Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: SpaNE on March 25, 2007, 04:39:27 pm

Title: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 25, 2007, 04:39:27 pm
I was looking at hutubs a few months ago, however, I put the project on the back burner and upgraded my home theater.  Now I'm ready to buy. :)

My past research led me to several quality spas but I ended up focusing on Jacuzzi and Sundance.  I liked both the local dealers.  The models I wet tested and liked included the Jacuzzi 470 and the Sundance Optima.  This time I'm thinking that I would like to spend less money so I am considering the Jacuzzi 345 and the Sundance Chelsee.

The Jacuzzi dealer quoted me $6500 (including cover, lift, steps, starter chems, ozone and delivery).  Haven't checked on a price for the Chelsee yet - assuming it is around the same.

Any thoughts or advice?
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: wmccall on March 25, 2007, 05:40:23 pm
Tell me about the Chelsea, I haven 't seen one yet.  I'll look forward to what you have to say.  
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Wisoki on March 25, 2007, 06:53:56 pm
It's the old Bahia with a new name. Same spa, different name.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 25, 2007, 06:55:38 pm
The Chelsee is a new model in the Sundance 700 line.  

http://www.sundancespas.com/700Series/Chelsee.php
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 26, 2007, 01:14:24 pm
Anyone have any feedback on the new Jacuzzi 345 or the new Sundnace Chelsee that I am considering?  Any information on pricing?
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Micah on March 26, 2007, 03:12:15 pm
Quote
Anyone have any feedback on the new Jacuzzi 345 or the new Sundnace Chelsee that I am considering?  Any information on pricing?
Jacuzzi made some great changes to the J-300 series this year.  In addition to upgrading the fluff (new led lighting system in the cup holders, pillows and new waterfall.  the performance of the jetting package is night and day from the 06 models.  The five Power Pro MX jets are incredible.  If you wet test the Jacuzzi, I think you will love it.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: sonomablue on March 26, 2007, 05:10:52 pm
We wet-tested the Chelsee. We liked it, but liked the Optima better. The Chelsee is not just a renamed Bahia - it has some upgraded features that the Bahia did NOT have. Still, the Optima was better for our needs. The Chelsee sat nicely, performed nicely. (I think the Chelsee had a small waterfall, and the Bahia did not. There may be other differencs.


I am new to this forum, and would like to paste a picture of the Chelsee that i wet-tested. I took the picture of it, because it is the same color outer/inner as our new Optima.

If anyone knows how i can cut and paste an image into a post, then i will include the picture.

Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: tommy tunes on March 26, 2007, 06:25:05 pm
I'm new to this also, but i've been reading this forum since last year when i first started researching tubs.  I'm looking into the J-345 as well (but my wife mentioned maybe wanting a lounger), I was quoted $6500 on and '06 model and $6900 for and '07 model this past weekend.  So I'd say your quoted price is a good one.  We haven't wet tested any yet, but i'm looking forward to it in the coming months as I plan the site prep and start getting things in order.

My thoughts on what I've personally seen: I've looked at (at various dealers) Jacuzzi, Hotspring, Clearwater, Coleman, and D1. Basically just fact finding missions, but I ask many of the questions and concerns I read about here  and other forums and see what the dealer comes back with.  Being a business man myslef, and able to read through the B.S. and "hard sell",  I felt most comfortable and got more of a sense of honesty from the Jacuzzi dealer (25 years in the business and he didn't actually try to sell me anything on the spot).  IMO, I'll put my "bang for the buck" on Jacuzzi.

But, like everyone says, you really need to wet test and see what fits you best.

Anyone else with Jacuzzi thoughts?  Has anyone tried their new lounger set up for the '07 models?
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 27, 2007, 02:52:14 pm
Anybody else have any thoughts on the new Jacuzzi line (esp. the 345/355) or the new Sundance 700 line (esp the Chelsee)?  

If this had been discussed to death in another thread please send me a link.

