Anyone have an outdoor hot tub/spa?

[Muziqal]

So, we are about to drop $10k on an artesian spa (link shows specific model):

Antigua - Artesian Spas

Tough decision to make considering the amount of $ these things cost. I was debating about whether to travel the world - but just not condusive with our lifestyle right now. 2 doggies that keep us busy and promotions for both of us beginning in a month.

So, my questions:

1. anyone have one of these models from Artesian? which one? how well does it perform? any issues? etc. etc. Or any other hot tub for that matter?

2. they are built and manufactured in Las Vegas. We all know Vegas winters aren't comparable with our winters up here in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Would you trust a hot tub manufacturer based in Las Vegas to build you a spa that would stand the test of Canadian winters? Secondly, anyone have one of these and how well do they operate during the winter?

All stories, opinions, etc. welcomed and appreciated as this has been quite daunting! These sales pitches are worse/ more contradictory than anything I've ever purchased - be it cars, houses, etc, etc.

Thanks!

 

[F4disneyfan]

We have an Arctic spa they are built in Calgary I believe well Alberta anyhow LOL. It was by far teh best spa for teh price we found it has a moulded fiberglass bottom encasement so you don't have to worry about water being trapped under the spa and rotting the wood and no rodents can get in that way either. It was a little more expensive than some of the others but by for for the quality and options the best we could do for what we wanted.

www.arcticspas.com

http://www.arcticspas.com/index.php...kZWZhdWx0IjtzOjc6Im1ldGFfaWQiO3M6MToiMSI7fQ==

 

[Muziqal]

We have an Arctic spa they are built in Calgary I believe well Alberta anyhow LOL. It was by far teh best spa for teh price we found it has a moulded fiberglass bottom encasement so you don't have to worry about water being trapped under the spa and rotting the wood and no rodents can get in that way either. It was a little more expensive than some of the others but by for for the quality and options the best we could do for what we wanted. QUOTE]

Thanks! I went to the Arctic dealer here in Calgary. I liked their design, but the sales pitches between the store and the one right next to it were completely combative. Both were trying to discredit the other and we just got a bad vibe from them based on that type of presentation. I like the fiberglass bottom part for rodents and stuff. Not a lot of bells and whistles to the Arctic spas though. I ran the gamut of shops in the last two weeks. I feel pretty overwhelmed. I think I'm going to do the wet test at Arctic here before any final decisions are made. Thanks for the advice.

 

[F4disneyfan]

We have an Arctic spa they are built in Calgary I believe well Alberta anyhow LOL. It was by far teh best spa for teh price we found it has a moulded fiberglass bottom encasement so you don't have to worry about water being trapped under the spa and rotting the wood and no rodents can get in that way either. It was a little more expensive than some of the others but by for for the quality and options the best we could do for what we wanted. QUOTE]

Thanks! I went to the Arctic dealer here in Calgary. I liked their design, but the sales pitches between the store and the one right next to it were completely combative. Both were trying to discredit the other and we just got a bad vibe from them based on that type of presentation. I like the fiberglass bottom part for rodents and stuff. Not a lot of bells and whistles to the Arctic spas though. I ran the gamut of shops in the last two weeks. I feel pretty overwhelmed. I think I'm going to do the wet test at Arctic here before any final decisions are made. Thanks for the advice.

No problem we have ours pretty much loaded with the stereo and led lights and waterfalls etc we love it

 

[calena]

We don't have an Artesian Spa. We have a Coast and while we love it, it is a big energy HOG. So there is the initial investment and then the money each month for electricity! Now we use it fall-spring and turn it off in Summer when it is too hot anyway. We have the lights and waterfall too but no stereo. DH rigged up our indoor one for outside with speakers which works well. The winter is tough any way you slice it but sitting in the hot tub with the snow falling is priceless!!!

 

[OnMedic]

We are Hot Tub enthusiasts, and unfortunately we just sold our house and our Beach Comber went with it! I guess we will be in the marktet for a new one in the next year or so again!

