Sundance Altamar - 2005 vs. 2006

[Rowan]

We wet-tested a 2006 Sundance Altamar this weekend.  Very nice tub, except that the pump controlling the lounger and the two adjacent seats ran on only one speed (high), and the jets in the lounger were not adjustable.  The dealer told us that the 2005 Altamar, which he has in stock at a different location, has a two-speed pump that controls those same seats AND adjustable jets in the lounger.  That would be perfect for us.  Can anyone confirm this for the '05 Altamar?  Thanks.

[Mrob2960]

What happened to the Caldera tub? We were interested in that model also.

[Rowan]

It's down to the Altamar and the Caldera C-45, which is legit by the way - it was a private model made only for Watson's.

[Brewman]

Not sure about that adjustable jets in the lounger thing.
As for the 2 speed vs 1 speed pump issue, fuhgaddaboudeht.
We have a 2 speed pump in our 03 Optima, and it's sole purpose is for filtering.  We could use low speed for jets, but don't.  
I think Sundance got rid of the multi speed pump when they switched filtering on the newer line of spas.

[hymbaw]

I can confirm it!

'05 will not have waterfall or high volume circ pump.

[Rowan]

We really prefer the adjustability of the '05 jets as well as the 2 speed pump.  At least during testing we've preferred a more gentle massage.  The jets on the '06 lounger were a huge detriment for us due to their fixed intensity and would be a definite deal breaker if the '05 was not available.  (We can definitely live without the waterfall.)

What are the significant differences between the high volume and the '05 circ pumps?  Is there more maintenance involved since it isn't high volume?

Also- is $6600 a fair price on an '05 Altamar (in a color we would have chosen anyway) including delivery, cover, steps, lifter, Sunzone CD, and starter chems?

Thanks!

[hymbaw]

The new circ pumps move more gallons/minute.

That is a very good price for all that  is included. I say go for it!

[Trevor_Mouse]

What is a high-volume circulating pump?  Would having a lower volume pump be a detriment?

[Spatech_tuo]

What is a high-volume circulating pump?  Would having a lower volume pump be a detriment?

I wouldn't sweat it weither way. Sundance and others have been using the regular circ pumps for years. Some might even say you're circulating more water but using more energy to do so. Overall, either way will work fine.

[Rowan]

We put our deposit down on the '05 today.  
Won't have it installed until mid-June though (stuff going on).    Can't wait!

Thanks to everyone who posted information for us!

BTW- I was very impressed with our dealer.  Since the tub we bought is currently at his other location (an hour away), he offered to bring it down for us to wet test since there were differences between it and the '06 we were in.  Didn't feel the need to take him up on it, but it definitely added a couple points when it came down to the final decision.