Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: bhziii on May 12, 2007, 04:46:50 pm
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ok...here is the deal. So I have been looking at tubs for a couple of weeks now and I thought I had narrowed it down to the Jacuzzi J-335, but yesterday I swung by the Caldera dealer. I didn't get a chance to wet test it, but the wife and I are planning on testing next weekend. Although I didn't wet test it, I felt really comfortable in the lounger and the foot thing on the bottom seems like it would work. One thing my wife complained about on the Jacuzzi was the feeling of being pushed away from the seat.
How do the two compare? What should I know about the two?
thanks in advance.
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Both are great companies. All the sales B.S. aside it comes down to what feels best when you are in it. You really should wet test the two one right after the other. I do feel that one spa if a better product, (by far). But i'm sure there is someone on the other side that will say the opposite. ;)
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This is only my opinion, but I prefer the Jacuzzi. Some will like the Caldera better but they are comparable. Which ever fits you better.
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This is only my opinion, but I prefer the Jacuzzi. Some will like the Caldera better but they are comparable. Which ever fits you better.
I prefer Jacuzzi too. But I was trying to be impartial.
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lol.....I think it is OK when you are being up front about your opinion....as long as you mention thats all it is.....and whats that really worth.... ;)
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What makes you like the Jacuzzi better?
I also have a question about the colors. Does anyone have the chestnut skirt? I live in Texas and we have hard water. I am afraid that my sprinklers will spray on the tub and eventually leave water marks. They will not be pointed directly at the tub, but it is hard to control the wind.
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Happy Mothers Day everyone!
I'm in the same boat as you! I'm torn between 2 models--don't know what to do! I haven't wet tested the Jacuzzi yet. I have wet tested the Caldera--I'm not sure which model you are looking at. I tested the Caldera Tahitian. The looks of the tub are beautiful! I wasn't that impressed with the foot jets. I am wet testing the Jacuzzi today. The feeling of being pushed away from the seat (if you are talking about this) will probably happen in all tubs--its buoyoncy.
The warranties are almost exactly the same. The special features are also almost identifical (again depending which model of the Caldera).
In my area, the Jacuzzi is much less expensive but the model I am looking at doesn't have as many jets as the other models.
I hope this helps!
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Happy Mothers Day everyone!
I'm in the same boat as you! I'm torn between 2 models--don't know what to do! I haven't wet tested the Jacuzzi yet. I have wet tested the Caldera--I'm not sure which model you are looking at. I tested the Caldera Tahitian. The looks of the tub are beautiful! I wasn't that impressed with the foot jets. I am wet testing the Jacuzzi today. The feeling of being pushed away from the seat (if you are talking about this) will probably happen in all tubs--its buoyoncy.
The warranties are almost exactly the same. The special features are also almost identifical (again depending which model of the Caldera).
In my area, the Jacuzzi is much less expensive but the model I am looking at doesn't have as many jets as the other models.
I hope this helps!
I'm hearing that its not the jet count, its the jet type that matters.
Please fill me in when you are done wet testing the jacuzzi. The jacuzzi line is starting to look very good.
Thank you 104
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I'm hearing that its not the jet count, its the jet type that matters.
Please fill me in when you are done wet testing the jacuzzi. The jacuzzi line is starting to look very good.
Thank you 104
You are correct, the number of jets do not matter as much as the type/purpose/position of each jet. But if both tubs have the same types of jets and Caldera's model offers more jets, a person may want more jets on them.
I'll certainly let you know after I wet test!
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You are correct, the number of jets do not matter as much as the type/purpose/position of each jet. But if both tubs have the same types of jets and Caldera's model offers more jets, a person may want more jets on them.
I'll certainly let you know after I wet test!
Thank you.
I like the improvements on the 07 jacuzzi's. the seating looks very good to.
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I'm also thinking of Jacuzzi, have you looked at the 400 series? The salesmen I'm dealing with thinks the 300 series is actually better.
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Yes, for the money, the 300 series are the better buy. Money aside, 400 series are the better tubs.
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Yes, for the money, the 300 series are the better buy. Money aside, 400 series are the better tubs.
400 :) I cannot wait to see the new waterfall and the ix"i think" ligted jets.
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In what way are they better? If there are tangible benefits, I might go for the extra money.
The salesman thought the filtering on the 30 sreies was better and he said the 400 series had only a one speed motor controlling the jets vs. twp on the 300.
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In what way are they better? If there are tangible benefits, I might go for the extra money.
The salesman thought the filtering on the 30 sreies was better and he said the 400 series had only a one speed motor controlling the jets vs. twp on the 300.
What were the models he was comparing in each series?
