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New buyer, bit overwhelmed, purchased Jacuzzi J-275 today?!

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uofmrapper:
Hi all.... BEAR WITH THE NEWBIE HERE  ;D

So I am new to the hot tub world and have been looking around online the last few weeks gathering information.  I still don't understand all the of the real technical stuff about Ozone generators and circulation pumps and what is really necessary.  I wanted to be around $5000 (I assume it will be more based on features I would like) but have enough room for my wife and I our 4 young children.  I would like an 8'x8' but seems out of the question unless I get one online and from what I can tell, that is not a recommended approach around here.  I guess I would agree - while I am handy, not sure I want to get myself into that.  So I went to the local dealer that sells Jacuzzi, Sundance, Artesian and some other I don't remember.

Was hoping to find something with a dual lounger for when myself and my wife are both in it - the kids don't need seats as they're gonna splash around and play.  Any other time, it would likely only be us and another couple (maybe 3 adult couples at most) so a 5-6 seater with dual lounger would be great.  The sales guy told me that would be hard to come by in my range.  They had a 7.5' x 7.5' Artesian that I guess they purchased a lot of so they could sell it at like $6200 (looked like an 850L - had a single lounger and waterfall in the headrest of one of the other seats).  Seemed like a good deal but he kind of sold me on the Jacuzzi.  I guess this weekend there was a deal (never know whether to believe them or not) on the Jacuzzi with a rebate.  The J-275 was really similar but had the Jacuzzi name brand and was more energy efficient.  Also has the clearray technology which seemed good to us because one our little ones is somewhat sensitive to chlorine and he made it seem like you put significantly less chemicals in the Sundance/Jacuzzis with the clearray system.  With the deal this weekend and paying cash, I got him down to $7500 out the door with cover and delivery, first set of chemicals, standard stairs.  I only put a $500 deposit that is fully refundable - really nice guy who said I could go back home and think about it, research more, work out some more finances etc. 

So my questions
1) Is this a good deal for this tub?
2) Is there a dual-lounger that is decent that I could get in this range?
3) He said the Jacuzzi would cost maybe $30/month to run (in Michigan) versus the Artesian which would be closer to like $50-60/month.  Does this sound accurate?  If so, it is only a couple of years and I make up the difference in the cost of the Jacuzzi...
4) I see there's no circulation pump - is that a big deal?  didn't come up in our convo today
5) Are there other brands I should consider first?  Did not go to other dealers yet.
6) Is the clearray technology all it's cracked up to be?
7) any other general thoughts are greatly appreciated as I'm just wondering if I've jumped in too quick.  I do plan to try to do a wet test this week but they don't have that exact model in stock.  They have a J-235 so I'm going to try and get them to fill that one.

Thanks!

ray:
hi there... i'm a rookie myself and bought my tub last friday.  :)  1st question... did you wet test the tub you are looking at?  very important... it might look nice and all... but when you sit in it (with water).... it might not feel right... i wanted a lounger at first... but the lounger is not for everybody... for example... i tested the caldera cantabria with the lounger... that lounger is for tall people... my face was in the water... then of course you have to consider your wife... if you get one with a double lounger (not even sure if there is one)... might fit you but how about the wife... are you the same height?  just a thought... i also liked those tubs with the foot dome... they have jets for your feet and also serves as an anchor so you're not getting blown away if you decide to blast the jets for your back.. little things like that... another example... just by looking... wife and i preferred the hotsprings... for its looks... and has the moto massage... i wet tested it... turns out it wasn't for me... went with the jacuzzi until i wet tested the sundance... same features and everything but $2K+ cheaper... and of course... it felt right when i wet tested it... so don't rush... take your time... wet test all you are considering before buying.  personally... i would shy away from the lounger.  happy hunting!  :)

DKRanger22:
The only tub that I am aware of with a double lounger is the Bullfrog A8D (perhaps there are others).  It will probably be a bit out of your price range, though.  Ray offers solid advice - before you choose, you really should take the time to wet test before you buy.  Especially any tub with a lounger - they don't fit everyone the same, and the last thing that you want is to go through the trouble of getting this thing home, fill it up and find out that you and/or your wife float out of the lounger because you didn't try it out first.   I think it would be wise to hit the pause button while you do some wet testing!

Hottubguy:
Caldera tarino is about a 7x7 tub with double lounge.  Marquis resort which I have is a lounge and then a second seat similar to a lounge.  That tub would be more then what you are looking to spend though.  Tarino  is going to be in your price range

uofmrapper:
Thanks Ray.  We are planning on doing a wet test this week.  As I mentioned, they don't have the exact model in stock to try out so I'm hoping they will fill the J-235 they had on the floor instead which just seems to be the 7' model of the 7.5' J-275.

@Ray - the Sundance was cheaper than the Jacuzzi?  I thought the Sundance spas were more expensive according to what the sales guy said.

Looking for answers to the other questions too....thanks everyone!

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