Marquis Reward Prices/quality

[meso]

Just got a quote from the local dealer for a marquis reward spa for $8400 CAD ($7,503.69 USD). is this a good price. I like that the plumbing is sandwitched between the insulation. dealer is quoting about a dollar a day to run in the winters, up to $45 per month, which isn't bad for the cold snaps we have up here. what is the quality like? I have also been looking at Arctic spas but i don't like how the plumbing hangs and how the pump is always in the heat. although the pump is designed to run at a hotter temp, it will still lessen its lifespan if always enclosed in a hot space. sundance spas are also available in my area, but i don't know much about them. How about jacuzzi spas? are there any around the same price or lower. i am trying to top out at $8000ish. any suggestions?

[Markee]

The Reward is a great spa and I think you would have a hard time finding something of superior quality. Just pop open the equipment panel where the components are located and you will see the fit and finish difference between Marquis and most others out there. $7,500 is a really good price, I'm assuming you saw it in the Signature Package? I think you will find that the spa will cost you less than a dollar a day in energy. The insulation and cover on the Marquis are designed for colder climates like Canada.

[meso]

The Reward is a great spa and I think you would have a hard time finding something of superior quality. Just pop open the equipment panel where the components are located and you will see the fit and finish difference between Marquis and most others out there. $7,500 is a really good price, I'm assuming you saw it in the Signature Package? I think you will find that the spa will cost you less than a dollar a day in energy. The insulation and cover on the Marquis are designed for colder climates like Canada.

it was in the signature series. a bit more than i was wanting to spend so i am going to see if i can work the price down a bit. going to dry test the reward today and wet test the epic (they only have the epic that can be wet tested. it is a smaller store in a smaller town). the sales person gave me a range of energy costs her customer reported to me. from the numbers she gave me (between $28 and $45 in winter) which seems resonable and from that range, she isn't trying to sugar coat anything. They were previously a pacific dealer, however pacific went under so they had to change lines. they are still getting used to the lines and are very honest when they don't know the full answer to a question but they are very active on finding that answer for you. There was no high presure techniques, just reason why i should buy from her (local service/support, reputation, marquis insulation great for canadian winters, etc). i would love the epic but it seems out of my price range. what would be a reasonable price to offer for the epic?

[UK Arctic Dealer]

The Reward is a great spa and I think you would have a hard time finding something of superior quality. Just pop open the equipment panel where the components are located and you will see the fit and finish difference between Marquis and most others out there. $7,500 is a really good price, I'm assuming you saw it in the Signature Package? I think you will find that the spa will cost you less than a dollar a day in energy. The insulation and cover on the Marquis are designed for colder climates like Canada.

I dont want to start an argument here but after reading this post i checked out the California Energy Effiency website to see how they rate the insulation of the Marquis Reward and it doesnt look good at all. They give it a R-value of just 4.5 for cabinet insulation compared with a cabinet rating of 28 for an Arctic Spa. You can go see yourself if you follow the link below.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/databa...ectric_Spas.zip

[UK Arctic Dealer]

The Reward is a great spa and I think you would have a hard time finding something of superior quality. Just pop open the equipment panel where the components are located and you will see the fit and finish difference between Marquis and most others out there. $7,500 is a really good price, I'm assuming you saw it in the Signature Package? I think you will find that the spa will cost you less than a dollar a day in energy. The insulation and cover on the Marquis are designed for colder climates like Canada.

I dont want to start an argument here but after reading this post i checked out the California Energy Effiency website to see how they rate the insulation of the Marquis Reward and it doesnt look good at all. They give it a R-value of just 4.5 for cabinet insulation compared with a cabinet rating of 28 for an Arctic Spa. You can go see yourself if you follow the link below.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/databa...ectric_Spas.zip

Try this link if the above one isnt working.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/databa.../Pool_Products/

[Roger]

The Reward is a great spa and I think you would have a hard time finding something of superior quality. Just pop open the equipment panel where the components are located and you will see the fit and finish difference between Marquis and most others out there. $7,500 is a really good price, I'm assuming you saw it in the Signature Package? I think you will find that the spa will cost you less than a dollar a day in energy. The insulation and cover on the Marquis are designed for colder climates like Canada.

I dont want to start an argument here but after reading this post i checked out the California Energy Effiency website to see how they rate the insulation of the Marquis Reward and it doesnt look good at all. They give it a R-value of just 4.5 for cabinet insulation compared with a cabinet rating of 28 for an Arctic Spa. You can go see yourself if you follow the link below.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/databa...ectric_Spas.zip

Try this link if the above one isnt working.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/databa.../Pool_Products/

What rating do they give the shell material of the Arctic versus the shell material of the Marquis? The Arctic is acrylic backed by fiberglass. The Marquis is Acrylic backed by fiberglass with foam insulation on it. Which do you think has the higher R-Factor.