Thanks for your help.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on March 27, 2007, 03:00:47 pm
Quote
I was looking at hutubs a few months ago, however, I put the project on the back burner and upgraded my home theater.  Now I'm ready to buy. :)

My past research led me to several quality spas but I ended up focusing on Jacuzzi and Sundance.  I liked both the local dealers.  The models I wet tested and liked included the Jacuzzi 470 and the Sundance Optima.  This time I'm thinking that I would like to spend less money so I am considering the Jacuzzi 345 and the Sundance Chelsee.

The Jacuzzi dealer quoted me $6500 (including cover, lift, steps, starter chems, ozone and delivery).  Haven't checked on a price for the Chelsee yet - assuming it is around the same.

Any thoughts or advice?


 You cant really compare the Sundance 700 series to the Jacuzzi 300s Most Sundance dealers try to and some consumers do buy into it, but apples for apples you cant compare them. They do have for the most part the same pumps, but the jets are a night and day difference between the two spa lines.  For 07 I think the only change to the 700 series is the water feature which looks like a ash tray mounted on a spa in my opinion, and S/S option on the jets. The rest is the same from 06 just called something different.Wet test them both and see what you think. and 6500 for a 07 Jacuzzi J-345 is a great price.

    If I were looking at the 700 series line I would be checking out Jacuzzi 200 series like the J-230 or in the Sundance line the Burlington now theres a good comparison of 2 spas.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chris_H on March 27, 2007, 03:48:25 pm
I must disagree.  

Take a look at the 200 Series from Jacuzzi and the 600 Series from Sundance.  It is a pretty easy comparison.  Especially the 230 comparing to the Burlington and the two round spas.  They are virtually the same with different logos.

How about a comparison between the Jacuzzi 300 series and the Sundance 700 Series?  Both have the same:  Pumps, motor, heater, control box, lighting, and shell.  Differences are jets and filtration.  I would argue Jacuzzi 300 series probably has better jets, but Sundance 700 series has better filtration.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on March 27, 2007, 05:26:07 pm
A few things different.
      
 The Sundance 700 series has 1, 2.5hp and 1, 2.0hp pump
 The Jacuzzi 335,345,355 and 365 has 2,  2.5 hp pumps
 Sundance 700 has only 1 divertor handle versus 2 in the 345,355 and the 365.
The Jacuzzi jets are 100 times better in quality and performance then the 700s ,
the Jacuzzi's lights are nicer in regaurds to the waterfall and cup holders not a big deal but still nicer.
 Granted the sundance has there microclean1 filter in it  versus 2 60sq ft filters in all of the 300s,which work great, funny thing is the microclean 1 doesnt keep the water any cleaner than anybody elses filtration does same goes for the microclean2 filter in the 800 series, you still have to add chlorine or use bromine in any spa doesnt matter what kind of filter system it has in it.  Same goes with HS or any spa brand for that matter.

 When it comes down to it all spas probably have enough filtration in them, yeah you can add ozonators,nature2s what ever you want but you still have to add chlorine or bromine or other to keep the nasties away.

 I am sure this will open a new can of worms :)

 Something else that is nice in the Jacuzzi that not many bring up is the prefilter  catch bag behind the filter intake, it stops at least 95% of debris and crap/hair/bugs and other nastie stuff I wont mention getting into the filter.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on March 27, 2007, 08:39:23 pm
FWIW, I purchased an '06 J-345 in September of last year for $6095.
My dealer has since had a $500-$600 increase on all their 300 series.
I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Good luck with whichever tub you choose.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 28, 2007, 09:47:46 am
Quote
A few things different.
      
 The Jacuzzi jets are 100 times better in quality and performance then the 700s ,

 .

JJ, thanks for the information.  Could you please let me know what makes the Jacuzzi jets 100 times better?  It has been months since I wet tested a J-470 and Optima, however, I didn't notice much of a difference in jets.  Has anything changed?  Maybe I am simply not experienced enought to notice.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chris_H on March 28, 2007, 10:33:02 am
Comparing the 355 to the Chelsee:

So the 300 Series Jacuzzi is 100 times better because of .5 HP and a diverter?  

The 700 series has lights on the air controls, diverter, and waterfall.  It is very similar to the 300 Series Jacuzzi having the lighting on the waterfall and cup holders.  It doesn’t seem like to be a whole lot different to me, but who am I, you're Jacuzzi Jim.  

