Sundance Spas Series Guide: 980 vs. 880 vs. 780 vs. 680 — Which Is Right for You?

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We Sell All Four Series. Here’s How They Actually Differ—Models, Fluidix Jets, Filtration, Water Care, Smart Features, Warranty—and How to Pick the Right Sundance for Your Family, Space, and Budget

By Leisure Time Inc.  |  October 2026  |  Estimated Read Time: 13 minutes

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Sundance® Spas has been engineering hot tubs for nearly 50 years, and the brand is known for a few things above all: patented Fluidix® jets with no moving parts, industry-leading filtration that makes water care genuinely easy, and the SmartTub® system that puts your spa on your phone. But like every premium brand, Sundance isn’t one lineup. It’s four: the 980™, 880™, 780™, and 680™ Series.

All four are built to the same Sundance construction standards—the difference is in the feature tier, not the quality. But those tiers matter: they determine your filtration, your massage power, your water-care options, your smart features, your cabinetry, and your warranty. This guide lays it all out honestly—what each series includes, who it’s built for, a side-by-side comparison, the warranty differences, and a simple framework for choosing. No upselling, just what we tell customers in our showrooms.

From Leisure Time Inc., an authorized Sundance Spas dealer with showrooms in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. We carry every Sundance series, so our only goal is matching you to the right one.

The Short Answer

If you want the quick version first:

• Choose the 980 if you want the ultimate Sundance: the only spa in the industry with a lounge deck and illuminated SunCoolers™, three dedicated massage pumps, the largest filter in the industry, and SmartTub, aromatherapy, and entertainment all standard. It’s a destination, not just a hot tub.
• Choose the 880 if you want Sundance’s best-selling balance of advanced features, premium comfort, and transformative hydrotherapy—with the same 10-year shell warranty as the 980. It’s where most buyers who want ‘the full Sundance’ land.
• Choose the 780 if you want proven hydrotherapy, clean-water features, and multiple sizes at a strong value—and still get that 10-year shell warranty. It’s the smart mid-tier.
• Choose the 680 if you want a genuine Sundance with classic hydrotherapy, simple controls, and durable build at the most approachable price. It’s where most people begin their Sundance journey.

Now, here’s what actually separates them.

980™ Series: The Ultimate Sundance Experience

Sundance describes the 980 as ‘where relaxation becomes lifestyle’—and the headline feature backs it up: the 980 is the only spa in the industry with a lounge deck and insulated, illuminated SunCoolers™, giving you a dedicated place to sit, sun, and keep drinks cold (or towels warm) without ever leaving the spa.

The Models

Two models: the Kingston™ and the Claremont®, both in Sundance’s luxury tier. The Claremont seats up to six adults and, in Sundance’s words, is built to change how you think about using a spa, not just soaking in one.

What Sets It Apart

• Lounge deck with SunCoolers™: A spacious deck with deep seating and illuminated, insulated coolers—cold drinks in summer, warm towels in winter. Nobody has to leave.
• Hydrotherapy, perfected: Patented Fluidix® jets deliver smooth, precise water flow, powered by three dedicated massage pumps—the most in the lineup.
• The easiest hot tub to maintain: Commercial-grade MicroClean® Ultra filtration with the largest filter in the industry, CLEARRAY® Active Oxygen® sanitation standard, and the optional True Water® nanobubble system for an even higher level of purity.
• Built for the elements: A SunStrong® hybrid frame and a dual-insulated cabinet, designed to perform in the most extreme cold.
• Smart, connected, effortless: SmartTub® comes standard, plus a standard entertainment system with immersive audio and wireless charging.
• SunScents™ aromatherapy standard: The SilentAir® blower sends fragrance-infused air through dedicated air-only jets, separate from your hydrotherapy jets and your water chemistry.
• Elevated design: A low-profile silhouette, deep contoured seating, upgraded ambient lighting, premium cabinetry finishes, and advanced controls.

Who It’s For

Buyers who don’t want to compromise on anything—and who see the spa as a social destination. If entertaining, design, and the full feature set matter as much as hydrotherapy, the 980 is the one.

880™ Series: The Best-Seller

Sundance calls the 880 ‘our best-selling spas,’ offering ‘an ideal balance of advanced features, premium comfort, and transformative hydrotherapy.’ It’s the series with the most models, the most seating variety, and the feature set most people picture when they think of a Sundance.

