cyclist

Agree that they're minor but the manufacturer should be called out to make sure they're using ALL quality parts. This isn't a bargain basement cheap hot tub. If you're selling top of the line and top quality then don't try to get away with cheap parts anywhere. It can lessen consumer confidence and make you question where else they're cutting corners. Perception is 99% of reality.

Optima, that things has some power huh? Soft smooth power, not the itchy kind. The Sundance Optima is fantastic. It has exceeded my expectations in all areas of performance so far. Almost anyone can find a comfortable seat. The main seat with 22 jets is pure heaven after a workout, session of yard work, or a long bike ride. The dome with its foot jets is great. Dual purpose of foot massage and making all corner seats feel like a lounge seat. Any problems? Minor. Sundance seemed to skimp on the screws that hold on the clips and the installers managed to strip two of them (on the same clip) without any problem. Sundance people if you're listening, for a tub of this price and performance why go cheap on the screws? Sheesh. I had to get the retailer to come back to remove the panel so my electrician could get it off without breaking it. BTW, same thing happened to my electrician with a ground screw inside. He replaced it with a high quality screw as opposed to the soft metal piece of junk it came with. The clips that hold the straps down are "ok" but the locks are cheap. "They meet the requirement" but come on, if you need a lock why not come out with a robust solution with a real key? Other than those minor annoyances the tub is phenomenal. Oh yeah, the waterfall and light combo is pretty cool too. We looked at a couple tubs that had these, I don't know, fountains, that just seemed goofy. The waterfall is pleasant to look at and listen to and it can be adjusted from "off" to light flow to full water flow.

I didn't check it later in the evening but woke up to it being 101 degrees, exactly what I set it for and man was it wonderful! Thanks again to all on this forum that helped in the decision process!

Hello again. The Sundance Optima spa finally was installed today, 4/29. Can someone tell me roughly how long it should take to heat up to 100? It started out at 60 degrees around 5:00 and 3.5 hours later it's at 75 degrees. Thank you.

Cyclist, the tub is excellent and you will not be disappointed. We also spent more than intially planned, but we felt this was nicer than anything else we tested. Just curious what did you end up getting yours for and what did you get with it? As I may have mentioned in a previous post, we live in Michigan and ours was $11,000 with Stereo, Cover, Cover lifter, Ozonator, Delivery & Setup, Chemicals and extra filters. I struggled a little with the Water Chemistry, but seem to have it down now. I used test strips early on (probably why I struggled), but recently purchased a Lamotte ColorQ 7 water tester which works great. Enjoy your tub when you get it, we are enjoying ours. I never quote specific numbers on any forum. I will say the price is right about what you paid. I didn't get the built-in stereo as I have music out there already. Again, thank you all for your help.

The decision was made today. The winner for us was the Sundance Optima. We ended up spending a bit more than we initially planned but after wet testing all the models we were interested in and circling back for the final call the Optima was the one that worked best for us. The deciding factors for us were the foot hump in the middle as well as the way the seating position that fit my wife best. I found several seats were very comfortable for me and I liked the feel of the jets and the options it had. Thanks to all that responded. This forum was extremely helpful. Would like to hear back from "mouth" on how you like your spa as it should have been delivered by now. We're not taking delivery till end of March or early April as the area it's going to be installed in is having some construction work done and we want that complete before it's delivered.

The other factor is that buying a spa is like buying shoes. You really need to "try it on" to see if it fits you (and your wallet) properly! The "wet test" is really something that I can't stress enough. I would not have figured that this would make much of a difference but it really did. Whether you're buying for yourself or you and your spouse you should make sure that the primary users will enjoy it and be comfortable with it.

Thanks again to all of you that responded. This info has been extremely helpful. Once I test a D1 I'll be able to make my choice and know I had all the information. Right now it's down to Sundance and D1. HotSpring was a great product but my wife did not find a seat that worked well for her or we'd have ordered that. At 5' 2" she's the one that needs the seat that she can relax in and be comfortable and not feel like she's floating out or under. It's hard to explain but the foot bump (not sure what it's called) made the Sundance very comfortable for her and what this all comes down to is what works well for us both. As I think all have said, all 3 of the brands we're considering are good choices. Will post back when we've made the decision.