Out of curiosity, when you take the catch bag out or even the filter, does some of the stuff fall back into the rest of the spa?  That does not happen with the Sundance because they have a vertical weir door that traps the debris in the one area.

Must have been the test soak you did on the Chelsee that made the Jacuzzi 100 times better, right?  
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Micah on March 28, 2007, 11:52:30 am
Quote

JJ, thanks for the information.  Could you please let me know what makes the Jacuzzi jets 100 times better?  It has been months since I wet tested a J-470 and Optima, however, I didn't notice much of a difference in jets.  Has anything changed?  Maybe I am simply not experienced enought to notice.

You tested the optima.  That is part of the 800 series, not the 700 series that jim was refering to.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: hottubdan on March 28, 2007, 12:14:27 pm
How can you quantfy that 1 jet is 100 times better than another.  I don't think Term would even make that claim about the Moto Massage. ;)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on March 28, 2007, 02:26:07 pm
Quote
 
Out of curiosity, when you take the catch bag out or even the filter, does some of the stuff fall back into the rest of the spa?  

No, I've never had that problem.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 28, 2007, 06:00:12 pm
From what I am hearing the 700 series Sundance is very similar to the 300 series Jacuzzi.  Possibly the Jacuzzi jets are better, and possibly the Sundance filtration is better.  A few lighting differences here or there.

The surprizing thing is that the Sudance Chelsee is being quoted over $1000 higher than the Jacuzzi 345/355.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on March 28, 2007, 07:12:00 pm
Quote
From what I am hearing the 700 series Sundance is very similar to the 300 series Jacuzzi.  Possibly the Jacuzzi jets are better, and possibly the Sundance filtration is better.  A few lighting differences here or there.

The surprizing thing is that the Sudance Chelsee is being quoted over $1000 higher than the Jacuzzi 345/355.
The Chelsee
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/ChelseeBig.jpg)

My J-345 + $1000
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/IMG_0016.jpg)
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/IMG_0010-1.jpg)

It's a no brainer :)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 30, 2007, 01:03:22 pm
10 minutes ago I ordered a 2007 J-345 in silverwwod and platiunum.  Dealer said it should be about a week to get from the manufacturer. I guess it will look just like WHY NOTS.

I'm very excited. ;D
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on March 30, 2007, 01:30:53 pm
 Congrats on your purchase you will enjoy it!!   There are a few changes from the 06 Jacuzzi,couple extra jets,different lights,and air control thats about it.

 What color did you end up going with??
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 30, 2007, 02:20:44 pm
Bad news, good news and a decision to make.  I ordered a J-345 in Silverwood and Plat.

Bad news: the J-345 that they thought was available from Jacuzzi is not available.  I can order one at same price but it will take about 4 weeks.

Good news: they have a J-335 (same size with lounger) in silverwood and plat for the same price.  I could have it sometime in the next few days.

Decision: do I want a lounger?

JJ, how is the lounger in the J-335?  Can you fit 4 adults comfortably in the tub?  Help?
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: drewstar on March 30, 2007, 02:57:53 pm
I say wait for the tub you want.   THis isn't a huge tub, and a lounger takes up ALOT of space.  Unless you are in love with the lounger, I would wait.


(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j61/GodlikeMoron/j-335-overview.jpg)

7 x 7 x 36


Whynot:
The Chelsee was a $1000 less?  
I call that a no brainer too. (cept you wouldn't agree with my choice.  ;)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 30, 2007, 03:14:00 pm
Quote

Whynot:
The Chelsee was a $1000 less?  
I call that a no brainer too. (cept you wouldn't agree with my choice.  ;)

The Chelsee was $1000 more.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 30, 2007, 03:16:23 pm
Quote
I say wait for the tub you want.   THis isn't a huge tub, and a lounger takes up ALOT of space.  Unless you are in love with the lounger, I would wait.


;)

I'm undecided on the lounger.  I want to be able to sit 4 adults in comfort.  Do you know if this is possible with the J-335?

Dealers: Does the J-335 usually sell for more or less than the J-345?
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: drewstar on March 30, 2007, 03:21:39 pm
Quote

The Chelsee was $1000 more.


