joehottub
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Posts posted by joehottub
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That's going to be a tough one. The triangle shape can be overcome, but because the pieces telescope inside of each other there actually is a minimum size spa required. I would probably recommend something in a tray/shelf design like the Cover Caddy, CoverShelf or Roller. That is if you have the required rear clearance.
Congrats! Good call on the Artesian. I own a Piper Glen that I bought last fall and am in it virtually every day, absolutely love it! The level of control is fantastic - I bought a Sundance Optima back in 1999 and recently upgraded to the Piper and I find it is night and day..
Joe
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Hey everyone,
I am close to a final purchase, I'm still looking around for different brand.
Yesterday, I end up talking to a dealer about the jacuzzi brand I was comparing his too. The guy said Jacuzzi SPA are very good in the US, but here in Canada, Ottawa region, our winter will destroy the isolation of the SPA and break a lot faster/easier. Plus the sound system in the model I am looking at J-480 , will not last for long in the cold weather.
I know a salesrep need to sell his stuff, but I know not everyone of them are honest.
I am not considering Coast Spas brand -- Radiance Lounger. The dealer said to me the outside isolation is made for our weather. It is over 600lbs heavier even if its a lot smaller.
I really don't want to get screwed by some lies and I am very worried I'm not going to purchase the quality I'm looking for. I'm paying big buck here, and would be VERY disappointed if I make a bad move.
Now I know Jacuzzi bought Sundance (thats what I got told) , and the isolation and outside material is a lot better than the Jacuzzi brand.
I am so confused... and very sad, I really don't know what to do.
Please advise me and tell me your honest opinion.
Thank you very much.
I noticed you said Ottawa and I had to chime in here. I also looked at the Sundance/Jacuzzi when I was shopping for my tub - I now own an Artesian Piper Glen that I absolutely love. I had it installed last year and have to say this past winter (which was very very cold at times!) made my hydro bill jump around $80 for the 60-62 day span. I was skeptical when the salesman told me around $1/day to run, but overall I have to say he was pretty close to being on the money!
If you haven't already, I'd suggest checking out Artesian at Purewater! The guys there have also been fantastic..
Oh, and I did have an issue with my stereo - one of the speakers decided it didn't want to pop-up anymore. I was told by the service manager the stereo has a one year warranty. I'm hoping I don't have any issues with it after the one year mark!
Good luck!
Joe
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Another question.
Has anyone had any experience with Dynasty hot tubs?
Hi there.. I recently purchased an Artesian tub (Piper Glen model) that I absolutely love! During the educational process (which is crazy when it comes to tubs might I add!) I was fairly close to buying a Dynasty, however after I started asking questions about warranties and trip charges, the salesman turned pretty nasty. Not only would he not provide me with the warranty, but he insisted that I drive in to chat about it - and I'm over an hour away! Granted this is probably more to do with the dealer, but it definately turned me right off purchasing a Dynasty.
Now that I own my Artesian I am a happy camper!
Joe
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Hi all, I am new to this forum and looking to all you experts for advice! We are going to wet test the Sundance Optima and the Artesian Captiva tomorrow. Fortunately the same dealer sells both so we can do them back to back. Just wondering what types of things I should be looking for while wet testing? Anybody have any experience with either of these spas? BTW, we were quoted $8799 for the Optima and $6,799 for the Captiva. Thanks in advance for any help you might have to offer!
I just wanted to reiterate the advice that everyone gives again & again--WET TEST! We did go test the 2 tubs. I REALLY wanted to like the Sundance the best. We are the types that like to purchase top of the line products that we know are proven. However, when I wettested the Optima, I floated up in all of the seats but 1. It drove me crazy. Then we tested the Captiva and it was perfect--no floating up at all. Sooo, looking like we are going for the Artesian. We did go test a Hot Springs tub--Vanguard I think. We did like it as well but husband didn't like the water feature on it and I think we've decided that for the $$ we will probably go with the Artesian Captiva.
You will be very happy with the Artesian! We purchased a Piper Glen not that long ago and absolutely love it - we also did a few wetsoaks and the curves and lines in the Artesian were definately my favourite.
