In ground gunite vs Acrylic spa

[devpan81]

I've read my eyes out.

My contractor can do a in ground 8 person spa with 12 jets for $9k.  I am worried about comfort and purpose of spa...as well as on going cost and maintenance.

I liked the HS Pulse ($11,145)...Inc tax, upgraded steps and cradle lifter/cover, stereo, 3months chemicals, training and electrical box.   

And want to try the Marquis Epic with micro silk (I think same as above - $13k)

My husband is worried on look and $$.

we were thinking of adding a bar around 2 sides to dress it up.

Help with all this.

[Clarkp]

Kind of like asking a home builder to build you an RV; on paper it might sound the same but in actual use, well... I would guess it's not even close.

I would opt for the purpose-built spa every time.  Twelve jets?  I think there's one individual seating position in my 8-person spa that has 12 jets.

[Thisismyname]

We contemplated an in ground tub as well...looked at gunite and fiberglass liners.  The cost was way higher..like 25k-35k for an in ground. 

Plus where I live it would need to be winterized.

Decision to go with a "portable" spa was easy.