When we purchased, we like the Sundance, Beachcomber and Jacuzzi best. They all had a barrier free seat design that allowed you to fairly easily slide from seat to seat. The Artic and a few others did not.

Second, we did not totally buy into the concept of the Thermalane (Arctic Spas), and felt more comfortable with the tried and true full foam insullation. Also, Artci has a rough reputation for sales tactics and agressiveness. (Who cares how many people can stand on the cover... Does that change the R factor?)

Finally, we liked Beachcombers approach to Hot Tubbing, keeping it simple through proper design.

We ended up with the Beachcomber 740LE. We have since discovered that we do not use the recliner much at all, and would opt. for a model without it next time.

Today, if we were to buy again we would most likely stick to the following brands. They offer a premium product with rock solid support and service in our area. PLEASE keep that in mind... you can get the best spa in the world, but if the service is lacking should a problem arise... you are sunk. Look into your local dealers and ask for references.

#1 - Jacuzzi/Sundance (Same Mfg.)
#2 - Hot Springs/Caldera (Same Mfg)
#3 - Beachcomber

Stick to the above MFG, coupled with a strong dealer and you can't go wrong.

 

[Muziqal]

Cool - thanks for all of the replies.

Honestly, what am I going to see my electricity bill increase by? The standard sales pitch ranges from $15 - $25/month in the dead of winter.

True or false?

Thanks again

 

[OnMedic]

If you want to see a copy of a electrical bill, drop me an email and I will send it to you. it is actually a summary and you can definitely see the month the A/C whent in and the Month the Hot Tub went in....

I would say the summer is little, but the winers is more... averagaing out to maybe $25-30/Month over the year.

 

[connorsmom911]

We're also in the market...trying to plan our deck and I'm finding it hard to plan without knowing what spa we want first but don't know if we'll be able to afford it all at once. Any suggestions? We thought about building the deck in pieces and then adding the part with the hot tub in a few years. We're not a big family but would probably aim for a 5 or 6 seater with lots of jets. I don't really need all the bells and whistles but it doesn't take much to twist my arm.

What would I be looking at if I was going to ballpark a budget? $4000? $6000? $10000? Eeek!

OnMedic, noticed you are in Kitchener, so are we...any suggestions on dealers you would/wouldn't recommend?

 

[F4disneyfan]

We're also in the market...trying to plan our deck and I'm finding it hard to plan without knowing what spa we want first but don't know if we'll be able to afford it all at once. Any suggestions? We thought about building the deck in pieces and then adding the part with the hot tub in a few years. We're not a big family but would probably aim for a 5 or 6 seater with lots of jets. I don't really need all the bells and whistles but it doesn't take much to twist my arm.

What would I be looking at if I was going to ballpark a budget? $4000? $6000? $10000? Eeek!

OnMedic, noticed you are in Kitchener, so are we...any suggestions on dealers you would/wouldn't recommend?

We got our Arctic in KW there are no Arctic dealers in the London area we paid a tad over 12K for ours and love love love it no way would we buy anything else after ownign this one my mom has a Beachcomer and it IMHO doesn't even compare.

 

[OnMedic]

Here is a link to ours....

Beachcomber 740LE (see the picturs on the second page)

In the Kitchener area there is:

Pioneer Pools - Victoria Street - Hot Springs Dealer (They have a bigger showroom in the Burlington Store)

Pollock Pools - Watson Rd in Guelph - They are the local Beachcomber and Sundance Dealer

Ashton Pools - Gateway (Sportsworld) - Jacuzzi

In the 4K Range you will be looking at about a 78" Round.
In the K Range you will be looking at a more basic 4-6 Person tub
and in the 10K Range, you should be able to get a decently loaded 6-7 person tub.

Everyone will have their preferences and opinions on tubs, and usually boast that what they own is the best. It is just the way it is with Hot Tubs.

