Flack5150

First time post here. Getting ready to take the plunge on a new tub and I have wet tested several now. The 2 reputable dealers here are Sundance and Hot Springs, and from reading the boards here I feel lucky to have these choices. I have tested the Sundance 880 Marin, 880 Capri, and the 780 Chelsee. I didn't see or feel the value on the 880 line and I liked the 4 corner seats in the Chelsee. They also had several other models that I sat in dry. I should probably also mention that I have rhuematoid arthritis so really looking for some strong therapy jets. The chelsee is a 2009 floor model that they said has only been on the floor for a couple weeks (not sure if I totally believe that, but thats not an issue) They want $7200 for the chelsee and this included the upgraded jet covers, cover, steps, ozone, start up chemicals, electic box, and delivery. I was very comfortable in all 4 corner seats and really liked the power of the jets. quite honestly impressed with them. The dealer says their 780 line is comparable to the Hot Spring line for hydrotherapy. HS - I have wet tested a 2010 Aria, 2010 vangard, 2010 Envoy, and 2010 jettsetter. I fit the best in the Aria and felt that tub had the best jet pressure (more feels best to me) Seemed about the same as the sundance chelsee on water oomph. Their bottom line is $8699 on the aria (includes delivery, steps, cover, ozone, electric box, starter chemicals. I also liked the dealer better at the HS shop......although I really don't have anything negative to say about the sundance dealer, but I just got better feeling of being taken care of at HS. They HS dealer says the sundance 780 would be a step down in tubs. My dilema is whether the better feeling I get from the HS dealer and a newer tub is worth the 1500 difference? The aria has a lounger and the chelsee doesn't and I really didn't have a preferrence there. The HS dealer said they guaranteed that the electric cost to operate would be about half of the sundance spa.....not sure how they could guarantee, but said they would put in writing. They also said cost of chemicals would be lower due to the 100% no-bypass filtering. If money and space aren't an issue for this deal......I would love to hear your opinions if the HS Aria would be better tub then the 2009 Sundance Chelsee? Would I recoup the monthly operating cost difference or do you think they really would be comparable. Any other feedback that could help me make a decision would be greatly appreciated.