jeff70hem Posted March 21, 2010 Report Share Posted March 21, 2010 Hi all, I have been reading reviews and opinions on many hot tubs and have found this forum to be very informative. I would now like to ask for specific help with our purchasing decision. We have narrowed down our choice to either a Beachcomber 380 or a Sundance Chelsee. We feel both dealers are very good, pricing is almost the same and we find both tubs comfortable, this is what is making the decision very difficult! Any opinions or feedback on these tubs would be appreciated! Curious to hear experiences with either tub or mfg. This will be our first hot tub purchase Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff70hem Posted March 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 Thought I would bump this to the top, any feedback is appreciated! Hi all, I have been reading reviews and opinions on many hot tubs and have found this forum to be very informative. I would now like to ask for specific help with our purchasing decision. We have narrowed down our choice to either a Beachcomber 380 or a Sundance Chelsee. We feel both dealers are very good, pricing is almost the same and we find both tubs comfortable, this is what is making the decision very difficult! Any opinions or feedback on these tubs would be appreciated! Curious to hear experiences with either tub or mfg. This will be our first hot tub purchase Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotrod Posted March 25, 2010 Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 Hi all, I have been reading reviews and opinions on many hot tubs and have found this forum to be very informative. I would now like to ask for specific help with our purchasing decision. We have narrowed down our choice to either a Beachcomber 380 or a Sundance Chelsee. We feel both dealers are very good, pricing is almost the same and we find both tubs comfortable, this is what is making the decision very difficult! Any opinions or feedback on these tubs would be appreciated! Curious to hear experiences with either tub or mfg. This will be our first hot tub purchase Thanks! I think you have chosen 2 popular brands,both have long track records for being a quality product.Once you have tried them both I think you will find the raised dome in the floor of the Sundance model a little awkward. I personally am not a fan of pillows, they look great when new but wait a couple years.I like the entry into the Beachcomber 380 but would probably upgrade the pump if possible. The dealer part of it is very important make sure you feel comfortable and confident they can meet your exspectations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffinwhitby Posted March 25, 2010 Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 Still haven't made it to Beachcomber yet - these places close too early for me LOL Went to Jacuzzi - super nice guys there (young) honest, friendly, seem to know their stuff Tubs are just too pricey and don't look as well made as Sundance/Arctic Sounds crazy I know But just didn't feel good about the tubs, and then the price (buying the Jacuzzi name I guess) was just out of line in my opinion. Will let you know when I've been to Beachcomber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimKW Posted March 25, 2010 Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 A local dealer here sells both Sundance and Jacuzzi and they seem treat the Sundance as their top of the line and Jacuzzi as a step lower. Kind of like the Hot Srpings dealer steps down to Tiger River. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffinwhitby Posted March 25, 2010 Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 A local dealer here sells both Sundance and Jacuzzi and they seem treat the Sundance as their top of the line and Jacuzzi as a step lower. Kind of like the Hot Srpings dealer steps down to Tiger River. Crazy thing was - Jacuzzi was MUCH higher priced like $15k vs $11k!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey_in_NY Posted March 26, 2010 Report Share Posted March 26, 2010 All things equal go for Sundance over Jacuzzi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffinwhitby Posted March 26, 2010 Report Share Posted March 26, 2010 Well - made it to Beachcomber Very nice guy - knowledgable and wasn't as hard sell as the rest Came down on price and threw some things in to get it much closer to Sundance price Anyone have thoughts on this UV light system??? Now I'm stuck between Sundance and Beachcomber too lol Wet tests this weekend. Jeff70hem Where'd you net out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff70hem Posted March 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2010 I'm not much further ahead but I'm leaning towards the Beachcomber. Something about it makes me keep thinking that it's the best way to go. Not as "fancy" as the Sundance but I like their models a little better and I tend to think it will be more energy efficient and reliable but who knows. I did check out Jacuzzi and wish I didn't as they have a great tub too! Might be easier to buy a sauna instead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffinwhitby Posted March 27, 2010 Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 I'm not much further ahead but I'm leaning towards the Beachcomber. Something about it makes me keep