Hot Tub Forum
Brand Specific Forums => Jacuzzi Hot Tubs => Topic started by: Gillian on August 14, 2012, 11:57:54 am
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We are buying our first hot tub, narrowed it down to Jacuzzi 355 or 345 (lounge or no lounge, a personal preference I haven't been able to figure out yet). I think the J345 fits me best, as I am petite, but I want my family to enjoy the tub also. I can't decide on color(s) either. The silver pearl (textured white) looks the best with lights. I also like the Sahara & Sand shell colors with teak skirting. Do you keep hot tub lights on the entire time you are in a hot tub? Is a white shell harder to keep clean than colors? Are upgrades, like the Pro Endure cover & Smart Seal insulation good to add in very cold climates? We live in a very cold climate.
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We are buying our first hot tub, narrowed it down to Jacuzzi 355 or 345 (lounge or no lounge, a personal preference I haven't been able to figure out yet). I think the J345 fits me best, as I am petite, but I want my family to enjoy the tub also. I can't decide on color(s) either. The silver pearl (textured white) looks the best with lights. I also like the Sahara & Sand shell colors with teak skirting. Do you keep hot tub lights on the entire time you are in a hot tub? Is a white shell harder to keep clean than colors? Are upgrades, like the Pro Endure cover & Smart Seal insulation good to add in very cold climates? We live in a very cold climate.
If you wet test, go with whichever fits/feels best. If you don't wet test I suggest you go with the non-lounge spa to avoid finding out in your back yard that you have a section of the spa that doesn't work for you yet takes up about 25% or so of the spa. Lounges are a hit and miss as far as fit for each person but if you are decidedly non-average in stature (taller, shorter, larger) I’d definitely worry that a lounge might not work well for you.
The Sand and Sahara types won't show spots nearly as much as the "shiny/smooth" surfaces which are harder to keep clean but get whichever you truly want and don’t' sweat it, its not like you'll have to be cleaning it a lot. No matter the surface type, the lighter the color the better the light shows.
I would upgrade on the items that give you better energy efficiency pretty much no matter where you live as they tend to pay for themselves over time when in colder climates and/or high rate areas.
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Gillian,
Welcome to the forum. I am back in the market to buy after 10 years and am looking at those models as well. We wet test Wednesday night. More then. My sister has a similar color and has no problem keeping hers nice looking. My current tub has crappy lighting, so we don't have it on that often, but on this tub it does look much nicer, so we will see.
Washington State I assume?
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Spatech pretty much nailed it already, if you are unsure about which I would highly recommend a wet test to find out which spa you are more comfortable in.
re: the colors, I always say the shiny acrylics are more "pretty" esp. with some nice LED lighting, and the textured sand/sahara etc. finishes are more practical because they show less spots and scratch less...however don't sweat it, pick the colors that you like the most, even if scratched the shiny pearl surfaces can be buffed out easily and water spots are water spots, no biggie, it is after-all a hottub so water is kind of a key component ;D
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I have the sand color in my J-470 and it is very easy to keep clean and no marks or anything on the shell after a year. I have no experience with the lighter colors. We use the lights every time we are in the tub except during the day. The textured sand shell may also be less slippery as well? Not sure.
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We do use the lights at night almost without exception. As for the finish, we have the Sahara in our Sundance, and it doesn't show water spots or dirt. We chose it because of that and the fact that it is less slippery than the pearl finishes.
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First time poster. I'm about to get a J-470 (just waiting for the upcoming Labor Day sale) and am considering the same questions. I think I'll end up choosing the platinum shell, because the appearance is brilliant. :)
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We are getting the Jacuzzi J365, Sand shell with Teak skirting. I realized that I have been in a Sundance Optima already and liked it alot. Our friends have the J365 and highly recommended it. I decided to go without the lounge because I've never wet tested one and I think as a family of 5 with 3 (adult/teen) kids we will enjoy the open seating area without the lounge. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!
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Gillian, I agree with the lack of lounge. My wife and I have 3 kids (all boys, 8 years old) and a lounge seat would present a challenge for those times when all of us pile in the tub.
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I am glad I went with the J470 over the lounge model, much more practicle with a large family or when guests come over for a soak. I find the kids use the tub more then the adults and it is nice to be able to fit all their friends in the tub!
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We were considering the Silver Pearl shell for a J-365, but a sales rep told us they had one on their floor once and the water looked green because of the finish. As a result we have been leaning towards a Sahara finish. But, now I am wondering if they sales rep was telling the truth our just steering me away from something they don't have in stock. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
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Both colors look nice but silver pearl does not make the water look green. Suppose it might matter depending on lighting in the showroom??
