We are in the process of buying a new spa and after a initial tour of spas dealers in the montreal area, our attention is focus on the Sundance Cameo or the Coast Helios. We are mainly looking at a spa that is confortable, that can accomadate tall and small persons (I'm 6' tall and girlfriend is 5'2". Here what I observed on these 2 models Sundance Cameo - Very confortable (Dry test) - Seems well Isolated - Nice Waterfall - Has circulatrion pump so we can have a quiet time in the spa listening to the waterfall - Many jets have 2 streams Coast Helios (45 jets) - Extremely confortable (Dry test) - Seems Well isolated as well - Powerfull pumps (2 x 5HP) Coast was the most confortable of the two, but we don't like the fact that it doesn't have any circulation pump. Is this an important feature when buying a spa ? Coast spas seems a little more isolated than the Sundance Cameo, but I would like to hear from people that experienced these spas to let me know if their electricity bill jump off the roof or the 350$ /year cost in electricity that every dealer in my neighborhood told us it would cost, is pretty much the reality. We are going to wet test these two models in the coming weeks and any suggestion would be more than welcome. If there are other brands that should be looked at (We also saw dealers for Dynasty spas (Trevi), Pacific and Dimension One Spas but were not overwhelmed by what we say there), please let us know ! Thanks in advance ! François P.S. I don't write or speak english very often, so go easy on me, please " title="Smile" />

After a second round of visits, we found out that Sundance spas answers pretty much all our needs. (Still in the Dry test mode)

But now we hesitate between the Cameo and The Maxxus models. What we really like about the Maxxus is the seating, which his higher of the ground. It just feels more confortable and each seat offer more room.

My concern though, is the heating bill, because I guess, the bigger the hot tub is, the more energy it will take.

I have been searching the energy cost studies on hot tubs but I found nothing very conclusive. Is there something out there that could be referred as a guideline. When you speak to the dealers, they pretty much repeat the same story, which is 350 $ / Year.

Well judging by the date, you've probably already made a purchase. My experience however, is I would stay away from the Sundance.

That is like comparing a dodge car and a kia car. Sundance is by far the better and is better insulated. Coast does not have a good rep.

My two cents. Which dealer do you like the best? That is what you should be looking at.

...and I would bet $1000 that the pumps are not true 5HP on the Coast Spas.