Think about it. They give the Maquis just 4.5 because it is a different insulation method. The shell is 30. And for an example Arctics shell is 4.2 and there cabinet walls are 28

To the OP the Marquis is a great tub as energy effiecient as any out there and that prices is not to bad.

[UK Arctic Dealer]

The Reward is a great spa and I think you would have a hard time finding something of superior quality. Just pop open the equipment panel where the components are located and you will see the fit and finish difference between Marquis and most others out there. $7,500 is a really good price, I'm assuming you saw it in the Signature Package? I think you will find that the spa will cost you less than a dollar a day in energy. The insulation and cover on the Marquis are designed for colder climates like Canada.

I dont want to start an argument here but after reading this post i checked out the California Energy Effiency website to see how they rate the insulation of the Marquis Reward and it doesnt look good at all. They give it a R-value of just 4.5 for cabinet insulation compared with a cabinet rating of 28 for an Arctic Spa. You can go see yourself if you follow the link below.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/databa...ectric_Spas.zip

Try this link if the above one isnt working.

http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/databa.../Pool_Products/

What rating do they give the shell material of the Arctic versus the shell material of the Marquis? The Arctic is acrylic backed by fiberglass. The Marquis is Acrylic backed by fiberglass with foam insulation on it. Which do you think has the higher R-Factor.

Think about it. They give the Maquis just 4.5 because it is a different insulation method. The shell is 30. And for an example Arctics shell is 4.2 and there cabinet walls are 28

To the OP the Marquis is a great tub as energy effiecient as any out there and that prices is not to bad.

The rating given is the spa rating and the California Energy Commission rate the Marquis Reward spa insulation at 4.5 and the Arctic Spas at 28. This rating is not for cabinet or shell but the overall rating. I think i may have mislead in my last post by saying cabinet i meant to say spa. Sorry for the confusion.

[JerimiahR]

As long as we're on the energy efficiency bandwagon, I'd strongly suggest you find your local Hot Spring Spa dealer. Not possible to find anything more efficient. In fact, Hot Spring (Watkins Manufacturing) helped the California Energy Commission design their ratings process for hot tubs.

Here in Bozeman, Montana we're accustomed to pretty cold winters. In fact December of 2008 we had a couple weeks at -20F. We've sold the Hot Spring brand since approximately 1982 (been in business since 1979). Yet to find any other brand come through town that can compete on energy efficiency. We've had Bull Frog, Marquis, Arctic, Dimension One, Coleman, Jacuzzi, and other dealers come and go.

If you like the size and layout of that Marquis Reward spa, take a look at the Hot Spring Sovereign. It's an extremely popular model, and here in Montana, we see monthly energy bills on average of $22/month or less (based on $0.10/kWh).

Not to mention Hot Spring is the absolute easiest, non-programmable, and silent running spa in the industry. Worth taking a look, at the very least.

If you view that Excel file provided above, the one from the CEC, you'll find that the Hot Spring models show an R-Value estimate of 25. Pretty darn close to the 28 Arctic claims. Keep in mind, the Hot Spring Spas mechanically operate in a very different manner than the Arctic spas (or any other). Rather than using the large jet pump to circulate water when it heats or filters, the Hot Spring Spa models use a very small circulation pump (new models this pump is rated at approx 40watts). This filters 24/7 (requires no filter programming), and also feeds water to the heater. This uses quite a bit less energy, and saves on a lot of wear and tear on your jet pump since it isn't turning on and off several times a day.

You'll never hear a Hot Spring turn itself on and off like other spas. So if you plan to put this outside a bedroom window, this is especially nice.

EDIT: If you want to compare a spa that's nearly exactly the same size as the Marquis Reward, check out the Tiger River Caspian (also a Hot Spring brand). This model is 84 x 84 x 36". It's usually around the same price point as the Sovereign, but without a lounge seat.

[Stuart A]

Here we go yet another dealer saying theirs is best etc.

Here in Bozeman, Montana we're accustomed to pretty cold winters. In fact December of 2008 we had a couple weeks at -20F. We've sold the Hot Spring brand since approximately 1982 (been in business since 1979). Yet to find any other brand come through town that can compete on energy efficiency. We've had Bull Frog, Marquis, Arctic, Dimension One, Coleman, Jacuzzi, and other dealers come and go.

Their have been other spa manufacturers around since before 1979. I have wet tested a number of Hotspring and Dimension one spas and for sure the Hotspring will use less energy because it is less powerful.

Not to mention Hot Spring is the absolute easiest, non-programmable, and silent running spa in the industry. Worth taking a look, at the very least.

