pg_rider

Out of your list, I'm sure most people would say the Hydropool is not on the same level as the others listed. Best bet is to wet test them all and see which feels the best to you. We went with the Optima mostly because of the footdome (although it was also the most comfortable to us) and I have to say that after a week of having it I could truly not live without the footdome and the resulting foot (and whole leg actually) massage it provides...

Anyone ever try or recommend putting some sort of foam pad under your tub to deaden noise and maybe provide some insulation? We're putting our tub on a concrete pad which I understand should be quieter than a wood deck, but for not a lot of money I could put a hi-density foam pad underneath for even further damping and maybe some insulation from the cold concrete. I use this stuff under my home gym and it's very dense, and I can feel the heat retention when I lay on it. Anyone think this would be a BAD idea? Here's what I would use: http://www.getrung.com/index.html

Sounds great! Do you think it sets up hard enough to hold up to the weight of the tub? I hear ya, but I think this is a different situation since there's an actual low spot where a portion of the tub structure could settle into. But hopefully you're right, it's not enough of a low spot to make a difference. Maybe I'll go ask the dealer. I might patch it too though, just to be sure...

It's raining here right now which is showing me a potential problem with the pad where I plan to put my tub. I thought it was perfectly flat with just a slight grade for drainage, but now that it's raining I can see a low spot where the water is collecting (top right corner of the pad in the picture if you were standing at the taped-off "steps" -- kinda hard to see, I know). At it's deepest I'd say it's less than 1/4" inch but obviously it's enough to collect water. Should I be concerned about placing my tub there? Is that enough to cause settling of the structure in that spot thereby encouraging shell cracks? Sure hope not! (as for my tape job of the tub outline, yes I'm just a little bit anxious to get the tub -- just trying to envision how it'll look! )

You MUST be a Baqua salesperson or something. Why do you keep coming on to tout how wonderful Baqua is? I'm fairly certain you're not going to change anyone's mind...

Fair enough. May I ask why? Just trying to learn....

Different "classes" of hot tub. The Marin is in the top Sundance line (aka 800 series) and features an upgraded filtration system, adjustable air control valves, stainless steel jet surrounds, etc. Whereas the Jacuzzi 345/355 are the mid-level Jacuzzis (aka 300 series) and probably don't have quite as good filtration, less jets, and simple on/off air controls. I would say the Sundance is a better tub, but whichever one is more comfortable to you should be the deciding factor...

Doing a lot of research while waiting for my tub to arrive, particularly on how to maintain the water. I think I have an approach figured out but wanted some opinions/advice, especially after seeing the complex routines some folks have posted! I should start by saying that I just had the water from my outdoor tap checked and it seemed to be spot-on with respect to pH, hardness, and alkalinity (thank god!). Also, my tub is a Sundance Optima and I plan to run the circ pump and ozonator 24/7. I plan on filling the tub and, once full, test my pH/alk/hardness levels. Assuming they're still good, I'll add a pH anchor. Then, I plan to add a couple teaspoons of dichlor (or, enough to get me to 3-5ppm). From there on I plan to use dichlor after every use a la the "Vermonter method", and a weekly MPS shock (unless it's better to use dichlor to shock). Is that it? Am I missing anything? I've read some guides that recommend adding stain and scale control and enzyme cleaner at startup as well as on a regular basis. Should I? My desire is to use the least amount of chems as possible (not to save money, but rather to avoid bathing in chemical stew!). Appreciate any advice!!!

How do you know when a CD ozonator needs a new chip? Does it stop making the bubbles or is there a more definitive indicator?

kwatson, you're in C. Springs? Cool! How's your Bahia held up so far? Did you get it from Spa Palace on Nevada? How've they been? Do you buy your supplies there or do you go elsewhere? How about an electrician -- did you have one do your electrical setup? If so would you recommend them? Sorry for all the questions, but having someone local who's owned a Sundance seems like a great resource for information!

So what you're saying is my slab is almost sure to fail? And that's because the soil underneath will, over time, have low points that will put the concrete in tension? How will this manifest itself -- will the slab crack and break at a low point in the soil? What if the soil was well-prepped prior to pouring the slab (i.e. tamping, wetting, etc)?

I plan on putting our new tub on a back patio at ground level, and it's got grass on two sides. Our sprinklers run twice a week and tend to just barely spray onto the edges of the patio where the tub will be located. Could this be an issue, or is it no different than the tub getting rained on? There's certainly not a lot of pressure coming from the sprinklers....

Funny, that's exactly what our sales guy told us. Don't obsess on or overanalyze any aspect of maintaining the tub!

To add two 10'x12' sections to either side of our original pad was $1600, or $800 per 10'x12' pad....

Good perspective! I really said it in jest to try and lighten the mood. Just trying to get off on a good foot as I'm the type of person who will have lots of questions (I like to be informed when it comes to things I know nothing about, like hot tubs), and I'm not afraid to ask! Don't want you all getting sick of me!!!!

