Hot Spring VS Jacuzzi

[MNScoobie]

I need help on some items...

Jacuzzi J-365 vs Hot Spring Vanguard

I realize that there is a price difference between the two however I want the BEST! I want something that will last me at least 15-20 yrs and I don't want to have to worry.

I'm in sales and lets face it folks, a sales person can say anything they want, but if it is not in writing buyer beware!!!

I was recently at the Hot Spring dealer here in Mpls. The gal I talked to told us that HS is silent that you never hear clean cycles turn on and off all day/night. Because it will be right outside by my bedroom window on my deck. I possibly will hear the Jac spa cycle.

Also she told me that the energy cost are $20 average cost, The Jacuzzi dealer did tell me it would also be around $20. But I didn't see it in any of their brochures or website.

Jacuzzi says I should have this Pan on the bottom of the spa (I forgot the name of it). He said that it will protect the bottom of the Spa from rotting. Hot Spring said that is a none issue for thier Spas. And I might add she also said, Why do they need that? Do they have problems with the Spa rotting? It sure made me think.

What is the difference between ABS backing and Vac-formed acrylic with polyester layers on the shells? Hot Spring has ABS backed and Jacuzzi has the Vac-formed thing.

Hot Spring has 100% No bypass filtration, she said they filter all the water up to 10-15 times a day and that is competely silent. Jaquzzi said theirs filter all the water too. What is the difference?

Can anyone help me out here? If anyone has anything to add, please feel free!

Thank you, Jessie

[spahappy]

Jessie.
There are many good hottub manufacturers and Hotsprings and Jacuzzi are two with the most name brand recognition.
Do yourself a favor and wet test any spa before you purchase it.
I sell Coleman spas in N.D. they do very well in the climate our two states share. Please don't get caught up in the full foam vs. thermol pane debate as both types of insulation are good.
The Coleman has the same type of ABS pan bottom the Jacuzzi has. The advantages are to keep moisture out and critters out. Helps keep the heat in, makes the spa easier to move.
If your concerned about noise listen to all the spas your interested in. Don't take the word of a saleperson without hearing for yourself.
Compare warranty's and ask for a copy so you can read the fine print so to speak.
Above all good luck in your search and let us know how you do.
Spahappy

[ZzTop]

I need help on some items...

Jacuzzi J-365 vs Hot Spring Vanguard


I was recently at the Hot Spring dealer here in Mpls. The gal I talked to told us that HS is silent that you never hear clean cycles turn on and off all day/night. Because it will be right outside by my bedroom window on my deck. I possibly will hear the Jac spa cycle.

Thank you, Jessie

Both products are very good, however because it will be right outside you bedroom window you may want to consider a 24/7 circ pump, which should be much quieter.

[ebirrane]

Well, I own a grandee from Hot Springs, so take everything I say with some salt.

All manufacturers have their gimmiks.

1) Don't know about energy bills. My HS said $20 too. I'll go and look tonight.

2) Wood should not rot on the HS. Never heard of this. It's pressure treated and enclosed.

3) My HS 24/7 pump is silent. You still need to run a "clean" cycle manually whenever you leave the tub to help the filter out. That runs one jet which you can hear, but is much quieter than other tubs. I don't think you will hear it through an exterior wall when the cover is on the tub.

4) 10-12 times a day is not alot. Some tubs will do 50-60.

5) The new tri-x filters from HS, I believe, give you the most square footage of filtration.  They can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, which is really nice.

6) The no bypass means all water goes through the filter all the time. Some people let some water slip by the filter on the (probably correct) assumption that if you move the water 60X a day and divert 10-50% on each pass through the filters, you are probably doing a good enough job.

7) HS had some shell trouble (cosmetic) a few years back but not since they switch shell material / manufacturing process. I thought I heard jacuzzi had problems there too, but can't remember.

8 ) HS has a history of really going out of their way to stand by their tubs. It's the biggest hot tub seller out there and everybody wants to be them (sales wise) so they take an incredible amount of pot shots.

People on this board also really like Marquis, Beachcomber and Sundance.