Artic Spas are a brand that either people choose to love and buy into... or are not huge fans. It will be up to you to decide and decipher through the spas pitches as you shop. As mentioned earlier, I did not buy into the Thermopane <Thermalpane sp?> concept. I also did not like the top ledge arodun the tub and preferred a top edge that wrapped over the spa leaving nowhere for the water to sit... and could only run down the side of the tub on the VERTICAL fiberglass (Everwood) siding. And again, as mentioned I preferred a more barrier free mold, without high sides to the seats so moving/sliding from seat to seat is more convenient.

Be sure to wet test so you know what feels the best to you. A hot tub is a very personal preference, and you will soon be boasting what you bought is the best... and it may just be for yourself!

 

[F4disneyfan]

Here is a link to ours....

Beachcomber 740LE (see the picturs on the second page)

In the Kitchener area there is:

Pioneer Pools - Victoria Street - Hot Springs Dealer (They have a bigger showroom in the Burlington Store)

Pollock Pools - Watson Rd in Guelph - They are the local Beachcomber and Sundance Dealer

Ashton Pools - Gateway (Sportsworld) - Jacuzzi

In the 4K Range you will be looking at about a 78" Round.
In the K Range you will be looking at a more basic 4-6 Person tub
and in the 10K Range, you should be able to get a decently loaded 6-7 person tub.

Everyone will have their preferences and opinions on tubs, and usually boast that what they own is the best. It is just the way it is with Hot Tubs.

Artic Spas are a brand that either people choose to love and buy into... or are not huge fans. It will be up to you to decide and decipher through the spas pitches as you shop. As mentioned earlier, I did not buy into the Thermopane <Thermalpane sp?> concept. I also did not like the top ledge arodun the tub and preferred a top edge that wrapped over the spa leaving nowhere for the water to sit... and could only run down the side of the tub on the VERTICAL fiberglass (Everwood) siding. And again, as mentioned I preferred a more barrier free mold, without high sides to the seats so moving/sliding from seat to seat is more convenient.

Be sure to wet test so you know what feels the best to you. A hot tub is a very personal preference, and you will soon be boasting what you bought is the best... and it may just be for yourself!

I agree with the wet testing it makes a huge difference you get a true feeling as to the spa comfort and seating design I didn't like the seating in my mothers Beachcomer it fet to angled back and felt like it cut into the back of my legs. My inlaws have a different tub alltogether and I really like theirs it is comfortable and has a great pump system but is a little to small for my taste with 3 kids that use it like it is a swimmingpool we needed the extra room for them to play in while we sat in it.

 

[OnMedic]

Here is a good resource:

http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/

Also, be careful of the poolandspa.com website. It lists a buyers guide and links to many manufacturers websites. It also rates them, which is a hoax. There are manufacturers listed as 5 Star that are CR@P... paid advertising to be in the top catagory... so take the ratings with a grain of salt.

Also, there is a warehouse selling hottubs wholesale on Strasburg rd. If you do ever venture that way, simply ask who is doing the service and that should answer all your questions (Gulf Coast Spas and Dynasty Spas I think...)...

I hope this helps.

 

[momto1disneyfan]

We bought ours from artic Spa in Kitchener about three years ago. We paid approximately $12,000 for ours and we just love it. Our Hydro bill is up about $50. We pay hydro every two months. My in-laws went in our hot tub after we bought ours and a few months later they bought the exact same one we have. They bought there's from artic spa in Orangeville and had it delivered to Point Clarke (Near Kincardine). If you have any questions, just let me know I will be glad to answer them.

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

Interesting thread! We are in the market for one also - well we've started to look b/c right now there is just dirt and a house - can't get one till there is grass (and we have the $$!! )

We've been looking at the Beachcombers in Guelph but also checked out the sportsworld drive place and liked the jacuzzi's - only difference is the salesperson for the beachcombers was more helpful!

What would be the best time of the year to buy one and get the best price?? The one we were looking at and liked was about 12000

 

[Best_Vacation_EVER!]

