Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Cdn HockeyPuck on June 18, 2008, 03:30:19 pm

Title: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Cdn HockeyPuck on June 18, 2008, 03:30:19 pm
Hi All,
my second post. These forums are great. :)

I've been at this for 3 weeks, seen about 10 dealers and narrowed it down to
Caldera Niagara, Jacuzzi J-365, Artesian Platinum Cypress Point and Arctic Spas.

It's a tough choice because these are all great tubs and after having wet tested all of them we like the Artesian the best.  Reasons being it had the foot jets, the water didn't splash out of the tub when the jets were on and how well we felt seated in it.  

I just need to know from anyone's experience if these are good hot tubs or if you prefer the other brands and for what reason.

The dealers all of the hot tubs are from are all good service companies so that won't tip the scale either way.

thanks
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on June 18, 2008, 04:39:54 pm
 All are nice spa's I am a bit partial to one brand which the J-365 has foot jets as well. ;)    Personally I like the features and jets of the Jacuzzi better.   But you are the one using it.

  If you like the Artesian and it fits go for it, just guessing it probably cost more than the others??  We use to sell Artesian,but they didn't have that model.   One difference is the number of pumps, most platinum class Artesian s have 4 or 5 pumps 1 per seat?    

  Go with what you feel is the best for you, dealer's don't seem to be an issue.  

Good luck!!
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Cdn HockeyPuck on June 19, 2008, 08:50:36 am
I do like the lighted drink holders on the J-365  8-) and the pulsating jets on the back. The platinum model we are looking at in the Artesian is the middle of the line. 2 pumps plus a circulating pump. The platinum-elite has the 1 pump per seat, it's a little out of our price range.

The only issue with the jacuzzi is my wife seemed to float a little out of the seat. The one we wet tested was a J-480. Could the seats be different that much or would this still be an issue?

It might all come down to price though. They're both pretty competitive to each other on first offering, I guess I'll have to see who wants the sale more.
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Swell-Tub on June 19, 2008, 11:30:16 am
We bought the J-470 without the lounger. If price had been an issue with us we would have bought the J-365. It is a great tub for the money IMHO.

Scott  ;)
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Vanguard on June 19, 2008, 11:50:46 am
I really think this is a three-legged stool.

1st leg:  Comfort.  As has been said, you just have to decide which one fits your family the best.  That is the number one criteria in buying a spa.
 
2nd leg:  The dealer.  You've got to be as certain as one can be in this environment that the dealer will be able to help you.

3rd leg:  The manufacturer.  Make sure you buy from one of the top manufacturers that back up their product.


All three are important.  If you take any of these away, you could end up with less than a great experience.
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on June 19, 2008, 12:50:04 pm
True on that Vanguard!!!!

  


  As far as what you wet tested compared to the spa you were thinking about the J-480 is a bit of a different animal compared to the J-365.     A lot of the jets are the same but it sits different than the J-365.  Also lounge vs no lounge.

  If you are still interested in the J-365 see if they will fire one up for you, I would!!
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Swell-Tub on June 19, 2008, 05:26:23 pm
Yea, What Vanguard said..... ::)
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: kacrab10 on June 19, 2008, 10:18:25 pm
I agree, if I had not gotten the good deal used Sundance I would have gone with the J-365 only because my favorite (I've said that before) J-480 was a wee bit pricey.  It put my husband into shock! LOL.  I would try to wet test the 365 before deciding.  
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Cdn HockeyPuck on June 20, 2008, 08:35:13 am
ok, thanks all.
My typo, I meant the j-470 is the one we wet tested.
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Guelphgirl on July 19, 2008, 12:50:40 pm
Cdn HockeyPuck, we just had an Artesian Piper Glen installed. Very nice spa. My wife loves the foot jets.
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: OnMedic on July 19, 2008, 10:37:15 pm
Quote
Cdn HockeyPuck, we just had an Artesian Piper Glen installed. Very nice spa. My wife loves the foot jets.

GuelphGirl... where did you buy? We were just in HotTub Company on Victoria today looking at them. Also, anyone from Ontario tell me if PST is applicable to HotTubs?
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: jennyfun on July 19, 2008, 11:10:31 pm
OnMedic
We bought ours from them,  PST is not applicable.
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Cdn HockeyPuck on July 20, 2008, 08:22:59 am
Hey! That's the place we bought ours too. 10 more days and it should be delivered!  :)
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: In Canada eh on July 20, 2008, 09:48:09 am
Quote

 Also, anyone from Ontario tell me if PST is applicable to HotTubs?


I forget the reason why but our dealer doesnt charge PST on Hot Tubs.  We are in the Windsor/Tecumseh area of Ontario.
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Cdn HockeyPuck on July 20, 2008, 10:07:24 am
It was either on this forum or the pool and spa forum where this came up. PST does not get charged if the dealer installs the hot tub. I think they just roll it into the cost of the hot tub but the dealer is responsible for paying it.
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: In Canada eh on July 20, 2008, 12:00:25 pm
Quote
It was either on this forum or the pool and spa forum where this came up. PST does not get charged if the dealer installs the hot tub. I think they just roll it into the cost of the hot tub but the dealer is responsible for paying it.


I think that was the reason our dealer gave.

So on a side note, if a dealer in Ontario is charging you the PST they are only pocketing the difference between thier cost and the retail price.


Pathfinder or FamilyBiz may be able to help clarify this, thier both Ontario dealers
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: Swell-Tub on July 20, 2008, 12:59:24 pm
PST = Pacific Standard Time?
Title: Re: Caldera vs Jacuzzi vs Artesian
Post by: In Canada eh on July 20, 2008, 02:22:35 pm
Provincial Sales Tax similar to your state tax