Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: spaz on April 21, 2007, 08:51:01 pm
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I had no idea when I finally decided to go out shopping for a spa there would be so many choices. Perhaps some of you experienced spa users could assist.
There is no website like a Consumer Reports that offers spa ratings. After shopping today, my 2 choices came down to Tiger River (Caspian model $8,000) and Jacuzzi (J345 model $7,000). The Tiger River spa had multi level areas perfect for my children. The Jacuzzi salesman dogged the Tiger River brand though. Both The features I am looking for is 72x72, 5-6 persons, multi colored lighting, water feature, preferably multi level area and cover lifter about $7,000 is my budget but willing to spend less of course or more for features.
If any experts out there can assist with this purchase, I would be so grateful!! Perhaps you might even know of another brand that is better than those I mentioned.
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That's too bad the Jacuzzi guy dogged the Tiger River. Tiger River is made by Hot Spring and is a great brand of spas. As long as you liked the price, seating and overall spa, and were comfortable with the dealer, then go for it. You'll get plenty of recommendations to wet test. I agree that you should always wet test when you can.
Jacuzzi is a fine spa as well. I would just question the salesperson and why he felt he needed to bad mouth his competition.
You will be very happy with the Caspian if that is the way you choose to go. Good Luck.
And yes, there are too many choices.
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I had no idea when I finally decided to go out shopping for a spa there would be so many choices. Perhaps some of you experienced spa users could assist.
There is no website like a Consumer Reports that offers spa ratings. After shopping today, my 2 choices came down to Tiger River (Caspian model $8,000) and Jacuzzi (J345 model $7,000). The Tiger River spa had multi level areas perfect for my children. The Jacuzzi salesman dogged the Tiger River brand though. Both The features I am looking for is 72x72, 5-6 persons, multi colored lighting, water feature, preferably multi level area and cover lifter about $7,000 is my budget but willing to spend less of course or more for features.
If any experts out there can assist with this purchase, I would be so grateful!! Perhaps you might even know of another brand that is better than those I mentioned.
Here is my 2 cents from a soon to be owner of a Jacuzzi J-345. Obviously I picked it over others in the same price range...my decision came down to dealer, warranty, price and function. I shopped for 2-3 weeks everywhere from dealers to big box stores to the internet and even ebay before making up my mind. There were cheaper spas out there and of course more expensive too, I just felt the 345 offred the most bnag for the buck, great warranty, nice styling and features and the dealer has been around for years.
I dont like the dogging by sales reps of other brands. The Jacuzzi rep told me that Hot Spring was a good spa when I told him I narrowed it down to two, but he then went on to point out things as to why he felt Jacuzzi was the better choice, I think that is pretty common for reps to at least downplay the competition.
I will give you a heads up...I got my 345 for $6,495 including delivery, steps, ozone and chemicals. It list for 7995 and they were having a factory sanctioned sale for $6995. It is going to take 4-6 weeks to get it but that gives me time for site prep, etc.
Good luck with your decision.
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Thanks for the advice so far.
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Okay, I remain steadily confused. After researching it seems I would be wasting money to pay $1,000 more for the Tiger River spa.
I also really liked the Caldera Tahitain. Does not anybody have any comments on this spa. It's a little over my budget--they want $8,995--but I'm hoping they might negoitate
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Tahitian is a great spa. Tahitian has lounge, Caspian does not. J345 does not. Do you want a lounge?
What do you mean when you say paying an extra $1000 for the Tiger River is a waste of money? $1000 more than what? Are you comparing apples to apples? If comparing to the Caldera, you are paying less. It's all about what you want.
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Are you sure you are looking at the tahitian and not the olympia? They are the same spa, but the olympia (as for as I bemerber) is a highland series. EXASTLY the same spa, one has a circulation pump the other dunt. One has the gud jets, the other dunt. Be sure, just because the dealer has trhat sign in frunt of the spa doesnt mean that's wut ure lookin at. Be sure!
