Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Jacuzzi Herb on August 14, 2007, 03:07:27 pm
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This post will cover the entire installation process of a new 2007 Jacuzzi model J-345. As a rather large person, I was first concerned about finding a tub big enough for me. The available install space was limited to 7'x7' (84"x84") so that narrowed my search down to three or four tubs carried by area dealers. After a lengthy shopping process and wet tests, we decided upon a Jacuzzi 2007 J-345. We have not yet received the tub, but I will post photos and comments of the entire process.
Other models we looked at:
Marquis 641R (quoted $7350) - Good Tub, but did not want bromine frog system and it was a bit above budget. Cabinet workmanship in the store showed warped panels. No head rests.
D1 Dream ($6500), Within budget, but had a lounge that was rather small for my 6'4" 260lb frame. Head rests look cheap. Seat options too fixed for my liking. Never had heard of D1 before. Warped panels & trim.
The same dealer sold both tubs mentioned above, but they were not very knowledgable.
Hot Springs (Tiger River Caspian $7350), nice tub, but high price and pushy saleman. Nice cabinet work.
Thermospas - I ued to be an affiliate for Thermospas (no they do not alway sell directly to the public, there are middlemen.) Do not like their pricing, sales tactics, insulation method or shell delamination issues. Quickly eliminated them.
Just had to throw that in in case you are considering them.
I chose the Jacuzzi J-345 for several reasons.
1. They invented the Hot Tub.
2. Open seating arrangement, fits even a big guy like me. I felt like a little kid in a big chair (for once).
3. Not too many jets, just right.
4. Solid shell construction. I did the stomp test on all three, right in the middle of the tub, and the Jacuzzi was the most solid sounding.
5. Nice lighting effects. Water fall, headrests, drink holders all light up with cycling colors.
6. Variable jet controls.
7. Stainless steel jets, yeah, I know they are just hub caps.
8. 120 sq feet of filer area. (60 x 2 filters)
Concern...dual filter replacement cost. But they can be cleaned several times, right?
9. Good Dealer - Good Price.
We also managed to arrive the day a list of tubs became available after a state fair display. They knocked $1000 off the base price of a j-345. That helps pays for electricity for about 4 or 5 years.
Buying a hot tub is a major overload of information. There are many choices, and I'm sure there will be posts against Jacuzzi from other hot tub owners. Our choice was simply based on dealer reputation & support, price, features, appearance, technology used, workmanship, the "feel" of the tub and on a more open seating arrangement.
If anyone has a comment in this model or owns one and can share your experience, please post.
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Not here to bad mouth Jacuzzi. You made a good choice. To clarify though:
1. They claim to have invented the hot tub, which is debatable Even if that were true that was several companies ago. There are no Jacuzzi family members with Jacuzzi.
2. You list prices for D1, Marquis, Tiger River but not what you paid.
3. You don't like Thermospa's sales tactics, but they "knocked $1000" off and you bought it.
Again, bottom line, I think you got a good tub. The filters are cleanable and should last you 2-4 years. If you have issues down the road, Jacuzzi Jim, here on the forum, has been a great help to some people.
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1. They claim to have invented the hot tub, which is debatable Even if that were true that was several companies ago. There are no Jacuzzi family members with Jacuzzi.
I saw that too and figured maybe Herb just assumed it though I can also believe the salesman really did make that claim (it seems to be common knowledge that they weren't the first, not that I was around at the time). In effect, they are one of many spa companies that are around 30 years old and any of them can certainly lay claim to being "pioneers in the industry".
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Congrats!
I have an '06 J345 and couldn't be any more happy with it going on 10 months now. I too shopped around(visited 8 dealers) and really couldn't find a better spa for the money. What color combo did you order and how long for delivery? Did they include the steps, ozonator, and cover lifter?
Cheers,
Chad
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1. They claim to have invented the hot tub, which is debatable Even if that were true that was several companies ago. There are no Jacuzzi family members with Jacuzzi.
2. You list prices for D1, Marquis, Tiger River but not what you paid.
3. You don't like Thermospa's sales tactics, but they "knocked $1000" off and you bought it.
To clarify:
1. Sorry, the Romans invented the Hot Tub, but Roy Jacuzzi holds many of the patents for pump technology on the modern version. They've been in business a long time, so I'd call them a pioneer in the field. See: http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bljacuzzi.htm
The 2007 models have a 50 year emblem on them presumably to commemorate his 1957 hydrotherapy pump invention.
