Wet Tested, Still Can't Tell

[liftapint]

I'm a newbie, first post.

I think I've narrowed my search to two brands, Marquis and Hot Springs.

I've wet tested both (HS: Vanguard, Envoy; Marquis: Epic).

And I still can't make up my freakin' mind. Did anyone else feel more confused AFTER wet testing than before?

I'm pretty sure I can't go "wrong", and will enjoy whichever tub I go with. But I simply can't decide.

As for color, if I go with the Marquis, I need to make a choice. I am drawn to the blue granite color. But the salesman guy said that the lighter colors are much easier to keep clean, and look so much prettier with the lights on. Opinions?

HELP! Wet test didn't make it clear. Do I just go with the less expensive tub, since I can't decide???

[spatech (the unreal one)]

I'm a newbie, first post.

I think I've narrowed my search to two brands, Marquis and Hot Springs.

I've wet tested both (HS: Vanguard, Envoy; Marquis: Epic).

And I still can't make up my freakin' mind. Did anyone else feel more confused AFTER wet testing than before?

I'm pretty sure I can't go "wrong", and will enjoy whichever tub I go with. But I simply can't decide.

As for color, if I go with the Marquis, I need to make a choice. I am drawn to the blue granite color. But the salesman guy said that the lighter colors are much easier to keep clean, and look so much prettier with the lights on. Opinions?

HELP! Wet test didn't make it clear. Do I just go with the less expensive tub, since I can't decide???

1) The lighter colors definitely show the light better at night but I personally wouldn't worry too much about which is easier to clean.

2) You are correct that both are good spas and you can't go wrong either way. If you need a tiebreaker I would say that you want the dealer that you are most comfortable with being there to service you after the sale (years selling spas, with that brand, experience in servicing spas, etc.). Hopefully you'll say that's a tie as well because both are top notch.

3) As far as cost goes, it’s your money to spend but if its only a few hundred bucks I wouldn't let that sway me too much. If it’s a considerable difference you really need to be the one to decide if you just pocket the difference. For ME, $200 I wouldn't let it sway me, $400 still not a big enough deal for me, $600 maybe, $800 now you've got me interested, $1000 I'd say get the lower priced one that you like and go on vacation.

You'll get owners/dealers of each brand that will honestly tell you that they love their brand and you can't go wrong with it but all you'll gain from such a poll in the case of these two brands IMO is to learn that both are well thought of but I think you already know that. Take a few days to mull it over, visit each dealer again and let your inner voice guide you (not to be confused with the force).

[enshinGuy]

I'm a newbie, first post.

I think I've narrowed my search to two brands, Marquis and Hot Springs.

I've wet tested both (HS: Vanguard, Envoy; Marquis: Epic).

And I still can't make up my freakin' mind. Did anyone else feel more confused AFTER wet testing than before?

I'm pretty sure I can't go "wrong", and will enjoy whichever tub I go with. But I simply can't decide.

As for color, if I go with the Marquis, I need to make a choice. I am drawn to the blue granite color. But the salesman guy said that the lighter colors are much easier to keep clean, and look so much prettier with the lights on. Opinions?

HELP! Wet test didn't make it clear. Do I just go with the less expensive tub, since I can't decide???

I wet tested both, and decided on the Epic. The Hot Springs blew me out of the seat, and I wasn't even in a lounger! I also really appreciated the hamstring jets and therapy pillar on the Epic, though the Hot Springs fancy jet was nice. Did you wet test them both in the same day? If not, I'd recommend that.

[liftapint]

One thing I really did like about the Epic was the foot jets, particularly from the lounger. I'm not sold, necessarily, on a lounger, but the foot jets from that seat are great. I never did find a good spot for foot jets in either of the HS models. But maybe I should go back for a second HS wet test, now that I've been in both. Also, regarding the Epic lounger, I'm just barely tall enough to brace myself with my feet...so I won't float. I floated all over the place in the HS Envoy lounger.

As for dealers...LOVE the HS dealer. But the Marquis dealer is nice too. Just not quite as nice. Both have been around forever.

The Epic felt roomier, didn't have any worthless jets (I thought that the calf-jets in the Vanguard are pretty worthless).

You're right...price really doesn't matter THAT much. Just want a tub that I'll LOVE LOVE LOVE.

I'm on my own, making this decision, as my significant other wants nothing to do with the tub (that's what she says now...).

Just wondered whether the wet test did it for everyone, or if others still felt unsure after their test soaks.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

One thing I really did like about the Epic was the foot jets, particularly from the lounger. I'm not sold, necessarily, on a lounger, but the foot jets from that seat are great. I never did find a good spot for foot jets in either of the HS models. But maybe I should go back for a second HS wet test, now that I've been in both. Also, regarding the Epic lounger, I'm just barely tall enough to brace myself with my feet...so I won't float. I floated all over the place in the HS Envoy lounger.

