Brand Overview
Master Spas — Indianapolis-built brand offering strong value with the LSX, Twilight, Healthy Living, and Clarity series. Owns the Michael Phelps Legend Series.
Sundance — Building hot tubs since 1979, now owned by Jacuzzi Brands. The 880, 780, and 680 series anchor the lineup, all built around the Fluidix jet platform.
Master Spas is independent and privately held, manufactured in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and primarily targets buyers who want maximum jet count and feature density per dollar. Sundance is owned by Jacuzzi Group (sister brand to Jacuzzi), built in Chino, California, and primarily targets buyers who want premium engineering with a quieter, less polarizing design than Jacuzzi. That ownership and manufacturing context shapes everything that follows — parts availability, dealer density, and how each brand approaches engineering trade-offs.
Price Comparison
Both brands compete on overlapping price bands. Pricing varies significantly by dealer, region, and time of year — visit each model page for live buyer-reported pricing.
Two popular models compared on specs:
| Spec | Master Spas LSX 850 | Sundance Optima |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 6 | 7 |
| Loungers | 0 | 0 |
| Jets | 59 | 49 |
| Pumps | 3 | 2 |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 94"x94"x38" | 89"x89"x37" |
| Water Volume | 395 gal | 355 gal |
| Voltage | 220V | 220V |
| Therapy Intensity (1–5) | 5 | 3 |
| Insulation Tier (1–3) | 3 | 3 |
| Saltwater Compatible | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 5 Years Parts and Labor | 5 Years Parts and Labor |
*Prices reflect what real buyers report. See Master Spas LSX 850 pricing → · See Sundance Optima pricing →*
Sticker price is only part of the equation. Budget another $300–$800 for delivery and crane work, $500–$1,200 for a dedicated 50A electrical run, and $150–$300 each for a cover lifter and steps. Master Spas dealers more commonly bundle delivery and the EcoPur Charge mineral system as standard, while Sundance dealers more commonly bundle delivery, steps, and a CLEARRAY UV upgrade — ask the dealer to itemize what's included in the quote before comparing the headline price.
Build Quality
Master Spas uses Acrylic shells with EcoPur Charge mineral water care standard and full-foam insulation on premium series.
Sundance uses SunStrong fiberglass-reinforced acrylic shell with full-foam insulation.
Edge: Tie — both deliver premium-grade construction.
Jet Systems
Master Spas: High jet counts at competitive prices — flagship LSX models routinely exceed 70 jets with strong massage zones.
Sundance: Fluidix bearingless jets — water passes through a fluid pathway rather than a spinning impeller. Quieter, more reliable, lower-maintenance.
Energy Efficiency
Master Spas: Full-foam insulation on LSX/Twilight series; mid-pack efficiency that improves significantly on the top trims.
Sundance: Full-foam insulation plus CLEARRAY UV-C sanitization that meaningfully reduces chemical costs over time.
Our Verdict
Choose Master Spas if: you want maximum features and jet count per dollar, or you like the Master Spas mineral water system.
Choose Sundance if: quiet, low-maintenance jets matter more than raw power, or you want UV-C water care built in.
Both are excellent picks — neither will disappoint. Compare specific models side-by-side →