Review Of 2012 Sunrise Zodiac

[Spatoo]

This is the hot tub I was leaning toward in my post asking for advice. Since I bought it, I'm sharing my review for anyone else who might be considering a Sunrise Zodiac. Mine was built in Oct. 2012, so new models have two big differences: metal frame rather than wood and a one-speed pump and a two-speed pump rather than two two-speeds.

My previous tub was a Vita Cabaret, chosen after a wet test showdown between that and Caldera. I went more low-end this time, and you can definitely tell in some ways in the Zodiac, but although I don't love it, I like it well enough and am happy with the purchase.

The jets are plenty strong (too strong for me, really, but then again, everything is, while my husband likes to have his skin ripped off), and I love the calf jets in the lounger and the shoulder jets in one of the seats. I don't like the fact that many of the jets are the kind you can't turn off, but I can work around that. I don't fit into the lounger like I did in the VIta, but I'm short with very short legs, so that's a common problem. I can sit in it comfortably in modified positions, and my husband is comfortable in it as-as. We don't have a circ pump, so I'm still getting used to having the jets kick on regularly.

We bought this tub from stock, and it came with lights, an ozonator, and iPod plug-in/speakers. I don't like the fact that you can't adjust the speed at which the lights cycle through their colors, but I like the color palatte better than Vita. I would never have bought the speakers if I were designing my own tub, but surprisingly, I'm really enjoying the music when hot tubbing.

The interior of the tub in the cabinet looks well put-together, and so far it's behaving itself and providing many hours of relaxation. I really, really missed soaking when the Vita died after eight years and quickly learned I'd never want to be without a hot tub. Granted, this one is a few steps down, but I learned over the years that I don't need certain bells and whistles. Now I just hope it holds up as well as the Vita. I'm a little pissed that I was told it's a three year warranty, but the manual says it's only two (Vita was five). Not a deal breaker, although I'll be pissed if it turns out to be a lemon.