As for dealers...LOVE the HS dealer. But the Marquis dealer is nice too. Just not quite as nice. Both have been around forever.

The Epic felt roomier, didn't have any worthless jets (I thought that the calf-jets in the Vanguard are pretty worthless).

You're right...price really doesn't matter THAT much. Just want a tub that I'll LOVE LOVE LOVE.

I'm on my own, making this decision, as my significant other wants nothing to do with the tub (that's what she says now...).

Just wondered whether the wet test did it for everyone, or if others still felt unsure after their test soaks.

It definitely sounds to me like you should wet test again with one difference. This time let the dealers know what doesn't work. I've helped people out testing before and I always push them to ask about anything they are unsure of or not liking and many times they say "XXX isn't right for me" to which I replay "that because you need to turn on the air, change the diverter, ..." but then again maybe it is what it is. Let them either confirm your underwhelming thought or resolve it by showing you how it works. If the wet test indicates a lounge isn't working for you I might listen to that and look to a non-lounger. Wet testing is always important and one of the things it really answers is how the lounge works for you so let the dealer know your concern and don't ignore it if the next test shows the same result. If you don't go with a lounge spa try the Caspian, Vanguard or Grandee with Hot Spring or the Destiny, Euphoria with Marquis.

[Chas]

Here, let me help you with this decision.

Heads - you buy the HotSpring Envoy. Tails, you buy the HotSpring Vangaurd.

And the toss.....

Heads.

Buy the Envoy.

Now, that was fair, wasn't it?

Glad I could help.

[Dr. Spa]

Go 2 out of 3

[Chas]

All kidding aside, you are looking at some great tubs by leading makers.

The first thing you would normally get as answer to your question is to wet test, but you have already done that.

So perhaps the best advice is above- do the wet test again, taking time to find any little thing that you don't think you would want to live with. Take time to see if it can be adjusted, swapped or ordered differently, and go from there.

I know it's tough...

[ivieisme]

I was absolutely more confused after wet testing. Honestly, it was the most difficult purchase I ever made. My husband also wanted nothing to do with it, but I was going crazy, and begged him to come with me. I narrowed it down to the Sundance Optima, Caldera Niagra and a Vita. I tested the Caldera 3-4 times and kept coming back to it, but the Sundance was good too, and prettier. When I finally talked (bribed) my husband into coming, he said he couldn't wait to get out of the Sundance and the Vita did nothing for him. He liked the Caldera. Since therapy-wise I was leaning that way anyway, the decision was made.

I figure, we should have the spa for 10+ years, even if he rarely uses it, he'll use one he likes more than one he doesn't. We've had it for 2 months, he's only gone in 2-3 times, but that is 2 more times than if I got the one he didn't like.

I made lists of pros and cons....really, I was nutty! Looking at your post though, you seem to be leaning toward the Epic. Perhaps you should try one more brand? I would absolutely hop in both again though. Every time I tried another, that one would be "in the lead", then I would go back to the Caldera to make sure I should eliminate it, and realize I couldn't. It was still the best.

Also, I started out dead-set on a lounge, and ended up without one. (Well, mine has a "mini lounge") Did you try any without a lounge?

I am thrilled with my purchase now, and glad I drove my poor salespeople crazy enough to keep testing. They all got thank-yous and letters to their bosses for being so helpful and patient with me, whether I bought or not.

This purchase had me confused enough to do my first message board post on this and another Forum, and I keep coming back to help people that are as confused as I was. In all my years of being on line, I had never posted before, so I know what you are going through.

PS-get your "significant other's" opinion, any way you can (I used bribery)

[liftapint]

here are the prices I've been given:

Marquis:

2008 Epic, signature - $10200

2008 Destiny, signature - $9200

Hot Springs:

2008 Vanguard - $9700

2007 Grandee - $10600

2008 Grandee - $11400

2008 Envoy - $10400

2008 Vista - $11400

plus $400 for crane delivery if I choose Grandee or Vista

Those two should probably be excluded from being in the running, since that puts them $1600 more than the Epic.

I think ya'll are right...more wet testing is necessary.

[ivieisme]

$1600 over a spa's lifetime is not that much if it is the most comfortable. Go with what feels best.

[liftapint]

Thanks for the post, ivieisme. Glad to know I'm not alone in my spa-hunting-induced insanity!!

Also good to know that you wet tested 3 and 4 times! I've been in the Epic twice, and was hesitating bothering the HS folks again...but I'll do it.

I'll check out the Caldera tubs, as they are closest of all to my house, and from what I have read, it sounds like they have strong jets (a must).

[Markee]

Can't go wrong with either brand, but having personally wet tested the HotSpring Envoy/Vanguard and the Marquis Epic/Destiny, I would say the HK40 jets in the Epic/Destiny definitely set the Marquis therapy system apart from the HotSpring. It might be a good idea to test both brands again, one after another in the same day so your memory is fresh!

[spatech (the unreal one)]

Thanks for the post, ivieisme. Glad to know I'm not alone in my spa-hunting-induced insanity!!

