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One thing to consider is you can run the Prodigy on 110v. Saves you money.
Possibly can save money on the installation but it will have no affect on operating cost.I am sure that is what you meant, but not all would understand.
I doubt he ment "heaters" but rather the pumps. The FF tubs are quieter. That's not to say the TP tubs are unbearably noisely, but it's a slight difference and advantage to the FF. If the tub was going on a deck, I'd put a little more stock in the FF to dampen the sound and viabration than TP.
Sorry, but what do TP and FF stand for? As I understand it, the Jacuzzis have some pumps that do something for a recommended 20 minutes, 4 times a day. Not sure if it's heating or cleaning or what's going on during those cycles, but that process was definitely not silent. I was told the timing of those cycles could be customized so as not to interfere with sleeping times (the tub will be right outside an open window to my bedroom, so noise is a concern), but I'm sure it's more ideal for tub maintenance to spread those cycles out evenly.
Oh, boy. There you go, dropping another acronym on me What's an R rating?
For Micah, Hot Spring does not have or need extra filtration cycles.
One more: I just found out a friend nearby bought a J-325 in 2005 from the same dealer I'm shopping at for $4795 + $800 for all the standard accessories (cover, lifter, ozone, chemicals). Basically $1,700 less than I was offered last week. Anyone know how significantly the J-325 model specs changed in the last two years to justify the increase? Or should I haggle the price down some more if I go for that Jacuzzi?
Do you know why they need less??
HotSpring spas utilize a no bypass filtration system. The theory is filtration is handled by the circ pump and the jet pumps while they are on if someone is using the spa. All pumps have a filter on them, thus the term no bypass. For extra filtration when needed, there is a "clean button" that runs one of the main pumps for ten minutes.Jacuzzi filters with its circ pump and one of the therapy pumps running at programmed intervals. When the therapy pumps are run on high, the filter is "bypassed" to give optimal water volume to all the jets.Both filtration systems work well. The HotSpring spas use more filters...something to consider because filters need to be cleaned on a regular basis.