I find it strange that there isn't alot of talk about Artesian on here - after searching all over the Ottawa area, I found they definately offered the most for the money. Also, the personalized control in each seat is pretty damn cool - anyone know why nobody else has done this? Or HAS anyone else done this?
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Crap! Forgot to ask.
Does that mean the adirondack seat is the only low seat or are all the corner seats just as low?
I've wet tested a few other tubs that seemed as if the water was up to my belly button. I prefer the feel of the water right up to the adams apple.
Most of the manufacturers list a depth. It would be nice to find info on seat depth. Maybe another thread.
The adirondack chair is definately the deepest. The other three corner seats are all varying in height - perfect for the wife at 5'7"
One of my other favourite things about my tub is the ability to swing your legs up and lounge on the one side. In the front right corner seat, I can swing my legs up get a similar massage to a lounge - even has the rounded cushion so you still have a spot for your head! I find when I do that, the water is right up to my neck. I'm 6'2"
Hope this helps!
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I think I may have narrowed it down to these two tubs.
I like the Artesian PG due to the number of pumps and the footwell massager. I like the fact that each major seat has its own pump. I'm kinda leaning for fullfoam and like the recognition it got by way of the consumers digest award. I pray that's an unbiased rating.
but
the Clearwater TS has the dual lounger and arm rests and seems to be a few inches deeper. The depth is paramount for me. I also understand this spa can be made saltwater if I choose to do so.
I dry sat the clearwater and it felt pretty good. The artesian is next on my list. After that I push for a wet test.
Does anyone own one (2008/2009) or the other. If so how much and do you regret buying it for any reason.
thanks
Not so sure about the comsumers digest award or not, but I can tell you that the Artesian (and any tub for that matter - I think!) can be converted to a saltwater spa. I was given about 5 good reasons and 10 not so good reasons to go for saltwater. I chose to go with DiChlor and the artesian version of the nature 2. So far so good!
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I paid $15,800 taxes included for my Piper. Included tub, upgraded LEDs, covermate 3 lift, stereo and remote, gfci, chems, step, delivery and setup. I am in the west end of Nepean, Ontario, Canada.
Was that dealer's retail prices, or was there tax involved? I'm curious as to how this would compare with US prices.
The dealer had the tub on for $14500 which included the cover,lift,step,chems,gfci and delivery/setup. The stereo option, which included two pop-up speakers and two external speakers was an additional $2000. They had a no-tax promo in effect and saved me the extra $700 by paying by check instead of credit.
Seemed to be a good price - I love the tub!
I had priced out an Arctic spa as well that was going to be another $1000 above the Piper Glen, but it didn't fit me as well and it didn't have as many features and functions that my tub has.
Very happy customer!
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How much for the piper glen if you don't mind me asking.
I'm a big guy 6'3"-235#'s.
Do you think I would have a problem with the fit. I feel like I'm having trouble with other tubs.
Do the jets really work you over (I really need power in the jets)
Do you have any major complaints about the tub.
Feedback appreciated.
Thanks
I paid $15,800 taxes included for my Piper. Included tub, upgraded LEDs, covermate 3 lift, stereo and remote, gfci, chems, step, delivery and setup. I am in the west end of Nepean, Ontario, Canada.
I'm 6'2" and about 200lbs.. I absolutely LOVE the deep "adirondack chair". I am completely submersed and get a serious massage when the pump is turned up to full power. Some of the other seats are quite higher, but I enjoy them as well. Gives me a chance to put my arms up out of the tub to cool off and also to reach over the side for another beer!
Absolutely no complaints! I had a minor issue with one of the speakers not popping up and had a service technician out the next day. I love how quiet it is as that was one major concern - my neighbours are relatively close. The power is the tub is amazing - almost too much at times. My hydro bill jumped about $80 for a 60 day span in December/January. Here in Ottawa, it was rediculously cold this winter!
No regrets whatsoever, would buy it again and recommend to everyone I know!
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There's not alot of posts on this site about Artesian brand spas. Is there any reason for that? Is the quality relatively comparable to the top brands, like Hot Spring?