[dpgtech]

hey Jessie,
        The Jacuzzi and the hot springs are both excellent tubs.  The Abs Pan is for protection from ground moisture wether it be from rain , snow, sprinklers, etc. if your spa is going inside then probably a non issue.  The sales woman's question is fairly ignorant in my humble opinion.  Spas with wood on the bottom instead of plastic are more susceptible to rotting. does it happen over night? no.  and really if you are not going to move the spa it is not much of an issue. but if you've got weather elements to speed up the process an abs plastic pan on the bottom is a benefit.  As to the shells.  both shells are acceptable.  Jacuzzi uses the same shell materials as sundance.  I would not let the quality of the shells weigh to heavily on your decision.  Ask to hear the filter cycles kick on on both spas and see what you think.  Eletrical cost can vary.  depending on what you pay per kilowatt hour, how often the spa is used , ambient outside temperature,( Really cold in the winter probably) where your electrical cost currently is at.  both spas are fully foam filled and use 24 hour circ pumps. the jacuzzi circ pump is quiet as well.Warranties are very comparable, so get copies.  Wet test both spas and evaluate the dealerships.  both are good spas so it may come down to which dealer you feel is right for you.  the Coleman is great as well as mentioned by spahappy

[johnnythunders]

Funny thing i have had my Jacuzzi J-355 for 2 months and i never heard it outside my bedroom..I made sure i was outside to see if my pumps comes on at 12pm and sure enough they did and they are very low.so if you think they will keep you up at night you are very wrong unless you wakeup when someone drops a pin lol...Don't beleave everything you hear from sales people.Johnny Thunders

[Lori]

MNScoobie,

Ok, I'll preface my comments with this statement:  I am very prejudiced.

With that said, a wet test should be in order for you.  Both tubs have their pros and cons.  The only real way to tell if you are going to enjoy a tub is to get in wet!  When I was looking last summer, I tried both the Jacuzzi and the HotSpring.  I floated terribly in the Jacuzzi.  I was fighting to stay in the seats.  Not my idea of a relaxing time in a spa.

I love my HotSpring Vanguard.  It is right out my bedroom, as well, and it is very quiet.  Even with all the jets on high, I don't wake my light sleeping husband.  He can hear a pin drop...lol!

I can't say this enough, so I will say it again:  WET TEST, WET TEST, WET TEST.  That is the only way to know if a tub is right for you.

You can't go wrong with either choice!!!

Good luck!!!

[UnderTheStars]

Hi!  I am a total newbie with hottubs but I can tell you with absolute certainty:  wet test.  

We shopped a lot and had narrowed to two brands.  On our way to the final wet test we were pretty much decided (90%?) which one we were going to buy.  That test became the deciding factor and we bought the one we "thought" was second choice.

It's good to compare all the features and research the similarities/differences.  But in the end, so much of your ownership experience will consist of the way the tub feels when you're in it.  So follow the advice you'll hear repeatedly on this forum and call to schedule a wet test of both tubs.   FWIW, we bought the Vanguard (waiting delivery) but the Jacuzzi might be better for you.  Good luck and enjoy the shopping phase!

[MNScoobie]

Ok a few more questions.....

The Abs pan.. Did jucuzzi have problems with "critters" & "moisture" problems from my understanding nobody else uses this type of "pan". My friend has a HS and they moved recently and my b/f helped them move it they had it for 9 years and the bottom of the spa looked good for the yrs it sat out on there patio. I also have another friend with a jacuzzi (haven't seen the bottom but they have no "pan")

Ok whats up with jacuzzi's 240v @ 30a,50a, 60a? Do I have a choice? I never seen that till I was looking at the website.

I have a scheduled wet test at Hot Spring today so I will need some weapons to take with me so to speak!

I have heard that HS jets are alittle weak. But there again I have been in my friends grandee and thought it was great! So I guess I will find out.

Is there any other tips to take with me on my Wet Test?

[Lori]

Take a pen and paper with you.  Once you get done playing with all the knobs, diverter, and jet faces (i.e. done with the wet test) then write down your thoughts.  This proved very helpful when I went to the next dealer to test the next brand.  Was much easier to compare them.  Then when I got down to the last two, I wet tested back-to-back, just to be sure I had a good comparison.

The best advice, relax and imagine yourself in your back yard!

Good luck and enjoy!  A free soak is a free soak!!!  

[Gerrym]

I have not tried anything but Hotspring so when you say that their jets are weak, I can only assume that other spas kick you out of the seat becasue the ones on my Envoy are more than powerful enough and I can not imagine who would need rougher treatment than that !!


Cheers


Gerry

[ebirrane]

The optima jets will move you across the tub.  To some people this is a feature.  My friend with a Cameo proudly proclaims that after 5 minutes in front of his favorite seat his *entire* back is completely numb. To him, this is really important because it makes him feel he is getting a better massage.  

I, personally, can't stand it, and my wife says the jets physically hurt her.

I have noticed that whenever groups of friends sit in the cameo everyone keeps the jets off and whenever the group sits in the grandee, we can keep the jets on.

My 2 cents.

-Ed

[Jordy]

Both are among the best manufacturers in the industry. Wet Test is King!!!

[MNScoobie]

Wet test Bust... Of course I had an emergency meeting I had to attend so was unable to test the hot spring.

I will definatly wet test!

Thank you everyone for all the advice!!!