Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: just ducky on March 06, 2009, 11:27:16 am
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First time spa buyer. I've done lots of research, and am now shopping. I think I've narrowed the choices down to Hot Springs or Jacuzzi, and have visited dealers for both. My question is comparison...I've been told the Jacuzzi 300 series and the Hot Springs Tiger River models are a reasonable comparison of quality/reliability for the money. Looking for thoughts from those more experienced than I.
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First time spa buyer. I've done lots of research, and am now shopping. I think I've narrowed the choices down to Hot Springs or Jacuzzi, and have visited dealers for both. My question is comparison...I've been told the Jacuzzi 300 series and the Hot Springs Tiger River models are a reasonable comparison of quality/reliability for the money. Looking for thoughts from those more experienced than I.
That makes sense; the J-400 series competes with Hot Spring and the J-300 series with Tiger River. You should do well with either. Compare the spas, warranties and features and certainly the dealers and take the plunge and wet test. Often times people are torn between two or three spas and after wet testing it all becomes much clearer.
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That makes sense; the J-400 series competes with Hot Spring and the J-300 series with Tiger River. You should do well with either. Compare the spas, warranties and features and certainly the dealers and take the plunge and wet test. Often times people are torn between two or three spas and after wet testing it all becomes much clearer.
Good advice. Many people have said that the wet test will be the key, and we do plan on doing some. I'm hoping I do see a big difference in "feel" because that would make the decision easier. Thanks for the input.
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Okay another dumb question when comparing models...I was under the impression that most if not all good quality spas had a 2 speed pump. But I'm finding some, such as the Hot Springs Prodigy, has a 1 speed pump. Although it has a circulation pump, it doesn't make sense to me to have a 1 speed main pump? The tubs I've been in before all had two speeds. Is this just a personal preference thing, or is there actually a big difference between having a 1 speed vs. 2 speed?
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Okay another dumb question when comparing models...I was under the impression that most if not all good quality spas had a 2 speed pump. But I'm finding some, such as the Hot Springs Prodigy, has a 1 speed pump. Although it has a circulation pump, it doesn't make sense to me to have a 1 speed main pump? The tubs I've been in before all had two speeds. Is this just a personal preference thing, or is there actually a big difference between having a 1 speed vs. 2 speed?
Two speed pumps are used when the pump is also are used to move the water for filtering (unnecessary if there is a circ pump) or if it is tied to a waterfall. Otherwise, a single speed is all you'll generally see (and IMO all that is needed plus singles tend to have a little better service life than dual speeds, not major though).
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First time spa buyer. I've done lots of research, and am now shopping. I think I've narrowed the choices down to Hot Springs or Jacuzzi, and have visited dealers for both. My question is comparison...I've been told the Jacuzzi 300 series and the Hot Springs Tiger River models are a reasonable comparison of quality/reliability for the money. Looking for thoughts from those more experienced than I.
I'm going to politely disagree with spatech. The Jacuzzi 200 series was designed to go head to head with the tiger river line. The Jacuzzi 300 series and the original H.S. line compete for the same customer. The Jacuzzi 400 series is about 2-4k more than the H.S. line.
What T.R. spa are you looking at? What Jacuzzi Spa are you looking at?
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Two speed pumps are used when the pump is also are used to move the water for filtering (unnecessary if there is a circ pump) or if it is tied to a waterfall. Otherwise, a single speed is all you'll generally see (and IMO all that is needed plus singles tend to have a little better service life than dual speeds, not major though).
Secondary single speeds pumps except for Marquis I believe is a US phenomenon. All Canadian tub makers have all jet pumps dual speed. Having dual speed pumps definitely increases your therapy options. Servicing both types I've never seen a difference in life.
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Secondary single speeds pumps except for Marquis I believe is a US phenomenon. All Canadian tub makers have all jet pumps dual speed. Having dual speed pumps definitely increases your therapy options. Servicing both types I've never seen a difference in life.
I don't see or hear much about people caring to use the pumps on low speed for the jets. The jets on low speed are like using a blower for me, just moving some water without much benefit but to each his own.
Of course it doesn’t hurt to have the pumps at 2 speed even if they're not used for filtering or a waterfall and as far as service, I don't think it’s a big difference so I didn't mean it to matter much when I said single speed pumps tend to have a little better service life.
