If you have started looking at Sundance hot tubs, you have probably come across four main collections: the 680™, 780™, 880™ and 980™ Series.
So, what is actually different between them?
The easiest way to understand the Sundance range is not to think of it simply as good, better, best. Each series offers a different balance of hydrotherapy, comfort, technology, premium features, design and value.
At London Essex Outdoor Living, we have put together this simple comparison to help you understand the differences and decide which Sundance Series could be the right fit for you.
| 680 Series | 780 Series | 880 Series | 980 Series | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Essentials / value | Performance & value | Premium | Luxury / flagship |
| Main focus | Everyday relaxation | Enhanced hydrotherapy | Advanced hydrotherapy + premium features | Luxury, design & entertaining |
| Fluidix® Jets | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MicroClean® filtration | Mini | Standard | Ultra | Ultra |
| Filtration area | 75 sq ft | 120 sq ft | 130 sq ft | 130 sq ft |
| Energy efficient design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SmartTub® | Model dependent | Selected models | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hydrotherapy | Essential | Enhanced | Advanced | Premium |
| Seating options | Good variety | More variety | Extensive | Premium / deep-contoured |
| Controls | Intuitive | Glass touch control | Advanced touchscreen | Advanced / premium |
| Entertainment & features | More limited | Selected features | More extensive | Most extensive |
| Cabinetry & design | Practical | Enhanced | Premium | Flagship |
| SunCooler™ | — | — | — | ✓ |
| SunScents® | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best suited to | First-time buyers / value | Versatile everyday use | Advanced hydrotherapy | Luxury & entertaining |
| Price position | £ | ££ | £££ | ££££ |
680™ Series: Sundance Essentials and Value
The 680™ Series is the starting point in the Sundance range and a great option if you want the core Sundance experience without moving into the more feature-rich collections.
You still get comfortable ergonomic seating, hydrotherapy and modern water care, with different sizes and seating configurations available across the range. Sundance positions the 680™ Series around durability and value, making it particularly attractive for first-time hot tub buyers and those who want to keep things simple.
The 680™ Series provides the essential features you need for relaxing at home, while keeping the specification and price more accessible than the higher collections.
Choose the 680™ Series if: you want a quality Sundance hot tub at a more accessible starting point and do not need the most advanced massage or luxury entertainment features.
Popular models include the Alicia™, Edison®, McKinley®, Peyton™ and Prado™.
780™ Series: The All-Rounder
Move into the 780™ Series and you get a noticeable step up in hydrotherapy, technology and features.
The range includes patented Fluidix® jets with up to seven massage varieties, including dedicated therapy seats, alongside upgraded filtration and a glass touch control panel. SmartTub® technology is also available on selected models.
There is also plenty of choice between compact, lounge and larger family configurations, making the 780™ Series a versatile option for different gardens and lifestyles.
The 780™ is particularly appealing if you want to put more emphasis on the massage experience without moving into the more advanced hydrotherapy and premium specification of the 880™ Series.
Choose the 780™ Series if: you want a strong balance of hydrotherapy, comfort, technology and value, with more massage variety and features than the 680™ Series.
Popular models include the Chelsee®, Hamilton™, Bristol®, Montclair™ and Dover™.
880™ Series: Advanced Hydrotherapy
If one of the main reasons you are buying a hot tub is massage, hydrotherapy or muscle recovery, the 880™ Series deserves particular attention.
The 880™ Series offers up to 10 massage varieties, patented Fluidix® technology, an Accu-Ssage™ Therapy Seat and FocusRelief® jets for targeted calf therapy. It also introduces the Fluidix® PT™ Jet, which provides a focused percussive massage targeting key back muscles.
The step up is not only about massage. The 880™ Series also brings a more premium overall specification, including SunScents® aromatherapy, soft-tissue air massage and an optional entertainment package.
This makes the 880™ Series particularly interesting for customers who want advanced hydrotherapy but also want additional comfort, technology and premium features.
Choose the 880™ Series if: the quality and variety of the massage experience are among the biggest reasons you want a hot tub, while you also want a more premium specification and additional features.
Popular models include the Optima®, Cameo®, Aspen®, Altamar®, Marin® and Capri®.
980™ Series: Flagship Luxury and Entertaining
The 980™ Series sits at the luxury end of the Sundance hot tub range.
This is where an important distinction needs to be made. The 980™ is not simply the 880™ with stronger hydrotherapy.
While the 880™ Series has a particularly strong focus on advanced massage, the 980™ combines premium hydrotherapy with luxury design, comfort and entertaining features.
The Kingston™ and Claremont® feature distinctive styling, a lounge deck, interior and exterior lighting, integrated SunCooler™ insulated storage, SunScents® aromatherapy and an integrated BLUEWAVE® stereo system.
The 980™ Series also has a low-profile design that makes entry and exit easier while giving the spa a distinctive appearance in the garden.
Choose the Kingston™ if you prefer a spacious open-seat configuration, or the Claremont® if you want a dedicated lounger.
Choose the 980™ Series if: you want a flagship Sundance hot tub that delivers premium hydrotherapy while also becoming a luxury feature for relaxing and entertaining in your garden.
The Difference Isn’t Just About the Number of Jets
When comparing Sundance hot tubs, it is easy to focus on the number of jets. However, jet count alone does not tell you how a hot tub will feel.
The positioning of the jets, the type of jet, water flow, seating position and the way different therapy zones are designed all contribute to the massage experience.
This is why two Sundance hot tubs with similar jet counts can provide very different experiences. The best way to compare them is to sit in the different seats and experience the hydrotherapy for yourself.
So, Which Sundance Series Should You Choose?
The simplest way to remember the difference is:
680™ = Sundance essentials and value
780™ = Enhanced hydrotherapy and versatility
880™ = Advanced hydrotherapy and premium features
980™ = Flagship luxury, design and entertaining
The Series is only part of the decision, though. You will still need to choose the right size, number of seats, lounger or open seating configuration and therapy seats for how you intend to use your hot tub.
London Essex Outdoor Living currently offers Sundance hot tubs across all four collections, with models ranging from compact two to three-person spas through to larger models designed for families and entertaining.
Compare Sundance Hot Tubs in London
If you are still unsure whether the 680™, 780™, 880™ or 980™ Series is right for you, the best way to understand the difference is to experience them for yourself.
Visit the London Essex Outdoor Living showroom in Barnet, where our team can help you compare Sundance hot tubs based on your preferred massage, seating, features, garden space and budget.
You can also book a wet test to experience Sundance hydrotherapy and different seating configurations before making your decision. The Barnet showroom serves customers across London, Essex, Hertfordshire and the Home Counties.
