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Here is how it works on the Marquis:50amp configuration runs everything at the same time (this is the factory default).30amp configuration kicks off the heater if the jets are turned to high speed.
Wet test the Epic and see which you like. Saving 2 plus grand on a great spa is pretty inviting. As far as Jacuzzi, foam and made in Mexico, it has a very hard foam on the shell, and a light blown in type just like the Marquis very easy to dig through if needed, with either spa it shouldn't be an issue. Made in Mexico wise what we saw when we were a dealer was no issues. Except getting parts did start to take longer to get. Knowing what I know about Jacuzzi the price at 8500 for a J-365 or 355 is a no brainer. You would be happy with it, with almost 2 house payments in the bank. FWIW I have no dog in this, Id tell ya to go buy a Bullfrog.
Quote from: Jacuzzi Jim on July 03, 2017, 06:20:27 pm Wet test the Epic and see which you like. Saving 2 plus grand on a great spa is pretty inviting. As far as Jacuzzi, foam and made in Mexico, it has a very hard foam on the shell, and a light blown in type just like the Marquis very easy to dig through if needed, with either spa it shouldn't be an issue. Made in Mexico wise what we saw when we were a dealer was no issues. Except getting parts did start to take longer to get. Knowing what I know about Jacuzzi the price at 8500 for a J-365 or 355 is a no brainer. You would be happy with it, with almost 2 house payments in the bank. FWIW I have no dog in this, Id tell ya to go buy a Bullfrog. Sounds like good advice. Like I said, the jacuzzi gets it done and I'm particular about the strength of the jets and overall feel of the water and tub. And I'm all about saving money when it makes sense, so the Epic will need to wow me and I still would need to negotiate.
Most on the forum will consider both of these brands to be two of the upper end brands, but here is my biased opinion on selling Marquis for 13 years and seeing a lot Jacuzzi over the years:Jacuzzi 300 series is generally the "mid-range" Jacuzzi. The Epic is "high range" Marquis. Exterior DuraWood cabinet is superior on Marquis, interior fit and finish will be noticeably nicer on Marquis (look inside the the equipment area on both brands). In my opinion the components are more reliable on Marquis (I have heard that the Jacuzzi pumps and electronics are now made in China but have not confirmed with my own eyes - don't quote me on that), Marquis is made in Oregon vs Jacuzzi made in Mexico. The geyser jets on the Epic are very powerful and from anything I have seen, the most powerful on the market. They feel very good for the feet and the thing I really I like about them is being able to get my back on the lower and upper geyser if you sit in the footwell. The red hot zone/HK-40 jets are very powerful as well, they put out a very high volume of water with a low pressure that will not irritate your skin. I hope the dealer knows how to adjust the controls and turn the full force on those jets. The Epic allows you to isolate power in to certain areas (lower back, upper backet, feet, etc). Marquis insulation is a full-foam Icynene material which is soft and easy to work on if ever needed, the Jacuzzi uses a harder foam/more difficult insulation that they consider "full-foam", which has a lot of space that isn't insulated if you take off the panels and look inside (not a true full foam).Warranty is nearly identical between the 2 brands but replacement parts will be a lot less on Marquis if you ever needs parts outside of warranty. Proprietary Jacuzzi parts vs. mostly non-proprietary Balboa equipment on the Marquis.Good luck in your search!