The Models

Seven models: the Aspen® (the largest spa in the series), Optima®, Cameo®, Altamar®, Vistamar™, Marin®, and the compact Capri®. The lineup spans large family spas, lounge and non-lounge layouts, and unique configurations—so there’s an 880 for nearly every space.

What Sets It Apart

• Advanced hydrotherapy: Patented Fluidix® jets throughout, with specialized seats like the deep-immersion Accu-Ssage™ therapy seat. The Optima, for example, has more neck-and-shoulder massage jets than any other model in the series.
• MicroClean® Ultra filtration: The same commercial-grade, two-stage filtration found on the 980—the outer filter traps large particles while the inner filter catches ultra-fine ones.
• CLEARRAY® Active Oxygen®: UV-C and ozone water treatment that cuts chemical use, with the True Water® nanobubble system available as an upgrade.
• SunStrong® frame and cabinet: A durable steel frame built from sustainable materials, paired with premium cabinetry.
• SmartTub® ready: Monitor and control temperature, jets, lighting, and maintenance from your phone.
• Premium lighting and controls: Full-color LED lighting and intuitive controls, with entertainment options available.

Who It’s For

Families and daily users who want the full Sundance hydrotherapy and water-care experience, the longest warranty, and the widest choice of sizes and layouts—without the 980’s lounge-deck luxury. It’s the sweet spot for most serious buyers.

780™ Series: All the Right Features at a Value

Sundance positions the 780 as ‘all the right features for all your best moments, at a value that makes it all possible’—and, in older language, ‘the ultimate in reliability and amazing performance.’ It’s the mid-to-premium series that gives you proven Sundance hydrotherapy without the top-tier price.

The Models

Five models: the Chelsee® (with the widest variety of specialized seats in the series), Hamilton™, Bristol™, Montclair™, and Dover™—a range of sizes from compact to family-sized.

What Sets It Apart

• Proven hydrotherapy: Sundance’s proprietary jets in thoughtfully varied seats—adjustable from each seat so everyone gets the intensity they like.
• Clean-water features: Effective MicroClean® filtration and CLEARRAY® water treatment keep maintenance simple.
• Attractive lighting and design: LED lighting and modern cabinetry that fit a wide range of backyards.
• The 10-year shell warranty: Notably, the 780 carries the same long structural coverage as the 880—a big part of why it’s such a strong value.
• Multiple size choices: From a compact model to seven-seat layouts, with and without lounges.

Who It’s For

Value-focused buyers who still want a premium brand experience—real hydrotherapy, easy water care, and long warranty coverage—without moving into the 880 or 980 tiers. If you want a Sundance that’s built to last without paying for every luxury extra, the 780 is a smart choice.

680™ Series: Durability and Value

Sundance says it’s ‘easy to love the 680 Series for all the fun and relaxing moments, but you’ll also appreciate its superior durability and value.’ Crucially, the 680 is designed and manufactured to the same Sundance standards as the 880 and 980—the difference is the feature tier, not the construction quality.

The Models

Five models: the Edison®, Peyton™, Ramona®, Prado®, and Alicia™, typically seating five to seven adults, with lounge seating available on select models.

What Sets It Apart

• Classic Sundance hydrotherapy: Proprietary jets and seating designed to hold you in place while the water works.
• MicroClean® Mini filtration: A horizontal 75-square-foot MicroClean Mini filter and proprietary water skimmer—simplified but effective.
• Simplified control panel: Easy, no-fuss operation, with SmartTub® available on select models.
• Customer-favorite details: Waterfalls, cup holders, LED lighting, and tool-free access panels.
• Durable cabinetry: Attractive, long-lasting synthetic cabinets built for years of weather.

Who It’s For

First-time owners and budget-conscious shoppers who want a recognizable, well-built Sundance with reliable water care and real hydrotherapy at the most accessible price. Sundance itself calls the 680 ‘where most people begin their Sundance journey’—and for good reason.

Side by Side: What You Get at Each Level

Here’s how the four series compare on the features that drive the decision. Sundance publishes pricing through its dealers, so for current pricing and promotions on any model, request a quote from us.

Warranty Differences

Sundance’s warranty is one of the strongest in the industry—and notably, the long coverage extends down through the 780, which is a big reason that series is such a value.

How to Choose: Match the Series to Your Priorities

Rather than starting with price, work through these in order—the right series usually becomes obvious.