Tahitian is a great spa. Tahitian has lounge, Caspian does not. J345 does not. Do you want a lounge?
What do you mean when you say paying an extra $1000 for the Tiger River is a waste of money? $1000 more than what? Are you comparing apples to apples? If comparing to the Caldera, you are paying less. It's all about what you want.
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Tahitian is a great spa. Tahitian has lounge, Caspian does not. J345 does not. Do you want a lounge?
What do you mean when you say paying an extra $1000 for the Tiger River is a waste of money? $1000 more than what? Are you comparing apples to apples? If comparing to the Caldera, you are paying less. It's all about what you want.
Thanks hottubdan! The Tiger River spa will end up costing me $1,000 more than the Jacuzzi J-345. From my research so far, it seems Tiger River is the medium quality brand by Hot Springs. If they both have the same features, then I would seem to do better on the Jacuzzi providing the Jacuzzi is rated as well.
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Are you sure you are looking at the tahitian and not the olympia? They are the same spa, but the olympia (as for as I bemerber) is a highland series. EXASTLY the same spa, one has a circulation pump the other dunt. One has the gud jets, the other dunt. Be sure, just because the dealer has trhat sign in frunt of the spa doesnt mean that's wut ure lookin at. Be sure!
It looks the sames as the one in the picture. It definitely is my first favorite but the price was a little beyond my budget. Do you think the dealer is asking around the right price?
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Okay, I remain steadily confused. After researching it seems I would be wasting money to pay $1,000 more for the Tiger River spa.
I also really liked the Caldera Tahitain. Does not anybody have any comments on this spa. It's a little over my budget--they want $8,995--but I'm hoping they might negoitate
I have a Caspain and I think it's a great tub....HOWEVER, I think it's a great tub, because it was a "budget" tub among the higher end tubs. I was getting Hotpsrings quality, some very nice features at price lower than other premium tubs ($6,900) I thought for the money, it was a solid deal, and decent tub. Wet test the Caspain. at 320 gallons, it's a shallower tub than other tubs you may be comparing it too, and taller folks had said it just a bit too shallow for them.
at $8,000???? I would look at other tubs.
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Thanks hottubdan! The Tiger River spa will end up costing me $1,000 more than the Jacuzzi J-345. From my research so far, it seems Tiger River is the medium quality brand by Hot Springs. If they both have the same features, then I would seem to do better on the Jacuzzi providing the Jacuzzi is rated as well.
The analogy would be the Jacuzzi 400 series is the top end or closest comparison with Sundance 800 series or Hot Spring or Caldera Utopia.
300 series, Tiger River, 700 series and Caldera Paradise.
So far, what you have been looking at and comparing are all over the board feature wise.
I agree with Drewstar...Caspian is a great spa if the money is right and $8000 may be a little high if the 345 is truly $1000 less. Make sure packages are comparable.
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I thought I would chime in here, as I've owned a Jacuzzi J345 and a Tiger River Bengal (currently) in the last few years...much to my wife's chagrin.
Postives of the 345:
- lower cost than TR
- a lot of power
Positives of TR (Bengal in my case)
- Better hydrotherapy (more power doesn't mean better therapy)
- more energy efficient (even the Jacuzzi dealer had to admit that)
- much better water filtration (IMHO.... I have not had a single day of cloudy water with my TR Bengal, whereas I had to contstantly monitor my 345)
- Hot Springs components
IMHO, the $1000 is a small price to pay for what I believe to be a better tub overall than the 345
Mark
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Golf,
Interesting post.
When you say lower costs for the Jaquizzi, do you mean purchase price Are you comparing the same model years?
What was the J345 going for? The Bengal?
The filtrationa and water quality caught my eye as well. Did the J-345 have a 24 hour circ pump? ozone? What were you suing for a sanitizer? What about the Bengal?
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The analogy would be the Jacuzzi 400 series is the top end or closest comparison with Sundance 800 series or Hot Spring or Caldera Utopia.