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Thanks! Does the Silver Pearl still have the textured (less slippery) surface as the Sand and Sahara?
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Nope. Silver pearl is smooth.
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Nope. Silver pearl is smooth.
Fail! Silver pearl is textured.. Platinum is smooth ;)
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Nope. Silver pearl is smooth.
Fail! Silver pearl is textured.. Platinum is smooth ;)
Okay, that is what I thought. So the Silver Pearl probably looks better with the light, right? I am going to have to find that locally to see it before we order. Thanks!
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My apologies. I was shown something my dealer called "silver" and it was a smooth, pearl-like appearing finish. Looking at jacuzzi's website, I think what I was shown is actually called "platinum".
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My apologies. I was shown something my dealer called "silver" and it was a smooth, pearl-like appearing finish. Looking at jacuzzi's website, I think what I was shown is actually called "platinum".
I'm thinking your right. I was in a jacuzzi platinum last night in the dealer's demo room with dimmable lights. They look great lit up.
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I'm thinking your right. I was in a jacuzzi platinum last night in the dealer's demo room with dimmable lights. They look great lit up.
I think the platinum looks the best, but with kids we are worried about the slippery surface. So I am hoping the Silver Pearl also shows off nicely and still provides the textured surface.... now I just have to find one to look at!
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Yes the S,pearl looks great as well. As far as slipping it won't matter, kids are kids and can figure out a way to slip on the textured surface as well, so don't let that sway you too much..
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Its interesting to me when I read about people selecting what they want in their tub, including texture, cabinet, color, seat placement, lounge/no lounge.....
I had all these ideas when we were picking out our Jacuzzi.
We wanted the Pearl with a silverwood cabinet, in a J345 because we didn't want the lounger.
When we stumbled upon a deal for a J335(with a lounge) in Sand/Brazillian Teak, we didn't feel that it was much of a compromise. Turns out, we really like the lounge, in fact its become my "go to" seat.
After this experience, I'm much more open minded on these features, but I am a Jacuzzi customer for life!
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Its interesting to me when I read about people selecting what they want in their tub, including texture, cabinet, color, seat placement, lounge/no lounge.....
I had all these ideas when we were picking out our Jacuzzi.
We wanted the Pearl with a silverwood cabinet, in a J345 because we didn't want the lounger.
When we stumbled upon a deal for a J335(with a lounge) in Sand/Brazillian Teak, we didn't feel that it was much of a compromise. Turns out, we really like the lounge, in fact its become my "go to" seat.
After this experience, I'm much more open minded on these features, but I am a Jacuzzi customer for life!
I sat in one of these, though I don't remember the cabinet color. Very comfortable, I too am a little more open minded now on those features than I was 10 years ago. Once I get the order behind me next week the waiting begins and I'm betting the delivery process is a bit smoother than it was 10 years ago. I don't think I was a member of the forum then, or I would resurrect the post about the time I took the day off work to have the tub delivered and it arrived at 10:30pm and the installer drilled a hole in my new cover.
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Its interesting to me when I read about people selecting what they want in their tub, including texture, cabinet, color, seat placement, lounge/no lounge.....
I had all these ideas when we were picking out our Jacuzzi.
We wanted the Pearl with a silverwood cabinet, in a J345 because we didn't want the lounger.
When we stumbled upon a deal for a J335(with a lounge) in Sand/Brazillian Teak, we didn't feel that it was much of a compromise. Turns out, we really like the lounge, in fact its become my "go to" seat.
After this experience, I'm much more open minded on these features, but I am a Jacuzzi customer for life!
I sat in one of these, though I don't remember the cabinet color. Very comfortable, I too am a little more open minded now on those features than I was 10 years ago. Once I get the order behind me next week the waiting begins and I'm betting the delivery process is a bit smoother than it was 10 years ago. I don't think I was a member of the forum then, or I would resurrect the post about the time I took the day off work to have the tub delivered and it arrived at 10:30pm and the installer drilled a hole in my new cover.
Ooof, that sound like a crazy ordeal.
If you weren't knowledgeable back then, then you certainly are now. I've enjoyed reading your reviews and wet test results.
I've done a ton of reading on this site and really appreciate the wealth of knowledge.
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Update: Jacuzzi J365 delivered today - just waiting for the water to warm up!
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Update: Jacuzzi J365 delivered today - just waiting for the water to warm up!
congrats on the new spa...oh and post pics or it never happened ;D
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Update: Jacuzzi J365 delivered today - just waiting for the water to warm up!
Woohoo! Yes, pictures!
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Update: Jacuzzi J365 delivered today - just waiting for the water to warm up!
Congrats, we will see who posts pics first !