Also, does anyone have any feedback on Artesian's Island line of spas?
I'm currently looking at a Artesian Antigua (the 52 jet version). Does anyone have any recent price quotes from dealers for this spa? I'm trying to figure out what is a fair price for this model.
Sorry - didn't actually answer your question!
I looked at my brochures, and the Captiva (which I think is the same price as the Antigua) I had quoted for $10,200 with 52 jets, cover and lift, steps, delivery, chemicals, gfci, circ pump, waterfall and led lights.
Hope this helps!
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It's strange there isn't much her about Artesian.. I bought a Piper Glen this past summer and absolutely love it! I looked at the Island series too - but chose the Piper because of the individual controls, hands down the best purchase I've ever made!
Joe
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Thanks for the response. What part of the country do you live in, if you don't mind me asking? Did you get the upgraded lighting package? Any pics of the tub at home or with people in it?
I recieved delivery of my 2008 Piper Glen about 2 weeks ago and I must say I absolutely love it! I was hesitant at first with the potential noise of all 5 pumps (I have close neighbours!) but I was amazed at how quiet it was in full operation! The stereo is a really cool add on as well, but the lights take the cake.
Joe
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I found a 60A GFCI on ebay cheap! Turns out the store that was selling them on ebay was local to me, so I was able to buy it online and then just go pick it up.
Not sure how this forum works with stuff like this - so someone let me know if I can post the link or not.
Ok, sorry for joining late, but first of all, you can't base the breaker size on the number of pumps or any of that. The motor spec (i.e., 5 hp) is a nominal rating - an AC induction motor can produce, for short periods of time, 300% or more of the namplate rated output power, the actual value depending on the specific motor. The motor actually does this, albeit for a very short period while the motor is spining up every time you start the pump. During this period the current draw is far more than you might conclude from looking at the power rating of the motor. On top of that, electrical motor power ratings are more or less completely unreliable anyway - manufacturers rate these things differently (that shop vac in the garage doesn't actually produce 6 HP continuously!). Even if you did sum up all the peak current draws for the spa equipment, and convinced yourself that the total number was under 50 amps, you should NOT use a 50 amp breaker!! Generally, the max load should be 80% of the breaker rating. In other words, you should use a 50 amp breaker for loads that are less than 80% of 50 amps, or 40 amps. Bigger then that requires a 60 amp breaker, which is good for up to 48 amps. Unless you know more about the engineering of your tub than the manufacturer, using a smaller breaker is likely not a great idea.For your length of 60 amp circuit you should run #6 AWG for the two hots (red & black) and I recommend a #6 for the neutral (white). However, if your local codes permit, you could get away with a #8 white. The reason for this is that the white wire is only used for relatively light loads in a spa - the pumps and heaters are running off the 240VAC lines, and the white carries none of the current from the "heavy machinery" at all.
2002 NEC only requires the disconnect for other than single family dwellings, but I think in general most local codes DO require the disconnect for all spa installations. There's a lot of good reasons to have a disconnect.... just don't get it closer than 5 feet to the water - this requirement is so that people can't reach the electrical disconnect while they are actually in the spa. Now that would take a special brand of dumb but I bet it's happened.
As for the second ground to the water pipe, I don't see that it would hurt, but I personally wouldn't bother. Your water system is not really a ground per se, although there are some very good reasons why code requires the house water supply to be bonded to the electrical ground. The water pipes aren't really grounding anything, what's really happening is that the bond wire from the water pipe is really providing a good path back to the REAL ground at the panelboard. Better the current go there than through you! As long as your main panelboard ground is bonded to the water pipes per your local codes, your subpanel ground is in good order (and conected to the ground bus at the main panelboard), , and your wiring to the spa is good, I think you're good to go. You DO want to make sure that your spa is grounded and that all the bonds inside the spa (the bare wires running from pump motors to ground bus bar at controller) are connected. Bad grounding and bonding has killed people, so if you aren't sure of what you're doing, call someone who is.
