Comparing Hot Tubs: Which Model Is Best?
Hot Spring Spa’s® VS. Jacuzzi®
HOT TUB MODEL COMPARISON: THE HIGHLIFE® COLLECTION NXT VS. JACUZZI® J-500™ SERIES
Picking the perfect spa for your home isn’t an easy decision. There are so many models and makers out there, it can be difficult to know which hot tub is best for you. Whether it’s your first time, or whether you’re an old hand at this, buying a hot tub is an exciting moment. Even finding a new replacement for an older model can be a big decision. For first-timers and seasoned spa owners alike, the first step is the same: taking a look at the market to see what’s available and comparing hot tubs.
This can be easier said than done, even for those with experience. There’s an almost limitless number of sizes, features, options, warranties, colors, and accessories available for you to choose from. Facing down this flood of information can lead to a kind of buyer’s paralysis, and shoppers risk becoming overwhelmed and delaying their purchase. So we decided to give you some of the information you need to help you make an informed decision.
COMPARING HOT TUBS: HOT SPRING® HIGHLIFE® NXT COLLECTION VS. JACUZZI® J-500™ COLLECTION MODEL COMPARISON
For starters, we’ve created a side-by-side comparison of two premium spa collections: the Highlife®Collection NXT from Hot Spring® Spas and the J-500™ Collection from Jacuzzi®. The Hot Spring Highlife Collection NXT is a modern luxury spa that was designed in partnership with Designworks®, a BMW Group Company. The Highlife Collection NXT spas are a stunning enhancement to any home. Designers began with the user in mind and created a beautiful, easy-to-use, energy-efficient hot tub for the home spa owner. The Jacuzzi® J-500™ Collection was designed with fiber optic ProEdge™ lighting technology, giving the spas a beautiful “glow.” Beyond its looks, the J-500™ model is energy efficient and employs user-friendly advanced technology.
By comparing hot tubs from both collections directly, you’ll be able to gain a good idea of what matters the most to you and your family as you use your spa.
To give you a sense of where each model in the two series stands in terms of size, seats, and number of jets, this first chart features a direct comparison. A few things to keep in mind: When it comes to jets, quantity and quality are not equally important. Sheer numbers matter much less than the strength and positioning of your jets. Also, when it comes to size, “bigger” might not mean “better.” It’s all about personal preference: The best size for a hot tub is the size that works best for the people who use it. For instance, if you mostly plan on using your hot tub alone or with a single partner, a roomy hot tub that can accommodate a large group might be less desirable to you than a smaller model. Keep this in mind when comparing hot tubs.
| Brand & Models | Size | Seats | Jets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacuzzi® J-500™ Spas | |||
| J-585™ | 7’7″ x 7’7″ x 37.5″ | 6-7 | 52 |
| J-575™ | 89″ x 89″ x 37.5″ | 5-6 | 53 |
| Hot Spring Highlife NXT Collection | |||
| Grandee® NXT | 8’4″ X 7’7″ X 38″ | 7 | 43 |
| Vanguard® NXT | 7’3″ X 7’3″ X 36″ | 6 | 38 |
| Envoy® NXT | 7’9″ X 7’7″ X 38″ | 5 | 43 |
| Aria® NXT | 7’3″ X 7’3″ X 36″ | 4 | 35 |
| Jetsetter® NXT | 7′ X 5’5″ X 33″ | 3 | 22 |
COMPARING HOT TUBS: HOT SPRING GRANDEE® NXT VS. JACUZZI® J-585™
Now that you’ve got a clear picture of what to expect across two premium hot tub series, let’s get into the details. Here are the two top spas in each collection: the Hot Spring Grandee NXT and the Jacuzzi® J-585™. When comparing hot tubs we look closely at what’s similar and different between these two models, you can get a good feeling for which features you’ll want in your future hot tub.
