medazza Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 Hi there, My very first post! We're in the process of trying to decide on a smaller tub for our rather small urban backyard in downtown Toronto. We're the middle of 3 townhouses and the only way to get the tub into the backyard would be through a narrow pedestrian access alley (narrowest point is 35 inches). Because of the height of our house and even taller trees, using a crane to get the tub in place is not an option. So we've narrowed our search to a tub that's 34 inches or less. Scale-wise, we don't want anything too large in terms of a footprint either. (We'll need to get a neighbour's permission to go through their yard for the delivery/installation). So the Beachcomber 340 and the Jacuzzi J-325 are in the finals! The Beachcomber is less expensive but doesn't have the waterfall - which is a nice ambient feature, but not critical. We've sat in both - and both are comfortable for different reasons. Anyone out there with either of these? Thoughts? Feedback? If for any reason neither will fit (or the neighbour doesn't co-operate) we can always go with the 2-seater Beachcomber 520 - which is very comfortable, but only fits 2. It will fit through our house - without the need to use the alley or the neightbour's yard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 Hi there, My very first post! We're in the process of trying to decide on a smaller tub for our rather small urban backyard in downtown Toronto. We're the middle of 3 townhouses and the only way to get the tub into the backyard would be through a narrow pedestrian access alley (narrowest point is 35 inches). Because of the height of our house and even taller trees, using a crane to get the tub in place is not an option. So we've narrowed our search to a tub that's 34 inches or less. Scale-wise, we don't want anything too large in terms of a footprint either. (We'll need to get a neighbour's permission to go through their yard for the delivery/installation). So the Beachcomber 340 and the Jacuzzi J-325 are in the finals! The Beachcomber is less expensive but doesn't have the waterfall - which is a nice ambient feature, but not critical. We've sat in both - and both are comfortable for different reasons. Anyone out there with either of these? Thoughts? Feedback? If for any reason neither will fit (or the neighbour doesn't co-operate) we can always go with the 2-seater Beachcomber 520 - which is very comfortable, but only fits 2. It will fit through our house - without the need to use the alley or the neightbour's yard. If they are both comfortable then dealer and wallet will have to decide. They are both quality brands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shovelhd Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 I have a Jacuzzi J345, and I'm very happy with the tub and my Jacuzzi dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart6453 Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 I have a Jacuzzi J-325. It is a nice tub, we have really enjoyed it. We had a Circ pump issue right away but this was fixed quickly and no other problems. (to be fair, the circ pump dying is just luck of the draw, so I am hesitant to even mention it) If the waterfall is your deciding option, I would think long and hard. We NEVER use the waterfall, it's just too noisy. The only time it is on is when we are entertaining and then our guests want it on for about 30 seconds until they realize you can't hear anyone in the tub. If I had to do it all over again, i would most certainly purchase the very same tub that I did. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grayce Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 I wet-tested one of the shallower Jacuzzi's and the water did not cover my shoulders, so a wet test is a must. I ended up getting a J355. I honestly don't use the waterfall too often because I think it cools the water down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medazza Posted October 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 I wet-tested one of the shallower Jacuzzi's and the water did not cover my shoulders, so a wet test is a must. I ended up getting a J355. I honestly don't use the waterfall too often because I think it cools the water down. I'm hoping to wet test them when we get closer to a decision (hopefully sooner than later!) but unfortunately, getting any tub that's over 34" high will simply not fit. As for what two people have mentioned about the waterfall being over-rated, I think that it's a small perk, since I like the sound of running water - even without the jets being on. So while it's not a make-or-break feature, I'm just curious to see what others think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart6453 Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 I wet-tested one of the shallower Jacuzzi's and the water did not cover my shoulders, so a wet test is a must. I ended up getting a J355. I honestly don't use the waterfall too often because I think it cools the water down. I'm hoping to wet test them when we get closer to a decision (hopefully sooner than later!) but unfortunately, getting any tub that's over 34" high will simply not fit. As for what two people have mentioned about the waterfall being over-rated, I think that it's a small perk, since I like the sound of running water - even without the jets being on. So while it's not a make-or-break feature, I'm just curious to see what others think. well...thats the bad part...the jets have to be on for the waterfall to work. Anyways....I like my Jacuzzi..good luck and keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medazza Posted October 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 Can't you use the toggle switches to decrease the force of the jets and have the jets on low to make the waterfall more of an audio feature? