Shopping, Need Help

[Roscoe540]

Hello All,

I've recently been in the market to buy a spa. My wife was diagnosed with Lupus and needs hydrotherapy for joint relief. So, we've been trying to shop brands/models that have more of a slant towards the therapeutic benefits rather than entertainment. We've been to several dealers in our area that carry the following brands:

PDC

Marquis

Hot Spring

Sundance

Based on initial visits to the dealers, I think that we have our choices narrowed to the Sundance Optima & Hot Spring Grandee. We plan on doing a wet test on each model. I have a couple of questions and hope I can get some opinions.

1. Any other brands that I should consider for their therapeutic value?

2. Prices - The following is what the dealers are offering. Is it a fair deal?

2008 Sundance Optima Floor Model (Dry) - $10,000

2009 Sundance Optima Floor Model (Wet) - $9,000

2009 Hot Spring Grandee - $10,350

Thanks for any help that you can provide.

[Peteyboy]

Prices sound about right... definitely haggle.

I don't think you can go wrong with either spa.

Wet Test, Wet Test, Wet Test - as you will be doing wet testing will be the best way to find which spa will give the most therapeutic benefit.

Good luck

[spatech (the unreal one)]

We've been to several dealers in our area that carry the following brands:

PDC

Marquis

Hot Spring

Sundance

1. Any other brands that I should consider for their therapeutic value?

Everyone has their own favorites but my short list is Caldera, D1, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Marquis and Sundance so I think you're on the right track.

Key components include quality, wet test, pricing, dealer/manufacturer confidence, warranty, etc. Take your time and choose the best spa for you.

[gman]

Both Hot Springs Grandee and the Sundance Optima are greats spas IMHO. Both are made from reputable and well-established manufacturers. Both have very good hydrotherapy. Both are well-made and the warranties on the tubs are similar. Those two tubs were amongst my finalists.

I know everyone's preferences and needs differ, but after wet-testing those two tubs, it was a no-brainer for me. I went with the Sundance Optima (2009).

A few of the key differences between the two tubs that swayed me are: 1) I preferred the overall feel and shape of the seats in the Optima; 2) the Optima footwell jets provided much better massaging action on the feet than the jets in the footwell of the Grandee; 3) the Sundance Optima filtration system did not take up a valuable corner seat location like the Hot Springs Grandee. In my family, the corner seats are the fought-over positions.

These issues may not be important for you, but they might be something you want to consider while wet-testing.

The pricing is consistent with what I've seen on the market in my area. As has been said...you need to wet test each tub to see how they feel to you. I would recommend you try to get other features, upgrades, or extras included in the purchase price...such as: an ozonator, Nature 2 (with Sundance its called SunPurity...made by Nature2 for Sundance), lights, sound system, remote, MP3 setup, cover, cover lifter, chemicals, steps, delivery, set-up,).

Good luck

gman

[Zirgalmnod]

If you are looking for great massage options I can truly recommend Artesian. Individual pumps and control for each seat is great.

[THE SPA GUY]

those are both very good tubs, both have a lot of similarities, the filters one horizontal , then other with multiple .to each his own on the comfort, definately wet test them , you might also look at the D1 , Marquis, Jacuzzi they will be in the same class. but buy the spa from the dealership you are more comfortable with. that is i believe very imporatant especially for service after the sale, for water chemistry , simple operation questions.....but you cannot go wrong wtih any of these brands....

[Roscoe540]

Just wanted to follow-up and say thanks for the advice. We wet-tested 4 different tubs this past weekend. If anyone has any doubts about the importance of wet-testing(I used to be one of them), I can tell you that you will be surprised about how much you will notice in the difference between brands & models(seating position, jets, action of the water, etc). We ended up deciding on & ordering the Hot Spring Grandee! Thanks again, the information in this forum has been invaluable during our search.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

Just wanted to follow-up and say thanks for the advice. We wet-tested 4 different tubs this past weekend. If anyone has any doubts about the importance of wet-testing(I used to be one of them), I can tell you that you will be surprised about how much you will notice in the difference between brands & models(seating position, jets, action of the water, etc). We ended up deciding on & ordering the Hot Spring Grandee! Thanks again, the information in this forum has been invaluable during our search.

I know that many times our call to "wet test" falls on deaf ears but we do it for the exact reason you posted, some will listen and it'll help greatly them. Be a testimonial to its affectivity; stick around and pass on the wet testing advice.

[canucker]

I purchased an Arctic Summit in November and absolutely love it for it's therapeutic value. It has everything that one could ask for, lot's of soothing for the aches and pains associated with arthritis and muscle pains following gym workouts. My neighbour often complains that their spa isn't as therapeutically good as our Arctic Summit. I would wet test one of these before making up your minds.....