Went to the local Artesian dealer today. Looked at the Onyx model which has a lounge but is about the same as the Emerald. they will be setting up an Emerald first part of next week so we can wet test. The only thing I didn't like so far is where the waterfall comes out of the pillow but will you really need the waterfall with all the jets running?? Secondly, As far as the filters. They use the ones that you can clean and they last longer they said. Sundance has the new type of filter that you can't clean and have to replace every 6 months on average for $100--that info coming right from the Sundance dealer. Warranty on the Artesian is also a bit better. Keep in mind that the absolute lowest the Sundance dealer will go is 8213.94 with tax--no stereo. The Artesian dealer is at $7200 for the Emerald plus tax and with all the stuff--steps, ozone, cover and assist, set-up, chemicals. Also the artesian dealer told us he would work us on the price. I'm not trying to rip anyone off, but I know they have room for some leverage. So my question to all of you is this. Which do you like better? Do you no of any pros or cons of each spa? We're kind of dumb when it comes to some of this so be patient. We did sit in the top of the line Artesian which has the controls for each seat versus the Emerald which has pumps for each zone--however, you can turn each jet in the Emerald to make it turn right off. Kind of like the top one only a little more effort am I right. I didn't try the Optima to see if you could do this on theirs. So what do you guys think? Any help appreciated. Thanks
