HS Vanguard or Jacuzzi J470

[69ghia]

Hi all,
Would like some opinions on which tub to get. I have narrowed my search to the Jacuzzi J470 and the Hot Spring Vanguard. I can get the J470 otd for $8700.00 for a 2007 model with stereo,steps,lifter and cover.I can get the Vanguard otd for $8900.00 2007 model with the spaudio1, steps, cover and lifter.
Thanks for you help in this matter.  

[Chad]

Wow !!! Those prices are absolutely ridiculous. Good job on your part. 8-) Have you wet tested them yet? Are the tubs at different dealers? If so, go with the one who you think will provide you with the best warranty service. Do a little research on them if you have to. I did and it helped tremendously in narrowing down my search. Let the dealer and the wet test be the deciding factors. I think the Jacuzzi is marked down more then the HS but either way you'll still be gettin' a great tub at a great price!

[katyana]

Those prices look great and are MUCH lower than I've been offered.  Just so I am comparing "apples to apples"  - do those prices include delivery, tax and start-up chems?  

[Chad]

Those prices look great and are MUCH lower than I've been offered.  Just so I am comparing "apples to apples"  - do those prices include delivery, tax and start-up chems?  

I would say yes as he typed otd(out the door) prices.

[hottubdan]

What part of the country do you live ?

[69ghia]

The prices are out the door, but I think they will have to crane it into my backyard and that is probably going to cost me an extra $250.00 - $300.00 . I wet tested the the Vanguard and the J480. I liked the vanguards moto massage. I was wondering why the Vanguard has 2 heater options. I think the only difference between the J470 and the J480 is the lounge and about 6inches. I think both companies offer 1 months worth of chemicals(I think that is something standard, but I could be wrong) The HS come with a electric panel that they claim is worth $300.00. Since both tubs are real close in price I am at a stand still. Also both dealer have told me that I don't need to have concrete pads and I could use pavers, but the prep books from both companies show concrete is recomended. Quote from Jacuzzi prep book" free standing bricks,gravel,pavers,plywood, and railroad ties are not considered proper foundations. I was also told to expect to pay $500.00-$700.00 for the electrical work.
Thanks again,

[69ghia]

Hottubdan I live in Socal (Irvine)

[Chad]

The prices are out the door, but I think they will have to crane it into my backyard and that is probably going to cost me an extra $250.00 - $300.00 . I wet tested the the Vanguard and the J480. I liked the vanguards moto massage. I was wondering why the Vanguard has 2 heater options. I think the only difference between the J470 and the J480 is the lounge and about 6inches. I think both companies offer 1 months worth of chemicals(I think that is something standard, but I could be wrong) The HS come with a electric panel that they claim is worth $300.00. Since both tubs are real close in price I am at a stand still. Also both dealer have told me that I don't need to have concrete pads and I could use pavers, but the prep books from both companies show concrete is recomended. Quote from Jacuzzi prep book" free standing bricks,gravel,pavers,plywood, and railroad ties are not considered proper foundations. I was also told to expect to pay $500.00-$700.00 for the electrical work.
Thanks again,

Sounds like you got everything under control. 8-)
You can't go wrong with either tub. It's strictly a personel preference. Let us know when you pull the trigger.

Btw, if the HS dealer is talking about the 60 amp Hot tub panel needed to run the 240v out of, they cost less than $100. I got mine at Lowe's for $82. It's a Cutler Hammer 60 amp, 240 v.

I own a Jacuzzi myself and this is what my manual says about foundations:
3.0 Choosing A Location
IMPORTANT: Because of the combined weight of the spa, water and
users, it is extremely important that the base upon which the spa rests
be smooth, flat, level and capable of uniformly supporting this weight,
without shifting or settling, for the entire time the spa is in place. If the
spa is placed on a surface which does not meet these requirements,
damage to the skirt and/or the spa shell may result. Damage caused by
improper support is not covered under the manufacturers warranty. It is
the responsibility of the spa owner to assure the integrity of the support
over time.
We recommend a poured, reinforced concrete slab with a minimum
thickness of 4 inches (10cm). Wood decking is also acceptable provided
it is constructed so that it meets the requirements outlined above. The
spa must be installed in such a manner as to provide drainage away
from the spa. Placing the spa in a depression without provisions for
proper drainage could allow rain, overflow and other casual water to
flood the equipment and create a wet condition in which it would sit.
For spas which will be recessed into a floor or deck, install so as to
permit access to the equipment, either from above or below, for servicing.
Make certain that there are no obstructions which would prevent
removal of the cabinet side panels and access to the jets components,
especially on the side with the equipment bay doors.

[Vanguard]

Btw, if the HS dealer is talking about the 60 amp Hot tub panel needed to run the 240v out of, they cost less than $100. I got mine at Lowe's for $82. It's a Cutler Hammer 60 amp, 240 v.

There is only one heater on the Hot Spring Vanguard.  This is NOT a 60 amp panel.  You will get a free subpanel with your Vanguard.  All 240V Hot Spring Spas come with a subpanel.  You don't have to go buy anything extra for that portion.  You may need a 50 amp breaker in your main panel, but your electrician will handle that.  If you are handy, then you can do it easily enough.  I did.  You will NOT need to go to 60 amp service.  It will be a 50 amp service.

[Chad]

There is only one heater on the Hot Spring Vanguard.  This is NOT a 60 amp panel.  You will get a free subpanel with your Vanguard.  All 240V Hot Spring Spas come with a subpanel.  You don't have to go buy anything extra for that portion.  You may need a 50 amp breaker in your main panel, but your electrician will handle that.  If you are handy, then you can do it easily enough.  I did.  You will NOT need to go to 60 amp service.  It will be a 50 amp service.

I'm not sure why you quoted me. :-/ Either way won't there be a need for an auxilary panel, whether it's a 50 or 60 and whether it's provided or not. Mine tub requires a 60 to run both pumps and heater so that's why I said 60. I was just trying to make a point that his quote for $300 was ridiculous!

[69ghia]

what is the difference between the No-fault,6000w/230v heater and the 230v,50hz 1500w heater on the vanguard?

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 That price for the 470 is about 3000 less than what we sell it for specially for an "07"

The Vangaurd goes around here 9700 or so. spa for spa at that price I would be all over the J-470 but thats me.  Price doesnt always matter.

[hottubdan]

what is the difference between the No-fault,6000w/230v heater and the 230v,50hz 1500w heater on the vanguard?

I believe the 6000w/230v is American and the 50hz 1500w is international.

[cooltoy2000]

Hi all,
Would like some opinions on which tub to get. I have narrowed my search to the Jacuzzi J470 and the Hot Spring Vanguard. I can get the J470 otd for $8700.00 for a 2007 model with stereo,steps,lifter and cover.I can get the Vanguard otd for $8900.00 2007 model with the spaudio1, steps, cover and lifter.
Thanks for you help in this matter.  

The 400 series is a bigger and more expensive tub then the Vanguard. It is a much better comparison to compare the 400 series with the Grandee.

The Vanguard is somewhere in between the 300 series and the 400. In my opinion the Vanguard is better quality wise and feature wise then the 300 series. But it can not be directly compared to the 400.

[69ghia]

Still unsure of which one is better, reading up on this forum, and to hear some have had problems with the spaudio1 with their Hot Spring Vanguard. I also don't know how good of a deal $8900.00 otd for a vanguard with the spaudio1 is vs $8700.00 otd for the 2007 J470