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.

The manufacturer. Dealer's only been around a few years but has okay BBB rating, not that that's always accurate (I loved the TV exposé where the BBB accredited a fake terrorist organization because it paid the fee). The Vita wood frame held up fine, so probably no biggie, given that there seem to be pros and cons to both.

One more bit of information. I'm curious on whether this should affect the price and any opinions of the overall integrity of the hot tub. When I looked at the tub, it had a pressure-treated wood frame, but the Sunrise website shows this model as having a galvanized steel frame. I called Sunrise and they said they stopped using wood last year (the tub was built in October, 2012). Our old Vita had a wood frame and held up for the 8 years we owned it. I've read pros and cons on both sides, so I don't feel like I have a clear picture of which is best, or if they're really equal. I'm in FL if that makes a difference, and the tub would be on a slab, and it also had a pan. Any wood horror stories? Should the price be cheaper or does that really have no effect? I sure hope my new tub lasts a long time because this is a pain in the butt to go through, LOL.

It's a floor model, the exact one we wet tested. It wasn't a testing model, so it hasn't had any use other than my wet test, when they filled it up and fired it up for me. It's a definite step down from the Vita, but I didn't use many of the bells and whistles on that one anyway so I think the Zodiac will meet my needs at what seems to be a fair price. I'm especially glad they're taking away the old one. The only thing I'm leery of is not having a circ pump. I wouldn't order the iPod hookup as an option if I were getting it factory built, but I can see myself using it since it's there. I'm going ahead with buying it, and the store (handles several brands like Master/Phelps) has been around for a while so that's hopefully good for any service needs. I'll post back once it's here and I've tried it out. It's one thing to do a 45 minute wet test and take a quick look in the cabinet and quite another to run it through its paces in the back yard. I'll miss the old Cabaret, but it's time to move on.

They've actually been around for over 25 years, although apparently in Canada and Europe. The salesman said they took over Leisure Bay's Lake Mary plant and are making Dreammaker now. I couldn't find a lot about that online but did find enough to confirm they're at the Lake Mary place.

Had a Vita Cabaret for 8 yrs and it's beyond the point of being worth fixing. I chose it over Caldera at the time, based on wet test, and never regretted the choice. The latest Cabaret is totally different, so I looked at other brands this time around. Found a Sunrise Zodiac (best of their cheapest line) for $6000 with the usual cover, stairs & starter kit, plus optional ozonator, lights and speakers/iPod plug in. Wet tested & don't love it like the old one but could definitely live with it and enjoy it because it was mostly comfy and has some decent features. Company seems most popular in Canada & Europe and I didn't find anything too bad on them. Really didn't find much at all. Oddly, the tub I'm looking at has the European spec of two two-speed pumps instead of the US spec of a two speed and a one speed. It doesn't have a circulating pump, which worries me a bit. Not as concerned about the insulation as I'm in a warm climate. Other features seem good, construction was good under the hood, warranty is 3/5/10. Any feedback appreciated.