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I'm going to politely disagree with spatech. The Jacuzzi 200 series was designed to go head to head with the tiger river line. The Jacuzzi 300 series and the original H.S. line compete for the same customer. The Jacuzzi 400 series is about 2-4k more than the H.S. line.
What T.R. spa are you looking at? What Jacuzzi Spa are you looking at?
Frankly a Hot Spring is a Hot Spring a Tiger is a Tiger a 200 series is just that a 300 a 300 series. Do some J 300's compare HS? Sure. Do some compare to Tigers? Yep. Despite what Jacuzzi might claim, a 200 series is not in the same league as Tigers. More like Hot Spots.
My humble opinion.
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Frankly a Hot Spring is a Hot Spring a Tiger is a Tiger a 200 series is just that a 300 a 300 series. Do some J 300's compare HS? Sure. Do some compare to Tigers? Yep. Despite what Jacuzzi might claim, a 200 series is not in the same league as Tigers. [glow]More like Hot Spots.[/glow]
My humble opinion.
The Hot Spot is not in the same league as 200 series. The 200 has a better warranty and better quality.
IMO
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Frankly a Hot Spring is a Hot Spring a Tiger is a Tiger a 200 series is just that a 300 a 300 series. Do some J 300's compare HS? Sure. Do some compare to Tigers? Yep. Despite what Jacuzzi might claim, a 200 series is not in the same league as Tigers. More like Hot Spots.
My humble opinion.
Dan,
How much have you had to drink today? You must buy that Kool Aid in bulk.
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I don't see or hear much about people caring to use the pumps on low speed for the jets. The jets on low speed are like using a blower for me, just moving some water without much benefit but to each his own.
Of course it doesn’t hurt to have the pumps at 2 speed even if they're not used for filtering or a waterfall and as far as service, I don't think it’s a big difference so I didn't mean it to matter much when I said single speed pumps tend to have a little better service life.
Gotcha
IMO a J365 will rival most tubs on the market for function and comfort. Considering the 400 series just came out a few years ago. I see the 400 series as a line for people who want more decadence in a tub besides form and function.
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The Hot Spot is not in the same league as 200 series. The 200 has a better warranty and better quality.
IMO
200 series warranty 3 years parts and labor
Hot Spot 2 years parts and labor
Score 1 for 200 series
Tiger River (200 series developed to compete with?) 5 years parts and labor
Score 1 for Tiger River
I think it makes my point. 200 series closer to Hot Spot than Tiger River. Once again, I say each product stands on its own.
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I'm going to politely disagree with spatech. The Jacuzzi 200 series was designed to go head to head with the tiger river line...
My understanding through looking at the Jacuzzi website info, and talking with the dealer, is that the J 200 series do not have circulation pumps, whereas the Tiger River line does, which to me should make a big difference. Then again, I'm a newbie to this.
What T.R. spa are you looking at? What Jacuzzi Spa are you looking at?
Not set on anything yet, but looking strongly at the J 345 and the TR Bengal or Caspian. We also need to do wet tests...I know that.
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I don't see or hear much about people caring to use the pumps on low speed for the jets. The jets on low speed are like using a blower for me, just moving some water without much benefit but to each his own.
Of course it doesn’t hurt to have the pumps at 2 speed even if they're not used for filtering or a waterfall and as far as service, I don't think it’s a big difference so I didn't mean it to matter much when I said single speed pumps tend to have a little better service life.
The reason I think 2 speeds would be better for us is my wife really doesn't like a lot of jet or wave action, preferring to have gentle jetting. I like both gentler action, and also sometimes like to "let 'er rip". The spas I've been in before have had 2 speed jet action. Now one dealer told us you can accomplish the same thing with a single speed pump by adjusting the individual jet nozzle to allow more or less flow. So in theory, my wife could just back some of them down if she feels it's too strong for her. I guess I'm not convinced on that issue.
We've got an offer on a HS Prodigy floor model of right around 6k, including all taxes, delivery, cover and cover assist cradle, and set up assist, which seems like a good price to me. But the Prodigy has a single speed pump. So we're going to wet test it soon, and that will probably tell us a lot about whether the single speed pump is sufficient for us.
