gwmac

I just got back from all my errands and decided to visit three dealers. The Jetsetter LX was being sold at 9,400 with the regular model about 1,000 less. I liked the tub but when he told me that the salt water cells have to be replaced every 4 months and cost $100 each that threw me for a loop. I doubt if I ever paid more than $60 a year with old HT with an ozonator using Bromide and shock and PH balancer. Are these cells much cheaper online because an added cost of $300 a year is a bit much. Next I went to the Bullfrog dealer. He quoted me A5L $10,149 R5L $8,353 and X5L $6,285. The last place was more for a swimming pool place that had Hot Tubs on the side selling the Clearwater brand. The Evergreen series runs from $7,395 to &7,995 depending on options. I liked the Hot Spring and Bullfrog though I wish the Jetsetter had more jets.He told me that my current GFCI box probably wouldn't work since the Hotspring required 2 connections but that the tub included a new box. The Bullfrog dealer only had one model of the Bullfrog on display because they were nearly sold out so I'm not sure how those 3 models compare. But it looked very comfortable and I am sure I would be satisfied with any of them. Overall it was a valuable trip because I also got to ask for contacts for laying the cement patio after I tear down my deck and also mentioned if they knew people to haul away my old one. By the way, have you guys heard of Thermospas? I was wondering how you would rate them. (EDIT) I think I found those silver cartridges that need to be replaced every 4 months on the Jetsetter and they list for only $31. I was leaning towards the Jetsetter so that might just seal the deal. Now to the hard work of prepping my site. Thanks for the help guys. It looks like you sold me on Hotspring.

Thanks for the replies they have been very helpful. Used is not an option I want to consider otherwise I would just pay to have mine fixed. I want one with a full warranty. I also just want to treat myself since my car will shortly be paid off so I'll have an extra $750 a month to splurge. I have the money to buy a premium brand I was just hoping to save a few bucks, but your cases for buying from a dealer and to buy a reputable brand are strong. Locally my choices are between the Hotspring Jetsetter or Jetsetter LX and the Bullfrog A5L, R5L, and X5L. Those seem to be the only 3 person models. I will visit the Hotspring today and Bullfrog later since they are in opposite directions from my house. I know there is room for negotiation on price, so could some of you pros help me out by giving me a good estimate on a fair price I should pay? It's hard to negotiate when you don't know how much those models are being sold for elsewhere or their dealer price. I understand they need a fair profit margin but I also want to get the best price I can as everyone does. And to the comment I made on jet power setting. It has been over 2 years since I used my old HT but I remember it having 2 maybe 3 settings on jet flow. High ,medium and low jet flow I think but you might be right and it was only high flow and low. Then it had other options like a constant stream of water or slow intermittent bursts and another with faster intermittent every few seconds which was called massage mode or something similar. Hope that makes sense. But I have been in Hot Tubs where the jets were weak I hated that. I want the jets to be as strong as possible. My old HT had a 4.5 HP pump and it was strong and I want the new one as strong or stronger jet flow. I used the lounger position more than the seats and I loved that because it had jets for upper and lower back, your right side, legs, and feet so you are getting pummeled with 10 jets all at once. The hot hub has a total of 32 jets with one seat having 9 for back and a few for feet and the other chair with fewer jets for back. You could also easily open or close the valves to increase or decrease flow to other seating positions with a lever or close the individual jets by turning them off. So that is essential in my new hot tub that the lounger has a similar layout for lounger jets. One other question for you pros is the type of sanitation system. This article suggest Ozonators are a waste of money. Do you agree with that article and I should forgo an ozonator? I then have a choice between salt, chlorine, or bromide. I would love to try salt if that is an option but my main concern is shortening the life of the internal plumbing from corrosion. I use bromide in my last HT so I am familiar with that.

I live in a small city with only 2 dealers. One sells Bullfrog and the other Hotspring so it would have to be choice between those two brands if I want to buy locally. Atlanta is 90 miles away and they have every brand but that defeats the point of having someone nearby for aftercare help if needed. I am visiting both shops tomorrow to have a look.

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated. A local dealer here sells the Jetsetter so I will go take a look in person. I already know it is around 7 or 8K which is fine if I like what I see. I like jets as strong as possible almost to the point of leaving a bruise, but I hear what you are saying that you can't rely on the HP spec numbers alone but that is really all I have to go by other than reviews. I think the disconnect is that many of you guys are experts and come at it from that perspective while I may be completely satisfied by something you might consider cheap garbage. I absolutely loved my last Hot Tub which I bought factory direct and I would be happy to have one as good and all the ones I listed seem to easily fit that criteria. I also am fine with getting my local spa repair guy to do any warranty work if needed without a dealer and I already know how to maintain water quality well. Correct me if I am wrong but years ago there seemed to be many high quality spa manufacturers but most seem to have all been gobbled up recently and most are now made by just a few companies like LHI even though they kept the old name brands.

