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Artesian Opal versus other top spas

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lwaxman:
We are looking for our first hot tub and have looked at (and wet tested) Artesian Opal, HotSpring Vanguard and Grandee, and Sundance Optima so far.  Artesian Opal is the best deal price wise and has lifetime structural warranty.  Wondering about Artesian with its 3 pumps (almost felt too powerful and too much pressure so maybe overkill).  Liked Optima except for following: could not turn on footwell jets when back massage seat on full or near full.  Had to turn down the back jets to use foot jets.  Also, did not like whirlpool jet since could not comfortable sit in front of it and use for back massage.

All are good - just looking for any further comments or feedback, especially concerning Artesian since I do not seem they mentioned very often on any message boards.

Brewman:
Not as familiar with Artesian, but either of the other 2 brands you tested would be a good choice.  Perhaps Artesian would be as well, I didn't consider that brand when I went shopping.
Brewman

PS- The whirlpool jets aren't designed to directly massage your back, they are made to move the water in a circular direction.  

Chris_H:
lwaxman:
    Could you sit in the accu-sage seat in the Optima with the jets on full with air?  I know I cannot, and just and FYI most women hate that seat because of the amount of pressure in that seat.  Also, the whirlpool jet is supposed to be on when you aren’t using the spa.  
Did you wet test the Hotspring Grandee?  That is a tub is one of Hotspring’s best sellers because of its two moto-massages.  Realize the main difference in price between the Grandee and the Optima is going to be caused by the Grandee giving you 6 seats with great massages compared to the Optima’s 4 seats with great massages.  Both the Hospring and Sundance brands are top of the line brands, does anyone say that consistently about the Artesian.  This may be the reason why the Artesian is the "best deal" price wise.
Chris H.

needaspa:
'Also, the whirlpool jet is supposed to be on when you aren’t using the spa.'

This doesnt make sense.  You are saying turn these on when you are not in the tub?  WHy have them then?

Electro:
lwaxman,

Look at the info on manufacturer comparisons and their 4 tiered ratings at the www.poolandspa.com site.  The Artesian is listed there as a 3 star tub, whereas your other choices are 4 star.

They have 27 4-Star Best of Class hot tub manufacturers listed.  Based on my reading of over a thousand posts from the past 2 years, it appears that their are only a half dozen truly "best" nationally known manufacturers acknowledged by large numbers of folks, considering their standing behind their products, providing good warranty service, and serving folks fairly and honestly.  Some of these are Jacuzzi, Hot Springs, and Sundance.  Note that individual dealers of these brands are sometimes not favorably rated by folks.  For example, a common statement is that the Sundance sales folks are haughty and don't compete with others.  There is a reason - the Sundance product is truly better in several technical aspects and more costly to produce.  The same is true of Hot Springs and others in specific but different ways.  I'll let others fill you in on their favorites.  I should point out that there are some on the 4-Star list that do not stand behind their warranty.

Electro

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