Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: stevewhosau on June 22, 2008, 11:29:58 pm
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Looking seriously at a Sundance Maxxus. We have the room for it but before taking the dive have some concerns/comments.
1. Read some posts about the electrical bill about this bad boy. I know we're going up for having any spa but reality for added monthly costs? We have pretty hot "sun summers" and it can get cold here in the winter. Should it be a lot more that a 8'X'8 well insulated tub?
2. 3-fold cover and strut lifter. Hoping this is a great cover since it has two seams (anyone have one)? Efficiency related as above.
3. Sundance seems to use single speed pumps but I assume it must be enough for it (no filled Maxxus in our area to see it in action) although Optima was great with 2 of the same pumps.
4. First 3-wire tub I have found in my recent adventures...why are they still 3 versus the "norm 4" do you think? Speaking of wires, I'm looking at a 60 amp tub. I ran #6 wire about 120'. Where I thought I was looking at 50 amp before and now a possible 60, am I cool with the Maxxus load?
5. Thoughts from other current Maxxus owners or others who were going to purchase this but didn't?
Thanks all,
trippn
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We did wet test the Maxxus and it was a great tub. We were looking to wet test the Optima but couldn't. I think you would like three pumps as you can run everything at the same time with a 60 amp service. BTW my Jacuzzi J-470 has a 3 wire, 60 amp, 6 gauge service. Anyway good luck with your decision.
Scott ;)
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We've read your ordeal and know you were not too haste to pick up a tub Scott! We too started with a Radiance. In the Jacuzzi line, we like the 365.
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We've read your ordeal and know you were not too haste to pick up a tub Scott! We too started with a Radiance. In the Jacuzzi line, we like the 365.
If I was on a tight budget I would have bought a J-365. If it had deeper seats I would have bought a BullFrog, If we had a local dealer I might have bought an Arctic. If the salesman had been less like a used car salesman I might have bought a Hot Springs. My list came down to Sundance or Jacuzzi in the end. Part of buying a tub is the journey. I'm so glad to have a tub but now I kind of miss the shopping for one. I know it sounds a bit crazy. Oh well I can still follow Chrisi's shopping experience.
Scott ::)
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4. First 3-wire tub I have found in my recent adventures...why are they still 3 versus the "norm 4" do you think? Thanks all,
trippn
They are only 3 wires because there is nothing 120v on the spa, therefore no need for the 4th wire (neutral).
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I also have a Maxxus fetish. Tried it out, liked it a lot. Probably would have one if we could find a crane.
I have had two hot tub techs tell me "beware once the warranty goes" and my dealer seems concerned about the cover as I keep asking questions on how I can fold it without loosing the view. I would like to fold down and over the long side. Seems to be an issue.
Anyhow, if the dealer was slightly more aggressive I would have had one by now. I am now looking elsewhere
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Doesn't appear to be enough current owners to give me a better feeling. To let you know, we were quoted 8995 for a 2007 floor model. I have not found one search on these (or other) forums for less than 9500 (and most nearing 11k). The price includes everything except crane charge (needed): cover, two steps, cover lifter, Sunzone, year supplies of chemicals and a decent in-store credit.
The additional 1500 over what we were looking at the Jacuzzi 365 has us second-guessing the decent price on the "hugeness" of paying more and dealing with higher operating costs on the bigger tub. Instead of biggest as possible like a TV purchase we wonder if we still would be happy with a 7.5'X7.5' or 8'X8' tub.
We will talk again soon about it...had to take a few days break. :-?
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If I could have purchased new the maxxus or J-480 would have been my two top choices. When I saw that monster in the showroom it called my name immediately!!!
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Bought the damn thing ;)...ended up being an early 2008 model afterall. Our quest is over. Looking at craning it over late next week. Cannot wait to get the family in...drug the kids around these places for a few months.
One area of relief has lifted, next is when I know no initial problems exist on installation, fill and ultimately, first soak.
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Congrats trippn on your Maxxus!! Now you can soak like Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers!! (our dealers out here in PA told us he bought one! ;))
Happy tubbin'! :)
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Congratulations on your purchase. The Maxxus is quite a spa. It will cost a little more than most to run only because it holds more water. The Maxxus is an 880 series spa which is a level up from the Jacuzzi 365. The one speed pumps are used because this series does not use the therapy pumps for filtration. It uses a high flow circ pump to filter and will give the same feel of water movement that a therapy pump on low would.
I don't understand a service tech warning about after warranty repairs except that Sundance, like most of the other top tier manufacturers, uses their own proprietary parts. Quality wise, it will be running as long as anyone elses.
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Congrats, that Maxxus is like a small swimming pool. It has a great lounger in it.
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Thanks wewanna, I've read you are still deciding what to get, good luck in your endeavors.
Tony, good clarification, thanks for chiming in.
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Congrats, that Maxxus is like a small swimming pool. It has a great lounger in it.
Exactly my impression after wet testing it. Its HUGE. I loved the lounger.
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That thing truly is a BDS. Enjoy!!
8-)
*Big Dang Spa
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I posted this review 3 years ago
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/reviews.cgi?view=product&pid=405&rid=731&pg=3&sort=&search=
I still dislike the neck jets and feel the cover is to big and heavy. But I love the hot tub, glad I got the big tub. It's almost like a small pool in the summer when we keep it cool.
It's not that much of an energy hog.
The stereo has never worked right but aside from that. Big thumbs up.
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Reading the owners manual, the Maxxus (or Sundance in general) recommends an additional grounding source.
From the manual:
Proper grounding is extremely important. Sundance hot tubs are equipped with a current collector system. A pressure wire connector is provided on the surface of the control box, located inside the equipment
door to permit connection of a bonding wire between this point and any ground metal equipment, metal water pipe or conduit within 5 feet (1.5m) of the hot tub, or copper clad grounding rod buried within 5 feet (1.5m) of the hot tub. Bonding wire must be at least No. 8 AWG (8.4mm²) solid copper wire. This is a most important safety assurance feature.
The question is how do I run this ground wire to the exterior? I will be driving a ground rod as I have nothing within 5 feet to ground to. I have PVC going to my GFCI disconnect. I've seen the power inlet bushing where my sealtight flex will go into (my power feed) so do I need to drill a small hole allowing the solid copper ground wire near that?
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Don't drive a ground rod for a bonding wire. Makes no sense. The bonding lug is provided to BOND any metal objects near the spa. No metal objects near the spa? Nothing to BOND.
If the tub is wired correctly, it is already grounded. That should be sufficient.
8-)
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I posted this review 3 years ago
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/reviews.cgi?view=product&pid=405&rid=731&pg=3&sort=&search=
I still dislike the neck jets and feel the cover is to big and heavy. But I love the hot tub, glad I got the big tub. It's almost like a small pool in the summer when we keep it cool.
It's not that much of an energy hog.
The stereo has never worked right but aside from that. Big thumbs up.
Tried the Cameo... wished that the neck jets were a little better, didn't find the jets as strong as I'd hoped. Likely similar to the Maxxus.
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I posted this review 3 years ago
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/reviews.cgi?view=product&pid=405&rid=731&pg=3&sort=&search=
I still dislike the neck jets and feel the cover is to big and heavy. But I love the hot tub, glad I got the big tub. It's almost like a small pool in the summer when we keep it cool.
It's not that much of an energy hog.
The stereo has never worked right but aside from that. Big thumbs up.
Thanks for the review... not enough people do these anymore!!
Dave