Jacuzzi brand and dealer reliability

[spahopeful]

I am getting close to buying a Jacuzzi J385.  I started having some reservations when I found that my dealer has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB due to a total of 4 complaints with 3 that had been resolved and just one unresolved.   Now, I just noticed in the "in the market for a spa" thread where someone wouldn't recommend the Jacuzzi brand due to recent developments.  Any other thoughts on the Jacuzzi brand?  Any other suggestions on how to determine if I can trust the dealer in my area?

[twok99]

I have had a Jacuzzi 370 for three years.  Other than one small problem that was fixed by a local service provider with some great input from Jacuzzi my tub has been problem free.  (The hose going to the waterfalls had a small kink in it that happened during the full foaming process at the factory.  Jacuzzi went to a tub on the manufacturing line and determined what the most likely spot that the kink would be.  They were exactly right and the service guy had in fixed in 15 miunutes.)

[luigi311]

I have called and left messages for Sundance for a year and never heard back from them.  When I requested a sales brocure, they sent that.  Jacuzzi owns Sundance.

[Wisoki]

I wouldn't put a whole lot of weight in the BBB's "unsatisfacory" rating. Only the dealer and the customer know the circumstances regarding the "unresolved" issue. The issue might even be resolved, but SOMEONE forgot to do the follow up. The BBB, like credit reporting agencies, takes complaints, and forwords the complaint on to the complaintant, but then feel that is the end of their responsibility. Just like the credit agencies, it is up to the person/company to ensure that all information is true and accurate. Most business owners are overworked and dont have enough time to wrestle with the Bulls#!t Business Bureaucracy. In my 5 years of business ownership I was a member and have several plaques stating my complete complaint free operation, so this aint no sour grapes, I just don't think you should give them much weight.  

I am getting close to buying a Jacuzzi J385.  I started having some reservations when I found that my dealer has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB due to a total of 4 complaints with 3 that had been resolved and just one unresolved.   Now, I just noticed in the "in the market for a spa" thread where someone wouldn't recommend the Jacuzzi brand due to recent developments.  Any other thoughts on the Jacuzzi brand?  Any other suggestions on how to determine if I can trust the dealer in my area?

[dpgtech]

I agree with Wisoki about the BBB.  As to recent developments about Jacuzzi, I asked that person to elaborate about those and got no responseas of yet.  I have not heard anything about any recent developments.  who knows what he means, he could have an axe to grind.  ask around about the dealer, if you know anyone who has dealt with them.

[Duffman]

It doesn't hurt to ask the dealer about the record and also for referrals.

My Jacuzzi dealer has been great so far. The few non-spa issues I had on delivery (bar stools and steps) were quickly taken care of. If you go with the 385 I hope you like it as much as I do  

[Bill_Stevenson]

The Jacuzzi J385 is one of the nicest spas available.  Jacuzzi makes good products and the chances are you would be very pleased with the tub.  I would not worry too much about the BBB report.  3 out of 4 tells me the dealer is trying to please.

Regards,

Bill

[ggwagner]

Note to Luigi

I'd appreciate hearing from you re: no response from Sundance.
Did you contact a specific dealer or is it corporate you're not getting a response from?
We are new Sundance dealer and have found them very responsive, but I'd like to help you if I can.
Please advise.

Thanks, Glenn

[orlandoguy]

Sorry, you wanted responses on the developments at Jacuzzi, and I was late and also found out that he tech I like at my local Jacuzzi dealer has taken over and seems to be trying to help out although he seems swamped.  Ironically, after I posted my concern here, he called me asking if I needed anything.  Perhaps a coincidence.  It made me feel perhaps a little quick to the gun though and decided to hold off commenting further until I gave them more time.  Dpgtech is a Jacuzzi dealer and I would bet refers potential owners to read this forum.

When I told other dealers I was looking for a Jacuzzi, they all said "good luck if anything breaks."  I dismissed it as competition bashing.

I ended up buying the j335, which I really love and believe it is a very good tub at a very reasonable price, so I guess that's why I was very vocal when someone asked me about Jacuzzi in the past.  I was quick to pour praise on the brand and figured I would continue to do so once a service issue arose. Certainly a company that has been around more than 50 years would take care of it's new customers rather than risk having them drive off potential customers by sharing their negative experiences, right?
 There is a frequent poster here who was shopping for tubs and lives near my dealership.  I praised the dealership and she ended up with a different tub.  I will allow her to speak on her impressions of the dealership if she cares to do so.

In 8 months, I have had 4 problems with my air switches sticking.  Not really a big deal once you get them unstuck as I like to keep the flow on max.  The last couple times I have had to do it myself as the tech has said he would stop by and never did.

The only dealership in town now has closed doors with a sign telling you to call for an appointment if you want to enter the store.  Not too good if you are driving around and the impulse to shop for a tub or accessories strikes you.  My belief is that this dealership is on it's final breaths.

Perhaps I should have clarified that the developments are local and not all over the country from what I know, but is it only local?  I definitely won't be late to report any problems in the future dgtech.  Axe to grind?  Probably.  Pissed off, definitely.

I would definitely ask around and speak with local owners of jacuzzis in your area and find out their experiences before putting down one cent for a deposit.

I guess I would sum it up with:

Brand= Very Good.
Dealer reliability:  Not sure globally, watch your *ss in Central Florida.

[cc322]

Love my j365 Bought in November and so far no problems. My local dealer is also vey good. I would buy another one.

[Kyle]

You are correct about Central Florida area and Jacuzzi/Sundance.  They are working on service providers for the spas.  No real dealerships in that area to take care of issues.  I'm sure they'll eventually get it worked out.

[orlandoguy]

That's what really surprises me.  Central Florida is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and has seen home values increase 50% in 2 years, trailing only a couple markets.

I'd imagine if a service oriented spa dealership opened in the main city area, they would do a very good business.  Hotspring has a dealership 1/2 hour away and I think Marquis is close.  Vita Spa has a showroom, but I don't like their stuff.

I would wager that within one year, someone will step up.

[oldersparepairguy]

Been servicing Jacuzzi for over 10 years. Jut attended a tech seminar on the newer models. They have made some design changes, and I liked what I was seeing. But then again , I liked the old system too
Yes, Sundance and Jacuzzi are made by the same company, just like Chevy and cadillac are made by GM.
There are still some things Sundance offers that Jacuzzi can't (or won't). Think of Sundance as the cadillac of the two. Either one is a good spa to own, but I still give my top nods to Hot Springs.

[dpgtech]

Jacuzzi is about to have A couple cadillacs of their own with the new 400 series.   a completely different filtration system and styling that is like nothing else out there.  If you went to the Aqua show they had them on display.  they are just shipping them out in about a week, and in the range of a maxxus for a J-470, and a little more for the J-480.  

[tony]

Jacuzzi is about to have A couple cadillacs of their own with the new 400 series.   a completely different filtration system and styling that is like nothing else out there.  If you went to the Aqua show they had them on display.  they are just shipping them out in about a week, and in the range of a maxxus for a J-470, and a little more for the J-480.  

Is Jacuzzi Premium going the same way as Sundance with high flow circ pumps for filtration in their new 400 series?