We had a Beachcomber hot tub in our last house and found that it was really comfortable and well made. It was also very economical to run. We used it almost every day.

Friends of ours have a tub by Arctic and we don't care for it --- but it all depends on what your looking for (mostly therapy jets or relaxation/social thing? or a bit of both?)

We're currently looking at the Bullfrog Spas (bullfrogspas(dot)com) right now since I like the idea of the moveable/changeable jet packs.

Definitely do the wet test --- when you're putting down $10,000 or more for a tub you want to make sure it's comfortable.

 

[Muziqal]

I find it almost comical that these sales pitches are almost hostile in nature. Design is something I'm weighing my decision on heavily, and yet none of them agree with eachother's design technique.

Beachcombers have their pumps outside the skirt to prevent overheating, etc.

Arctic have their pumps inside the skirt to contribute to over all heating.

Beachcomber says that because Arctic's hoses aren't supported, your tub is gonna break down and pipes and hoses are going to rattle around equalling leaks and wear and tear.

Arctic says Beachcomber's "pumps outside the skirt" will likely freeze and to use common sense. Pumps outside the machine in the stairs?

Both shops say that because all of the plumbing for Bullfrog's spa is behind the seat on the jetpacks, you're more likely to have problems with seals due to improper insulation behind theose packs.

Full foam insulation vs. spray insulation. Inside pumps vs. outside. Made in Canada vs. made in the desert.

Who do you believe?

And then when you hear of two people on these boards giving great reviews of both an Arctic and a Beachcomber spas, you tend to get a bit more skeptical of these sales pitches. Do these things really break down that much? Are they that different?

One question is, anyone without a synthetic bottom, has anyone really had any problems with rodents having a party in the tub? Is that just another pitch that is designed to make me part with my $?

I tend to agree with the statement that once you have your tub, you will be arguing that it is THE best for what ever reasons you were sold on it. But it sounds like everyone has their verision of THE best hot tub and no one has really reported any horror stories...yet .

I am happy to report that I went with the original Artesian model I posted on first. Did the test of the Arctic and wasn't sold on it. Maybe because their sales pitch is designed in a fashion that battles with the Beachcomber store right across the street. But mainly because I liked the feel of the Artesian tub better and got a great vibe from the dealer. Should be delivered in 4 - 6 weeks.

And yes, we are in the position of planning and building the deck at the same time. We found the spa stores to be instrumental in letting us know what kind of designs we would have to think about when building it for the use of the spa. In terms of servicing, etc., you should definitely talk to your dealer before you plan that deck. I've had to re-design twice now after consulting with the spa dealers and then checking out city by-laws.

I guess that world trip will have to wait until we win the lottery! But at least my back should be up for backpacking if it happens!

Thanks again for the comments!

 

[F4disneyfan]

I find it almost comical that these sales pitches are almost hostile in nature. Design is something I'm weighing my decision on heavily, and yet none of them agree with eachother's design technique.

Beachcombers have their pumps outside the skirt to prevent overheating, etc.

Arctic have their pumps inside the skirt to contribute to over all heating.

Beachcomber says that because Arctic's hoses aren't supported, your tub is gonna break down and pipes and hoses are going to rattle around equalling leaks and wear and tear.

Arctic says Beachcomber's "pumps outside the skirt" will likely freeze and to use common sense. Pumps outside the machine in the stairs?

Both shops say that because all of the plumbing for Bullfrog's spa is behind the seat on the jetpacks, you're more likely to have problems with seals due to improper insulation behind theose packs.

Full foam insulation vs. spray insulation. Inside pumps vs. outside. Made in Canada vs. made in the desert.

Who do you believe?

And then when you hear of two people on these boards giving great reviews of both an Arctic and a Beachcomber spas, you tend to get a bit more skeptical of these sales pitches. Do these things really break down that much? Are they that different?

One question is, anyone without a synthetic bottom, has anyone really had any problems with rodents having a party in the tub? Is that just another pitch that is designed to make me part with my $?

