Hot Tub Review
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Sundance
Manufacturer: Sundance
Avg. Price: $0
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wmccall
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In January of 2003, I purchased a new Sundance Spa (Marin). Even though the tub is in an environmentally controlled room, the tub continues to have frequent major break downs. Listed below are just some of the problems this tub has had in 4 years since purchased new.
• The head rest’s started deteriorating within days and look like hell ($200.00)
• January 2003, tub was leaking and had to be fixed
• September 2004, Circulator pump replaced.
• December 2005, Circulator pump replaced.
• December 2005, Ozonator replaced.
• December 2006, Pump # 2 replaced
• January 2007, Air blower replaced.
• January 2007, Air blower replaced again, 2 weeks later
• August 2007, 4 jets lost bearings and now won’t turn
• September 2007, Ozonator is out yet again (this will the 3rd one!)
• September 2007, Circulator pump is out again (this will be 3rd one!)
Needless to say, I am very disappointed in the reliability of this hot tub. Even though some of the repairs were covered under warranty, I still have to pay trip charges and the inconvenience of scheduling a repair person. The warranty will soon be expiring and these type repairs will be on me. By the way, heads up, the ozonator is not a warranty item and they are expensive (around $450) to replace.
This brand of hot tub in my opinion is trouble. I attempted to work with the company to get another tub since this one has had so many problems, but they have refused and basically said “thanks for letting us know of all your troubles”. I would not recommend buying a Sundance Spa. In my opinion, Sundance’s claim of being “the most technologically advanced, well designed, and durable spas in the world” is misleading. Surely there are more reliable hot tubs on the market.
Date Purchased: 1/2003
Price Paid: $6000
Recommend: No |
Pros:
None
Cons:
has frequent major parts breakdowns.
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wmccall
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Finally got my Sundance Marin a few weeks ago. I'm very happy with this tub so far -- it has more power than I need (2004 Marin model pumps were upgraded to 2.5hp), has a great layout and looks great. I love the therapy seat! And the blower has turned out to be great -- I know there is no theraputic benefit, but I love the ambiance it provides and the sunscents aromas are an added benefit.
This is definitely a "tight" spa -- not really laid out for tall people. The Marin is only 2'9" deep, which was a concern. I had wet tested an Optima, but the Marin wasn't available to wet test. It turned out that the Marin was plenty deep for me (5'8" on a good day) and my wife (5'4") -- this is one time where being vertically challenged was a plus! The lounge is the only not-so-great fit... it is a little too big for my wife, while it seems to have been designed for someone with a shorter torso and longer legs than I have...
I had basically written off the two other seats in the spa since there didn't seem to be enough jets. I figured these would only be used when we had friends or family over -- boy was I wrong. I'm findng these to be very nice alternative messages to the power of the therapy seat and lounge.
The quality of this tub seems to be excellent, but it is a bit early to be sure. One thing I'm not thrilled about is the little footwell filter "socks". These little guys came off almost immediatelly and they are a pain in the @$$ to get back on. Although, it seems to be getting easier each time - I don't know if its the socks or the user... But at least one of these seem to come off each time we use the tub. I have to think there is a better way...
The only other complaint I can think of is the noise level. The diverter valve for the therapy seat is very loud, and in high speed mode the pumps are also somewhat noisy. Add the blower and it is hard to hear music without having to really blast the volume.
Overall, I am extremely happy with my Marin.
Date Purchased: 9/03
Price Paid: $5000
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Power
Jet location/layout
blower
Cons:
size & depth (if you're tall)
noise
footwell filter "socks" |
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