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355 or 365 and generally the 400 series, he had a 480 on the floor (no water in it).
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If space is an issue, I believe the 400 series are larger than the 300 series. My interest is caught on the lighted jets though! ;)
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If space is an issue, I believe the 400 series are larger than the 300 series. My interest is caught on the lighted jets though! ;)
Me to :)
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In what way are they better? If there are tangible benefits, I might go for the extra money.
The salesman thought the filtering on the 30 sreies was better and he said the 400 series had only a one speed motor controlling the jets vs. twp on the 300.
The 300 series uses a low flow circ pump along with a two speed therapy pump to filter where the 400 series uses a high flow circ pump to handle all the filtering. The low speed on the 300 series therapy pump is really just there for filtering, thus no need for one on the 400 series as the high flow circ pump is moving more water than the combination of pumps in the 300 series. Some may say they like to sit in the spa with the therapy pump on low, but you are just moving water with no real massage benefit and the high flow will move just as much water via its own jet or the waterfall. The 400 series has a more advanced filtering system and much better electronics in the LCD system over the LED system.
That being said, the 300 series is IMO a better value, but not better features.
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The 300 series uses a low flow circ pump along with a two speed therapy pump to filter where the 400 series uses a high flow circ pump to handle all the filtering. The low speed on the 300 series therapy pump is really just there for filtering, thus no need for one on the 400 series as the high flow circ pump is moving more water than the combination of pumps in the 300 series. Some may say they like to sit in the spa with the therapy pump on low, but you are just moving water with no real massage benefit and the high flow will move just as much water via its own jet or the waterfall. The 400 series has a more advanced filtering system and much better electronics in the LCD system over the LED system.
That being said, the 300 series is IMO a better value, but not better features.
Thanks Tony, I got side tracked but I'm back now. I was going to say the same thing about the the pumps and circulation. :) If I can remember correctly, doesn't the the 355 and 365 use the same LCD system as the 400 series? I thought it was only the 345 and down models that utilize the Led system but I could definetly be mistaken.
Chad
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I am looking at the Caldera Tahitian and the Jacuzzi J-335. We originally started with the J-355, but like the smaller J-335 for the size. We have a fairly small backyard and want to use the existing slab.
Time will tell. We are planning on wet testing next weekend. The prices I am getting with the usually freebies are:
Jacuzzi J-335 ($6895) and Caldera Tahitian ($7895). I haven't tried lowering the Caldera price b/c I haven't wet test it. The Jacuzzi dealer won't budge at all.
Thanks again for everyone insight. I can't wait for this to be over with and just walk out back and sit in my tub.
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Thanks Tony, I got side tracked but I'm back now. I was going to say the same thing about the the pumps and circulation. :) If I can remember correctly, doesn't the the 355 and 365 use the same LCD system as the 400 series? I thought it was only the 345 and down models that utilize the Led system but I could definetly be mistaken.
Chad
Through 2006 they did, but from what I have read, the 355 and 365 now use the LED controller. There is a lot of Jacuzzi talk these days.
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I am looking at the Caldera Tahitian and the Jacuzzi J-335. We originally started with the J-355, but like the smaller J-335 for the size. We have a fairly small backyard and want to use the existing slab.
Time will tell. We are planning on wet testing next weekend. The prices I am getting with the usually freebies are:
Jacuzzi J-335 ($6895) and Caldera Tahitian ($7895). I haven't tried lowering the Caldera price b/c I haven't wet test it. The Jacuzzi dealer won't budge at all.
Thanks again for everyone insight. I can't wait for this to be over with and just walk out back and sit in my tub.
You're quote for the 335 is right on. :) I'm amazed at how close the prices are for Jacuzzi tubs all across the country.
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I finally wet tested the Jacuzzi model today. I was originally interested in the J-345 but since it doesn't have a foot dome and there was no water in it, I tested the J-365. For me personally, it fit me better. I was orginally looking at the Caldera Tahitian and it bascially has the same benefits by the time I add on the stainless steel jets and the exterior lighting.
I really like the Jacuzzi model--the jets felt more comfortable and it has foot features--important for me since I wear heels all day long.
I think I am going to buy the Jacuzzi J-365 over the Caldera Tahitian--the wet test did it for me. Only downfall is the Jacuzzi does not have a neck massage like the Tahitian.
Any thoughts before I spend major bucks!!!! :)
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Spaz,
The Jacuzzi 365 is a great spa. You are going to love it. Congrats on the decision. ;)
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The Caldera Tahitian is a great spa. You would love it also.
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The Jaqauizzi is a TP tub right?