I guess after 50 years, the family members could finally retire.
It seems many companies are spin offs of his original ideas created back in the 50's & 60's.
2. We got it for $5200 base price. But with add ons (their $200 ozonator is an option, whereas most others include it), so after electical gear and tax the total was just over $6000.
3. Thermospas didn't knock nuthin off...we did not buy from them. They would probably give an original price of $18,000, then say "oh, we have a guy near you who could not take delivery, so you can get it for $12,000, when it's hardly worth $6000. Sorry, but they really jerked me around about a year ago, when I was considerign them.
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Chad:
Thanks for the reply!
I got the Azure / Chestnut combination. The dealer added the package deal with chemicals, cover, lifter, steps and ozonator. The whole thing, including my electrical box and wiring was just over $6000 tax included. I thought this to be a really good price. BTW, did the 06 models have the new lighting system?
On this model, the waterfall, headrests and drink holders all light up and cycle through endless color patterns.
I will be sending photos when it arrives early next week.
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I won't get into any debates on who invented the hot tub, but I will congratulate you on your new J-345. :) Please send pics when you get it installed.
There seems to be a growing club of Jacuzzi J-345 owners on this forum. I have had mine since May and love it!
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You got yourself a good spa at a good price. I'm sure you're gonna love it. ;)
The 50th anniversary has to do with a whirlpool pump, not a hot tub.
However, Jacuzzi brothers were inventers and contibutors to the beginnings and growth of our industry.
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The filters are a use only once and throw away type on the 345 ... JUST KIDDING ;D
Make sure you rotate them from the circ pump to therapy pump at the filter cleaning, you should get about 2 years.
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Chad:
Thanks for the reply!
I got the Azure / Chestnut combination. The dealer added the package deal with chemicals, cover, lifter, steps and ozonator. The whole thing, including my electrical box and wiring was just over $6000 tax included. I thought this to be a really good price. BTW, did the 06 models have the new lighting system?
On this model, the waterfall, headrests and drink holders all light up and cycle through endless color patterns.
I will be sending photos when it arrives early next week.
Wow that's quite the deal. I paid $6095 + tax for the complete package back in September of last year for an '06. You got the best deal since me on one since I've joined this site. Way to go. 8-) Just out of curiousity, where are you located?
Drink holders, what are those? ;D :(
'07 was the first year for cup holders and the light show. The only lights I have are in the footwell and on the waterfall.
Congrats again and nice choice of colors,
Chad
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Congrats on the new Jacuzzi.......I just purchased a the 365.....I too am a big guy and liked the open seating that they offered. You did get a good deal on the tub I shopped a 345 and was getting prices between $6900.00 and $7400.00...
Was your tub in stock ? ......Every place I shopped Jacuzzi they told me 6 - 8 weeks delivery...Does anybody know ....does it really take that long ??
Congratulations again
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Congrats on the new Jacuzzi.......I just purchased a the 365.....I too am a big guy and liked the open seating that they offered. You did get a good deal on the tub I shopped a 345 and was getting prices between $6900.00 and $7400.00...
Was your tub in stock ? ......Every place I shopped Jacuzzi they told me 6 - 8 weeks delivery...Does anybody know ....does it really take that long ??
Congratulations again
Jacuzzi spas come from Chino, CA.
Where you're located effects the time of delivery and how it's delivered to the dealer. Also how soon they place the order with the manufacturer. I've heard of dealers waiting until a certain number of spas are purchased before they send the orders.
My Jacuzzi dealer here in the STL told me 3-4 weeks(what I beleive to be about the average from what I've seen on this site). I recieved it in two and a 1/2 weeks. However, I was able to get on a very large shipment of spas that was ordered right after a home show and delivered by train.
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Was your tub in stock ? ......Every place I shopped Jacuzzi they told me 6 - 8 weeks delivery...Does anybody know ....does it really take that long ??
Congratulations again
Part of that has to do with delivery. Dealers generally like to take full loads or piggy back onto other deliveries to the area. Transportation can be expensive, your spa may be waiting for a ride.
When I ordered my spa, they told me 8 weeks. If I remember correctly, it arrived in about 6 and this is from a dealer that sells a lot of spas.