I tested quite a few spas from different makes and did not find any of them hard to program at all.

If you view that Excel file provided above, the one from the CEC, you'll find that the Hot Spring models show an R-Value estimate of 25. Pretty darn close to the 28 Arctic claims. Keep in mind, the Hot Spring Spas mechanically operate in a very different manner than the Arctic spas (or any other). Rather than using the large jet pump to circulate water when it heats or filters, the Hot Spring Spa models use a very small circulation pump (new models this pump is rated at approx 40watts). This filters 24/7 (requires no filter programming), and also feeds water to the heater. This uses quite a bit less energy, and saves on a lot of wear and tear on your jet pump since it isn't turning on and off several times a day.

Insulation has been discussed in great detail before, also some manufacturers use full foam to support weak shells and then claim it is for insulation purposes.

We have a 24 hour circulation pump, and the reason why we got it was to stop the main pumps coming on during the time when the spa is calling for heat it also filters a bit. I feel that main pumps filter far more water and think that it is a bit misleading to say that a circultion pump will filter just as well as main pumps.

[meso]

Here we go yet another dealer saying theirs is best etc.

Here in Bozeman, Montana we're accustomed to pretty cold winters. In fact December of 2008 we had a couple weeks at -20F. We've sold the Hot Spring brand since approximately 1982 (been in business since 1979). Yet to find any other brand come through town that can compete on energy efficiency. We've had Bull Frog, Marquis, Arctic, Dimension One, Coleman, Jacuzzi, and other dealers come and go.

Their have been other spa manufacturers around since before 1979. I have wet tested a number of Hotspring and Dimension one spas and for sure the Hotspring will use less energy because it is less powerful.

Not to mention Hot Spring is the absolute easiest, non-programmable, and silent running spa in the industry. Worth taking a look, at the very least.

I tested quite a few spas from different makes and did not find any of them hard to program at all.

If you view that Excel file provided above, the one from the CEC, you'll find that the Hot Spring models show an R-Value estimate of 25. Pretty darn close to the 28 Arctic claims. Keep in mind, the Hot Spring Spas mechanically operate in a very different manner than the Arctic spas (or any other). Rather than using the large jet pump to circulate water when it heats or filters, the Hot Spring Spa models use a very small circulation pump (new models this pump is rated at approx 40watts). This filters 24/7 (requires no filter programming), and also feeds water to the heater. This uses quite a bit less energy, and saves on a lot of wear and tear on your jet pump since it isn't turning on and off several times a day.

Insulation has been discussed in great detail before, also some manufacturers use full foam to support weak shells and then claim it is for insulation purposes.

We have a 24 hour circulation pump, and the reason why we got it was to stop the main pumps coming on during the time when the spa is calling for heat it also filters a bit. I feel that main pumps filter far more water and think that it is a bit misleading to say that a circultion pump will filter just as well as main pumps.

here is the thing, for arctic, i see lots of compaints about leaks, plumbing and "dead air space" insulating being not the most effective way of going. not to mention that it WILL lessen the life of the pumps, this is only common sense. when i say reduced life, i would still expect 5 to 7 years, but who really knows. i am about to go up for my wet test, i will also be testing a couple other brands, pritty much everything mentioned in the forum so far. i wlll report back

[Markee]

Jeremiah: The Sovereign is a 1 jet pump spa and has half the amount of jets. How do you figure this compares to the Marquis Reward which has 2 jet pumps and twice as many jets?

UK Arctic Dealer: If you look at the CEC list, you will find a wide variety of R values. Some manufacturers are in the range of 4-7, and then you have other manufacturers in the range of 15-30. From my understanding, the reason for this is a difference in interpretation on how the R values are supposed to be calculated. If you look at the list, most of the Marquis R values have been changed to 22.5. I'm not sure why the Reward model R values have not been updated on the CEC site. Again, all of these numbers are self reported and there is no agency that is checking the validity of what is reported. When Arctic did it's independent energy study, they should have picked a Marquis to test instead of a Coast or Beachcomber which are more regional (Canada) brands.

[imnay]

Following is my plea to Moderator.

"Do we have to endure Spa Company reps blatantly selling their product as "the best".

Having professionals at a forum can be good thing IF they sincerely try to help without FORCING COMMERCIALS DOWN OUR THROATS!!!!'

JERIMIAH - I am a Hot Springs owner but REALLY don't appreciate a seller/dealer/corporate puke imposing commercials in a forum like this one.

You can be a real asset if you post to answer questions and a real pain in the butt the way you are going right now.

Step back and PLEASE be a simple forum member - all you are doing currently is driving people away from Hot Springs.

Geeze! I can't believe I even have to take my time to say this.