Ever since my Nordic experience, I am hesitient about Thermal tubs...I know that the Artic tubs have a decent reputation for electrical use in the North East, any input on how a Jaquizzi will do and cost in a New England winter?
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The Jaqauizzi is a TP tub right?
Ever since my Nordic experience, I am hesitient about Thermal tubs...I know that the Artic tubs have a decent reputation for electrical use in the North East, any input on how a Jaquizzi will do and cost in a New England winter?
I thought they where Full foam?????
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I thought they where Full foam?????
I thought they were Thermal?????
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Jacuzzi is not tp. Jacuzzi is full foam. I am 100% positive about this.
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update: I have my Tahitian wet test this evening. I am doing it alone since time is money and the wife can't get away. If I feel the Caldera is a finalist I will schedule another wet test for the both of us this weekend when the grandparents are in town so that we can leave the little ones behind.
I'll be in touch....
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update: I have my Tahitian wet test this evening. I am doing it alone since time is money and the wife can't get away. If I feel the Caldera is a finalist I will schedule another wet test for the both of us this weekend when the grandparents are in town so that we can leave the little ones behind.
I'll be in touch....
Take your time; you're going about it the right way. The week it takes to wet test again is worth it since whatever you buy is yours to keep for the next decade or so.
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Very true Spatech t.u.o. Thanks for reinforcing. There is a part of me that wants to make the best decision, but I don't want to drive myself crazy by looking and looking. I'll admit reading the forum can do that to you. My wife says the more one researches the higher the chances that they will have buyers remorse, but the flipside is the more one researches the happier they will be.
Did anyone have any insight to my question on the Jacuzzi Chestnut color. How do you go about cleaning the skirt of the tub?
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The skirt itself can be cleaned with light soap and water if needed,as far as hard water spots go thats a good question! I think if you put a coat of wax on it that would help but be kinda a bit of work.
That skirt look fantastic by the way with the dessert sand shell.
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I hadn't thought of waxing the skirt. Can you do that w/o voiding the warranty?
I starting to think that maybe we should go with a gray color instead of the dark.
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OK...back from my wet test. Here are my thoughts on the Tahitian:
Pros:
-overall comfort of the lounger (which is important to me)
-foot ridge allows you to brace yourself
-lounger foot jets
-whirlpool (can help massage your hamstring)
-volcano (can help massage your feet)
Cons:
-the easiest entrance is in from the sides (the lounger is in front so you would need to be careful)
-the neck jets in the lounger were too strong and left me feeling itchy (they told me that I could swap them out for the hand jets)
-the two suction draws at the bottom sucked my leg to them (I don't remember the Jacuzzi doing this and with two little kids that bothers me)
-the waterfall length gets too big when you turn the jet to high (I don't remember the Jacuzzi doing that, if I remember correctly the waterfall pressure stays the same)
-although I listed the volcano and whirlpool as a pro, they can be a little overpowering at times
Pro/Con
-the atlus neck pillow. I remember the pilllow being a lot more comfortable out of water. It was ok in the water and I really couldn't tell the difference with the jets on. So I am not sure how I feel about this feature.
My wife said that based on what I said she wouldn't need to wet test it. I think she is still leaning towards the Jacuzzi. I'll talk to her again about it tomorrow. I also want to talk to the Jacuzzi dealer and see if it would be possible to to wet test the J-355. That is the one I originally put a deposit on, but then we keep thinking the J-335 would suffice. The one thing the J-355 has over the J-335 is a cool off seat (once again something I like).
Jacuzzi Jim - besides the jets, what else stands out between the two Jacuzzi's? Is the lounger deeper in the 55 versus the 35?
I am still confused on the colors. We really like the chestnut with graphite, but the Caldera salesperson showed me a blue tub with water marks. Here in South Texas we have hard water so I am afraid the graphite might be hard to maintain clean. It's kinda like the black car. I always wanted on so I got one and the first 6 months were great because I always kept it clean, but when it wasn't clean it looked like crap.
Anyways...let me know your thoughts.
thanks agin.
b
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Well I have to make a decision this week. Since I will be having my deck built around my spa, I need to order it by this weekend since it can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks for delivery. I keep thinking I've made up my mind and then I read something on this forum and can't decide. This forum has been so helpful because I was totally clueless before .....but all this information also makes it difficult to MAKE A DECISION. They both wet tested well for my family for different reasons. So will it be the Jacuzzi J-365 or the Caldera Tahitian????? They are both basically the exact same price. Hmmmmmmmmm............
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I don't have to make a decision this week, but I would love too. I have a gut feeling we are going to go with Jacuzzi, but not sure which one. The is just something about the Jacuzzi that we like. I will also save over a grand if I stick with the J-335. Going with the J-355 would come out about even with the Tahitian.
