Looking for a new tub

[Enf0rc3r570]

Hello everyone. I'll start out by explaining what I have. I have a 7 year old Strong Spa. It had 3-4.5bhp 56 frame Balboa pumps, a 1hp blower, 4.4kw heater, Balboa controls, and about 70 jets. The performance was ok, and I was happy with the spa. A few weeks ago, the shell cracked right in the lounge seat. I was able to repair the crack with a reinforced fiberglass patch and marine epoxy. Being freezing in Northeast PA, subsequently pipes burst and I was unable to repair that due to the extensive plumbing damage and the spray foam insulation. When I was digging around in the cabinet, I see the half assed foam supports etc. I decided to start a search for a new one.

What I want is something that's going to be constructed better. I see a lot of misinformation about tubs. I want one that's made so there's no supports under the seats, and powerful jets. The amount of jets I know is not as important as the plumbing. I'd like a minimum of 6 seats with no lounger, and my budget is preferably in the $7k area.

[castletonia]

At $7k you will be somewhat limited.  My list of premium manufacturers in alphabetical order is Arctic, Artesian, Bullfrog, Caldera, D1, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Marquis, and Sundance.  $7k will land you in the entry level category of all these manufacturers.  I am a dealer for Hot Spring, Caldera, and Marquis, so I can be of assistance with those brands.

My advice would be to see who you have locally and start there.  Ignore the specs in regards to pump size because it is irrelevant.  If it was, your Strong Spa would have blown you out of the hot tub 😁.

Hot Spring will have the Rhythm and Caldera the Vanto, basically same hot tub.  Marquis the Vegas.  You should be able to get into the Rhythm and Vanto for at or under $7k.  The Vegas likely a little more.

[Enf0rc3r570]

Thanks for the reply. Like I said, I'm not so concerned about the amount of jets, I'd prefer a heavier massage out of 40 jets as opposed to 70 jets. How are these spas constructed? My last one cracked because the seats dont go down to the base, there was a piece of dense styrofoam supporting the seats and from repetitive stepping in it cracked. Do they have strong jets? Also where are you located?

[castletonia]

I have never seen under a seat on any of the brands I sell because they are fully insulated.  Without contacting Watkins and Marquis, my assumption is that are supports under the seats, but not styrofoam, it would either be wood or a polymer support.  In 18 years, I have never seen a shell crack.  My general opinion is that most company's make a decent shell at a minimum and it shouldn't be something you have to worry about.

Jet strength is subjective.  I don't like the power to be so strong that I cannot sit in a seat; its not therapeutic to me, but YMMV.  Based on that, I would consider the jet strength to be good.  If you were looking to spend in the $10k+ price range, I would say check out the Limelight Pulse, Caldera Salina and Marquis Euphoria.  All have strong jet power by my standards.  

My best advice would be if you have any of these locally, try them dry to see if they fit.  If they could be for you, then schedule a wet test, its the only way to be sure the hot tub is right for you.

I'm in Wisconsin.  

[WinnipegJets204]

Look into Coast and Master Spas. They're built like tanks. Many layers of fiberglass, all wooden supports. Clamped joints on all hose ends. Those two are my top two. They spare no expenses in construction. 

[Enf0rc3r570]

I do appreciate the advice. I'm in Pennsylvania, northeast area. I've been looking at a Master twilight series. Its around the $8500 area. A little more than I wanted to spend, but my budget is flexible. It depends where you look if master is loved or dispised.