[meso]

ok, took the wet test in the epic. seems like a nice tub but i am too tall to really be comfortable and get the neck jets in the right place without squishing down (i am 6 foot 3). when you played with the trizone controls you could do some cool things with the jets, esp the line of mk40 jets in the center... those were great! however not the tub for me, again too tall. this however gave me an idea of what to expect for power in the reward.

when i dry tested the reward, i was very impressed with the "deep therapy seat". it seemed to fit like a glove and will give me the power where i need it (upper back has 5 mk40 jets [40gpm] and i fit the neck jets perfectly). the lounger also fit nice. the rest of the seeting seemed very comfortable. 4 of the seets were very deep and felt inviting (now i sound like a salesman!!! arg!). again, no real presure from the sales team (mom and pap store). got the price to $8500CAD (or 7,585.90 USD) with cover lifter, chems, signature package gfci 50amp, start-up eco-one, delivery to point of install and 4" cover. i decided not to go for the steps as it will have a deck built around it at some point (soon i hope). i will give them my final word on wednesday so i have time to go to a spa show about 45 minutes south of here and to a couple other dealers ( hot spring, arctic, master [why?!?! cuz i want to see these problems for myself with master spa] and who ever else is in the area). so, what do you guys think of the price?

also, to mr. hotspring, how is the sovereign even comparable??? i mean, it holds the same amount of whater, but with one pump and half the jets. sure they rotate and do other wonders but so does the reward. i would consider the sovereign if it was 1500 to 2000 less. also, being in canada 15% of any tub i buy is tax deductable due to the "home improvement" tax credit so i am loving that!

[Markee]

That's a really good price. At the store I work at we would charge $8,600+ for the same set up.

Just take a look at the equipment compartment of a Master Spa, that right there will deter you from considering one!

[meso]

That's a really good price. At the store I work at we would charge $8,600+ for the same set up.

Just take a look at the equipment compartment of a Master Spa, that right there will deter you from considering one!

that is the plan. i just want to make sure that i am making an informed decision, with a full understanding of ALL local choices (within a 1 hour radius). i think i have already made my mind up but again, i want to see "under the hood" of everyone else as that seems to really be the main difference. it is funny, i was looking at dry weights of different tubs and i would guess that you could also judge quality from weight in some cases due to better construction/building material. thanks again to everyone for all the help. i just wish i could wet test a reward!

[hottubdan]

also, to mr. hotspring, how is the sovereign even comparable??? i mean, it holds the same amount of whater, but with one pump and half the jets. sure they rotate and do other wonders but so does the reward. i would consider the sovereign if it was 1500 to 2000 less. also, being in canada 15% of any tub i buy is tax deductable due to the "home improvement" tax credit so i am loving that!

You almost answered the question yourself. If it is $1500 more, there is more value. There are so many differences can't begin to list them here. Don't want to shill anyway.

Visit your Hot Spring dealer. Listen with an open mind. If you choose to stick with the way you are leaning, I am sure you will be happy with it. Sounds like they are a good local dealer, which is half the battle.

By the way, the CEC values are self reported.

Tell me, scientifically, how air gives a higher R value than foam?

[Tom]

When Arctic did it's independent energy study, they should have picked a Marquis to test instead of a Coast or Beachcomber which are more regional (Canada) brands.

The study was commissioned by Arctic Spas but was conducted by the Alberta Research Council. All hot tubs were floor models purchased by the ARC from brands available in the Edmonton area at the time of the study.

[Markee]

Well, what did you end up with?

[meso]

Well, what did you end up with?

marquis reward was my final decision. i was very happy with the sales team, the product, the detail on the underside. the warrenty, etc.... i looked at about 10 other brands and none really met the same "quality" I was seeing from both the tub and the dealer. the dry test was also better for a tall guy like me and my partner (6'3" and 6'4"). very happy with the decision, i made sure i was well informed from all brands, makes and models to fully understand the market. marquis is right for me!

[paulmn]

Well, what did you end up with?

marquis reward was my final decision. i was very happy with the sales team, the product, the detail on the underside. the warrenty, etc.... i looked at about 10 other brands and none really met the same "quality" I was seeing from both the tub and the dealer. the dry test was also better for a tall guy like me and my partner (6'3" and 6'4"). very happy with the decision, i made sure i was well informed from all brands, makes and models to fully understand the market. marquis is right for me!

Good choice. I was reading your post about the Arctic Spa pumps in the heat, I just had one replaced that they said was running very hot. That insulation on the outside of the tub seemed like a good idea before I owned one but now I'm not so sure. I've had lots of problems with Arctic Spa, this motor was noticed running hot while they were out fixing something else. Good luck with your new tub!

[Markee]

Congrats! Enjoy