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I am loctaed near Green Bay, WI and the tub was used as a display only model for the Wisconsin State Fair, hence the relatively fast delivery time and lower price. Hopefully no cows & pigs sat in it. ;D (I'm sure jokes will follow)
The dealer did use a bit if a sneaky sales tactic though, they had an MSRP of about $8500 on the tub, but then told me he could get it for $6300, that was a J-335. I'm sure all do the same. Always ask for the lower price and get a printed quote, then use mutliple stores and let them compete against each other.
I sat in the 335 and did not really like the lounge arrangement (of any tub actually) and once he told me about the 345 for $5200 (puls lift / chem package, ozone & tax) I then went with the 345.
I like the open seating in all 4 corners.
Tub should arrive early next week. I'll post more then...
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Tub has arrived!
Works great - we're in heaven!
For photos, please see:
http://www.microlinx.com/vista/jacuzzi_hot_tubs_j345.htm
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Tub has arrived!
Works great - we're in heaven!
For photos, please see:
http://www.microlinx.com/vista/jacuzzi_hot_tubs_j345.htm
Nice tub Herb :) 8-) Happy hot tubbing :)
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Nice tub. Looks kinda small though. How many gallons does it hold?
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The tub holds about 338 gallons.
As I mentioned before, I'm a big guy, (6'4") and the tub is WAY big enough for me and my wife. Overall dimensions of the tub, (not wife) is 7' x 7' ;D
I'll add some night photos ASAP. It looks like a spaceship when lit up!
Waterfall - 3 drink "coasters", main light and all four head rest jacuzzi logos illuminate, with lotsa variations & colors to select!
Movie added...
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[size=12]Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! ;D Keep those pic's comming!!! [/size]
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Thanks for takin the time to post some pictures JHerb.
The privacy fence turned out great, very patriotic. 8-)
Is that just the reflections off the fence panels or is there something else helping illuminate the bulbs? How's everything goin' with the tub? Any q's?
Hope you're enjoying yours as much as I enjoy mine,
Chad
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Chad:
The lights on the fence are LED patio lights from Menards.
I'll post some night shots of the tub lights once the sun goes down.
:D
Tubs been in use every day.
Just trying to figure out the best chemistry.
Using three products by SpaPure
1. Granular Chlorine
2. Spa Shock
3. Stain & Scale Preventer
and also using Zodiac Nature2 mineral sanitizer & ozone from the
Jacuzzi ozone generator.
Got a lot of different stories:
Dealer said 3 tablespoons of Chlorine every three days!
then, after 3 more days 3 tables spoons of Spa Shock...that seems wacky!
If I did that, the Free Chlorine would be 500+ppm! It was way off the chart when I tested it after 3 days.
Another saleperson at the same store told me, yes, Three tablespoons of Chlorine ONCE to activate the Nature2, then follow the dosing on the label (which says 1 TEASPOON per 500 gallons as needed to maintain 2 to 3 ppm) and then she said to use Spa Shock after every use of the tub.
A test strip this morning shows pH a bit low at 6.8
(will double check with electronic pH meter)
free Chlorine is about 2ppm
Alkalinity is about 80ppm
Stabilizer is bettween 0 and 30 ppm (hard to tell with test strips)
The water is from a well, not city water, but it is not very hard.
My biggest question is: of the measurements above, which should I be most concerned with keeping stable? pH? I though that keeping pH stable will help keep everything else in order.
photos URL: http://www.microlinx.com/vista/jacuzzi_hot_tubs_j345.htm
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Chad:
The lights on the fence are LED patio lights from Menards.
I'll post some night shots of the tub lights once the sun goes down.
:D
Tubs been in use every day.
Just trying to figure out the best chemistry.
Using three products by SpaPure
1. Granular Chlorine
2. Spa Shock
3. Stain & Scale Preventer
and also using Zodiac Nature2 mineral sanitizer & ozone from the
Jacuzzi ozone generator.
Got a lot of different stories:
Dealer said 3 tablespoons of Chlorine every three days!
then, after 3 more days 3 tables spoons of Spa Shock...that seems wacky!
If I did that, the Free Chlorine would be 500+ppm! It was way off the chart when I tested it after 3 days.
Another saleperson at the same store told me, yes, Three tablespoons of Chlorine ONCE to activate the Nature2, then follow the dosing on the label (which says 1 TEASPOON per 500 gallons as needed to maintain 2 to 3 ppm) and then she said to use Spa Shock after every use of the tub.