Oh...that changes things a bit.

SpaNe, the 335 seats 4 adults (see my pic above). There are 3 therapy seats and one lounger. Don't count the cool off seat as seating.  I'd say 4 adults at a max. The lounger changes things quite a bit,  if you are considering this change....WET TEST.  I get the impression you're just chaning your mind because of the wait time.  Please keep in mind, 4 weeks isn;t that long, the tub will last for many years. If comforatbale seating for 4 is a requirement, then don't compromise.  

Wait a sec...no cup holders on the jaquizzi? That's strange.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on March 30, 2007, 03:23:30 pm
Quote
10 minutes ago I ordered a 2007 J-345 in silverwwod and platiunum.  Dealer said it should be about a week to jet from the manufacturer. I guess it will look just like WHY NOTS.

I'm very excited. ;D
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on March 30, 2007, 03:35:46 pm
Quote

I'm undecided on the lounger.  I want to be able to sit 4 adults in comfort.  Do you know if this is possible with the J-335?

Dealers: Does the J-335 usually sell for more or less than the J-245?
SpaNE,

I personally didn't like the lounger in the J-335. It's not very comfortable imo.
You could fit 4 people but depending on everyone's size it could be rather cramped.
I think you would be much better off with the 345 if you're concerned about space. Loungers in smaller tubs take away alot of open space. I have had 5 in my 345 with no problems.

Also, my dealer was selling the 335 and the 345 at the same price back when I purchased mine in Sept. of '06.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 30, 2007, 03:37:34 pm
Quote

 If comforatbale seating for 4 is a requirement, then don't compromise.  

Wait a sec...no cup holders on the jaquizzi? That's strange.

Are you saying that the J-335 will not seat 4 in comfort?

I was under the impression that the J-335/345 had lighted cupholders?
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on March 30, 2007, 03:40:45 pm
 Stick with the 345 the thing about the J-335 is its a nice spa but if you or others are tall and sit in the lounge seat your feet will be in someones lap,not a bad thing if its your wife/girl friend  ;) the other thing is it only has 1 divertor handle so all the power from jet pump 2 goes to the back right corner seat, its either full on or off.
  Some here will say (wont mention names)having 2 divertor handles do not  make a difference or is a big deal well its night and day difference when you can move water pressure from one seat to another and adjust the power where you want it.

 I would wait for the 07 J-345 it will be worth the wait

 Let me add the 335 and 345 do have lighted cup holders we normally sell both at 7995.00  

Sounds like hes selling you an 07 for 06 price??  go for it
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on March 30, 2007, 03:45:17 pm
Quote

Are you saying that the J-335 will not seat 4 in comfort?

The only reason I stray away from saying you could fit 4 comfortably is because the feet of the person in the lounge will be on the lap of the person in the corner seat. For some this is no big deal. ;)
<----------------------------------------
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on March 30, 2007, 05:11:59 pm
I just called the dealer back and told him to order the J-345 in Silverwood and Platiunum.  Hopefully I will have it sooner than later. :)

Thanks for all the help and advice, especially JJ, Why Not, Drewstar and Micah.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Micah on March 31, 2007, 02:11:01 pm
Quote
I just called the dealer back and told him to order the J-345 in Silverwood and Platiunum.  Hopefully I will have it sooner than later. :)

Thanks for all the help and advice, especially JJ, Why Not, Drewstar and Micah.

Congats on the new Jacuzzi. You are going to love the J-345

Next time it will be your turn to help...We want photos...LOTS of photos.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: drewstar on April 02, 2007, 09:52:10 am
Congrats!  Take pictures!

I think that because you  are waiting for the tub you want....that first soak will be even better than you imagined.  :)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on April 12, 2007, 02:46:30 pm
Quote
Congrats!  Take pictures!

I think that because you  are waiting for the tub you want....that first soak will be even better than you imagined.  :)

The wait is getting shorter - the dealer just called to say my spa is on a truck that left California yesterday.  Good chance I will have it installed sometime next week.  ;D

Will post pics.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: drewstar on April 12, 2007, 03:39:15 pm
Quote

The wait is getting shorter - the dealer just called to say my spa is on a truck that left California yesterday.  Good chance I will have it installed sometime next week.  ;D

Will post pics.


