Please give opinions on J345 vs SD Caprio

[CalicoskiesNC]

Hub and I have done many hours of research, several trips to dealers.  We've gotten our short list down to the Caprio and J345.  Factors were: dependable local dealers, roomy for our $6000 price point and the space available on our deck, comfy seats, good warranties offered, variety of jets, large footwells. We esp. loved the adirondack lounger in the Caprio, but were also very comfy in the J345.  

My hub seems a little curious about the Caprio having just 1 1.5hp pump compared to the dual pumps on J345.  If we dont notice the dif in jet power, does that even matter?  The Jacuzzi dealer told us that the J345 was 60gpm, but I think that would be times 2 pumps.  The SD guy says 150gpm out of that one pump.  Seems that the J345 is not as efficient then if its got 2 pumps and still not as much gpm.  We're thinking that if all the seats are being used in Caprio, water may not move as well.  

We get more features (variety of jets, 2pumps) for our dollar in the Jacuzzi, but I really like the seats in Caprio better, they were deeper and we are all tall.  

Thanks to everyone that has contributed to this forum, there is alot of extremely helpful information here.  

[johnnythunders]

Hummm I think you are better off with 2 pumps from Jacuzzi.Its a nice looking spa and you should get it cheaper then $6000 with cover steps chems and free delivery..Johnny Thunders

[Jay_Suede]

I wet tested the J-345 and found it to be pretty weak, when compared to some others.  The J-345 in Atlanta is goin for $5500.  I'd recommend trying them both.

[johnnythunders]

I think the J-345s are made by sweetwater and as you go from the J-355 and up they are made by Jacuzzi.Johnny Thunders

[dpgtech]

The J-345 is not made by sweetwater, but the Jacuzzi, sundance and sweetwater are made in the same factory.  The J-345 has two pumps and 1 more jet.  the shell designs are different.  the J-335 would be more comparable to the Caprio.  the 335 is one lounge, 24 jets and a 2.5 horsepower pump.  you should be able to get the J-335 for under a Caprio and probably a 345 under the Caprio as well.  Both are quality spas, so go the spa that is most comfortable with the jet massage you want.  warranties are even, check with the dealer for terms of warranty service, does the dealer charge a trip charge for warranty work?  hope this helps!

[johnnythunders]

yep they are all made at the same place
1 sundance
2 jacuzzi
3 Sweetwater
The lower numbers are sweetwaters
j-315
j-325
j-335
and i think the j-345 is a sweetwater but not sure
now the higher numbers are Jacuzzi
J-355
J-365
J-375
J-385

[dpgtech]

the lower numbers do share technology with the sweetwaters but have a longer warranty, an ABS pan, and waterfall, there is also a stereo option for the 335 and 345.