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart6453 Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 Can't you use the toggle switches to decrease the force of the jets and have the jets on low to make the waterfall more of an audio feature? No dice, the side valve is for switching between zones.....and to turn them off further you need to individually turn off the jets.....which could possibly over pressurize the system (according to Jacuzzi) so...for the waterfall....at least 6 jets need to be on in the tub (again, according to Jacuzzi) Not a big deal....the water fall is not really a slow trickle thing....it's like a power washer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medazza Posted October 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 I thought the J-325 we looked at has and adjustable wheel on the waterfall that allows you to adjust the flow of water. The dealer showed us how it worked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart6453 Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 I thought the J-325 we looked at has and adjustable wheel on the waterfall that allows you to adjust the flow of water. The dealer showed us how it worked. It does.....but it really does not work all that well. More of an On/Off thing...but you can fiddle with it to get it to slow down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firemedic Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 Jacuzzi's 400 series have fully adjustable waterfalls, from zero to trickle, to full flow. And it runs without the jet pumps running (it's off the circ. pump). Nice feature because you hear the water running, without hearing pump noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart6453 Posted October 25, 2009 Report Share Posted October 25, 2009 Jacuzzi's 400 series have fully adjustable waterfalls, from zero to trickle, to full flow. And it runs without the jet pumps running (it's off the circ. pump). Nice feature because you hear the water running, without hearing pump noise. That would be a nice feature. Wish my 325 had that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medazza Posted October 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2009 Anyone out there with a Beachcomber 340?? Seems that there's more on here with Jacuzzi's. After hearing about the less than ideal waterfall in the J-325 - and that it's actually a bit larger than the Beachcomber 340, we're starting to lean more towards the Beachcomber. Has anyone compared these two brands back to back? Any advantages or disadvantages? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart6453 Posted October 30, 2009 Report Share Posted October 30, 2009 Anyone out there with a Beachcomber 340?? Seems that there's more on here with Jacuzzi's. After hearing about the less than ideal waterfall in the J-325 - and that it's actually a bit larger than the Beachcomber 340, we're starting to lean more towards the Beachcomber. Has anyone compared these two brands back to back? Any advantages or disadvantages? Cheers Just to qualify my position on the waterfall after having one....I would never let it change my opinion on a tub one way or the other. If give the choice I would delete it from my tub. It is nice in the showroom, but really when you are sitting in your tub we just don't use it. I love my Jacuzzi tub, everything works wonderful....dont let a silly showroom shock & awe feature determine your purchase. I have a feeling the water features are a case of monkey see, monkey do.....one manufacturer does it and sells a few tubs because of it...and it's only $100 to add the feature during the manufacturing process..so there you go....waterfalls! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poolandspadude Posted October 31, 2009 Report Share Posted October 31, 2009 I'm chiming in here!!! All of the Jacuzzi's spoken of here are great tubs... If the waterfall is an important feature to you...and you wish to have it silent ...Go with the Jacuzzi J-460. This tub at 89" x 77" x 34" tall ( will fit through a standard sized door!) will SMOKE the beachcomer like a cheap cigar!!! You will be hard pressed to find ANY tub on the market that compares with the J-400 Series. True, you will pay more, but it is worth it for sure!!! Do yourself a favor and check them out before you buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medazza Posted November 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 Thanks for the suggestion on the J460, but going bigger in size is just not a good option. The entire back yard is only 15 feet by 28 feet - so compact size is top priority. That said, I somehow overlooked the Marquis Retreat (77" x 77")... Any thoughts on that one?? The downside is I also discovered that Marquis won't be making the Retreat for 2010 (not enough demand) - so altough it could have been a contender, it's unlikely we'll find one to consider before the 2009's are sold out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.