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Play with diverter valves also.
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[glow]200 series warranty 3 years parts and labor
Hot Spot 2 years parts and labor
Score 1 for 200 series[/glow]Tiger River (200 series developed to compete with?) 5 years parts and labor
Score 1 for Tiger River
I think it makes my point. 200 series closer to Hot Spot than Tiger River. Once again, I say each product stands on its own.
So the Hot Spot and the 200 series arent the same quality. Kind of what I was saying in my post.
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[glow]The reason I think 2 speeds would be better for us is my wife really doesn't like a lot of jet or wave action, preferring to have gentle jetting. I like both gentler action, and also sometimes like to "let 'er rip". The spas I've been in before have had 2 speed jet action[/glow]. Now one dealer told us you can accomplish the same thing with a single speed pump by adjusting the individual jet nozzle to allow more or less flow. So in theory, my wife could just back some of them down if she feels it's too strong for her. I guess I'm not convinced on that issue.
We've got an offer on a HS Prodigy floor model of right around 6k, including all taxes, delivery, cover and cover assist cradle, and set up assist, which seems like a good price to me. But the Prodigy has a single speed pump. So we're going to wet test it soon, and that will probably tell us a lot about whether the single speed pump is sufficient for us.
On my spa I like having the option of a low speed. After taking a intense beating from the jets its nice to finish off the setting with the jets on a low speed, with little to no noise.
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On my spa I like having the option of a low speed. After taking a intense beating from the jets its nice to finish off the setting with the jets on a low speed, with little to no noise.
Kind of my feeling as well. Kind of like a "cool down" mode of sorts. The other thing is there are times when I'm just aching from whatever activity I've done, and often it feels fantastic to have the intense action. But then there are other times when the intensity is too much. I just like the option I guess.
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So the Hot Spot and the 200 series arent the same quality. Kind of what I was saying in my post.
But 200 series closer to Hot Spots than to Tiger River. Which was my point.
Also, warranty does not equal quality.
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But 200 series closer to Hot Spots than to Tiger River. Which was my point.
Also, warranty does not equal quality.
just my opinion bro', kinda like yours.
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Kind of my feeling as well. Kind of like a "cool down" mode of sorts. The other thing is there are times when I'm just aching from whatever activity I've done, and often it feels fantastic to have the intense action. But then there are other times when the intensity is too much. I just like the option I guess.
you have a very good grasp on it, just do yourself a favor and wet test before you buy. These are all small tidbits that most dont think of until they have sat in a spa a few times.
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But 200 series closer to Hot Spots than to Tiger River. Which was my point.
Also, warranty does not equal quality.
It may not mean quality, but it definitely means something, extra peace of mind really. When all other things are equal, meaning quality, price, and dealer, who wouldn’t want the longer warranty.
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you have a very good grasp on it, just do yourself a favor and wet test before you buy. These are all small tidbits that most dont think of until they have sat in a spa a few times.
Okay we wet tested the Prodigy with the single speed pump. I have to say the jets were impressive, and even with several different jets going, it felt great. And my wife was able to back down some of the jets, or sit in a different location to avoid the real turbulent water. We have to wet test the Jacuzzi now. Getting closer to making a choice.
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Okay we wet tested the Prodigy with the single speed pump. I have to say the jets were impressive, and even with several different jets going, it felt great. And my wife was able to back down some of the jets, or sit in a different location to avoid the real turbulent water. We have to wet test the Jacuzzi now. Getting closer to making a choice.
As has been said before, enjoy the process. I am sure you are going to make the right decision for yourselves and enjoy your back yard hot tub experience for years. :)
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As a spa owner of 14 years, I can tell you that I would not even consider a spa that had only 1 speed pumps.
I assume a 1 speed is running at the high setting of a 2 speed? That would blow! You'll find that you'll get quite tired of all that turbulence after a while.
I soak 95% of the time with the low speed on.
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As a spa owner of 14 years, I can tell you that I would not even consider a spa that had only 1 speed pumps.
I assume a 1 speed is running at the high setting of a 2 speed? That would blow! You'll find that you'll get quite tired of all that turbulence after a while.
I soak 95% of the time with the low speed on.
