fdm225

Hi all, I am about to purchase my first used spa (from a dealer) and am looking for opinions on what you think is a better SPA. Let me start out that I am going to wet test both SPAs this weekend but would like to find out, from peoples experience if possible, if there are any other considerations I should take into account before purchasing. So here is what I am looking at: The first tub is a bull frog 331 3 person spa, this spa is a 2007 floor model (that was around since the costco days) and the dealer states that it has a full manufactures warranty. The tub looks really nice and the jet packs are interesting (but mostly impractical in that I would probably never change them) but I am a little nervous about buying a spa without a circulation pump. I have read most positive reviews of bullfrog but does anyone know anything about the pumps they put in? Will the lack of a circulation pump cause problems in the future? If someone has this tub and could give me a honest review I would really appreciate it! Oh, on a side note this tub is being sold for about ($3000.00 but I have no idea how much they go for new). The second tub (at a different dealer) is a late 2006 Jacuzzi J-315 that is a dealer trade-in. The dealer is offering a 90 day warranty and a new cover. The tub has a circulation pump and looks to be in excellent condition. Currently the tub is wired for 110 volts but I am assured it can be rewired for 220. Reading up on Jacuzzi, they seem to be solid tubs but I do not know the history. the dealer says that it checks out ok but not knowing what to look for this makes me nervous. Anything I should ask about specifically? The dealer is standing firm at $3500.00 on this tub but is assuring me that this is an excellent tub for the money as it went for about $5500 new. From what I can find I can't really go wrong with either but it would be great to get some opinions as to what people like and dislike about these tubs. Thanks in advance, Dave

A good solid tub with a life expectancy of aprox 20 years or more. It, IMO is not risky to buy that tub even though it is 11 years old. The one important question you should ask is why? Why is it priced so high. I wouldn't pay more than 1000-1500 Hows the skirting and cover? Thanks for the reply!! the cover looks in good condition (no rips, tears, or otherwise noticeable flaws), the skirting has some scratches but no cracks that I can see. Is $2300 high for this type of situation? I have seen tubs on craigslist for less but am leary about buying something that has not been at least looked over by someone that is qualified. Thanks for any info, dave

Hi all, I am looking at purchasing my first hot tub and am hoping someone could give me an (educated) opinion. A local dealer has a refurbished 1998 Dimension 1 Triad for $2300 with a 90 day warranty. I have been searching through the forums and it seems that Dimension 1 tubs are of high quality but I am unsure of the lifespan of these tubs. The dealer has stated that the they have replaced the jet covers and ozinator and that they have tested the pump, plumbing, and heater (which have all checked out to be fine and are probably original). So my question(s) are: 1. does anyone have an idea of the life expectancy of a dimension 1 tub? 2. is it risky to buy an 11 year old tub that a dealer has checked out? 3. are there any important questions that I should ask? One last thing, the dealer is filling the tub so I can try it out before buying, anything I should look for while it has water in it? thanks in advance, dave