Please be aware that the specifications listed, while accurate at the time of publication, may change without notice. Your local dealer can provide you with the most current information before you make a purchase; that information may be also found on the websites of the respective brands.
| Jacuzzi® J-585™ | Hot Spring Grandee NXT | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 6-7 | 7 |
| Dimensions | 7'7" x 7'7" x 37.5" | 8'4" x 7'7" x 38" |
| Jets | The J-585™ comes with 52 total jets, ergonomically placed for a strong, soothing massage. The J-500™ Series offers a unique hydromassage experience for hot tub health benefits, a feature that Jacuzzi® Inc. prides itself on. The J-500™ models offer different types of seating to accommodate the needs of different users. The hot tub jets work with the therapeutic seating, and the J-500™ models offer new “hip jets.” They also come equipped with wrist jets, making the J-500™ models a total body massage experience. | All models come equipped with the exclusive Moto-Massage® DX feature, a unique moving jet design. The Moto-Massage DX jet produces two powerful water streams that sweep up and down the length of your back, giving a relaxing, therapeutic experience. Several other hot tub jets, including precision jet clusters, rotary jets and Hydrostream jets, create the perfect amount of pressure and a distinct experience for each muscle group. The 43 jets also include Directional Precision® jets, SoothingStream® jets, and JetStream® jets. |
| Water Capacity | 440 gallons | 500 gallons |
| Energy Efficiency | The high-quality materials and energy-efficient design of the Jacuzzi® J-585™ help keep heat in and energy bills low. Based on a sleek, energy-conscious design, they have an estimated running cost of under $20 per month. | The Highlife Collection NXT models are absolutely efficient in every way. They employ several energy-saving innovations, including a polymeric base pan, which boosts the energy efficiency of the hot tub by minimizing contact with the ground. The Highlife models also have an exclusive multi-layer foam insulation that prevents heat from escaping the tub, energy-efficient pumps, and custom-fitting insulated covers. |
| Filters | The J-585™ relies on a ProClarity™ Depth Load filter, a ProClarity™ 40 square-foot filter, and a ProClear™ 60 square-foot filter. | The Grandee NXT uses top-loading Tri-X® filters with 100% no-bypass filtration. |
| Pumps | The J-585™ has two strong one-speed 2.5 continuous-duty horsepower pumps. | The Grandee NXT has two powerful pumps: The Wavemaster 9200, with two speeds and 2.5 continuous duty HP, and the Wavemaster 9000, with one speed and 2.5 continuous duty HP. |
| Wattage | 240 volts at 30, 50, or 60 amps. | 230 volts at 50 amps. |
| Remote Monitoring | Jacuzzi® does not currently offer a remote monitoring system. | Hot Spring owners may subscribe to the Connextion® remote monitoring system, which automatically alerts you and your hot tub dealer to any problems with your spa. |
| Cooling System | Jacuzzi® does not currently offer a cooling option. | The optional CoolZone™ system allows users to cool their water to as low as sixty degrees, then raise it back up again in just a few hours. |
| Cabinet | The Proendure™ advanced cabinetry is available in Roasted Chestnut or Silverwood. | The durable cabinet is available in three colors: Mocha, Teak, and Monterey Grey. |
| Shell | The TriFusion™ acrylic shell comes in Platinum, Silver Pearl, Desert Sand, Opal, Caribbean Surf, Midnight, Monaco, and Titanium | The attractive and scratch-resistant acrylic shell is available in an array of colors, including Platinum, Alpine White, Ice Gray, Desert, Tuscan Sun, and Creme. |
| Control System | The J-500™ models offer ProTouch™ Control, a glass touch-screen interface that controls the entire hot tub experience. The ProTouch™ Control system offers a smartphone app, giving users the ability to heat up their hot tub, set water care cycles and provide service alerts from their phone. You can also sync to your system remotely via the ProLink™ app. | NXT models employ the IQ 2020®, a convenient wireless remote control with touchscreen technology, which allows a user to easily adjust spa functions such as jets, lighting and music. The advanced control panel features a full-color screen and intuitive menus; it can work up to 30 feet away. A GFCI-protected subpanel is also included. |
