Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: luigi311 on July 19, 2005, 05:04:24 pm
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How do people feel about the quality of a Jacuzzi compared to Sundance, Caldera, or Marquis?
I know Sundance is the owned by Jacuzzi.
Thanks!
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I think that all are good the best way to tell which one is right for you is wet test and re wet test. I bought a Marquis Epic and it should be at my home some time after my hand gets out of my cast. I broke it getting my area ready to pour a slab. well any who I went with the epic for the sole reason reason of I enjoyed the wet test more then Sundance and hot springs. I think sundance owns Jacuzzie but you might be right in your way of thinking too. But their all good. Have fun shopping. and Wet test wet test and wet test.
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Question for the veterans out there:
Did Jacuzzi decline or Sundance increase in quality (or neither) when Jacuzzi aquired Sundance?
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Can't say but i know Sundance was going out of business until Jacuzzi took them over.....Sundance had many problems years ago.I am sure since Jacuzzi bought them both companys are doing well together.JT ;)
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From what I understand both have benefited Sun dance brought the technologies and spa know how to help Jacuzzi, while they had the deep pockets and name value, its been good for both .
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Question for the veterans out there:
Did Jacuzzi decline or Sundance increase in quality (or neither) when Jacuzzi aquired Sundance?
IMHO, Sundance, recognized as one of the premium manufactures in the industry in the '90's, was purchased by Jacuzzi who already had their own Hot Tub line but was not enjoying a good selling position or success in the marketplace and they now own and reap the benefits of Sundance along with their patents for what they are worth.
Jacuzzi, up until then, 1998, was never recognized as a sought after Hot Tub in the industry although they had "name" recognition. They now have stature and recognition in the marketplace with both brand names and have become arguably the "world's largest acrylic Hot Tub manufacturer".
While I can not directly comment on the Jacuzzi product, it comes out of the same manufacturing facility as the Sundance product; however they are not manufactured to the same or even similar specifications. They are different products. The two products have developed over time at the expense of "new ways" in which things are done. These "new ways" have been under construction for a long time and are continuing to undergo continuous changes to improve conditions and situations.
Sundance was an industry leader and still is. Jacuzzi was a recognizable name and will always be. The two together have the recognition and the power to develop into an industry giant that is being built by the interest and efforts of independent small dealers who are subject to being replaced by "big box" number crunchers representing deep pockets and multiple outlets.
This could be a big mistake and a threat to customer care and satisfaction which is the keystone of small business and the dealer network that made Sundance what it is today.
It is turning into numbers with a push for more market share, higher volume, pushing numbers at increased manufacturing cost, higher overhead to produce and deliver more volume, selling to fewer accounts with multiple outlets at lower prices to increase consumer consumption and higher profits across the board, leading to less after the sale attention and service.
They are out there now. Larger conglomerates where there is no owner to talk to, just employees who get younger every day and turnover, always a new face, selling multiple lines and specializing in none, AND THEN, they come and go and they close too. :o
This is a specialty business and people, the shopping consumer, likes to be taken care of when they need something. You can always buy something but does Sam's or Costco or the large corporate seller really care about you the individual when you have a question or a need for service? ??? ???
On the subject of Quality, there is always room for improvement. ;)
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I'd like to see the look on the average Home Depot or Sam's Club or Costco employee when you ask them to help you diagnose your water issues.
Brewman
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I am talking about Jacuzzi Premium, not the stuff from Costco or Sam's. I am looking at Jacuzzi's 365, Sundance's Altamar or Majestic, and Caldera Aspire or Hawaiian. I do like the lights and waterfall. It seems like you get those from Jacuzzi for a good price.
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luigi311, The "Quality" in both Sundance And Jacuzzi are good, above average, if not very good and are fully covered by an exceptional warranty considered better than MOST others in the industry that backs them up.  The manufacturing  "Quality" is the SAME if they are being made under the scrutiny of ISO 9001.  Inspect the "fit and finish" and either, both or all spas that you shop and water test.  They are considered to be in the top category of the industry. Â
Caldera is made to a lesser standard, IMO, but is a very good product. Compare a cabinet panel from the Caldera to the Sundance if they will allow that.
Marquis is in the TOP category as well. If you wish COMPARE the written EXCLUSIONS and LIMITATIONS contained in the warranties.
Is there something more specific you are looking for? ???
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Caldera is made to a lesser standard, IMO, but is a very good product. Compare a cabinet panel from the Caldera to the Sundance if they will allow that.
I believe Caldera and Hot Springs both come out of the same factory, just like Sundance and Jacuzzi Hot tubs. Running with what J said in a post above, an apples to apples comparison might be:
Hot Spring to Sundance
Caldera to Jacuzzi
All 4 can be good tubs, all 4 have differences, some just in bells and whistles, some in craftsmanship. You'll find happy owners of all 4.
