I am considering buying a new hot tub and would appreciate any advice on choosing a brand/model. The two I am currently considering are Jacuzzi and Sundance. The two particular models are Jacuzzi's J-385 and Sundance's Palermo. Any information on either of these two models, or a comparison of the two, or any other comparable brand/model will be greatly appreciated.

DONT BUY CAL SPAS THEY WILL NOT WARRANT THE TUB. THEY WILL SAY THEY WILL BUT WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE THEY WONT

with regards to the brands you have mentioned..... both are tried and proven, good brands. They both have a big drawback. Expensive replacement parts. Jacuzzi is by far the leader in expensive parts. Sundance second (in my experiance/opinion, as i've owned both). They have become more competitive over the years though. If you have a 3rd option, look into it. Also consider customer support/service and the warranty. Most importantly, sit in them. Which is more comfortable? That is what you are paying for.

I would agree-but also add to buy from a good dealer. If you have any problems, you will want a good dealer to stand behind the product he sold you.

Jacuzzi and Sundance are owned by the same company. FYI

I agree that a good dealer is a must, for the after sale support.

Yes, Jacuzzi and Sundance are owned by the same company, but still the pricing is more for the Jacuzzi labeled equipment.

You ever thought about Hotsprings tubs? I have the Vista and i cant complain one bit, i love the thing!
The Jets on this thing are amazing, they can move you out of the seat if you want them too.

I decided to throw your Jacuzzi model number into Google just to see what you were looking to.


I suppose if you're into the brand name thing and you own Lexus or Infinity rather than a NIssan or Toyota than perhaps you should spend your money on it.

I was going to metion that Costco has a $200 rebate on one of their hot tubs
about $3,500. Not for nothing, but you could install two for the price of your Jacuzzi model.

A bit over 10 years back my parents purchased a hot tub thru costco. I htink the price was somewhere near the current offer.

The brand was caldera spas. You can check them out online.

The one thing I will tell you is that their spa developed some type of crack/leak b/c of a defect in the tub. Caldera sent my parents a brochure and basically said PICK ONE. The old tub was picked up and a new one devilered at no charge. I was very happy with the features of both of their units. In fact, I think the newer model is perhaps a bit nicer options wise.


Good luck on your quest & let us know what you find.

Wow talk about service. We finally put a complaint in with the Better Business Bureau and after a YEAR of dealing with these criminals they gave us a replacement motor but didnt comver anything on warranty. They will not respond to the BBB either. NEVER EVER BUY A CAL SPAS SPA. THEY WILL NOT COVER THE WARRANTY. We are considering going to a lawyer even if it costs more than the **** claim its the principal. So I hate my tub I dont even relax in it because of all the crap they have put us through. If you are in Washington state dont buy a spa through Calventures or Spas and More they are crimnals very untrustworthy and will not stand up to their warranties. I spent over $15,000 buying a gazebo and spa and they dump you as soon as its delivered. Mine never worked right from day one.

I have owned a Sundance spa and found service poor and have had to pay $65 for each service call while the unit was under warranty. Actually my next spa will be whichever is the cheapest.

A long warranty just means you are really prepaying for service you may not receive and are captive to one dealer for parts and repairs. You are not necessarily getting better parts or better service by purchasing a more expensive unit.