h20proof

So which did it end up being? #1, 2, 3, 4, or 5? I'm getting a Bullfrog with EOS as well and still trying to decide to get a circulation/filtration pump or not, and how often to run it.

Great point castletonia, I'll try that. I've been going back and forth on the idea of a circulation pump. I like the idea that it's quieter, cheaper to replace and keeps water moving 24/7 but after doing more research some are saying that if you have an ozonator you may not want the circulation pump to run 24/7 because after it destroys all the bad stuff it will then go after the free chlorine. I was reading that a jet pump running for 2 hours twice a day (plus the times when it's heating) is more than enough if you have an ozonator. I'm going to upgrade to the EOS enhanced ozonator that is supposedly 2x more powerful and eliminates any residual o3 gas. Your thoughts on the circ pump?

Bullfrog dealer has hundreds of reviews averaging 4.9. After speaking with them, they have been in business a long time and are very knowledgeable. I have a good feeling about them and the A8. If for some reason it doesn't work out, my second choice is the Sundance Chelsee. No knock on Sundance at all, I'm just a fan of the ABS frame (no wood), the minimal plumbing/shell holes, and the Jetpacks with Bullfrog. We probably won't ever move the jetpacks, but just being able to choose our own configuration/ jets is a game changer. Water test this weekend. I'll report back. Let me know if there's anything I'm not considering and I'll ask while I'm there. Thanks everyone!

Thanks, I kind of had a bad feeling about the Cal Spa. Too much packed into a low price and the seats didn't feel comfy. The Bullfrog just makes good sense. Less tubing, less holes cut for jets, more interior space due to the filter being under the seat. They use Gecko, which although it's not Balboa at least it's a common manufacturer. You can get without or with ($300) a circulation pump. Good 10/7/5 warranty too. The Sundance would save me some money ($13k vs $17k), but I really like the idea of being able to pick my own jet configuration with the Bullfrog. Hmmmm....🤔🤔🤔

Just went and sat in a Cal-Spa Cancun. Pretty nice. Hard to believe 3 six HP pumps though??? When most are using 2 to 4 HP. Good price, about $13,500 for 7 person. But we really liked Bullfrog. Huge 500 gal, 8 person, but loved the jet pack function and the simplicity of the engineering. Anyone have any feedback on them? A little pricey at $17k but super nice.

North Idaho. Thank you. I'm leaning towards the Sundance. I like that they have a circulation pump. I did get a little bit of a feeling that artic was like a car dealership with all the sales tactics.

Very helpful, thank you! When you say "local" is 50 miles too far away? I'm pretty remote. There are a couple local dealers within 10 miles but they don't finance and seem to be very small and inexperienced because they sell other stuff too, not just hot tubs. I really like the features and specs on Artic. Any feedback? They felt quality to me. But price was really high for a 7 person (about $20k)...until they just dropped it $5k without blinking an eye. Makes me wonder if it's overpriced and I should've asked for $7k off. I like when the price is just the price. 😉 I live in snow country, so i'm wondering if the fiberglass forever floor is better than standard wood floor and if there's really any additional insulation in Artic than others. ?? Any idea?

I've been doing a lot of research online and at the dealerships as we get closer to buying our first new hot tub. Without actually sitting in a running hot tub and without a trustworthy source of information, there's only so much I can do. I've found that a lot of the reviews and articles online seem like they're paid endorsements and the information varies greatly from site to site. I thought this forum of actual hot tub owners could be my best tool so here we go: 1) Is there a Consumer Report type of buyer's guide for hot tubs that provides information on reliability and whatnot? Or how else would someone be able to determine what is advertising hype/salesman pitch and what is actual quality? 2) Most dealers do not post pricing online and even when you go into the showroom some might tell you an MSRP but then I get the feeling there are negotiations to be had kind of like at a new car dealership. Some of the pricing I received varies a lot from dealer to dealer and then when I compare that to some pricing that I can on find online like Costco and Home Depot those prices are way lower. We're talking about a swing from $7,000 all the way up to $17,000 for similar hot tubs (as far as specs) 3 pump, 7 to 8 ft, 6 to 7 person, 40 to 70 jets. I realize that the Big Box store hot tub is likely not going to have as many premium features and will likely have lower reliability but when you can buy two hot tubs for the price of one it makes you wonder how high the dealers are marking up their product. And more importantly if I do want to go for the 17,000 hot tub how much wiggle room can I expect? 3) What would you consider a "good" deal for a low end 7 person hot tub? How about a mid tier? And then a premium? What did you pay? I just want to have a little "real life" feedback from owners as I begin negotiations. Thank you in advance for any tips! Cheers, Jay