

Hello all. We are about to pull the trigger on a Freeflow TLX spa, when while perusing eveyone's favorite spa provider, Costco, I came across a spa, for $1500 cheaper, whose shell is virtually identical to Freeflow's slightly pricier Legend. Freeflow Costco As you can see, the shells are identical. I assume that these are made at the same plant and that Freeflow dumbs down the one they sell to Costco for $1500 less. Specs wise, I see that Coscto's version (AquaTerra Harmony LX) has a 1.5hp 1 speed pump, versus Freeflow's 2 speed pump. It also describes its heater as a "Thermo Friction Heater", while Freeflow says "1kw/4kw Heater". I have written an email to AquaTerra to inquire about the inner workings, controls, insulation, pumps, etc., as I assume they are inferior and are just using the same rotomolded shell. However, I was wondering if anyone was familiar with the AquaTerra Harmony LX and could confirm or refute my suspicions. Also, I have browsed this forum enough to know that Costco is not a beloved dealer of tubs, and I must say I'd prefer to order from my local Freeflow dealer for the customer support. However, if the Costco version is only negligibly more inferior than the Freeflow model, I could certainly be persuaded to pocket the $1500. I have a feeling this is just wishful thinking, though, and that you experts will be able to shed some light on the technical differences. Thanks in advance!