Air / Whirlpool tub purchase - Much data no decision!

17 years ago

Hello all,

As a perennial over-researcher, I often find myself spending too much time when making large purchases. So you should know where this is going...

I'm really struggling with the purchase of an air tub. They cost a good chunk of coin. Lots of options. Lots of vendors. Lots of opinions. There's absolutely a ton of information available on the web, but seemingly not exactly the right kind to help me make a decision. Ugh.

Here are some of the questions that I have that would get me (and perhaps others) much closer to a decision point:

- Vendor comparisons - I am amazed at how many vendors compete in this space. I suppose this can create competition, but it allows for much consumer confusion. Has anyone come across a chart that classifies the vendors into 3-4 tiers similar to the way that car brands can generally be sorted? Is it reasonable to think that there are super-premium, premium, luxury, and standard tiers? Has anyone seen (or would venture to throw together) such a classification?

- Value for dollar - I can't tell if the adage "you get what you pay for" fully applies in this market. It seems to me that with so many options, there are opportunities for lower quality goods to be sold with higher price tags. Any comments here? Are pricier brands going to add sufficient value for dollar over cheaper ones?

- Tub warranties - What are they REALLY worth? I see many manufacturers with 7 / 10 / 20 year warranties on the tub basin itself... but is this likely to actually break? And if it does, won't I have to still have to cover the high labor costs to have it replaced? Are warranties on the controls / electronics / motors more useful?

- Online vendor ratings - I've seen a list of vendors to be avioded (Homeclick family of companies, etc.) and a couple of recommended vendors (Ted @ Oldetymehardware.) How about vendors like tubz, qualitybath, dougstubs, otubs, .... Any site / list of comparing these based on price / customer service?

- Local retailer protection - It seems that some vendors (perhaps the better ones) are protecting their local retailers by refusing to drop ship for one retailer to an area covered by another. Is this standard practice for all vendors in this space, or does this only hold true with some? Ideas / methods of using this practice to the consumer's advantage?

- In-stock inventory discounting - A retailer tells me that 25% is the standard discount used by all retailers for (in this case) Bain Ultra tubs. But, they have an in-stock inventory of about 8 different selections which are signficantly cheaper. Should this tell me that I should call around to many dealers locally, regionall, etc. inquiring about in-stock inventory before settling for the standard 25% discount locally?

Wow, that's a lot. But perhaps this can serve as a thread that other potential whirpool / airtub purchasers can use to shorten the buying process.

Many thanks!

Alan

PS - In case others find them useful, here are the few nuggets of useful info that I've found:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bath/msg1213555915204.html

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bath/msg052244499120.html

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=736599

And I'm happy to share my 704 cell spreadsheet of oval airtubs between 66-70 inches with those who are interested!! ;-)

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Comments (13)

bebetokids
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
adeandrea-thanks for your post and the great ?s. I want an air or air/whirlpool and will anxiously await the replies!
jgirl_2007
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'm in the same position and cannot make up my mind either. My plumber recommended MAAX Pearl brand but I have also read many good posts about Bain Ultra. I'm really afraid to buy something this large over the internet and will I even like it? or comfortable?

Hopefully, you'll get some answers to your post and we will all benefit from it.
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oruboris
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Is the 'Pearl' line Maxx's discount/builder grade? they don't seem to have as many jet options.
igloochic
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
adeandrea....Darling husband...please quit trying to disguise yourself. I know you're my DH just trying to go behind my back and research yet another large purchase TO DEATH!!!

Quit it!!! I told you, we already paid for the Amreich tub and its not going back to the factory!

::walking away mumbling:: men men mennnnnn!!!

heh heh
mpwdmom
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Ha! Sometimes it's women who do all the research (guilty as charged). If you knew how long it took me to decide what kind of tub I wanted (cast iron) and which one (Toto 1525). DH was getting quite impatient, but really he's grateful that I study things...that way he doesn't have to. LOL
jgirl_2007
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oruboris - I had seen the Pearl tub at a plumbing showroom so I do not believe it's builder grade. Unfortunately I don't know which one because nothing is marked and when the BD sent me over the prices, they don't include models. (thinking it was the Aiiki model because I told her I wanted a rectanglular shape- I have since changed my mind as I don't think that would be as comfortable as one with an oval shape.) Probably to keep people like me from doing comparative shopping.
Anyway, maybe he recommended the Pearl because the other name I provided (Mirabelle) is one made specifically made for the showroom. I also told him I wanted to stay under $2200 range.
suzikay
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Pearl isn't Maax's builder grade line. You are seeing fewer jets because Pearl focuses on a hydrotherapy-style tub, which aims the jets in a gentle swirling action all around the body. Other tubs, with more jets, are focusing on massaging specific points on the body.
tom_p_pa
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I would go with an air tub over a water jet type. And in my opinion, Bain is tops. This is their only focus, and they invented the air tub. And they have a very tight control over pricing, so dealers do not generally twist the rules to gain your sale so they do not lose the product line. You will not find great price differential from one place to another. So stick with a local dealer you like. And Bain will not honor the warrantys on some internet companies, so make sure you call them to find out if your dealer is indeed an authorized one.

In regards to the actual warranty, you are correct, the cost will come in regutting to accomodate a new tub. For me, customer service matters, and I have had nothing but top performance from Bain. I had a issue with a motor, they just sent a new one. No questions, no proof of purchase, nothing, no issues, all they asked what the model number was. Some companies it is a royal pain in the butt to implement warranty claims.

In regards to whether you like it or not, call Bain. They have dealers that have working (with water) air tubs on display. Find if one is in your area and see it in person.
igloochic
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Despite my joke above, I did do a great deal of research, including staying at hotels who had the tubs we had narrowed it down to :o) I liked the Americh tubs (we're doing a japanese soaking tub, 32 inch deep) because they offered a choice of the same tub at different levels of quality (I guess that's how to say it). They have builder, luxury, more than luxury...something like that, anyhoo 4 options.

They also can do both whirlpools and air jets in the same tub, which saved DH and I much arguing :o)
homeschoolmom2
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Adeandrea

We purchased from designerplumbing.com a number of times for our bathroom remodel and then for our new build. We were very happy with their service and price. We bought and installed a Jason 5.5ft air tub. New build so have not used it yet. But I researched to death, and Jason seemed to be a good product for a great price. The company was started by the son of the guy who started Jacuzzi. FWIW

Laura
nw_diva
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I would like your extensive spreadsheet on air tubs (oldnavy@yahoo.com) I am considering a Lasco air tub, the "Champagne Bubbler" from Home Depot. Aquatic makes a similar product. Any info on either?
tucgran
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I would like your extensive spreadsheet on air tubs as well as I am just beginning to research them. Have looked at aquatic and have heard from several who have been happy with them.

Regardiang builder tubs are they really of the same quality? One dealer told me they were basically the same as the showroom models. Has anyone had experience with this?
luridlloyd
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have worked in a Kitchen and Bath Showroom in the past. I find that if you buy similair units w/similair systems and accessories you'll get close to the same quality. The Whirlpool tubs I've recently seen at Lowes look like junk, but they're less than a grand. Most of our customers spent between $1,800.00 and $3,000.00. Pearl works like those old stainless whirlpools you'd find in Gym.s. Aquatic, Americh, Jason, MTI, Pearl, & Hydrosystems are close in price if you compare apples to apples. Airbaths aren't like a massage. If one is looking to relieve sore muscles, get a jetted tub, and if you get a jetted tub, always buy the Ozone generator.

Air / Whirlpool tub purchase - Much data no decision!

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