300 series, Tiger River, 700 series and Caldera Paradise.
So far, what you have been looking at and comparing are all over the board feature wise.
I agree, people can sometimes get confused on the difference between lower quality and lesser featured.
Your top list of brands shows the premium lines for those makers while the second list shows their "second line" but it's defined by its features (and may include length of warranty, which is a feature) but shouldn't necessarily be looked at as lesser in build quality so ask what the difference is in the way it's built and the componenets used (does it have the same framing, insulation, pumps, heater, etc.?).
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I agree, people can sometimes get confused on the difference between lower quality and lesser featured.
Your top list of brands shows the premium lines for those makers while the second list shows their "second line" but it's defined by its features (and may include length of warranty, which is a feature) but shouldn't necessarily be looked at as lesser in build quality so ask what the difference is in the way it's built and the componenets used (does it have the same framing, insulation, pumps, heater, etc.?).
You are right. In the cases of these brands (which I am familair with) the lower line can be defined as having less features, less bells and whistles, less price. However, with the above brands I don't think there is much difference in quality between top end and lower line.
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Golf,
Interesting post.
When you say lower costs for the Jaquizzi, do you mean purchase price Are you comparing the same model years?
What was the J345 going for? The Bengal?
The filtrationa and water quality caught my eye as well. Did the J-345 have a 24 hour circ pump? ozone? What were you suing for a sanitizer? What about the Bengal?
Jacuzzi 300 line has a circ pump as a standard component.
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The analogy would be the Jacuzzi 400 series is the top end or closest comparison with Sundance 800 series or Hot Spring or Caldera Utopia.
OK put down the koolaid and step away from the keyboard! You didn't just compare the H.S. with the Jacuzzi 400 series. And compare the 300 series to the TR line.
The Jacuzzi 300 series is a much better comparison to the H.S. line. If you have'nt seen the new 300 series in action you need to grab a pair of shorts and go try it. You will be in for quite a shock.
Spas,
If you can get a J-345 for that price and you feel that $1000 more for that other spa is a waste of money, go with your gut. Don't let spa salespeople try to undermine your decision.
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What would be an accurate comparison?
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Hi Drew,
Purchase price, actually in my case was pretty close for both tubs. Call it negligible, as I sold my Jacuzzi privately, then bought the TR Bengal. The 345 had a 24 hour circ pump, plus it also turned on the jets for a clean cycle every 12 hours. It also had CD ozone. I used Spa Guard Bromine concentrate on both tubs at the end.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, for whatever reason, I'm getting much cleaner water with my TR Bengal than I did with the 345.
Mark
Golf,
Interesting post.
When you say lower costs for the Jaquizzi, do you mean purchase price Are you comparing the same model years?
What was the J345 going for? The Bengal?
The filtrationa and water quality caught my eye as well. Did the J-345 have a 24 hour circ pump? ozone? What were you suing for a sanitizer? What about the Bengal?
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I guess what I'm trying to say is, [glow]for whatever reason[/glow], I'm getting much cleaner water with my TR Bengal than I did with the 345.
It probably has nothing to do with the tub itself. I'd chalk it up to practice/experience.
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I have to say, I just love this forum. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the experienced advice from all of you.
I too was quite impressed with features of the Jacuzzi 345. It seems to have a lot of features that are standard such as the 120 sq ft of filtration vs. the Tiger River only having 60 sq ft. That to me would certainly help to keep the water cleaner, right?
I've been wanting a spa for a long time and I just want to make sure I make the right selection.
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I have to say, I just love this forum. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the experienced advice from all of you.
I too was quite impressed with features of the Jacuzzi 345. It seems to have a lot of features that are standard such as the 120 sq ft of filtration vs. the Tiger River only having 60 sq ft. That to me would certainly help to keep the water cleaner, right?
I've been wanting a spa for a long time and I just want to make sure I make the right selection.
