Wednesday, June 7th
2023 Hot Tub Reviews
Sundance Spas
- Affordable spas
- In existence since 1979
- Tubs made to endure harsh weather
- Seats from 2 to more than 6 people
Since 1979, Sundance has been offering well-made hot tubs. With this retailer, you'll get five series of spas: the 680, 780, 880, 990, and Sundance Splash series. The Sundance Splash are family-friendly and budget-friendly; after that, the higher the series number, the more advanced the features.
The Sundance Series
- The Sundance Splash series starts at $4,499 and is the most affordable solution which invites time for family. This series is focused on family use, but the site doesn't say how many each tub will seat. The Splash models have two-toned jets that are adjustable, stainless steel detailing, comfort pillows, as well as LED corner lighting and an LED-lit adjustable water fountain. They're constructed with Syncrylic material and full-foam insulation. They have a simplified digital control system, and an easy-to-use filtration system.
- The 680 series starts at $7,070 and seats four to more than 6 people. The tub has UV-resistant cabinetry along with stainless steel trim, and is available in various sizes and shapes. You can turn on ambient, interior lighting, or even contact your dealer to get the advanced controls that can be used from your smart device. The filtration system utilizes UV-C technology.
- The 780 series starts at $9,960 and seats from 2 to more than 6 people. The Fluidix Jets have up to 6 massage varieties for your neck and back. Their Accu-Pressure seat offers a deep-tissue massage to relieve and relax the muscles and tension. The control panel can light up for ease of use in the day or night. An option for the SmartTub system is available.
- The 880 series starts at $13,960 and seats 2 to more than 6 people. This series includes the exterior features of the other series, and adds exterior lighting and illuminated grab bars. The jets on this series have more than 10 massage varieties on their Fluidix Jets and also have the AccuPressure seat for a seat massage.
- The 980 series starts at $19,400 and seats 5 to 6 or more people. The cabinetry on this series is more elegant with a geometric design and has a low profile for ease of entry and exit. They add a lounge deck and a top rail that is flat for additional seating. The Fluidix Jets have 10 variations in massage and offer a wide coverage for a more enveloping hydromassage.
Sundance Spas are wrapped in UV-resistant materials, The tub is constructed with Syncrylic material, uses full-foam insulation, and is meant to withstand harsh weather. All models have an easy-to-use filtration system and have capability for smart communication. Each of the series has a different level of filtration system and massage jets:
Detailed information hard to find
The pricing isn't listed on the website, but it has many places to click for more information and to download the brochure. (We're wondering why one would need to download a brochure when there's a website that seems perfectly capable of containing such information.) When you click to download the brochure, they want your full name, home address, email address, and phone number. We were able to submit with just an email, but ended up getting subscribed to Sundance and also the local store they recommended.
Hot tub costs
- Sundance Splash Series: $4,499 and up
- 680 Series: $7,070 and up
- 780 Series: $9,960 and up
- 880 Series: $13,960 and up
- 990 Series: $19,400 and up
The process is frustrating
Sundance has so many proprietary materials and mechanics that it's hard to sift through them to find the information you really want without a different trademark name to each feature. We found the plethora of proprietary names as well as the annoyance of the hoops just to download the brochure quite annoying and distracting. We love the tubs but don't love the drudgery.
Reviews are mixed
Reviewers love the sturdy features of the hot tubs here and the longevity of the company, as did we. Sundance is highly rated on some sites; in fact, it has been ranked as #1 by some experts. However, the reviews on the retailer's Better Business Bureau listing are poor - 1 or 2 stars - and Sundance hasn't replied to these comments. Some complaints are regarding workmanship, others are regarding poor customer service, which seems to be the dealer and not Sundance itself, and many of the frustrations seemed to occur during the height of supply chain issues in the past.
Good, but not our top choice
All things considered, however, Sundance has a history of a good product, they offer a wide variety of hot tubs, and price options. They earn a slightly better-than-average rating.
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The 10 Best Hot Tubs
Where Can You Find the Best Hot Tubs?
Do the mere words hot tub give you the dreamy feeling of sinking down in a pool of warm water, relaxing, closing your eyes, feeling the healing massage of the hydro jets on your back and neck, and letting the world slip by? Or perhaps you associate hot tubs with friends or family relaxing together, enjoying a little social time in the warm, bubbly spa.
If you've dreamed of enjoying the relaxation and muscle relief that a spa can offer, and having it in your own yard, we have information for you on the best hot tubs out there. Just sit back and relax. Hot tubs can come in a variety of colors and styles. You can choose the standard model, or you can go up in levels where they add waterfalls, colored lights, and perhaps smart capabilities.
Hot Tub FAQ
Continued from above...
Even still, you can customize by choosing a level that best suits your needs and then add on features to make your spa into your own style. Prices often start around $3,000 and with more luxury and more add-ons, you can reach a price tag of over $20,000. Remember that the price may not include delivery and probably does not include installation. In fact, some spa companies don't offer installation, which may mean you'll have to hire out.
As you shop around for a hot tub, there are so many things to consider! It can be overwhelming trying to understand all of the options and which spa design is going to be the ideal fit for what you've pictured in your mind for fun and relaxation. You can focus your search more effectively by knowing what you prefer in these areas:
- Size. Hot tubs can vary in size from three to ten seats, so think about how many people you'll want to have in your spa at once. If you're looking for small and intimate, and perhaps have limited space, consider a tub that seats 3-4 people. Larger tubs can seat 7-10 people; these will have a larger footprint in your space and take longer to heat, which means more stress on your utility bill. There may also be an option for lounge seating in your tub. You would sit more reclined, and there would be more jets along the length of your body. It's a great feature, but each lounger can take the spot of two regular seats, so plan accordingly.
- Type of hydromassage. Some brands offer a gentle, low pressure, all-water massage and others have a powerful half-water/half-air jet stream for a deep massage. There are other jet options to choose from for your comfort, such as leg, feet, and neck jets, or a wrap-around-the-side body stream for more of an all-over effect.
- Location and environment. Plan where you will like your spa. Is there room enough for the size you are considering? Most tubs are about 7' x 7', but yours will be bigger if you want to seat more people. The factors to consider for weather are the cover and insulation. The full-foam insulated covers help keep the interior from the elements and extreme temperatures, as most of the heat is lost through the top of the tub. The insulation helps keep the heat inside and prevents the heater from overworking itself.
- Local availability. Can you visit a dealer in person to see the hot tubs on the showroom floor, or even get a "wet test" where you can try it out with water in it? You can see how strong the jets are and how it feels when you adjust them to your body.
- Reputation. It's always a good idea to see what other customers have to say about the hot tub company. Keep in mind that the installation and servicing may be done by a third-party business, so you'll want to look into their track record as well.
TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the most popular brands of hot tubs on the market today. We're confident that this information will help you find the spa that will deliver the ultimate in relaxation and fun for many years to come!
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