Hi, long time lurker, first time poster !!!

First, thanks for all the great info I have found here. We recently got a 2004 Jacuzzi J-385 and I sure got a lot of start-up help by just searching around in here.

However, I didn't really find anything that matches this one.

I am getting ready to change the water before it gets really cold up here. I have read that it's better to have an extra set of filters, so you can clean the old ones and keep enjoying the tub with the new ones. So, I started shopping around and here's what I have found.

OEM Jacuzzi filters for this spa model go for around $60 each at the local dealer, I can find them online for around $90 a pair before shipping.

There are many online sellers that offer other filters for a heck of a lot less cost, like $34 each before shipping. The only thing I see that differs is the OEM factor and the aftermarket ones are rated at 50sf while the OEM filters are rated at 60sf.

So, is the difference in the 50sf vs. 60sf that big of a deal ???

Are the OEM filters that much better that they cost 2-3 times as much ???

What are the benefits of OEM, the downside of Aftermarket, or is there any on either ???

I haven't really gotten a good feel for the answer on that, but I thought I might in here.

I appreciate any feedback !!! Thanks !!!

Brian

Well, take a guess who makes the oem filters?

next - stay with 50 sq ft. Less pleats, easier to clean, last longer.

Ok, pardon the follow-up, but just to be clear, were pointing out that the OEM filters were made by the OEM...or was this along the lines of filters are made generically, then branded and marked up by the OEM...because I have seen that in other manufacturing scenarios...

Just kinda curious on that, as I am not at all knowledgeable about filters...

Thanks for the info on the 50sf vs. 60sf...I didn't know if that mattered in regards to tub performance, but if they last longer and are less expensive, that sounds like a win-win to me...

OEM's don't make filters.

Unless the OEM is a filter manufacturer.

It's all market/aftermarket.