-Ed
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They now have stature and recognition in the marketplace with both brand names and have become arguably the "world's largest acrylic Hot Tub manufacturer".
Just a nit, but if you combine all of Watkins tubs they probably push the most tubs.
-Ed
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Just a nit, but if you combine all of Watkins tubs they probably push the most tubs.
-Ed
Ed;
I think that is why he said "acrylic"
The only way anyone can know how many spas anyone sold is through tracking sales of acrylic sheets to the spa manufacturers.
There are two flaws in that method:
1)It only tells you how many sheets the manufacturer purchased, not how many spas were actually sold. A smart manufacturer will forecast and not over purchase...but some will.
2) Companies such as HS and D-1 sell a good number of Endural or UltraLife thermal plastic shells. They do buy these materials from Lucite or Aristech.
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I believe Caldera and Hot Springs both come out of the same factory, just like Sundance and Jacuzzi Hot tubs. Â Running with what J said in a post above, an apples to apples comparison might be:
Hot Spring to Sundance
Caldera to Jacuzzi
-Ed
That is probably a very good apples to apples comparison ...
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I do agree with all of the aforementioned comments and do not or did not intend or mean to slight any of the manufacturers mentioned or compared. I would e thourghly pleased to own any d##n one of them as the proof of the pudding and the outcome would not have a negligible difference to any of them.
There I think I covered all of my bases and it really comes down to the relationship that is developed between the product the user and the advisor.
You just can not make a wrong decision. ;)
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It seems like Jacuzzi gives you a waterfall and extra lights at lower price points than the other two manufacturers. The Sundance dealer keeps offering demo's and factory seconds for discounts. Also looking for something with a great therapeutic massage
and one that has a great foot and leg massage.
I like the Aspire by Caldera. Seems like that one costs too much. Where I found the 365 for $7200 including tax, set up, ozonator, cover lift and chems. Found a last year model Sundance demo Altamar for $6400 w/o tax.
Found a Caldera Hawaiian for 7450.
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I do agree with all of the aforementioned comments and do not or did not intend or mean to slight any of the manufacturers mentioned or compared. Â I would e thourghly pleased to own any d##n one of them as the proof of the pudding and the outcome would not have a negligible difference to any of them.
There I think I covered all of my bases and it really comes down to the relationship that is developed between the product the user and the advisor.
You just can not make a wrong decision. ;)
I totaly agree 100% I looked at and wet tested all the above what really helped me was what I and my family felt was best during the wet test. I feel that one brand does not fit every coustomer. What I likeyou might not I am so glad to see such good products out there.
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Anyone have any experience with the 365 model from Jacuzzi? How much should one cost?
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This is a good discussion between brands. Just to clarify some stuff... Sundance is owned by Jacuzzi, however the quality of the spa is more than what meets the eye, but what also pleases the eyes in this case is the better quality. Sundance was never going out of business. I believe that it was kinda like the situation, if you can't beat'em...buy'em sorta thing. Sundance's quality of spa manufacturing is ever-growing and with more patents
than I can explain in a 3-hour demo...The case is pretty dry-cut. ;)
Now the Jacuzzi spa line is a fantastic choice for the price point. They have waterfalls and great engineering design, the jets even look cooler than the Batmobile!
*Always compare warranties and dealership reputation*
Hot Springs and Caldera are also great spas. Now more importantly than whatever any salesperson or info you'll get on the net. If a consumer wants a certain spa-they will buy that certain spa. Whatever floats your boat...tickles your fancy...fluffs the cake...boils the egg...brings the tide in...smokes the turkey... for you is best choice for you. 8)
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luigi311
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Re: Jacuzzi quality???
« Reply #7 on: Jul 20th, 2005, 9:09am » Quote Quote Modify Modify
I am talking about Jacuzzi Premium, not the stuff from Costco or Sam's. I am looking at Jacuzzi's 365, Sundance's Altamar or Majestic, and Caldera Aspire or Hawaiian. I do like the lights and waterfall. It seems like you get those from Jacuzzi for a good price.
the Jacuzzi J-365 should be around $6500-$6700 the mosttt with out tax with cover lifter,chems,cover, steps and free delivery,Anything more i think they are taking advantage of you.I like the water falls but i don't use it and all them lights geeeeee i only use the red and most of the time no lights at all.Buy a extra set of filters while you are there at cost...JohnnyT
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While I can't tell you how about all the fancy equations regarding chemicals or design, I can tell you I get a gut feeling about quality when I see a product in person instead of in an ad.
