I am a 15-year-old and my parents are planning on purchasing a Spa. We have looked at several brands, and we are now seriously considering either a Jacuzzi or a HotSpring.

I created this comparison chart for the 4 models we are looking at here.

Can anybody shed some light on which is the better choice?

There is also another, larger, store that has many models of brands that I haven't been able to find much on (can't remember the names).

Are any of these smaller brands any good?

Thank you for your help. We already have a deposit on the Jacuzzi J-470 becuase it is the last one in the store.

If I were you, I would go ahead with your initial purchase decision as you seem to have already made it... by leaving a deposit.

In this community, as well as the rest of the internet, you'll here so much commotion about this subject that you'll end up more confused than ever before by asking such a question.

Buy what you like...

btw, I think that chart you made has little relevance on buying anything as it's designed around numbers. You should LIKE what you're going to buy. When you're in the tub that chart will be meaningless.

And if you don't like the Jacuzzi you put a deposit down on, then don't buy it.

Just don't hose the dealer over in the process that's holding your deposit as that is a commitment to buy. I think it should be honored, especially since it sounds like a pretty `hot` tub!

I think you'll be happy with your purchase.

Best of luck.

(No, I do not sell spas - but without the dealers that put them there in the first place I wouldn't have a job either )

The problem is that my dad doesn't want to pay the $2000+ more for the Jacuzzi unless it will actually be worth it.

Is there a cheap place that anybody knows of to get the Jacuzzi for under $10k?

edit: I found the name of one of the cheaper companies. Is Leisure Bay any good?

Did they just look at the tubs only, or actually wet test them? Never, ever, EVER buy without wet testing. Specs alone won't tell you anything. Price won't tell you everything. X number of pumps / jets with X horsepower ratings will not tell you anything. Without a wet test you're liable to end up with a $10,000 decoration that just sits there because it's uncomfortable, has too much / too little pressure for your tastes, etc. The manufactures put all the bells and whistles on there to get people to buy based on those alone.

The lights / waterfalls / stereos, etc all mean nothing if you're not going to use the tub.

Trust me, I got rid of an older tub for a newer one with 3 times as many jets, "8 more horsepower", heated blower, etc., and we absolutely can't stand it. It's 4 inches deeper than are other one and that in itself makes it worthless as my fiance is only 5'2 and has to sit on her leg to keep from drowning. In fact, we've only used it twice since Oct and it's going to be put on craigslist before the week is out to sell it. Hence why I'm on here, to see if I can figure out what it's worth.

we are doing the rounds of wet testing today. We will try Jacuzzi, HotSpring, and Master Spas. I like Master Spas on paper the most (excellent warranty, cheaper than Jacuzzi), but I haven't seen it in person.