Here are some pics of my '06 J-345....
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/IMG_0016.jpg)
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/IMG_0010-1.jpg)
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/IMG_0021.jpg)
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Being a newbie as well, I concur about testing the J-345. As I stated earlier, I felt it gave the best value for the money. It does have a 24 hr. circulation pump they claim takes about as much juice to operate as a standard light bulb. It does have the ozone injector included and my dealer claims he installs the "optional" ozone unit into every Jacuzzi he sells and it was included in the $6495 price I paid. It does have 2 filters vs. the one I found in similarly priced models. It does have some very nice styling I think as wel
I am a bit biased (obviously), but I didnt see any "ranking report" of "the best spa" out there. True, Hot Spring is the No 1 selling brand but does that neccesarily make it the best brand? Coke outsells Pepsi, I think Pepsi is the better product. What it comes down to is personal preference, price being a factor. I am sure the Hot Spring I saw for $11,995 was better than the J-345 I ordered and I would have loved to get the J-365 or better yet something in the 400 series but I cant justify spending that kind of $$ on a tub...hell, I still have a pit in my stomach dropping as much as I did on the 345!
Just do your homework and you will be fine. This forum helped me out as well, Lots of good people giving good (although sometimes conflicting) advice. :)
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Here are some pics of my '06 J-345....
I love the night shot Why Not...cant wait to get mine!!! I'll have to post some pics when I get it all together...thanks for wetting my chops :)
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I love the night shot Why Not...cant wait to get mine!!! I'll have to post some pics when I get it all together...thanks for wetting my chops :)
Thanks for the kind words Mez. :)
Did you go with the Platinum shell as well?
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My problem is I go by looks a lot--that's what drew me to the Jacuzzi J-345. The 07 model even has lighted cup holders and lighed head rests. Now that's stylin! :) But I think I'll definitely do a wet test to be sure.
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Thanks for the kind words Mez. :)
Did you go with the Platinum shell as well?
No, I actually went with the new for "07 Graphite with the roasted chestnut cabinet. My wife liked it alot, originally she wanted the platinum (she always wanted one in pearl white) but when she saw it in person she thought it looked to much like our bathroom sink and she fell in love with the new color combo. I was a bit hesitant with the darker color due to scratches, showing dirt, etc but have to admit I liked the look alot as well. I will try to post the picture of it out of the catalog, give me a few to figure out how to upload a pic on here.
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Lets see if this works
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/Mezster/Capture.jpg)
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My problem is I go by looks a lot--that's what drew me to the Jacuzzi J-345. The 07 model even has lighted cup holders and lighed head rests. Now that's stylin! :) But I think I'll definitely do a wet test to be sure.
Both are reputable spas and you'll get proponents of each whether they own one, sell one or previously shopped those brands. Recommendations are great but they're almost more important when making sure what NOT to buy but in this case I think you'll find either will be a viable option. Wet test and see which is best for you.
It also wouldn't hurt while wet testing to respectfully let each dealer know that while you are interested you also have another brand that you're seriously considering and that you really need to know what their final offer is to help you in your final decision. That will sometimes get the dealer to come down to their "true" sale price if they haven't gone there already. Now they may have already given that to you but it never hurts to ask one more time and using the "I have another good choice" approach can be helpful.
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Lets see if this works
I did the quick lesson on uploading phots..this is not the J-345 but it is the same color combo we ordered. I just finished restaing my deck and fencing (and my 5 yr olds huge jungle jim) from redwood to a chestnut brown to match the cabinet. 8 gallons of stain and many sore muscles later..it is done. Now to get the pad installed and wait for the tub to arrive :)
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The platnium shell is beautiful! Looks like it will reflect the lights the best and hopefully show the least amount of scratches.