All I wanted was some recommendations for 3 person sized hot tubs. If anyone has some specific models to suggest I would still appreciate your suggestions. I will not be buying from a dealer for the reasons already outlined. Here are the ones I have researched so far and am considering. Please add any others you suggest or if you had to pick one from this list which one would it be? G-2 Tranquility X-2 Jetsetter LX Belize Classic NS 3 Plus by Signature American Spas 3 person Catalina Newport I think the Newport might just be the 2020 model of the Kennedy? They seem to be almost the same Catalina Kennedy Integrity Bali

I just take my portable Bluetooth speaker outside and sit on a table near the HT. I put a station on my iPhone that I like. The speaker is very loud so no issues with jet noise.

I have read a ton of reviews by verified purchasers about the Dr. Wellness (go to Home Depot or Lowes for example) which is also sold as Home and garden manufactured in Tennessee by LHI and it consistently good good reviews. I also was drawn to this brand because a friend of mine has this brand though a larger 5 seater for 7 years with no issues. He loves his. Paying more money doesn't always mean you get higher quality. If you look at the part list for these "premium" brands" like I have done they seem to have nearly identical part list as Dr. Wellness. I don't understand why anyone would pay that huge overhead from a dealer, but that's just me. The last 3 seater Hot Tub I bought was also made in Tennessee by a company called Sun Spas or Sun Enterprise if memory serves. It lasted me close to 11 years with only minor issues and I bought it directly from the manufacturer off their Ebay page for only $3000 delivered. It had a 4.5 HP pump, waterfall, around 32 jets, LED lighting in multiple colors and a balboa digital control with an ozonator installed. I think 11 years isn't bad and the internal parts still worked fine but the wood shell started to deteriorate. and I let it sit idle for last 2 years. I also disagree strongly with the poster above who thinks a 1.5 or 2HP pump is sufficient. High power pumps can easily be adjusted to a lower setting if you think it's too strong but a low power pump can't shoot out stronger currents if you want that deep massage and I prefer the highest setting most of the time. My old hot tub had a ton of different jet settings you could choose and I am sure new ones do as well. It makes no sense to me why anyone would spend all that money and then get a Hot Tub so under powered which isn't much more powerful than my bathtub which has "jets". Sorry I want the deep massage feeling and that means a 6HP pump. One other posted that said an ozonator isn't needed in a salt water system that seems to be false. Salt Water with Ozonator I have seen several being sold that are salt water systems with ozonators installed. A manufacturer I called even said they work very well together.

I still have the contact for two of the repair guys and luckily they are still in business. They work on pools and hot tubs and were very competent with my old heater and panel replacements. I left them a message because I need my last hot tub hauled away and I also want then to assist with installing the new one. Old one is on a small deck but it is old and falling apart so I want to remove the old hot tub and tear down that deck then either lay down a small concrete patio or gravel/sand/pavers or maybe look at those EZ Hot Tub pads. I wonder if I post an ad for "Free Hot Hub in need of repair" if I can get someone to take it off my hands.

I bought my last hot tub and online so this is my second one. It came with a 5 year warranty and it did have a few issues that needed repair. I simply contacted the manufacturer and they sent out local hot tub repair guys who came very quickly and repaired the issue. So I am not at all worried about that aspect. I rather save close to $2000 and buy online than pay the dealer commission.

Hi, Glad to find this forum. I am planning to buy a 3 person hot tub and I have some questions. My first question would be some recommended models. So far in my research I have found one I like called Dr Wellness X-2which seems to go for $3199 without any upgrades or delivery. Dr. Wellness seems to just be another LHI brand like Home and Garden brand. I am looking for powerful jets so I want at least a 4HP or higher pump. I also saw the Catalina Luxury Kennedy but I can't see a price for it and I am guessing it is very expensive. Finally I found this one sold at Lowes and Home Depot Home and Garden I want to keep my budget around $4,000 including shipping and upgrades but could go as high as 5K if needed for a good brand. My second question regards recommended sites to buy my new hot tub. Some are definitely better than others. I want to buy from a reputable manufacturer that will offer and honor a generous warranty. Was considering a big box like Home Depot because they offer free delivery and a cover but wondering how I would move a 600 lb hot tub from my long driveway to my backyard. Anyone ever try offering the delivery guy some money on the side to place it in your yard? I was thinking of going salt water but would love to hear your thoughts about that. I have heard the new salt water systems they have now don't suffer from the corrosion and other issues from around 10 years ago. Anyone with a salt water HT I would love to hear what you think. Finally, under upgrade options there are several. Which are useful to have and which are just a waste of money. I'm leaning toward just the ozonator and Salt Sytem but everything else can be bought cheaper online. Here are all the upgrades. 1-Year Extended Warranty ($99.00) Nature2 Spa Water Purifier ($24.99) Spa Startup Chemical Kit ($84.99) ProZone Salt System ($399.00) Factory Installed Ozonator ($69.00) 3-Pack Extra Filters ($75.00) CopPure Filter Upgrade ($105.00) Rechargeable Floating Drink Station ($49.00) Cover Concierge w/ bottom mount ($169.00) Spa Side Handrail ($129.00) Spa Booster Seat ($19.95) Shipping Safegaurd ($49.00) Bluetooth Waterproof Audio ($299 Perimeter LED Lighting Package ($299)