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Thanks for the replies Hottubguy and Castletonia. To give you a little more information...All of the prices I've listed are based on cash purchases or 12 months same as cash max - supposedly either of those would get me the "cash price". The Hot Spring steps are the polymer steps (they listed it at $195) and the Covercradle (they listed it at $499). I don't really expect the Sundance and Hot Spring to match the Master Spa price. But I did think the two higher end brands would be closer together in price. I will also mention that the price included the electrical subpanel for the Hot Spring, but I don't think that is needed on the other tabs I've mentioned? I think I'd be fine skipping the salt system - any opinions on this?Thanks for the help everyone.
Thanks Ratchett and Swilly for the comments. I have done research on the dealers, and they all get great reviews. The Hot Spring dealer is exclusively selling Hot Spring tubs and swim spas. I have wet tested the Envoy, Optima and TS 8.25. I liked them all. The foot blasters on the TS 8.25 are amazing. The moto-massage on the Envoy was great, and my favorite part was the lounge and captain's chair/bucket...probably the best designed 5 person layout that I have seen. The Sundance was just solid all around but not a huge fan of the foot dome.I think the electrical costs would be the same across the three manufacturers? None of my prices include electrical except the Hot Spring includes the panel that I think might only be necessary for their tubs.The Hot Spring cover lifter does seem higher cost (but likely better) than what their competitors are offering. Their stairs seem in-line with what I'd expect others to cost. The salt system definitely adds costs so if I took that away that would remove $800-$1000 to the gap.The Hot Spring dealer keeps mentioning that the Sundance is just not comparable and similar, but even worse, for the Master Spas tub. Is the Hot Spring tub really that superior (i.e. built so much better)? The dealers all charge service charges of $50-$100 after first year of warranty. I might try to see if another Hot Spring dealer is close to me.