Optima vs. Cameo vs. Chelsee: Which Sundance Hot Tub Is Actually Worth It?

Oct 1, 2026

When shopping for an $89" \times 89" \times 37"$ ( $227 \times 227 \times 94\text{ cm}$ ) spa, most buyers narrow their choices down to three top-tier Sundance® models:

While all three share a similar $89" \times 89"$ outer footprint, they cater to very different priorities, body types, and budgets. In Part 2 of our review series, we compare their specifications head-to-head so you can invest with confidence.

👉 Direct Link: Explore the full Sundance Spas collection at Main Street Pool & Spa

Specification Comparison Matrix

Feature / Spec	Optima® 880 Series	Cameo® 880 Series	Chelsee® 780 Series
Seating Style	Open / Barrier-Free	Full Lounge + Open Seats	Open / Barrier-Free
Seating Capacity	7 Adults	6 Adults	7 Adults
Dimensions	$89" \times 89" \times 37"$ ( $227 \times 227 \times 94\text{ cm}$ )	$89" \times 89" \times 37"$ $89" \times 89" \times 37"$ ( $227 \times 227 \times 94\text{ cm}$ )	$89" \times 89" \times 38"$ $89" \times 89" \times 37"$ ( $227 \times 227 \times 94\text{ cm}$ )
Water Volume	355 gal (1,344 L)	350 gal (1,325 L)	400 gal (1,515 L)
Dry Weight	944 lbs (429 kg)	889 lbs (404 kg)	873 lbs (396 kg)
Total Jets	49 Fluidix® Jets	53 Fluidix® Jets	40 SMT™ & Fluidix® Jets
Filtration System	MicroClean® Ultra II ( $130\text{ sq. ft.}$ )	MicroClean® Ultra II ( $130\text{ sq. ft.}$ )	MicroClean® I ( $130\text{ sq. ft.}$ )
Water Sanitization	CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™	CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™	CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™
Circulation System	Dynamic Flow Circulation Pump	Dynamic Flow Circulation Pump	8-Hour Circulation Pump
Control Panel	Advanced Glass Touchscreen	Advanced Glass Touchscreen	Glass Touch Control Panel
Primary/Secondary Pumps	2 x 2.5 HP Continuous	2 x 2.5 HP Continuous	2 x 2.5 HP Continuous

1. Optima® 880 vs. Cameo® 880: Open Seating vs. Full Lounge

Both models belong to Sundance's flagship 880 Series, meaning they share identical SunStrong® steel frame construction, glass touchscreen controls, full-foam insulation, and MicroClean® Ultra II filtration ( $130\text{ sq. ft.}$ combined horizontal dual cartridges).

The decision comes down strictly to seating layout and jet configuration:

Choose the Optima® 880 (49 Jets / 7 Adults) if:

You host family or social groups: Holds 7 adults comfortably with zero overlapping legs.
You have shorter family members: Lounge seats can cause lighter or shorter bathers to "float" when high-powered jets run. Deep corner bucket seats keep everyone anchored.
You want equal foot massage access: The Optima's central jetted foot dome delivers reflexology foot therapy reachable from all 7 seats.

Choose the Cameo® 880 (53 Jets / 6 Adults) if:

Full-body leg and calf therapy is your top priority: The Fluidix® Full-Body Massage Lounge features dedicated calf, hamstring, and foot jets for head-to-toe relief.
It’s mostly just 1 or 2 bathers: If you rarely fill your spa with guests, the Cameo's lounge offers a solo soaking experience that cannot be matched in an upright seat.

2. Optima® 880 vs. 780 Chelsee®: Is the 880 Upgrade Worth It?

If you prefer open seating, you’ll naturally compare the Optima® 880 to the 780 Chelsee®. Both models share an $89" \times 89"$ 89" exterior footprint (with the Chelsee sitting slightly taller at $38"$ ).

Here is what you get when stepping up to the 880 Series:

1. Superior Jetting & Blower Tech

Optima® 880 (49 Jets): Features 100% patented Fluidix® jets (built without moving bearings that seize up from hard water scale) plus an integrated air blower system.
780 Chelsee® (40 Jets): Uses a blend of Fluidix® jets and SMT™ spiral-action directional jets.

2. Upgraded Water Filtration

Optima® 880: Equipped with the MicroClean® Ultra II system ( $130\text{ sq. ft.}$ ) paired with continuous 24/7 Dynamic Flow circulation.
780 Chelsee®: Features the MicroClean® I system ( $125\text{ sq. ft.}$ ) with a floating weir and an 8-hour circulation pump cycle.

3. Cabinet & Aesthetic Refinements

The 880 Series adds exterior LED cabinet corner lighting, backlit interior grab bars, and an optional premium stereo upgrade featuring two 5-inch speakers, an 8-inch subwoofer, and an inductive wireless phone charger on the top deck.

The Final Verdict: Which Model Wins for You?

Buy the Optima® 880 if you want the ultimate balance of 7-person capacity, low-maintenance filtration, and high-end hydrotherapy built for a full house.
Buy the Cameo® 880 if you prioritize a personal reclining lounge massage over maximum seating count.
Buy the 780 Chelsee® if you want the spacious dimensions of an $89" \times 89"$ tub but prefer a mid-tier price point focused on core performance.

Experience All Three Models in Uxbridge

Unsure whether a lounge or bucket seat fits your body height better? Visit our showroom at 37 Main Street North, Uxbridge, ON or call us at 905-862-4040 to inspect interior layouts in person.

👉 View All Sundance® Hot Tubs & Request Showroom Pricing