Jacuzzi-Cost of Components ?

[Dave_L]

Hello Everyone,

I am very close to making a deal on a J-365. Out of interest, how does the cost of Jacuzzi components compare to their competitors?

I am told that they have their own proprietary pumps and jets. I am looking down the road when some of these components will probably need to be replaced. I don't think it will alter my decision, however it is always good to be prepared.

Thanks,
Dave

[huh?]

I am not a tech but what makes sense to me is:

2"  plumbing is 2" plumbing

220v is 220v

If pump A is 2" plumbing and 220v it should work on all other 2" plumbing and 220v systems.  

I could be wrong.

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

A different pump, even of the same horsepower would probably have a different flow rate, which would effect jet performance. It almost certainly would have a different enough configuration to require a possibly tricky replumbing job to get it installed.

[Chas]

I used to sell Jacuzzi - over ten years ago when the tubs were labeled, "Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath."

The pumps were most deffinitely proprietary, with an amazing amount of flow and very low pressure. That was what made the massive jets work the way they did. They also were the most quiet tubs I have sold - both the pumps and the actual plumbing and jets. I always had two of them running on my showroom floor, and they got great reviews from people who would stand and put in a hand, as well as wet testers.

Since then , things have changed. I don't know all the ins and outs of the changes revolving around the Sundance buyout, but it appears - both from what Frank has posted here and from what I have seen at shows - that they have begun installing a more conventional pump - just like the pumps in the Sundance and Sweetwater lines.

This is good news for people who worry about after-warranty costs: you will be able to install a pump and/or motor from any of a dozen web sites selling pool/spa equipment.

But, as to performance: I could only tell you that it's not what it was before they made the switch. They keep selling, and there are people who post here about their obvious pleasure with their new tubs - so I guess unless you had a side-by-side comparison, you wouldn't know what you're missing. But oh, those old tubs could sure shove the water around!! And with those huge jets, it didn't have the pointy, itchy feeling it does now.

This is the old style pump - Huge, large plumbing connection using proprietary connectors, very expensive to buy, and it's sealed so you can't open it to replace a shaft seal. Very good performance, and very quiet:


This is the newer style:

[Chris_H]

Chas,

I absolutely agree with you.  They use to pump some serious water, and gave a great massage.  

I would venture a guess if a spa buyer were comparing the Sundance to the Jacuzzi, actually wet tested both brands, I think they would far and away prefer the Sundance, while understanding the price difference.  However, most consumers do not wet-test (even though most dealer recommend it) and only see the $1,500 difference between the two and assume they are getting the same thing, and they absolutely are not.  
Chris H

[Wisoki]

I'm glad you posted it Chaz, my fingers get tired of typing the same thing over and over. Guess I should keep it in "my Documents" and just copy and paste it.

[Dave_L]

Chas, ALL

Thank you for the excellent reply to my question.  As the old saying goes "A picture is worth a thousand words..." Quite a change from old to new.

I just hope the construction of their pipe/tube fittings have not gone in the same direction.

I am placing a heavy reliance on the reviewers of this forum in the selection of the Jacuzzi.

In my area (a small town), the only local dealer sells Beachcomber. Nice tub however my wife and I found the foot well to be a little too cramped if more than 3 people are in it. There is an Arctic dealer approx 50 miles away, however reviews on this forum have been mixed..at best. The Jacuzzi dealer is 75 miles away.  We really enjoyed the wet test but are also relying on quality and reliability of the Jacuzzi product line.

Do you think the Sundance line will be a more reliable product when compared to Jacuzzi over the long haul? It won't take too many service calls to make up the difference beween comparable Sundance and Jacuzzi models.

Thank you,
Dave