Thanks for the photos WHY NOT! :)
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Lets see if this works
I did the quick lesson on uploading phots..this is not the J-345 but it is the same color combo we ordered. I just finished restaing my deck and fencing (and my 5 yr olds huge jungle jim) from redwood to a chestnut brown to match the cabinet. 8 gallons of stain and many sore muscles later..it is done. Now to get the pad installed and wait for the tub to arrive :)
Wow, I really like that cabinet color. From the pic it's hard to tell it's synthetic. I bet you'll even fool alot of people in person. Staining your deck the same color will really give the feeling that the tub is one with the deck. Can't wait to see the finished project. 8-)
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The platnium shell is beautiful! Looks like it will reflect the lights the best and hopefully show the least amount of scratches.
Thanks for the photos WHY NOT! :)
Your very welcome spaz. I feel bad calling you that.
Thanks for the compliments. I'm really happy with the Platinum. Besides the benefits you mentioned, it also provides a really clean look. Plus it matches my car. 8-)
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/IMG_0164.jpg)
How's your shoppin' goin'?
Chad
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Wow, I really like that cabinet color. From the pic it's hard to tell it's synthetic. I bet you'll even fool alot of people in person. Staining your deck the same color will really give the feeling that the tub is one with the deck. Can't wait to see the finished project. 8-)
It looks better in the pic :) But, my wife liked the color combo and since I aim to please ('cause my like is much happier that way) this is what we are getting. Just as the cabinet looks better in the pic, the shell actaully looks better in person. It is a solid metallic color and they also had a mdium blue solid metallic she liked. The lights look really nice in it. I agree with you, the platinum looks clean, I like clean :) Your ride is pretty sweet as well. I have beeen shopping for an older Z, like a 1978 model, last year of the original design, maybe I'll get one since she now gets her spa :) Hell, I laready sold my Harley to buy my 5 year old his Hi Def Sony 1080 60 inch he just had to have...the toys never end, do they?
But I do have a question, I was looking thru the Jacuzzi catalog online after I nabbed the photo I uploaded and noticed in it a photo of the jets with "optional" stainless surrounds...now I am little upset. The dealer never mentioned this to me and every tub on the floor had stainless, I just assumed they were standard issue. Not that it has any bearing on operation, it is just looks nicer. I am thinking about going out there tomorrow and voicing my concern. I looked at your photo and it doesnt look like you have them. I am sure it is some outlandish option but I will pursue it anyway.
take care
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Okay after talking it over with my family, we think we've decided on the Caldera Tahitian. I'm shocked my hubby is willing to spend that much but he says it seems to have better features than the Jacuzzi J-345 and/or Tiger River Caspian.
I was sold on the Jacuzzi J-345 and I think for the price it is a great value. The Tahitian sells for $9,300.
What does everybody think? Is it worth it?
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Okay after talking it over with my family, we think we've decided on the Caldera Tahitian. I'm shocked my hubby is willing to spend that much but he says it seems to have better features than the Jacuzzi J-345 and/or Tiger River Caspian.
I was sold on the Jacuzzi J-345 and I think for the price it is a great value. The Tahitian sells for $9,300.
What does everybody think? Is it worth it?
Speaking from a guy that just bought his wife the J-345 last week, and you DID ask what everybody thinks...I think your husband is one helluva guy! :)
Congrats!
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an extra 1,000 bucks over the next 10 years ......buy the one you like ;)
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You'll be very happy with the Tahitian.
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an extra 1,000 bucks over the next 10 years ......buy the one you like ;)
I agree. You are buying something that will be in the family for the next 12+ years. I'm not commenting on which brand you should buy, all of them are reputable and this is a personal decision. I just know that the difference isn't major over the lifespan of the spa and getting what you truly want gives great satisfacton versus sitting in your spa 6 months from now wondering if you should have gotten what you truly felt was the best model/brand for you.
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Still waiting to do a wet test on the three models before making a final decision. Does anyone have any recommendations on the best method for having your hot tub installed?
We will be building a deck around the hot tub and were going to have it visible 18". Should we build on a concrete slab (what about the risks of cracking) or with posts and beams?