I had a D1 @home Dream tub for 20 years, and replaced it 5 years ago with the same model. I chose this model due to its ability to run from a 240V, 30A source, and its lack of bells and whistles, which are just more things to break. Both used Gecko spa controls which is a good thing imo. The current tub is better built overall and has more sprayed foam insulation, 2 motors, synthetic side panels, and gate valves. The shell surface is something called Ultralife, which I like a lot, since it's textured and seems very tough. The frame is wood, and frankly, still somewhat sloppily built, but its good enough. The 20 year tub suffered a leaky pump seal, which was the only failure until I moved the tub 250 miles which caused several jets began to leak. The newer tub has been flawless, other than a route for mice to get into the equipment area which I took care of. A bottom drain would be really nice, as would wifi control which is available as an add-on to the Gecko controller. The pumps (wet end and motor) on the new model are Chinese (LX brand) but they've been perfect thus far. Oh, in case you're curious, the @home Dream can run off a 30A source by not allowing the heater to run if either motor is running on high speed.
Good fair review. A couple quick points. D1 covers are all canvas style made by Core with a three year warranty. A few other tips for quality: They use the newer compression-fit jet and light housings, a robot to accurately cut all the hose lengths, the hoses are braided and 'non-compressable,' all connections are epoxied and clamped, along with the full foam insulation and fully sealed ABS pan.
Great review! Any chance of you doing a review on Jacuzzi hot tubs? I just ordered a J-215 and there isn’t much out there on them. I’m curious to your thoughts 👍🏻
@ yikes that’s not good to hear! Honestly that’s the first I have heard that. My dealer seems good and the price also seemed good compared to the other stores I checked out. 🤞🏼
Thank you for your question. The 48 vs 56 refers to the mounting size of the wet end that houses the impeller. The difference between 48 & 56 is one of those little things as to why one hot tub costs more than another. A 56 frame costs a little more than a 48, with the same specs. 56-frame pumps are physically larger and have better insulation. They run quieter, cooler, and last longer than a 48. Manufacturers that spend the extra money on a 56 frame to improve the customer experience with a more robust pump. Hope this helps
Thank you! We were on the fence between Hot Spring (Rhythm), D1 Breeze or Sundance - Edison. The Edison is the only one with a 56 frame motor but the warranty is better on the D1 breeze…but yet the same mfg. any advice or history between those brands? Is all up in the air, hot spring has better insulation(easier to remove if theres a leak in the future) but has the worst warranty. The sundance has the best insulation but expensive if theres ever a leak in the future (and not under warranty) but has a 56frame. The breeze from D1 has lifetime shell and best warranty but 48frame and okay insulation. Love to get your unbiased opinion! Thank you and love the detailed videos!
I would not get hung up on frame size. I have sold hot tubs for over twenty years. Out of the three brands, I know Hotsprings the best, and they are one of the most reliable manufacturers out there. A 48-frame pump failure from them is rare. Although warranty can be a factor, it is also tied to the price of the tub. The manufacturer is assigning a period to reimburse a dealer for repairs. So fewer years equals less cost, not less quality. For example, the hotspot Rhythm is two years. From the same company and built in the same factory, the Limelight Flash has a five-year warranty. My best advice is to see at least one from each series running with water. Even better is a wet test of that model or similar. In my experience, customers will choose a favorite regardless of concern over more minor points. All three are good hot tubs, and you can't go wrong with any of them. If you have a Bullfrog dealer in your area, you may want to check out the X7 model. This is another brand I like.
I had a D1 @home Dream tub for 20 years, and replaced it 5 years ago with the same model. I chose this model due to its ability to run from a 240V, 30A source, and its lack of bells and whistles, which are just more things to break. Both used Gecko spa controls which is a good thing imo. The current tub is better built overall and has more sprayed foam insulation, 2 motors, synthetic side panels, and gate valves. The shell surface is something called Ultralife, which I like a lot, since it's textured and seems very tough. The frame is wood, and frankly, still somewhat sloppily built, but its good enough. The 20 year tub suffered a leaky pump seal, which was the only failure until I moved the tub 250 miles which caused several jets began to leak. The newer tub has been flawless, other than a route for mice to get into the equipment area which I took care of. A bottom drain would be really nice, as would wifi control which is available as an add-on to the Gecko controller. The pumps (wet end and motor) on the new model are Chinese (LX brand) but they've been perfect thus far. Oh, in case you're curious, the @home Dream can run off a 30A source by not allowing the heater to run if either motor is running on high speed.
Thank you for sharing your experience and insights on the D1 @home Dream!
Ozone bulb for d1 lasts 18-24 months, and is super easy to swap out! We sell them on the shelf and doesn’t require a service trip!
Thanks for sharing. It is nice to know D1 has made this easy for consumers.
How much do the bulbs run usually?
Good fair review.
A couple quick points. D1 covers are all canvas style made by Core with a three year warranty.
A few other tips for quality: They use the newer compression-fit jet and light housings, a robot to accurately cut all the hose lengths, the hoses are braided and 'non-compressable,' all connections are epoxied and clamped, along with the full foam insulation and fully sealed ABS pan.
Thank you for your comments.
Great review! Any chance of you doing a review on Jacuzzi hot tubs? I just ordered a J-215 and there isn’t much out there on them. I’m curious to your thoughts 👍🏻
Thank you for your comments. I am personally not a fan of Jacuzzi hot tubs. I think they are overrated for what you get.
@ yikes that’s not good to hear! Honestly that’s the first I have heard that. My dealer seems good and the price also seemed good compared to the other stores I checked out. 🤞🏼
Just my opinion. I think there are other brands that are a better value and built a little better. It also depends what’s offered in your area.
Watched last night, bought Aurora today.
Hope you enjoy it!
Whats your thoughts on motor frame 48 vs 56? Breeze model has 48 while competition (Sundance) has 58 frame.
Thank you for your question. The 48 vs 56 refers to the mounting size of the wet end that houses the impeller. The difference between 48 & 56 is one of those little things as to why one hot tub costs more than another. A 56 frame costs a little more than a 48, with the same specs. 56-frame pumps are physically larger and have better insulation. They run quieter, cooler, and last longer than a 48. Manufacturers that spend the extra money on a 56 frame to improve the customer experience with a more robust pump.
Hope this helps
Thank you! We were on the fence between Hot Spring (Rhythm), D1 Breeze or Sundance - Edison. The Edison is the only one with a 56 frame motor but the warranty is better on the D1 breeze…but yet the same mfg. any advice or history between those brands?
Is all up in the air, hot spring has better insulation(easier to remove if theres a leak in the future) but has the worst warranty. The sundance has the best insulation but expensive if theres ever a leak in the future (and not under warranty) but has a 56frame. The breeze from D1 has lifetime shell and best warranty but 48frame and okay insulation.
Love to get your unbiased opinion!
Thank you and love the detailed videos!
I would not get hung up on frame size. I have sold hot tubs for over twenty years. Out of the three brands, I know Hotsprings the best, and they are one of the most reliable manufacturers out there. A 48-frame pump failure from them is rare. Although warranty can be a factor, it is also tied to the price of the tub. The manufacturer is assigning a period to reimburse a dealer for repairs. So fewer years equals less cost, not less quality. For example, the hotspot Rhythm is two years. From the same company and built in the same factory, the Limelight Flash has a five-year warranty. My best advice is to see at least one from each series running with water. Even better is a wet test of that model or similar. In my experience, customers will choose a favorite regardless of concern over more minor points. All three are good hot tubs, and you can't go wrong with any of them. If you have a Bullfrog dealer in your area, you may want to check out the X7 model. This is another brand I like.