| Water Features | The J-585™ features two WaterColour waterfalls and welcoming interior LED lighting. | The BellaFontana® water fountain has three illuminated arcs of water. |
| Lighting Features | The J-500™ models have unique fiber-optic ProEdge™ lighting technology that gives the hot tub a glowing appearance. This lighting technology is used both in the interior of the tub and on the exterior, and includes multicolor waterfalls, integrated corner lights, and underwater LED lighting. | The Highlife NXT features the Luminescence® multicolor four-zone lighting system. The NXT models have customized, programmable, multi-colored LED lighting systems throughout their interior and exterior. Enjoy a subtle glow or a rainbow of color. The choice is yours. |
| Heater | The J-585™’s powerful heater keeps your water at your optimal temperature. | To heat water swiftly and maintain a constant high temperature, the Highlife Collection NXT features a No-Fault® 4000-watt 230-volt heater. |
| Circulation Pump | The ProStream™ Circulation Pump supports advanced filtration systems to minimize maintenance and cleaning. | The Grandee NXT’s SilentFlo 5000® circulation pump helps provide silent and continuous filtration. |
| Water Care Options | The CLEARRAY® Water Management System keeps your water pure by neutralizing impurities with UV light. | Grandee NXT owners can choose between the ACE® Salt Water sanitizing system or the EverFresh® system. |
| Ozone System | The CLEARRAY® PRO3TECT™ automatic oxidizer helps prolong the life of your spa. | The Grandee NXT comes standard with the Freshwater III Ozone system, which uses Corona Discharge Cell Technology to neutralize hot tub contaminants with a high concentration of ozone. |
| Entertainment Options | The BLUEWAVE® 2.0 wireless audio system comes with spa-engineered speakers and a subwoofer. | Hot Spring’s wireless audio system lets you stream music live or play music stored on your personal devices. Extended Bluetooth range can reach as far as 150 feet. Song and artist titles display on the control panel. Owners can also choose to include a 22” HD wireless monitor. |
| Cover | The Prolast™ covers are weather-proof for extreme conditions and are designed to be lightweight for ease of use. | A 3.5" to 2.5" vinyl cover with a 2lb-density foam core in Slate, Chocolate, Caramel, or Evergreen comes with the Grandee® NXT. |
| Cover Lifter | Jacuzzi® owners may choose to also purchase a convenient cover lifter. | An optional cover lifter may be added. Choose from the UpRite®, CoverCradle®, CoverCradle II®, or the Lift ‘n Glide®. |
| Steps | Premium synthetic wood steps are available in colors which match your hot tub’s cabinetry. | Step options include the NXT step collection designed to match the Highlife NXT; the Everwood® HD Step designed to match the Everwood HD cabinet; and a lightweight polymer step. All step options come in multiple colors chosen to complement your spa. |
Both the Highlife Collection NXT and the Jacuzzi® J-500™ Series are two of the best hot tubs available. Both are superior spas.
COMPARING HOT TUBS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOT TUB FOR YOU
Everyone is unique, with their own sense of style—no hot tub is going to be the right choice for everyone. Now that you’ve seen what features are available in these two top-tier collections, you can begin to think about which spa is your ideal fit. Whether you’re interested in powerful jets, a large footprint, or top-of-the-line entertainment options, now that you know what’s on the market, you’ll be able to find the perfect spa for your lifestyle.
For more information on the Highlife Collection NXT and other premium Hot Spring hot tubs, browse through our website, or visit our showroom to look at the models up close. We do offer test soaks, giving you an opportunity to test your spa before deciding. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know your new spa—a well-made, high-quality hot tub can give you trouble-free service for years.
“At Hot Spring Spas, we take a lot of pride in the quality of our engineering and design. Each of our spas is carefully orchestrated to bring its owner to a state of bliss each and every time they soak. Our powerful filtration systems keep your water pure, and our thermal efficiency engineering keeps your heat in and energy costs low. Request information on pricing or download our brochure to find the hot tub you’ve been waiting for.”
