Help ... please ... I think I need advice quickly!

[smitty33]

My wife and I tested several of the Sundance models, including the Optima.  We ended up buying a Vanguard, which was just delivered Saturday.  We found that the Sundance jets stung our backs a bit.  The Hotspring jets felt more comfortable.  They are very adjustable and can be quite strong if you like.  We've been very happy with our decision thus far.

That being said, the Optima did have a hydrotherapy mode that we really loved.  It creates bubbles similar to the large spas you find in hotels.  That was awesome, but the Optima was a bit above what we wanted to spend.  You can't go wrong with either tub.

[Josh]

ANYWAY ... I went to the local Sundance dealership where I really liked the salespeople and sales manager and got into an Optima and Chelsee. Unfortunately, the Optima, at 37.5 " might be an inch too high too get through my 37" gate to my backyard (after I take the door off I have that clearance). I really really liked the Optima. The Chelsee was nice too and I liked it way better before I got into the Optima. There was only a $400.00 price differential during this red tag sale of 2007 models but I may need to have the sucker hoisted up and over and that no doubt costs a bundle. I have one of Sundance's delivery specialists coming tomorrow to assess the situation. Anyone know much about the Chelsee. The Optima seems marvellous to me. I really liked all the jets and the foot massage (which the Chelsee also has enough of ... but not as many and without the air business.)

Any advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks.
fern

Hey...this is something I actually have some experience in!  

My hot tub dealer thought that they needed to bring a crane out to my house to lift the spa over my roof and place it onto the deck.  It sounds like some huge ordeal, but as it turns out...it only costs them between 200-300 bucks depending on the time involved (apparently a lot of spa dealers work closely with crane companies, because each place I went told me this was an option).  They just pop some straps on the thing and it's hoisted all the way over your house and into your backyard in like 20 minutes.

Anyway...when they got the tub here today....the crane guy said the trees were too close and he didn't feel safe trying to move the tub around them.  So...they ended up lifting it onto a flatbed and driving that down the neighbor's hill into my back yard.

I have some fantastic pictures of all this that I'll be posting soon.

[IL Parrothead]

Oh boy, I have a few comments.
First, for fernem -- why don't you tell the dealer who is holding your money that you want to wet test a vanguard and whatever other model you think you might like.  I know my wife and I liked some manufacturer's lounges and not others.  On Hot Spring, which we did like overall, we did not care for their loungers.  We (if we go HS) would either go for Vanguard or Grandee.  We like the extra seat in the Grandee.  There is a member of this forum whom I trust that sells HS, and he says the MotoMassage in the upright tubs (Vanguard, Grandee) is not significantly different than those that put the Moto in the lounger.  Give them a whirl -- best chance to keep your deposit.
On the 3 day rule, that's not a nationwide thing.  Dr. Spa is correct.  Not every state has that.  In my state (IL), there is no 3 day rule on ANY contract -- even one that you sign in your home -- unless federal law provides for it.  The only example of a federal law with a 3 day right of recission that I can think of (off the top of my head -- which, admittedly, is numb from the way the Bears sucked tonight) is a closing on a refinance.  There is a 3 day cancellation by federal law.

[tony]

Hi, everyone. Thanks for your feedback. I went to the store, the salesman told me pointblank they were moving the Vanguard out and he could not put water in it ... but he did find another store almost an hour away with water in the Vanguard. I climbed into the Vanguard dry and suddenly understood that the water really might be way too high if the jets had to have an inch or so above the highest ones. I cancelled the order. (He has since contacted me and told me he's moving a Vanguard to the back, filling it with water and wants me to come in.) I really didn't like his attitude much. He did not seem to think my request ... albeit after the fact ... was all that legitimate.
ANYWAY ... I went to the local Sundance dealership where I really liked the salespeople and sales manager and got into an Optima and Chelsee. Unfortunately, the Optima, at 37.5 " might be an inch too high too get through my 37" gate to my backyard (after I take the door off I have that clearance). I really really liked the Optima. The Chelsee was nice too and I liked it way better before I got into the Optima. There was only a $400.00 price differential during this red tag sale of 2007 models but I may need to have the sucker hoisted up and over and that no doubt costs a bundle. I have one of Sundance's delivery specialists coming tomorrow to assess the situation. Anyone know much about the Chelsee. The Optima seems marvellous to me. I really liked all the jets and the foot massage (which the Chelsee also has enough of ... but not as many and without the air business.)

Any advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks.
fern

The Optima is a whole lot more spa than the Chelsee and for $400.00 more it will be well worth your effort to get it hoisted over the fence.  The Optima has a better filtration system with a high flow circ pump and far superior electronics.  It is thier top of the line series with all best amenities.