thinking that it's the best way to go. Not as "fancy" as the Sundance but I like their models a little better and I tend to think it will be more energy efficient and reliable but who knows. I did check out Jacuzzi and wish I didn't as they have a great tub too! Might be easier to buy a sauna instead! Hard to argue with you - I really liked the Beachcomber sales guy I think at this point Beachcomber/Sundance both are probably largely equal quality etc... Pricing is pretty close in the end It's just service and feel for your needs that make the diff. I'm gonna try and find out more about this UV thing that BC says they have - I thought most tubs had it but sounds like no. Watch for posts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffinwhitby Posted March 27, 2010 Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 Wet tested 2 BeachCombers and the Sundance Hands down Sundance spa blew it away. We really liked the guy at BC, but he's not gonna be in our backyard - the tub is and one was clearly superior in feel to us. Features we noticed: Footwells BC footwell jets only point in one direction, Sundance had every direction (and despite being much smaller jets, they had just as much force) We'd heard people didn't like the Sundance footwell (hump in the middle) didn't bother us - maybe the old 'dome' version was a problem - this one is flat on top and no worries. Jets & seats Sundance jets (some have more than one mode) Sundance jets and diverters made even the same seat different The 'swivel lounge' although kind of a neat idea with BC, made the seats feel imbalanced when not using them as loungers (only massaging one side of your body) Power Sundance power was remarkably higher than the Beachcombers too Tested Optima 880 (Sundance) Tested Beachcomber 750 and 720 Price And in the end the Sundance is lower priced anyway! (thats the guy who wouldn't negotiate, but his starting price is still lower than everyone elses 'negotiated' prices, and includes small extras here and there (lights, waterfall etc...) in the price where they would be add ons with the other guys. Waterfall Sundance waterfall was much nicer than BComber too if that's something you care about (I do - sound of water is good for me) Sundance waterfall works better, has lights and babbling brook mode too, and flows a TON more water. Air jets/Aroma Sundance comes with air/aromatherapy jets, which use or not, they're there if we want/need later. Stereos I'm passing on the stereo. (for $1300+ I can do something in the yard ) Anyway that's where we are at - Sundance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE SPA GUY Posted March 27, 2010 Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 both are very good brands, a lot of the differences you speak of are a lot of personal preferances. i definately would buy from who you are comfortable with, did you know Jacuzzi and Sundance are the same company.... on the U.V that is the ultraviolet ozone, most spas use them some also use the corona discharge. helps with reducing the sanitation, the one thing to ask on the spas is the assumed cost of maintenance in a year, cost of the filters and the prefilters and how often you change, if they use the mineral cartridges and the cost of those, yoiu might be surprised on the tag on costs between the 2. But again if you use the spa all the time the cost should not be sigficant to the user but it is an add on cost of use....But nice to see your process here for your purchase. keep us posted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff70hem Posted March 27, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 Nice review jeffinwhitby, sounds like the Sundance made a good impression on you, might I add they are open on Sunday too!! We want to go have a look again tomorrow and I don't think Beachcomber is open, seems like most of the pool and spa shops have better hours than the banks! Let us know if you go ahead with the Optima Wet tested 2 BeachCombers and the Sundance Hands down Sundance spa blew it away. We really liked the guy at BC, but he's not gonna be in our backyard - the tub is and one was clearly superior in feel to us. Features we noticed: Footwells BC footwell jets only point in one direction, Sundance had every direction (and despite being much smaller jets, they had just as much force) We'd heard people didn't like the Sundance footwell (hump in the middle) didn't bother us - maybe the old 'dome' version was a problem - this one is flat on top and no worries. Jets & seats Sundance jets (some have more than one mode) Sundance jets and diverters made even the same seat different The 'swivel lounge' although kind of a neat idea with BC, made the seats feel imbalanced when not using them as loungers (only massaging one side of your body) Power Sundance power was remarkably higher than the Beachcombers too Tested Optima 880 (Sundance) Tested Beachcomber 750 and 720 Price And in the end the Sundance is lower priced anyway! (thats the guy who wouldn't negotiate, but his starting price is still lower than everyone elses 'negotiated' prices, and includes small extras here and there (lights, waterfall etc...) in the price where they would be add ons with the other guys. Waterfall Sundance waterfall was much nicer than BComber too if that's something you care about (I do - sound of water