I tend to agree with the statement that once you have your tub, you will be arguing that it is THE best for what ever reasons you were sold on it. But it sounds like everyone has their verision of THE best hot tub and no one has really reported any horror stories...yet .

I am happy to report that I went with the original Artesian model I posted on first. Did the test of the Arctic and wasn't sold on it. Maybe because their sales pitch is designed in a fashion that battles with the Beachcomber store right across the street. But mainly because I liked the feel of the Artesian tub better and got a great vibe from the dealer. Should be delivered in 4 - 6 weeks.

And yes, we are in the position of planning and building the deck at the same time. We found the spa stores to be instrumental in letting us know what kind of designs we would have to think about when building it for the use of the spa. In terms of servicing, etc., you should definitely talk to your dealer before you plan that deck. I've had to re-design twice now after consulting with the spa dealers and then checking out city by-laws.

I guess that world trip will have to wait until we win the lottery! But at least my back should be up for backpacking if it happens!

Thanks again for the comments!

In teh end you need to go with what you feel most comfortable with when we looked around the salespeople all had a different story about the other guys tub I basically told them I didn't care what they thought of the competition and wanted them to tell me about their series of tubs etc. I think they got the point when I walked out of the shop on a couple of dealers around town. Ultimateley we loved the fit and finnish and everything about the Arctic where we didn't find the others fit us as nicely everyone is different and everyone has different desires and feelings when they sit in the tubs. Use us for info but let your but and body mae the decision by testing them all yourself.

 

[OnMedic]

Interesting thread! We are in the market for one also - well we've started to look b/c right now there is just dirt and a house - can't get one till there is grass (and we have the $$!! )

We've been looking at the Beachcombers in Guelph but also checked out the sportsworld drive place and liked the jacuzzi's - only difference is the salesperson for the beachcombers was more helpful!

What would be the best time of the year to buy one and get the best price?? The one we were looking at and liked was about 12000

Generally the reputable names rarely go on sale. You can buy one out of a parking lot once in a while, but buyer beware. Your best best is to start looking now and watch-out for 2006 model sell off's, or instances where you may be able to offer $1K less to take a floor model or stocked 2006 off their hands to make room for the new models.

 

[OnMedic]

Arctic says Beachcomber's "pumps outside the skirt" will likely freeze and to use common sense. Pumps outside the machine in the stairs?

Freezing risk is the same for BOTH... but should the power go off, the Artic will freeze much faster. It is purely preference, and I choose the pump outside to that there would be full foam insulation INCLUDING where the space where the pump would occumpy should it be inside the saide wall/pannel.

Full foam insulation vs. spray insulation. Inside pumps vs. outside. Made in Canada vs. made in the desert.

Who do you believe?

And then when you hear of two people on these boards giving great reviews of both an Arctic and a Beachcomber spas, you tend to get a bit more skeptical of these sales pitches. Do these things really break down that much? Are they that different?!

Yes they are different, and no they do not break down that often. But when they do, regardless of what make you buy, you need a dealer that provides great service!!! Also, avoid a spray insulation (ie. I "think" home depot is like this...").

One question is, anyone without a synthetic bottom, has anyone really had any problems with rodents having a party in the tub? Is that just another pitch that is designed to make me part with my $?!

I think the brands I mentioned above all have the PVC bottom. Our is a few years older and does not. Rodents will only be a problem in around the motor space, regardless if it is inside or outside. The can fit through a space 3/16th I think.... A little trick, wrap your wires with steel wool and tape it on... thay hate it in the little whiskers.

I am happy to report that I went with the original Artesian model I posted on first. Did the test of the Arctic and wasn't sold on it. Maybe because their sales pitch is designed in a fashion that battles with the Beachcomber store right across the street. But mainly because I liked the feel of the Artesian tub better and got a great vibe from the dealer. Should be delivered in 4 - 6 weeks.!

YAHOO.... Congrats!!! When is the party!? If the dealer sticks to his promise of service, you should be tubbin' happily for many years!