My Jacuzzi dealer said that Sundance is a more expensive but lower quality spa than the Jacuzzi. No surprise that they would say that.
I looked at the Sundance spas at Pool City and was not real impressed with them. And I was very concerned about the part time kids selling and installing the spas. Between pools, Christmas trees, and patio furniture the spas seemed like an after thought to make a few quick bucks off some vacant floor space.
The local Jacuzzi dealer is far more professional and concentratres solely on hot tubs. That means that when my tub needs service in December, I won't have to wait for the repairman to finish decorating a tree.
What I have learned in order of importance to me:
#1 - do a wet test because the tub must fit you.
#2 - pick a good dealer because when things go wrong, no one on this forum will come out and fix your tub.
#3 - the price. Don't save a dollar now so you can spend 5 later.
We liked the look and feel of the Jacuzzi and I have had good reports from other buyers about the dealer so I bought a J-385 even though it was about $1000 more than I had budgeted. I expect to be happy with it and the dealer for a long time.
stl-rex - I just bought a J-385 for $7589.99 plus tax with a few extras tossed in. (
www.spashowcase.com)