A test strip this morning shows pH a bit low at 6.8
(will double check with electronic pH meter)
free Chlorine is about 2ppm
Alkalinity is about 80ppm
Stabilizer is bettween 0 and 30 ppm (hard to tell with test strips)
The water is from a well, not city water, but it is not very hard.
My biggest question is: of the measurements above, which should I be most concerned with keeping stable? pH? I though that keeping pH stable will help keep everything else in order.
photos URL: http://www.microlinx.com/vista/jacuzzi_hot_tubs_j345.htm
The Spapure shock is a non chlorine shock(mps) and won't increase FC.
Both of the routines given really aren't that bad in my opinion. I've seen alot worse from dealers. I would try to bring your FC to atleast 3ppm after every soak until you get more familar with your tubs water and your daily routine. If you don't soak everyday I would not worry about adding dichlor on off days as the N2 and 03 should keep the water clean and safe. To bring our tubs to 3ppm FC a 1.5 tsp(1/2 TB) dose of dichlor is needed. Maybe more depending on the bather load, longevity of soak, and how clean everyone is but typically a 1/2 TBS should do the trick.
The base formula for dosing with dichlor is-
# of gallons of spa x .000128 x desired ppm / % of available chlorine in dichlor(52-62% It will say how much on the bottle) = amount of dichlor to add in ozs.
Example 336 x .000128 x 3 / .55 = .235 ozs(about 1/2 a TBS)
3 tsp in a TBS
2 TBS in a Oz.
Your pH, alk, and stabilizer #'s are pretty good. I would just add baking soda in 2 oz incriments waiting a couple of hours between doses(I wait a full day to prevent overdosing) to raise both your alk and pH together. Bring your alk up to 100ppm and see what the pH does. Everybody's water is different but mine keeps the pH very stable between 90 and 100 ppm. If your pH is still lower than 7.2ppm after your alk is at 100 ppm, sodium carbonate should be used until in range as it has little effect on alk. If you haven't looked in to getting a Taylor test kit yet, I would strongly reccommend doing so. They are worth their weight in gold.
One more thing, I would just use the non chlorine shock for now for your shocking needs until you get a more complete test kit that is able to test for CC. Just use the reccommended shock dose on the bottle.
*the key is to get your alkalinity to the level that will keep your pH locked in range for the longest period of time. If alk is a little low or high it's ok as long as the pH stays put.
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Chad:
Thanks for the reply!
I got the Azure / Chestnut combination. The dealer added the package deal with chemicals, cover, lifter, steps and ozonator. The whole thing, including my electrical box and wiring was just over $6000 tax included. I thought this to be a really good price. BTW, did the 06 models have the new lighting system?
On this model, the waterfall, headrests and drink holders all light up and cycle through endless color patterns.
I will be sending photos when it arrives early next week.
Congrats on the tub! I am sure you will enjoy it, as I am also have an '07 j-345. It has been way too hot to use it the past 10 days or so..even at night..
I really like the color combo, that blue looks very nice, I opted for the chestnut with the graphite.
Good luck with it and enjoy.
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Mez:
It's actually been COLD at night up here in Wisconsin. Lows in the 50's, but PERFECT for hot tubbin'! I'm sure we'll be in it even when the thermometer hits -20F ! :o
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Mez:
It's actually been COLD at night up here in Wisconsin. Lows in the 50's, but PERFECT for hot tubbin'! I'm sure we'll be in it even when the thermometer hits -20F ! :o
I agree, we had a few nights in the 50's here a couple months ago when we got our tub...it was fantastic! Steam rising, stars out...I even hit it in the mornings with my cup of coffee, until my wife busted me after I told her the only liquid allowed in the tub was ice water :(
I tried to explain that I made that comment more for the kids...but she wasnt buying it! :)
Congrats again on a nice setup!
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I agree, we had a few nights in the 50's here a couple months ago when we got our tub...it was fantastic! Steam rising, stars out...I even hit it in the mornings with my cup of coffee, until my wife busted me after I told her the only liquid allowed in the tub was ice water :(
I tried to explain that I made that comment more for the kids...but she wasnt buying it! :)
Congrats again on a nice setup!
I have coffee almost every morning in my spa. You may need to rewrite the rules. ;)