Also good to know that you wet tested 3 and 4 times! I've been in the Epic twice, and was hesitating bothering the HS folks again...but I'll do it.

I'll check out the Caldera tubs, as they are closest of all to my house, and from what I have read, it sounds like they have strong jets (a must).

You're getting lots of good advice but do wet test again. Chas sells Hot Spring and Markee sells Marquis so they can always help you with any questions while you're logged in here but make sure you ask a LOT of questions of the dealers when you are wet testing in their showrooms.

[Silverfish]

The wet test is gonna cost you $5K. You better make sure you get your money's worth.

[liftapint]

And the winner is....

Hot Springs Vanguard.

Delivered on 2/9. Yippie!

[ivieisme]

Congrats! Enjoy it.....post pictures when it is up and running.

[IL Parrothead]

What made you decide on Vanguard? I wet tested HS and Marquis, but the only HS tubs filled had loungers. Didn't care for them. The dealer has never had a Vanguard or Grandee filled when I've been there. What did it for you?

[liftapint]

What made you decide on Vanguard? I wet tested HS and Marquis, but the only HS tubs filled had loungers. Didn't care for them. The dealer has never had a Vanguard or Grandee filled when I've been there. What did it for you?

To be completely honest, despite how awesome the jets are in the Marquis...I thought it looked and felt a little cheezy. I hated the wavy design used for the fill-line, the textured area above the therapy pillar, and the area where the waterfall is located (water intake?) looked cheezy as well. I just didn't like the look of it.

I thought the HS felt like it was built like a tank, and didn't have anything about it that I didn't like...visually. The jets are very good. I didn't like the lounger either, so I decided against the Envoy and Vista. I really liked one seat in the Vanguard that had the rotating jets on my back (not the moto), and really strong jets on my feet. That was my favorite spot in the tub. I like that the cool down seat can act as an easy place to enter the tub. I like the open feel to it. But mainly, I trusted the quality of construction, and loved the dealer.

Also with the Marquis Epic, there was the lounger seat, 1 deep soaker seat, and 2 cool-down seats. Didn't seem nearly as versitile as the Vanguard.

I was tempted to go with the Grandee, but 99% of the time, it will just be me in the tub. So the Vanguard saved me nearly $2k, and will be sufficient for my needs.

All and all, I just thought it felt like it was the highest quailty tub. And looked nice too.

[IL Parrothead]

It is a pretty looking spa. HS is #2 on my wife's list....3 on mine. You never know...

[Markee]

When I think of cheezy I think of this:

When I think of a good looking spa I think of this:

I just don't know how it could be described as cheezy.

[thestallion]

The wet test is gonna cost you $5K. You better make sure you get your money's worth.

A complete and blatant lie that has zero credibility.

[liftapint]

I just don't know how it could be described as cheezy.

Oh, yes, definitely. There is a cheese-continuum scale! And Marquis is not at all cheezy compared to MOST tubs. In fact, I had an impossible time choosing bewteen the HS and marquis. marquis jets are hard to beat. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Marquis...I just decided that the two tubs were very equal in my mind, and I liked the look of the HS more because of the lack of the wavy stuff at the water line (and liked the dealer better).

Totally a personal preference thing...and who really gives a *** what the tub LOOKS like...it's all about how it feels and dependability. But I thought HS and Marquis were tied on most things that mattered...so I let something insignificant (my opinion of tub appearence) be the deciding factor.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

I just don't know how it could be described as cheezy.

Oh, yes, definitely. There is a cheese-continuum scale! And Marquis is not at all cheezy compared to MOST tubs. In fact, I had an impossible time choosing bewteen the HS and marquis. marquis jets are hard to beat. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Marquis...I just decided that the two tubs were very equal in my mind, and I liked the look of the HS more because of the lack of the wavy stuff at the water line (and liked the dealer better).

Totally a personal preference thing...and who really gives a *** what the tub LOOKS like...it's all about how it feels and dependability. But I thought HS and Marquis were tied on most things that mattered...so I let something insignificant (my opinion of tub appearence) be the deciding factor.

Everyone has their own opinions and we're all entitled to them but I don't blame someone who sells a premium product for gritting their teeth a bit when their product is termed "cheezy" but your follow up post covered it better. You would have done well with either brand.

Congrats on your spa. Stick around and let us know how it all goes and there will be plenty of people here to answer any of the questions you may have after you get it going and say "now what". Hopefully your dealer has some sort of orientation program to bring you up to speed as well.

[IL Parrothead]

On the cheezy factor, I gotta' tell you. When I tested HS, Marquis, Sundance, Caldera, Jacuzzi....those top tier tubs -- none of them looked cheezy. When I did look at some of the lower level, less expensive spas, there was definitely a cheese factor. In fact, my wife (who normally is much more frugal) started looking with me, she quickly ruled out any of the "cheaper" tubs. Which was fine by me!