I shopped around and looked at a few brands and was between HS, Jacuzzi, and Vita Spa's different models. The thing that turned me off about the Vita Spa brands was the fact that the controls were broken or missing on may of the models on the floor and looked flimsy on many of the others. The jacuzzi premium models just seemed to me to be better quality and I felt as though they would withstand the time spent on my patio better than the Viat Spas. The HS models all seemed to be top quality, but in the end, it was the jets on my back that sold me on my jacuzzi.
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We have another Jacuzzi lover.............. ;)Jt
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Anyone have any experience with the 365 model from Jacuzzi? How much should one cost?
Without anymore details than that.... $6,300.00. You can get the next size up (the J-375 for under $7K from most places WITH stereo included).
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$6300 is a greattttt price...........you are getting to the top of the Jacuzzi spas with the J-375...
Let the good people know on this site where they can get that Price,and please name the dealer so the good folks of this site can call and get that great price ...Jt :-/
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no kidding on those prices. when i was shopping just a few months ago, i was quoted $6900 for a j-365, and $8000 for a j-385. sales rep was young, didnt seem to know the controls on the 385 we were wet testing, and with in the first 10 mins we were there, he said some thing that turned me off.
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I was quoted $7200 for the 365 including tax, delivery, steps, chems and cover lift.
So do you think this is the best price I can get?
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And how are the foot jets on this model. I stand all day at work and am concerned about the hydrotherapy for
my feet.
Thanks,
Dan
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Hi Luigi,
I own the J-355, which is the lounger version of the tub you're looking at. My foot jets are slightly different but work incredibly well. I would say they are very comparable to the jet stream jet from Hot Spring.
I'm very happy with my Jacuzzi. I've owned a few different brands of tubs now, and this ranks right up there.
The great thing about the J-355 and up in the Jacuzzi line is you get the better control panel (similar to Sundance) with more programability.
I think they are very well made and offer very good hydrotherapy.
Mark
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Can any one tell me what is up with the Jacuzzi top rail?
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Top rail??
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Yea the J-355 is really built very well,i never use the water falls but the spa is made very well......What Rail????Jt
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I have J 365 for 8 months and I am NOT happy with it!
Quality is NOT good, cannot compare to other tubs.
4 Jets came off, having flow switch problems, dealer problems, corporate indifference.
Only me (60) and wife have used it sans suits, so no abuse excuse.
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We were quoted today $6,984 for J-365 with stereo, cover, coverlifter, steps, and all startup chemicals, delivered and setup (no electrical). This was one of top 3 tubs we wet tested and is 3,000-$4,000 less than the other 2 tubs that topped our list (Arctic Summit, and HS Vanguard).
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Why don't you use the waterfall JT???
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Hi Luigi, I'll answer that as well, as I don't use it alot either. I just find that if I have the jets on, you don't get the ambience of it (you can't hear it) and with the jets off, I prefer just the sound of nothing. It's just personal preference. It works great, and looks awesome when on, with the lights behind it.
I can't comment on your price, as I live in Canada, and it would be quite a bit more here.
Happy hunting.... have you wet tested yet?
Mark
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Hi Luigi, I'll answer that as well, as I don't use it alot either. I just find that if I have the jets on, you don't get the ambience of it (you can't hear it) and with the jets off, I prefer just the sound of nothing. It's just personal preference. It works great, and looks awesome when on, with the lights behind it.
I can't comment on your price, as I live in Canada, and it would be quite a bit more here.
Happy hunting.... have you wet tested yet?
Mark
I agree with the Waterfall. With the jets on you don't get the ambiance of it, but I still like the look if it (The waterfall was not a selling point for me, I picked the tub for other reason, it just happen to have a waterfall). However with the jets on low, I find the waterfall sound quite annoying. Sounds like a toilet running.
Someon go jiggle the handle!
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Don't know why you want a stereo but thats not a bad price with it....Hummmm the water fall does nothing for me.....
Its nice to go outside when its 10 - 20 degress outside with no Lights and No Water Falls and after 20 mins just relax and look at the stars.....And watch the snow coming down.......Opps we are still in summer sorry..Jt
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Took a look at Jacuzzi again yesterday. The salesperson kept telling me how Jacuzzi was the best
and how the foot jets are better on the 365 than the 355. I need to wet test, it sure looks like the 355 would be more powerful.
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 I need to wet test, it sure looks like the 355 would be more powerful.
Now you're talking. Try to wet test the different brands you're looking at on the same day preferably one right after the other if the stores are fairly close to each other.
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happy with my J-355 and i am sure the J-365 is the same without the lounger...........I am sure there are many spas that are just as good but at the price you cannot go wrong...Jt