is good for me) Sundance waterfall works better, has lights and babbling brook mode too, and flows a TON more water. Air jets/Aroma Sundance comes with air/aromatherapy jets, which use or not, they're there if we want/need later. Stereos I'm passing on the stereo. (for $1300+ I can do something in the yard ) Anyway that's where we are at - Sundance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jslawhitby Posted March 30, 2010 Report Share Posted March 30, 2010 After spending alot of time with the local sundance dealer I am leaning toward it. It's cheaper than beachcomber and in the end just has alot more going for it. I am comparing bc380 to sundance Hartford 680. Sundance has 42 jets vs 23, 2 motors vs one, akin to bc hush pump, it has a circ pump and ozinator where bc was uv ready but 500 more for the unit. Plus sundance warranty while somewhat less comprehensive is better on the big stuff (3 year vs 2). I'm not married to 2 pumps but hey, why not. Also a client walked in (sundance client) and I talked to him. He stated he has had nothing go wrong with his 6 yearold haRtford ( like) tub. Electricity average to $40 per mth but his operates the second pump to turn the water (no circ pimp) so I would think mine with circ would be cheaper to operate and with ozinator chemicals were 300 per year. Replacement filters and cartridges were a good bit more than bc but that's the whole sundance extreme water purification deal. Bu bc does have those awesome steps! Wet test is next. Acrylic process with sundance seems better (3 layers vs 2 with bc). One thing tho, sundance cabinet and wood structure is only 1 year vs bc 2 but may take a chance. Sales rep tells me the wood structure and cabinet on their next up line (780 chelsee model) is the same as 680 Hartford but 780 trim level carries 5 year on these items. We'll see what the wet test brings. Nice review jeffinwhitby, sounds like the Sundance made a good impression on you, might I add they are open on Sunday too!! We want to go have a look again tomorrow and I don't think Beachcomber is open, seems like most of the pool and spa shops have better hours than the banks! Let us know if you go ahead with the Optima Wet tested 2 BeachCombers and the Sundance Hands down Sundance spa blew it away. We really liked the guy at BC, but he's not gonna be in our backyard - the tub is and one was clearly superior in feel to us. Features we noticed: Footwells BC footwell jets only point in one direction, Sundance had every direction (and despite being much smaller jets, they had just as much force) We'd heard people didn't like the Sundance footwell (hump in the middle) didn't bother us - maybe the old 'dome' version was a problem - this one is flat on top and no worries. Jets & seats Sundance jets (some have more than one mode) Sundance jets and diverters made even the same seat different The 'swivel lounge' although kind of a neat idea with BC, made the seats feel imbalanced when not using them as loungers (only massaging one side of your body) Power Sundance power was remarkably higher than the Beachcombers too Tested Optima 880 (Sundance) Tested Beachcomber 750 and 720 Price And in the end the Sundance is lower priced anyway! (thats the guy who wouldn't negotiate, but his starting price is still lower than everyone elses 'negotiated' prices, and includes small extras here and there (lights, waterfall etc...) in the price where they would be add ons with the other guys. Waterfall Sundance waterfall was much nicer than BComber too if that's something you care about (I do - sound of water is good for me) Sundance waterfall works better, has lights and babbling brook mode too, and flows a TON more water. Air jets/Aroma Sundance comes with air/aromatherapy jets, which use or not, they're there if we want/need later. Stereos I'm passing on the stereo. (for $1300+ I can do something in the yard ) Anyway that's where we are at - Sundance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb74 Posted April 2, 2010 Report Share Posted April 2, 2010 We just recently purchased Beachcomber 360 Hybrid (we ended up going to Cobourg store instead of Whitby b/c they negotiated better with us). We are very happy with the tub and employees! The jets in the footwell do point in a couple different directions and you can change any of the jets to the style you like. The kids love the little cooling seat too. Haven't noticed big differences on the Hydro yet. They told us to expect about $9/month if it was used for 15 min. every other day. That's pretty close to how much we've been using it (slightly more on the weekends b/c the kids like to play). I find one cycle good and then I'm done! Efficiency was very important to us and also longevity. We spoke to a lot of people who had BC for 15 years and they were still running great. Overall, I'm very impressed! After spending alot of time with the local sundance dealer I am leaning toward it. It's cheaper than beachcomber and in the end just has alot more going for it. I am comparing bc380 to sundance Hartford 680. Sundance has 42 jets vs 23, 2 motors vs one, akin to bc hush pump, it has a circ pump and ozinator where bc was uv ready but 500 more for the unit. Plus sundance warranty while somewhat less comprehensive is better on the big stuff (3 year vs 2). I'm not married to 2 pumps but hey, why not. Also