Most local code will specify that your sub panel has to be a certain distance above grade. This is to keep it dry. In my area it's 12 inches. As for the conduit runs, again you have to check your codes. In my area, PVC has to be 24 inches below grade but rigid or EMT only needs to be 6 inches. No way to guess what code is in your area but your inspector friend will know for sure. Most people use a short length of liquidtite to connect up to the spa. The NEC limits this liquidtite run to 6 feet max.
Too bad you couldn't get the 60A GFCI from Lowe's. It's a Midwest Electric box, very good quality. The Midwest breaker is actually a Siemens ITE, which is a good part. The replacement breaker, which you CAN'T get at Lowe's or Home Depot, costs more than the entire Midwest disconect box, which is only $94! That box is a great deal. You should test your GFI as a ritual, because they do go bad... and after all, you're sitting in a tub of water proximal to several pieces of 240VAC electricity.
Good luck to you!
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I am definately looking forward to trying out the Platinum series - my closest dealer has a Cypress Point running aswell as a Piper Glen. Did you try the Piper model? What type of price should I be looking for on the Cypress? It has a price on the floor at $10,999.99
One of the reasons I was interested in the Dynasty is the fact that they were approximately $1000 less and seemed to have very similar features..
Thanks again!
Thanks everyone - the Dynasty spa seemed to have alot of everything for a lower price. I suppose there's got to be a reason behind that.. one of them being the warranty!I checked out Artesian and Pacific last night. Really liked the Artesian Platinum series - any comments?
We purchase an Artesian Cypress Point and had it installed last week and have been using it for 5 days. I play a lot of sports so I wanted something that would be good for therapy as well as socialization. It is great for both. The power of the jets are awesome and can be adjusted to different levels ( 2 speed on the pumps, plus air, plus each jet could be adjusted). It seems a little more expensive that some of the other but it is well worth it.
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Thanks everyone - the Dynasty spa seemed to have alot of everything for a lower price. I suppose there's got to be a reason behind that.. one of them being the warranty!
I checked out Artesian and Pacific last night. Really liked the Artesian Platinum series - any comments?
Thanks for your comments spatech.. I called over to the dealer and requested the warranty be faxed or emailed to me (The dealer is over an hour away from where I live!) but my salesman said I would need to come in to get it. I have gotten the warranties for the other spas I've been looking at without a blink of an eye, why is it so difficult to get this one? Does anyone have a copy that I can get my hands on?Thanks!
I have heard of difficulty getting a Dynasty dealer to cough up the warranty before the sale. It may be because their warranty is different that other brands because it is prorated. Tell them "no deal" until you see it and compare closely to whatever other spa you are considering because I'm sure they didn't tell you about anything being prorated. I'm not saying this should be a deal breaker but it should be factored in.Sounds like they want to do the hard close on you. When the salesman insist on you driving an hour to there showroom to see the warranty this means only one thing, you will not be leaving without buying one of there spas. Go look at other spas from a stand up dealer. Stay away from these cons. Just my 2 cents.
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Thanks for your comments spatech.. I called over to the dealer and requested the warranty be faxed or emailed to me (The dealer is over an hour away from where I live!) but my salesman said I would need to come in to get it. I have gotten the warranties for the other spas I've been looking at without a blink of an eye, why is it so difficult to get this one? Does anyone have a copy that I can get my hands on?
Thanks!
I have heard of difficulty getting a Dynasty dealer to cough up the warranty before the sale. It may be because their warranty is different that other brands because it is prorated. Tell them "no deal" until you see it and compare closely to whatever other spa you are considering because I'm sure they didn't tell you about anything being prorated. I'm not saying this should be a deal breaker but it should be factored in. -
The salesman said because they were not at the office (this was a parking lot sale) he didn't have a copy of it for me. I just assumed this was something I could find online.. however, it looks like I will have to make a trip to their office to get my hands on it.
Have you asked the dealer for a copy of the warranty? By law their required to show you a copy on request. -
Hi all,
I am extremely interested in purchasing a Dynasty spa that our local dealer is promoting all over town, however I can't seem to get my hands on their warranty. Other salespeople have told me they are not known to have a very good track record.. can anyone help or comment?
Thanks
If You Could Own One Tub
in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Posted
Artesian Piper Glen (with all the bells and whistles!)