1. Is the spa a social destination? If you entertain and want the lounge deck, SunCoolers, and standard entertainment, that’s the 980—nothing else has it.
2. How much massage power do you want? The 980’s three massage pumps top the lineup; the 880 delivers full Fluidix hydrotherapy with specialized seats; the 780 and 680 give you proven jets in simpler layouts.
3. How hands-off do you want water care? MicroClean Ultra on the 980 and 880 (with the True Water upgrade) is the easiest in the industry; the 780’s MicroClean and CLEARRAY are still simple; the 680’s MicroClean Mini is effective but more basic.
4. Do you want your spa on your phone? SmartTub is standard on the 980, ready on the 880, available on the 780, and offered on select 680 models.
5. How many people, and which layout? The 880 has the most models and seating variety; the 780 and 680 both reach seven seats; the 980 is a six-seat luxury experience.
6. What’s your budget—over the life of the spa? Think in years. The 980, 880, and 780 all carry the 10-year shell warranty, so the 780 is a long-term value; the 680 saves the most up front.

A Note on Sundance Swim Spas

You’ll also see Sundance swim spas alongside the four hot tub series. These are a different category—backyard-sized pools you can swim, exercise, and soak in—built with the same Sundance quality and SmartTub connectivity. If your priority is daily movement and fitness as much as relaxation, a swim spa may be the better fit, and we’re happy to walk you through both. If you’re deciding among the 980, 880, 780, and 680, you’re already looking at Sundance’s hot tub lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the Sundance 980, 880, 780, and 680 Series?

All four are built to the same Sundance construction standards; the difference is the feature tier. The 980 is the ultimate luxury experience with an industry-only lounge deck and SunCoolers, three massage pumps, and SmartTub, aromatherapy, and entertainment standard. The 880 is the best-seller, balancing advanced Fluidix hydrotherapy, MicroClean Ultra filtration, and premium comfort across the most models. The 780 offers proven hydrotherapy and clean-water features at a value—with the same 10-year shell warranty. The 680 delivers classic Sundance hydrotherapy, simple controls, and durability at the most approachable price.

Is the 980 Series worth it over the 880?

If you entertain or want the spa to be a true destination, usually yes—the lounge deck with SunCoolers exists nowhere else, and the 980 adds a third massage pump, standard SunScents aromatherapy, a standard entertainment system with wireless charging, premium cabinetry, and advanced controls. The 880 is an exceptional spa with the same filtration, the same True Water upgrade option, and the same 10-year shell warranty, so if the lounge deck and extras don’t matter to you, the 880 delivers most of the experience for less.

Which Sundance series has the best massage?

The 980, with patented Fluidix jets powered by three dedicated massage pumps—the most in the lineup. The 880 is close behind with full Fluidix hydrotherapy and specialized seats like the deep-immersion Accu-Ssage seat; the Optima has more neck-and-shoulder jets than any other 880. The 780 and 680 use Sundance’s proprietary jets in simpler layouts, adjustable from each seat.

What is True Water, and which series can get it?

True Water uses nanobubble technology to continuously clean your spa—breaking down oils, bacteria, and contaminants and removing them through the filter. Sundance says it uses up to 80% less chlorine than salt systems and up to 95% less than traditional hot tubs, for cleaner, softer water with less testing and treating. It’s available as an upgrade on both the 980 and 880 Series.

Which Sundance series is the most energy efficient?

Every Sundance series is engineered for cold climates with SunStrong frames, premium insulation, and tight-fitting covers. The 980 goes furthest with a hybrid frame and dual-insulated cabinet built for the most extreme conditions. The differences are real but modest—any Sundance performs well in an Idaho winter, with the upper tiers adding the most insulation.

Is a 680 spa a ‘real’ Sundance?

Absolutely. Sundance states the 680 is designed and manufactured to the same standards as the 880 and 980—the difference is the feature tier, not the construction quality. You get proprietary Sundance jets, MicroClean Mini filtration, durable cabinetry, and full dealer support. What it leaves out is the premium equipment—Ultra filtration, advanced controls, and standard smart features—which is exactly how it reaches a lower price.

At Leisure Time Inc., we’re an authorized Sundance dealer and we carry every series—so our only goal is matching you to the right one. Come feel the Fluidix jets, see the 980’s lounge deck, ask about MicroClean Ultra, True Water, and SmartTub, and get a straight answer on which series fits your family and budget. Then we handle delivery, installation, and support for the life of your spa.

Four series, one brand built on innovation—let’s find the Sundance that’s right for you.

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Tags: Sundance Spas, 980 Series, 880 Series, 780 Series, 680 Series, Hot Tub Comparison, Fluidix Jets, CLEARRAY, SmartTub, Hot Tub Buying Guide, Idaho