See? IT wasn't THAT bad. and your gonna get  the tub YOU wanted.  ;)

/I know how you felt though. I've let my impatiatence make some bad decsions too. So I am glad you did decide towait and go with the 345.  :D
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: svspa on April 12, 2007, 04:08:35 pm
Congrats SpaNE,

I have an '05 J-345 and love it.

I bought it in Oct '05 for $6500 with the options you mention. So that price on the new model sounds like a good deal.

Only issue I have had was just in the last 2 months the circ pump went out. Painless deal working with Jacuzzi service though, the tech came out and replaced it right quick.

Steve


Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on April 12, 2007, 07:26:19 pm
Quote

The wait is getting shorter - the dealer just called to say my spa is on a truck that left California yesterday.  Good chance I will have it installed sometime next week.  ;D

Will post pics.
Wow that was fast.  I would have thought it would take longer than 3 weeks, especially since it's coming across country. It took my dealer 4 weeks form the time of purchase to delivery and I live in the STL. With the way the weather has been up there, I'm betting you're even more anxious for spatopia. Are pics a possibility? I sure would like to see another j-345 resting in it's new home.

Cheers,

Chad
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Mez on April 16, 2007, 07:42:26 pm
I am brand new to the forum, my very first post. A big thanks to all of you for the insight on this perplexing thing called buying a spa. I looked all over locally, researched forums and buying tips, etc on the Net, looked at the online discounters, Ebay, Costco, etc. I didnt want to spend alot but finally figured the ole saying is true, you get what you pay for. After alot of thinking and reading and studying, I opted for a new  2007 Jacuzzi 345. I couldnt bring myself to buying one on Ebay even though I have had only one bad experience on there and a few hundred good ones. I originally didnt want to spend more than 3-4K but quickly found out that unless I bought used or from an online source, what was out there in that price range left the big box stores. I just couldnt see spending my hard earned money on that and not being happy with it and probably end up not using it. My wife wanted a few of the bells and whistles (stainless jets, led lighting, waterfall, etc). I narrowed it down to a Hot Springs or the 345 and the 345 ended up winning primarily on styling as I liked both of them from a hydrotherapy aspect.
 I just got home from ordering it and wanted to jump on here and say thanks becasue I stumbld across this thread last night and it also helped a little bit in my decision. I ordered it in their new Graphite shell color with the dark brown chestnut cabinet. List for the 2007 345 according to an email I received was 7,995. When I visited the store they told me it was on "sale" for 6,995 and included the cover,lift, steps, chemicals and delivery. I went back today and "hammered" them a bit on price, telling them that I read on this forum where someone had just ordered one for 6,300 which he quickly told me he couldnt touch, the least amount was 6,495..so I took it at that price. I came in with my mind made up and didnt let on as to that, just told the guy I came back without my wife and 2 kids to ask more questions and do some more comparisons. When he quoted me the price, I told him I would think about it becasue I was going to the next place and look again at the Hot Springs model that my wife really liked and he told me he apreciated me stopping by and gave me his card. Thats when I just bit the bullet on the pricing, figuring he would come down if I hit the door :)
 So anyway, to the guy that just bought the 345 in this forum, let me know how your experience was/is when you get the tub. I have that sick kinda feeling after dropping that kind of $$ but hopefully it will be worth it in the long run. :)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on April 17, 2007, 07:45:01 pm
Welcome to the forum Mez.
You are going to be very pleased with your purchase. As you know I like mine very much. It's a great tub. Not too big, not too small, great hydrotherepy, and priced just right.

That's some deal you were able get! I paid $6095 for an '06 back in September.
Are there any specific q's you've been wondering about? I'd be happy to try and help.

Congratulations,

Chad
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Mez on April 17, 2007, 09:56:43 pm
Quote
Welcome to the forum Mez.
You are going to be very pleased with your purchase. As you know I like mine very much. It's a great tub. Not too big, not too small, great hydrotherepy, and priced just right.