a client walked in (sundance client) and I talked to him. He stated he has had nothing go wrong with his 6 yearold haRtford ( like) tub. Electricity average to $40 per mth but his operates the second pump to turn the water (no circ pimp) so I would think mine with circ would be cheaper to operate and with ozinator chemicals were 300 per year. Replacement filters and cartridges were a good bit more than bc but that's the whole sundance extreme water purification deal. Bu bc does have those awesome steps! Wet test is next. Acrylic process with sundance seems better (3 layers vs 2 with bc). One thing tho, sundance cabinet and wood structure is only 1 year vs bc 2 but may take a chance. Sales rep tells me the wood structure and cabinet on their next up line (780 chelsee model) is the same as 680 Hartford but 780 trim level carries 5 year on these items. We'll see what the wet test brings. Nice review jeffinwhitby, sounds like the Sundance made a good impression on you, might I add they are open on Sunday too!! We want to go have a look again tomorrow and I don't think Beachcomber is open, seems like most of the pool and spa shops have better hours than the banks! Let us know if you go ahead with the Optima Wet tested 2 BeachCombers and the Sundance Hands down Sundance spa blew it away. We really liked the guy at BC, but he's not gonna be in our backyard - the tub is and one was clearly superior in feel to us. Features we noticed: Footwells BC footwell jets only point in one direction, Sundance had every direction (and despite being much smaller jets, they had just as much force) We'd heard people didn't like the Sundance footwell (hump in the middle) didn't bother us - maybe the old 'dome' version was a problem - this one is flat on top and no worries. Jets & seats Sundance jets (some have more than one mode) Sundance jets and diverters made even the same seat different The 'swivel lounge' although kind of a neat idea with BC, made the seats feel imbalanced when not using them as loungers (only massaging one side of your body) Power Sundance power was remarkably higher than the Beachcombers too Tested Optima 880 (Sundance) Tested Beachcomber 750 and 720 Price And in the end the Sundance is lower priced anyway! (thats the guy who wouldn't negotiate, but his starting price is still lower than everyone elses 'negotiated' prices, and includes small extras here and there (lights, waterfall etc...) in the price where they would be add ons with the other guys. Waterfall Sundance waterfall was much nicer than BComber too if that's something you care about (I do - sound of water is good for me) Sundance waterfall works better, has lights and babbling brook mode too, and flows a TON more water. Air jets/Aroma Sundance comes with air/aromatherapy jets, which use or not, they're there if we want/need later. Stereos I'm passing on the stereo. (for $1300+ I can do something in the yard ) Anyway that's where we are at - Sundance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE SPA GUY Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 if you are up in b.c you might want to check out H2o spas there, they are very good , comparable with bot those brands.....there made right there in Surrey..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffinwhitby Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 Went with Sundance Optima. Will let you know how it goes in 4 weeks In the end - it was the lower priced supplier (despite not negotiating much) - and by far the nicer tub (power jets etc...see review above) when we did the wet test for our needs #1 piece of advice is WET TEST - I know everyone says it on here, but it made the difference more than anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE SPA GUY Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 congrats, the sundance optima is a very nice spa.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jslawhitby Posted April 10, 2010 Report Share Posted April 10, 2010 Funny. Agree with the wet test. We did the sundance Hartford and beachcomber 380. I ended up with the beachcomber. Wet test confirmed it for me. I upgraded the motor on the 380 to 4.5 ( although I found the 3.5 fine) and did their 5 year guarantee. Sundance was way more powerful but bc entry steps, guarantee, power use claims, foot massager, uv lite, over all seating capacity and I interior size and dealer staff won me over. I did pay more for the bc but not too much for what I got. Just ordered it today. I found the sundAnce just too powerful , my back was numb in minutes. That plus cruddy foot jets, cheapee pillows, more expensive op costs with all the filters (that take up an entire seat) plus no stairs/cooling steps, limited warranty and no option to upgrade the warranty unless I paid 1k more for the chelsea model - turned me off. Each to their own. Optima was a looker tho too rich for my blood. Went with Sundance Optima. Will let you know how it goes in 4 weeks In the end - it was the lower priced supplier (despite not negotiating much) - and by far the nicer tub (power jets etc...see review above) when we did the wet test for our needs #1 piece of advice is WET TEST - I know everyone says it on here, but it made the difference more than anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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