We are looking for our first hot tub and have looked at (and wet tested) Artesian Opal, HotSpring Vanguard and Grandee, and Sundance Optima so far. Artesian Opal is the best deal price wise and has lifetime structural warranty. Wondering about Artesian with its 3 pumps (almost felt too powerful and too much pressure so maybe overkill). Liked Optima except for following: could not turn on footwell jets when back massage seat on full or near full. Had to turn down the back jets to use foot jets. Also, did not like whirlpool jet since could not comfortable sit in front of it and use for back massage.
All are good - just looking for any further comments or feedback, especially concerning Artesian since I do not seem they mentioned very often on any message b
oards.
Iwaxman,
I don't have any experience with the Artesian but have some advice regaurding your concerns with the three pumps.
My Coleman 706 has three pumps as well, but all three are 2 speed. Each area has an air control so if lets say the person in lounger wants that pump on low with the air on high, or the pump on high with no air on, it doesn't affect the rest of the the soakers. Each jet can also be individually turned down or off. So if the Artesian allows you to indivdually adjust pressure without taking away from the other soakers don't let the 3 pumps worry you.
As a buyer be concerned about filtration, efficency, jet placement and therapy, seating comfort, (as all above won't matter if your spa doesn't fit you, ) and warranty. Get a copy of the warranty from the dealer and read the exclusions. Better to know now than later.
Ask the dealer for a list of some of his custamers, ( of course these will be hand picked by the dealer) most consumers are honest and will shed additional light on the product.
As a Coleman dealer of course Coleman would be in my top 5 spas. I know a bit about Hotsprings and Sundance as well and they are both good quality spas.
Beware of dealers who spend more time running the competition down than selling their own product.
Your dealer should know his/her own product inside out
Hottub customers are quite saavy, go with the technology that makes the most sence to you. Good luck let us know what you ended up with.
Spahappy