Really? I can tell you that in my case, other than to run a waterfall (which would only be on if the wife and kids were in) I would never run the pump on low speed while in the spa (I'm 20% of the time with the spa on high speed, 80% with the pumps off).
This is truly a “to each his own” thing I guess.
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Really? I can tell you that in my case, other than to run a waterfall (which would only be on if the wife and kids were in) I would never run the pump on low speed while in the spa (I'm 20% of the time with the spa on high speed, 80% with the pumps off).
This is truly a “to each his own” thing I guess.
Me too. Low speed on my spa is for filtering (no circ pump). I'm about 80% high speed, 20% off. The reason I don't get "blown away" is I like spas with different seats and/or sets of jets - sometimes upper back, sometimes lower back, sometimes feet, etc. I honestly don't think I've ever found a spa that was too powerful. Most spas feel very underpowered to me.
I bring this up as an "FYI" for Just Ducky - one of the most important things about wet testing, especially if you've never really used hot tubs that often, is to find out what kind of soaker you are. You'll need to find out what types of jets you like, what kinds you don't, whether you like loungers or not, and all that stuff - and then find a spa to match.
A lot of spa dealers and "experts" often talk about how spas are all the same - they're made with the same shell materials, have the same pumps, the same jets, etc., so it doesn't matter who you buy from. Even if you agree that many spas are manufactured in the same ways, it's the APPLICATION of these materials that makes a huge difference.
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Me too. Low speed on my spa is for filtering (no circ pump). I'm about 80% high speed, 20% off. The reason I don't get "blown away" is I like spas with different seats and/or sets of jets - sometimes upper back, sometimes lower back, sometimes feet, etc. I honestly don't think I've ever found a spa that was too powerful. Most spas feel very underpowered to me.
I bring this up as an "FYI" for Just Ducky - one of the most important things about wet testing, especially if you've never really used hot tubs that often, is to find out what kind of soaker you are. You'll need to find out what types of jets you like, what kinds you don't, whether you like loungers or not, and all that stuff - and then find a spa to match.
A lot of spa dealers and "experts" often talk about how spas are all the same - they're made with the same shell materials, have the same pumps, the same jets, etc., so it doesn't matter who you buy from. Even if you agree that many spas are manufactured in the same ways, it's the APPLICATION of these materials that makes a huge difference.
Great advice too. While I'm not an "expert" on spas, I've used enough to know already that neither my wife nor I like loungers, so that's been low on our list. We are looking at some models with loungers just for all the other features you get, but they are loungers that are pretty basic, and pretty flat in comparison, and you can use those lounger areas as seats as well. We want to have enough room for another couple, which will be the case quite often. The models with a real extreme angle lounger, and real extreme jetting, like the calf area, have been off the table simply because they are hard to also use those areas as seating areas.
the HS Prodigy that we wet tested has a circ pump, and just one main pump. But the power of that single pump seemed very adequate, and there are lots of ways to adjust the various jets so you have more or less jet action. My wife prefers a quiet soak, while I like both. There are times when I want a good workout. I suspect when we have our own tub, she may also like the workout at times.
Thanks for the thoughts. This has all been helpful.
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I have stayed out of this only because well I have been working a home show.
Anyway the 200 series is ok considering there are only 4 spas. The J-280 and 270 are great sellers, circ pump,colored lights and stainless all options of course but nice spas line up to the hot spot and probably the Tiger river as well, except warranty.
They J-230 has light and circ pump with stainless option as well more hot spot series. J-210 who cares it round and we dont sell many though some like it.
Now to the 300 series, to say only lines up with Tiger river is ridiculous, yes they are similar,but I would take them head to head against a Hot spring line any day of the year. Most people would agree with this. HS guys would probably disagree but then they are a bit brainwashed. 8-) I say that with a tongue in cheek ;D
The question would be what exactly does the Hot spring have that the J-300 doesn't? Other than a couple of extra filters. You can say the same What does the 300 series have that the HS doesn't ?
This can be argued for ever with no win by either side!! The fact is, both are fantastic spas, and I would be happy to own either.
The 400 series is a tough one. Very nice spa and probably lines up with a Grandee, in my opinion the 400 series 470 and 480 are the best looking spa on the market. The I will admit I am a bit brainwashed aswell. :D