I can picture the kind of wedge you're describing. Would rather not have to do that, but I'll measure and see just how much it slopes. We live in Colorado Springs, CO. Mostly sunny, but you can see those wonderful afternoon CO clouds rolling in.... So if he didn't put ANY reinforcement in it, am I screwed? I'm just trying to picture how the slab could fail with such a spread-out load on it....

We recently added on to our existing 10'x12' concrete patio by adding another 10'x12' section on either side. We did this partly in anticipation of eventually getting a hot tub, although we didn't tell that to our contractor. So, the pads are in and they're great; 4" thick, flat, with a very slight slope away from the house for drainage. My questions: 1) Will that slight slope affect the tub in any negative way? Like I said the pad itself is flat, it just has a slope to it (imperceptible to the eye). I REALLY don't want to have to shim the tub! 2) I just talked to the contractor and in his words "if you'd told me ahead of time it was going to be for a hot tub we'd have put some fabric or rebar in the concrete, but as it is it should still be fine". Should that make me nervous? I know they did a good job prepping the ground (tamping, etc) so I'm not too worried about settling, but could it crack or break? Appreciate any insight! Here's a pic of where it's going to go: http://xxx.socalsportbikes.info/xmb/attachments/34475.jpg And yes, we're going to take some measures to ensure privacy!!!

We wet tested a Jacuzzi 355, Sundance Cameo, and several Vita spas during our first "round" of tests. We were just about ready to try a bunch more (Arctic, HS, Artesian, and Caldera were on the list) but realized we REALLY wanted a foot dome, and the Optima's got the best one in the biz by the looks of it. In truth, I actually preferred the Cameo because of the lounge and the three whirlpool foot jets but my wife didn't like that layout and I knew I could be very happy with the Optima so we went for it.

At the risk of incurring Jim's wrath, I'm here to admit that my wife and I just signed papers on a new Sundance Optima. We tried to be patient and look at more tubs, but after several wet-tests of both the Optima as well as several other tubs (Sundance and non) we just knew that the Optima was the tub for us and we were pretty sure the timing was right for a good deal. Speaking of... we're getting the tub, plastic steps, 6 months of chemicals, a CD ozonator, and a cover lifter for exactly $10,000 out the door (that includes sales tax). I thought that was fair, as I've seen people posting earlier this year that they were paying around $8800 (not including sales tax). Anyway, won't be here for a few weeks so we now have to get our electrical connection sorted. Can't wait to report back how the install and first week of use goes!

For you folks getting Optimas for less than $9000, did that include tax? Or was it, say, $8800 PLUS tax (to the tune of another $600-$700)? I'm THIS close to buying one (or maybe a Cameo) and had a feeling I was going to be well into the $9000 range out the door, but if it's reasonable to get it for less than $9k all the better...

Thanks for all the replies, both public and private. As for the diverter issue, I'm not really concerned with if a tub with diverters has enough power -- I prefer a low-power massage regardless. It's really an issue of long-term reliability. Just today I wet-tested some Vitas; one of them had a broken diverter handle and another one had water leaking from the bottom of the diverter handle. I hate that kind of thing.... not to mention the toll it takes on the plumbing under the skin... Anyway, definitely going to try the Artesian next week. Very curious to see the difference. I have to admit, I hate having to figure out which diverter controls which seat, so to have a pump dedicated to each seat would be sweeeeeeeet.... What's a "good" price for an Artesia Platinum? And speaking of, is ~$11,200 a good price for a Vita Rendezvous if it includes a cover, steps, chemicals, and your choice of a pool table or HDTV? Seems kinda high... I could just buy my dream tub (a Maxxus) and be done for that price...

Jim, got a link? Guzz, I think you're right based on the reading I've done today!

Actually, I enjoyed reading the articles on your site! The diverter valve one was particularly interesting -- I agree that it seems like a compromise in the design of the plumbing. Because of that, I'm interested in hearing which companies use dedicated pumps without diverters. Also, any data (real or anecdotal) on pipe movement in tubs without full-foam?

My wife and I have been bitten hard by the hot tub bug. I've been researching nonstop for a week now and thought I'd narrowed down my search to either the Sundance Optima or Cameo. Reasons are many, but in short I like the reputation, warranty, and "look". Now... just wet-tested the Optima last night and while the wife loved it I had my doubts about the comfort. I think I'm going to be a lounge kind of guy so I'm anxious to try the Cameo. We'll see.... Anyway, on to my question. An acquaintance works at an Arctic dealer here in Colorado Springs. Wasn't really considering them til I read a bit on this forum. I kinda like their idea of insulating, but the one negative I see is that without the full-foam to support the pipes are they much more prone to shaking and therefore eventually leaking? My other question is this: after playing with the diverter valves on the Sundance Optima I'm not real thrilled with the entire setup. Reading the diatribe against diverters on the Haven Spas website didn't help either. Are there other reputable, high-end companies that make quality tubs with dedicated pumps for each seat? Really appreciate any input/advice. Looking to buy in the next couple weeks so I'd like to narrow down my choices if possible!