That's some deal you were able get! I paid $6095 for an '06 back in September.
Are there any specific q's you've been wondering about? I'd be happy to try and help.

Congratulations,

Chad
Thank you for the welcome! This forum definitely helped me in my decsion making. I have to admit, I like your deal better :) I think you may have been the price I quoted (my post said $6300 but I actually remember telling the dealer I read a post that someone had paid $6100) Really, I dont have much in the way of questions as of yet because I dont ehave the tub, I am sure I will have a bunch once it arrives on maintaning it, etc. I was out earlier tonight trying to figure out exactly where to place it in my yard. My wife wanted to cut a hole for a door though our bedroom and put a little screened in porch of the side yard...its very private with white pines lining it...the other side is facing all woods...closest house id 400 feet away on that side but it is unfeasable. I have a 2 tier deck off the back but its pretty well filled with the new $2000 granite top patio set she just had to have :)

I am opting to put it at ground level off the side of the lowest tier and remove the railing and put stairs off the deck to the ground (about 3 feet). I really would like to have the deck meet right to the front of the tub but if I do that, would have to figure out how to do it so I could service it from the front...so I am thinking of doing a slab myself...maybe 12X12 feet so I have a 2.5 foot walk around on all sides and just going with the steps up that the dealer is providing. Here is a question,
Waht do you have your tub sitting on? The dealer told me a concrete slab, unistone, pavers, gravel, a heavy guage plastic pad they sell...I am leaning towards the slab...although getting a concrete truck to the back is a pain...when I built my house they used a pumper from the street..I am thinking of just buying the 74 bags of Sakrete I figured I needed and mixing.pouring myself...any suggestions?
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on April 17, 2007, 10:25:44 pm
My tub is on a brushed concrete slab, nothin' fancy. I'm toying around with maybe puttin' down some porcelain tile. The only thing really holding me back is that I'm planning on moving in a few years and I already have enough tile in my house to cover all of Rhoe Island. ;D

I also was concerned with a mixer truck backing in my yard, so I paid a few extra bucks and had the flatworker use one of those quad concrete hauling machines(I forgot what they're called   :-? ). The mixer truck fills it up and then you simply just "wheelbarrow" it through your yard. It's truly a yard saver.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on April 18, 2007, 08:33:22 pm
Quote
 So anyway, to the guy that just bought the 345 in this forum, let me know how your experience was/is when you get the tub. )

Delivery is scheduled for Friday.  Electrician should be here at 9:30 and the spa should arrive at noon.  Hopefully the sun will come out in Boston. :)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on April 20, 2007, 04:30:42 pm
The install schedule was slightly changed...

However the spa is filled with 53 degree water and heating up as of 4:00 PM.  Hopefully I'll have my first soak before midnight. :D

I'll post pics as soon as I figure out the procedure.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on April 20, 2007, 07:04:44 pm
Quote
The install schedule was slightly changed...

However the spa is filled with 53 degree water and heating up as of 4:00 PM.  Hopefully I'll have my first soak before midnight. :D

I'll post pics as soon as I figure out the procedure.

Awesome 8-)
Were you able to take off work and be there for the whole delivery/install?
I think you'll make it in before midnight.  :)  I average 6-7 degrees an hour.

Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: tommy tunes on April 20, 2007, 08:14:13 pm
...still waitn' on them pics.  Congrats!

Enjoy your first soak in spatopia! :)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: ndabunka on April 20, 2007, 10:33:27 pm
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I am brand new to the forum, my very first post.... Thats when I just bit the bullet on the pricing, figuring he would come down if I hit the door :)