What are your color choices spaz?
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I don't have to make a decision this week, but I would love too. I have a gut feeling we are going to go with Jacuzzi, but not sure which one. The is just something about the Jacuzzi that we like. I will also save over a grand if I stick with the J-335. Going with the J-355 would come out about even with the Tahitian.
What are your color choices spaz?
I plan to go with the platnium shell and silverwood skirt. The price is exactly the same for me. But if I didn't need all the "special" pretty features, it would also be about $1,000 less. What I like about the J-365 is it has a foot dome. The J-335 does not. So if massaging your feet are important, you may want to think about this.
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OK...back from my wet test. Here are my thoughts on the Tahitian:
I am still confused on the colors. We really like the chestnut with graphite, but the Caldera salesperson showed me a blue tub with water marks. Here in South Texas we have hard water so I am afraid the graphite might be hard to maintain clean. It's kinda like the black car. I always wanted on so I got one and the first 6 months were great because I always kept it clean, but when it wasn't clean it looked like crap.
I still love a black car when it is clean though...nothing looks beter...that is why I ordered my J-345 in Graphite with the roasted chestnut cabinet :)
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I personally like the J-355 better for a few reasons. One is you have 2 divertor handls vs 1 in the J-335 which means in the J-335 pmp2 is dedicated to the back corner seat tons of power which can be to much for some, with the J-355 you can control all the seats 100% as far as where the water goes and how strong you want it. Another reason would be with the lounge seat on the J-355 the divertor is right by you so you can dial in what you want with out having to get up on the 335 its across the spa on the other side.
Second is as mentioned the cool down seat with a jet at your back also great for the kids and easy step in.
3rd would be dont count out the foot jets in the J-355 those two power pro jets put out a lot of water and feel fantastic on your feet! So if sitting in the other 2/3 seat oppisite of the lounge you can divert all the water from the lounge to those 2 foot jets.
Anyway hope this helps I am off to day so will see you all wed!! :)
Also waxing the skirt would void the warranty.
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Thank you Jim! You are correct with all your reasons and those are what draw us back to the J-355. Hope you enjoyed your day off.
So I called the Jacuzzi dealer and they are going to setup the J-355 for a wet test Saturday. It will be in the back warehouse area, but we don't care. They said they want us to be satisfied with our purchase.
I'll let you all know what happens after the wet test Saturday.
thanks again
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Hey everyone. Great news...I am not longer confused and I'll being in Spatopia come Tuesday.
Here is how the weekend went. On Friday my wife and I went and wet tested the Caldera Tahitian. My my wife was impressed, but she had concerns with the strong suction on the intakes, the fact that there was no cool off seat and the issue that we can't control the lounger very well. So Saturday we wet back to the Jacuzzi dealer to test the J-355. When we walked in our sales person greated us and pointed us to the back door. He introduced us to the person who preps the tubs before they go out to customers who took us to our tub. For our wet test we had a silverwood/platinum w/stereo.
After spending some time in the tub, we were glad we had decided to come back and test the 355. We had previously been testing the 335, but found it to be a tad to small for us. We were also impressed with the cool off seat and the jet on it that hits your SI joint. I was also impressed with the comfort of the lounger and the fact that I was able to divert 100% to the feet jets in in the bottom. So from there we went back and tested the 335 again, but we were pretty much sold on the 355.
So to make the story short, we ended up purchasing the tub we tested. Our initial deposit was for the chestnut/graphite, but after reading serveral reviews and looking at pictures we were liking the silverwood/platinum combo. With the hard water in Texas I was concerned with the dark colors and the light show looks nice with the light colors. We also had no plans for a stero, but the dealer knocked it down a bit since I told him I wanted that one. I had just gone to Sam's and purchased outdoor speakers and figured that by the time I bought speaker wire and ran the whole setup it wasn't going that much cheaper so we said what the hell.
The only thing outstanding is the electrical, but the dealer called thier installer who had already given me an estimate and asked if he could fit me in and he said yes and that he would call me Monday morning. I hope that doesn't fall through. The owner of Jacuzzi dealership said that he gives him a lot of business and that he shouldn't.
I will post pictures when it is all up and running. Thanks to everyone who has responded to this thread as well as others. It means alot.
Talk to you shortly.
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Great news! :)
Congratulations! :D
As you know I'm a very happy J-345 owner. You will not be disapointed with your descion. Nice color combo by the way. ;)
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/IMG_0016.jpg)
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Thanks Why Not! Your pictures and comments were a big influence.
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It looks like you will be very happy with your new tub ;D please post pics of it.