sundance or jacuzzi

[sonofsail]

I am very close to buying a hot tub.  I have done lots of research and wet tested both.  Is there any significant difference between these brands in terms of quality?

thanks,  sonofsail

[hottubdan]

I am very close to buying a hot tub.  I have done lots of research and wet tested both.  Is there any significant difference between these brands in terms of quality?

thanks,  sonofsail

No.  They are made ot the same factory.  Many of the components are the same.  I would choose the one you are most comfortable with from the dealer you are most comfortable with.

[sonofsail]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I plan to go by both places tomorrow to see what kind of a deal I can get.  The Sundance dealer has been around for many more years than the Jacuzzi dealer so I am leaning that way.  We really like the Optima.

[Hoyaken]

I have owned an Optima for two months. I am very happy with the tub.

[Chad]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I plan to go by both places tomorrow to see what kind of a deal I can get.  The Sundance dealer has been around for many more years than the Jacuzzi dealer so I am leaning that way.  We really like the Optima.

What's the verdict?

[sonofsail]

Sundance Optima     No stereo.  

Got what I think is a good deal with a reputable dealer who has been in the area for at least 20 years.

Arrival in about a month.

[Chad]

[sonofsail]

Thanks Chad!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm pretty fired up about it.  It will be a long month waiting for it.

What chemical/disinfection system would you recommend?

Chlorine or bromine?   Ozone?  yes or no?

I am very familiar with water chemistry (large pool manager for 35 years and a chemistry teacher)
I am familiar with chorine use but have no experience with bromine use.

Thanks

[Vinny]

Thanks Chad!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chlorine or bromine?   Ozone?  yes or no?

I am very familiar with water chemistry (large pool manager for 35 years and a chemistry teacher)
I am familiar with chorine use but have no experience with bromine use.

Thanks

What type of stuff do you use for testing?

Hot water behaves differently than cool water.

Bromine and chlorine are about the same as far as ease of use except that bromine seems to need fussing with in the beginning before you can go on autopilot.

Ozone  - Flip a coin! Some love it some don't. If you got to pay $$$$$ for it - it just ain't worth it!

[Vanguard]

Thanks Chad!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm pretty fired up about it.  It will be a long month waiting for it.

What chemical/disinfection system would you recommend?

Chlorine or bromine?   Ozone?  yes or no?

I am very familiar with water chemistry (large pool manager for 35 years and a chemistry teacher)
I am familiar with chorine use but have no experience with bromine use.

Thanks

My personal preference is the Dichlor version of chlorine, ozone and silver cartridges.  That is the easiest method and you get the least amount of smelly chlorine as long as you keep the balances correct.

[sonofsail]

If it was cool water, I would be all over it.  
I'm most familiar with chlorine systems so I will most likely go with dichlor.
The ozone system can be added without additional expense if I want it (part of the deal) so I will probably get it as long as there are no down sides to using it.
Forgive my ignorance but what is the purpose of the silver?  I assume it complexes and removes some undesirables.  Or is it used as an algaecide?  (sp)
The TC, CC and FC concepts are very familiar and I will have no problems oxidizing each week (knock on wood).  
I have read that dump and fill is a good idea after the first month of a new tub.  Any comments?

Thanks for the help.  This is a great site and you all are very kind to assist a newbie.

[hottubdan]

If the ozone is free, go for it.  With the silver and ozone, you can use less chlorine.

Keep away from chlorine tabs!  Those are for pools.

[sonofsail]

thanks dan

[tony]

Here is my take on ozone and/or mineral cartridges with dichlor.  I started with ozone, Frog mineral cartridge and dichlor in my 2002 Optima.  I switched to ozone, SunPurity Nature2 mineral cartridge and dichlor at about my third year of ownership.  I had a small issue with my ozonator last fall, so I removed it and ran without.  This spring I stopped using the mineral cartridge and now use just chlorine.

In my experience, ozone and minerals definitely help with water maintenance, especially if you are not a daily soaker.  It takes more chlorine and more dilligence to keep your water clear without them.  I think using both ozone and minerals works best rather than just one or the other with the chlorine.  Daily soakers get less benefit because they add chlorine on a very regular basis.

I will continue to use just chlorine at this point.  I believe ozone does a number on the spa pillows and other plastic parts and I have been able to keep my water in good shape without spending the added dollars on the mineral cartridge.  I do, though, reserve the right to change my mind.

[tony]

Forgive my ignorance but what is the purpose of the silver?  I assume it complexes and removes some undesirables.  Or is it used as an algaecide?  (sp)

Silver is a slow acting bacteriacide.  It needs a companion sanitizer because soakers in a small body of water will introduce more bacteria than the silver can handle.  It does not kill other bugs that may infest water such as viruses.  Silver helps keep water clean in between soaks after the primary sanitizer does its job.