Congratulations.  Sounds like you did well and got a deal your comfortable with.  As others have pointed out, each dealer is independent and can charge differing prices based on their particular situation.  Sounds like the dealer is happy too which really is important.  I wish more buyers would follow your process (leave dependents at home, nego some more pricing, pick a point and BUY).  Jacuzzi makes a quality product.  I think you will be happy!
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Mez on April 20, 2007, 10:46:00 pm
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Congratulations.  Sounds like you did well and got a deal your comfortable with.  As others have pointed out, each dealer is independent and can charge differing prices based on their particular situation.  Sounds like the dealer is happy too which really is important.  I wish more buyers would follow your process (leave dependents at home, nego some more pricing, pick a point and BUY).  Jacuzzi makes a quality product.  I think you will be happy!
Thank you for the comments. I am pretty anal retentive about things so I tend to obsess at times, this was one of those times :)
I am fairly happy with the deal, compared to list and what I've read others have paid, it was at least a fair deal. I am a buyer by profession and part of my job is buying decent products at a fair price. As much as I woulda liked an even better price, my mind was made up before I hit the door that I was going to buy it, hell, I would have done the deal at the $6995 he had quoted me originally if I had too :)
I start the site prep tomorrow, after I finish restaing our deck to match the roasted chestnut cabinet. I've decided to take Why Nots advice and go ahead  and do a slab. I will be anxiuosly awaiting its arrival.
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Mez on April 20, 2007, 10:48:41 pm
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The install schedule was slightly changed...

However the spa is filled with 53 degree water and heating up as of 4:00 PM.  Hopefully I'll have my first soak before midnight. :D

I'll post pics as soon as I figure out the procedure.
Spane, congrats on its arrival! Let us all know how it went and take a pic or two of the new 345! I'm jealous!! I am still at least 4 weeks away!
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: 104 degrees on May 03, 2007, 07:09:59 pm
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Are you saying that the J-335 will not seat 4 in comfort?

?


It looks like someones feet would be in someones lap :( look at it ;)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: SpaNE on May 04, 2007, 10:01:38 am
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Jacuzzi made some great changes to the J-300 series this year.  In addition to upgrading the fluff (new led lighting system in the cup holders, pillows and new waterfall.  the performance of the jetting package is night and day from the 06 models.  The five Power Pro MX jets are incredible.  If you wet test the Jacuzzi, I think you will love it.

I have had my J-345 for the past week and several dozen soaks.  I can't compare the jetting package from '06 to '07, however I love the jets on my '07.  One of the most versatile jets (and overlooked until you use the tub) are the 2 MX jets in the footwell.  I use these jets for my feet, calves and thighs - depending on where I am sitting.  I like the fact that I can use the divertor valve to get the perfect amount of pressure to those jets.

My overall favorite seat is the front/left - the perfect contour, placement of jets (FX and LX), and view to the nightime stars in the sky!  I also like the fact that there are plenty of seats at different heights to accomodate my family.  The high step right in front of the control panel is perfect to help young kids (and adults who drink too much) enter and exit the spa.  Going clockwise from front/left: middle/left is perfect for lower back especially with full divertor action, back/left hits my middle to lower back with the powerful MX jets, back/middle is my daughter's favorite under the waterfall (raised seat), back/right is full back with 10 FX jets (and deeper) plus great neck massage, middle/right for cool down, front/right has nice spiral jets plus can feel like a "lounger" by placing your legs over the raised seat by the filter.

The air/water buttons are great to get a totally different feel versus the straight water jets.

One frill feature that is really cool are the LED lighted cupholders.  A waterfall is a waterfall, but not nearly as cool as watching your favorite beverage glow in the dark.  You gotta see it.

Finally, I can't believe how soundly I have been sleeping.  After my nightly soaks (and cocktail) I have a hard time staying awake. ;)
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: svspa on May 04, 2007, 07:51:34 pm
Congrats SpaNE.

Good review of the seats in the J-345, have you tried the rotating pattern on the LX jets? Set the front right seat jets to rotate and get ready to feel your kidneys jiggle  ;)

I think it's a toss up for me on my fav, either front left or back right. My stress seems to all converge on my neck  :(

Steve  
Title: Re: Ready to buy - Jacuzzi or Sundance
Post by: Chad on May 05, 2007, 08:58:06 am
My favorite is back right corner.

Spa NE,

Another way to hit your legs good with the 2 footwell jets is to sit in front of the filters and point the jets up as high as the go and turn the diverter full. It's fantastic for your hamstrings and calfs. I let them blast me for 5 minutes after my squat routine. It knocks the soreness right out. I was amazed. Before the spa I would walk around like a monkey for a couple of days. Not anymore thanks to spatopia. 8-)

Cheers,

Chad