If you want one hot tub that can handle family nights, friends dropping by, and legit hydrotherapy, the Sundance Optima (880 Series) is usually the first model we point people to in our Uxbridge showroom.
It is Sundance’s most popular non-lounge layout in the 880 Series, and after years of helping homeowners across Durham Region pick the right spa, we get why. The Optima is roomy, comfortable for a wide range of body types, and it delivers the kind of neck, shoulder, and back relief that makes you actually use your hot tub more than once a week.
Quick take: who the Optima is best for
The Optima is a great fit if you want:
- Open seating for up to 7 adults (no lounge taking up half the tub)
- A spa that works for different heights and body types
- Neck and shoulder-focused hydrotherapy
- A premium hot tub that is still practical for Ontario weather and year-round use
If you are set on a lounge seat, you may want to compare other models, but if you want maximum flexibility for real households, open seating is hard to beat.
The layout: why open seating matters more than people think
A lot of buyers come in thinking they need a lounge. Then we talk through how they will actually use the spa.
With the Optima’s open seating:
- More people can sit comfortably at once
- You can rotate seats easily to find your favourite jet pattern
- It is easier to host without someone getting “stuck” in the one lounge spot
- It tends to fit families better, especially as kids grow into teens
It is one of those layouts that works on a quiet Tuesday night and also works when friends show up on the weekend.
Hydrotherapy review: where the Optima really shines
Sundance built the Optima to be a hydrotherapy workhorse. You get 47 jets with Fluidix jet configurations, which is a fancy way of saying the massage is not one-note. You can go from gentle to deep tissue depending on what your body needs that day.
Highlights we see customers love:
- Neck and shoulder relief (a big reason this model is so popular)
- The Accu-Ssage seat for deeper, full-body immersion
- Hip massage jet configurations that are unique to the Optima
- A jetted foot dome that can be enjoyed from any seat, not just one “good” seat
If your goal is to feel better after work, after workouts, or after weekend projects around the house, this is where the Optima earns its reputation.
Real-world ownership in Ontario: what to expect
1) Winter use is the point, not a bonus
In Durham Region, hot tubs are not just a summer toy. Most owners end up using them even more in fall and winter.
A few practical notes we tell people:
- Keep your water chemistry steady so you are not fighting it in January
- Do not ignore the cover fit and cover condition, heat loss adds up fast
- If you are away, make sure someone checks the tub or you have a plan for monitoring
2) Installation and delivery planning matters
The Optima is a premium, full-size spa. Before you buy, you want to think about:
- Access to the yard (gates, turns, steps)
- Where the electrical will run
- Your base or pad planning
- Privacy, wind exposure, and where snow will pile up
These details are not exciting, but they are the difference between a smooth install and a stressful one.
Water care and maintenance: “premium” should still be simple
The Optima includes ClearRay Active Oxygen water management and filtration designed to keep water clean and comfortable. In plain terms, it is built to help you spend less time chasing water issues.
Our best advice for low-stress ownership:
- Test your water regularly, especially in the first month
- Stick to a routine, do not “wing it” with chemicals
- Use professional water testing when you can, it saves money and headaches
If you are local, we do free professional water testing in-store and help you adjust based on what your water is actually doing, not what a strip kind of suggests.
Controls and everyday comfort features
The Optima is designed to be easy to live with:
- Touchscreen controls that are straightforward day or night
- Lighting that makes evening soaks feel like a real backyard upgrade
- Optional SmartTub compatibility if you want app-style monitoring and control
Optima 880 Series specs (quick reference)
From the product listing:
- Seating: Up to 7 adults
- Jets: 47
- Volume: 1552.01 L (410 gal)
- Dimensions: 226.06 cm x 226.06 cm
- Height: 95.25 cm
- Dry weight: 419.11 kg (924 lb)
- Filled weight: 1970 kg
- Pumps: 2 primary pumps + circulation pump
- Diverter valves: 2
FAQs we hear all the time in-store
Is the Optima too big for a typical backyard?
Not usually, but access is everything. The footprint is roughly 226 cm x 226 cm, so the bigger question is how we get it into place and where the electrical will run.
Is open seating better than a lounge?
If you host, have a family, or want flexibility, open seating is often the better long-term choice. If you are buying mainly for solo use, a lounge can be great, but it is more of a personal preference.
Is this a good hot tub for hydrotherapy?
Yes. This is one of the strongest reasons to buy the Optima. It is built around varied jet configurations and strong neck, shoulder, and back relief.
How hard is it to keep the water clean?
With a consistent routine, it is very manageable. The Optima is designed to make clean water easier, but any hot tub still needs regular testing and basic upkeep.
Why buy locally instead of ordering from somewhere else?
Because service, water care help, and long-term support matter. When you buy a premium spa, you want a local team that can help you keep it running properly for years.
Our honest recommendation
If you want one premium hot tub that does a bit of everything, the Sundance Optima 880 Series is one of the safest bets in the category. It is spacious, it works for real families, and it delivers hydrotherapy that you will actually feel.
If you want to compare models in the 880 Series or sit in the Optima to see how the seats feel, come by the showroom.