If she found it too powerful, just dial it down. Whenever you wet test don't hesitate to ask quetions and give feedback, especially if there are some things tht you find to be less than optimal. I remember a few years ago I was workingin a store and some people came in to wet test. I specifaclly asked if they needed help to get started and they assuerd me they were fine and went into the enclosed room. When they were coming out I asked hgow it went and they said fine. I pushed a little to ask if they had any questions and finally the comment was that the foot jets were weak. I kenw that couldn't be true, went over and noticed the air to them was off and the diverter set at half way. The guy got back in and said "wow, mcuh better" and they ended up purchasing. If I didn't say anything I know they would have walked. In reality he should have said something wihtout me prying but I know how it goes, some people will talk to you like an open book while others are like a vault when you want to interact with them. Sales person was good. Was there when we tried both models. Wasn't able to adjust it so it worked well for her. That's the good thing about trying it out. This model just wasn't right. Now to try out the D1 and them make the decision.

Question about the Nautique. The adjustable headrests / neck jets look like a potential to break. Any experience with the headrest neck jet assembly? Concerned with people playing around with them that the host / bracket are ripe for breaking. Thoughts / opinions? My D1 has one seat with the adjustable neck jets and i have not had any problems with it. In fact, i was just sitting in that seat (it is 15 degrees out!) i have not had a lot of people use the spa but none of my guests have done a lof of adju.sting. My sense is that the mechanism is fairly sturdy. Thanks. Now to find a dealer where we can "wet test" the D1. We tested both the Sundance and HotSpring units today. I liked them both and could easily live with either but my wife found the HotSpring to powerful. She was unable to "stay in one place". The Sundance unit worked better for her size (about 5' 2").

Question about the Nautique. The adjustable headrests / neck jets look like a potential to break. Any experience with the headrest neck jet assembly? Concerned with people playing around with them that the host / bracket are ripe for breaking. Thoughts / opinions?

Great point about accessibility, thank you. All four sides will be accessible with our placement but I will make sure that if there are any plantings around it that there is sufficient clearance to gain access to the service sides. The filter side I will make certain is left wide open.

Thank you all for the prompt and very useful replies. I suppose it's good to know I'm in the right ball park as far as what I'm looking at. The process of finding the info was tricky but this forum helped immensely. I agree that finding the right distributor with solid service is invaluable. Last thing you want is a problem to happen without a good way to get it resolved. I hadn't considered taking one for a "test soak" but that makes a lot of sense.

Hello All, I'm new to the forum and it has a wealth of info. That said, I hope I'm not repeating any thread. I am purchasing a new hot tub and have what some call "information overload". I am looking for a 7'x7' (or a little bigger) tub that can accommodate about 4 adults (some say 4 - 6 but realistically I see this as 4). I have whittled the list down to 4 manufacturers and am trying to hear if these brands are relatively comparable from a quality product perspective. Dimension One, Master Spa, Hot Spring, and Sundance. I saw a make of Master Spa (Down East Exeter I think) at one of the traveling spa shows. I had no information on the brand at the time and they were selling a unit with 3 pumps (not including the circulation pump) and were touting that kind of like Spinal Tap, "this one goes to 11" when I asked why I'd need 3 pumps vs 2. The mfg rep was very knowledgeable and considering I was out on a fact finding mission (had assumed this was like a mini home show and not a spa sale) I was close to purchasing but needed to do some research. Then came the local sales person with the classic "what's it gonna take to get you into this tub today" AGGRESSIVE sales push and I walked out. Price started around $8000 and was dropping to around $7000. Had no idea of the product and the sales tactic turned me off so I left. May well have been a great tub / deal but I'll never know as it's moved on. The other brands "Dimension One" (model Nautique), "Hot Spring" (model Aria), and "Sundance" (Optima / Cameo) I saw at two independent local shops. No pushy sales people. High price on all 3 models ($8500 to $10,000) but again I was just doing the research on what was out there so I was not ready to purchase. Through this process I've rules out a low end model due to complaints and while I don't want to overspend I am OK spending a bit more for a quality product with area service. Of the 4 brands I've mentioned can anyone provide any info on whether these are in fact in the same league and if the price range I quoted seems to high or within reason. Also, I am NOT looking for a stereo or TV built into the product. I expect the tub, cover, delivery, and basic lighting package to be included. OK, thoughts / opinions?