If you’re shopping for a premium hot tub, you’ll quickly notice two main interior designs: tubs with a dedicated full-body lounge seat, and tubs designed with open, barrier-free bucket seating.
While lounges sound appealing on paper, many families find they take up significant footwell space or cause shorter bathers to float. That is why the Sundance® Optima® 880 Series is consistently the best-selling hot tub at Main Street Pool & Spa. It is purpose-built for those who want maximum social seating without compromising on targeted, professional-grade hydrotherapy.
In this review, we’ll break down the updated features on the Optima®, how its jetting system works, its winter efficiency for Ontario backyards, and whether it’s the right fit for your home.
👉 Direct Link: View current local pricing and package details on the Optima 880 Product Page
What’s New on the Updated Optima® 880?
Sundance® has refined the 880 Series with subtle but impactful performance and lifestyle upgrades:
- 49 Precision Jets: Upgraded jet placement throughout the shell provides smoother hydrotherapy coverage across all 7 seats.
- MicroClean® Ultra II Filtration: Features 130 sq. ft. of dual interlocking horizontal filter media for superior water clarity and micro-particle capture.
- Optional Integrated Stereo & Tech Package: Includes two 5-inch premium speakers, an 8-inch subwoofer, and a built-in wireless inductive phone charger on the top deck.
- SmartTub™ System Integration: Full cellular-based app control lets you monitor water temperature, track energy usage, and receive service alerts directly on your phone.
1. Seating Design: Why Open Seating Wins
The defining feature of the Optima® is its 7-person open-seating footprint. Rather than using 30% of the interior space for a single reclining lounge, the Optima® provides deep, ergonomic bucket seats around the entire perimeter.
Why homeowners prefer this layout:
- True 7-Adult Capacity: Open seating eliminates the "dead space" created by lounge contours, allowing everyone to sit comfortably without overlapping feet.
- Varied Seat Heights: Accommodates tall adults, teens, and children at different depths so everyone’s shoulders remain below the waterline in winter.
- Barrier-Free Movement: Bathers can move smoothly between therapy stations during a soak to target different muscle groups.
- Conversational Layout: Everyone faces inward, making it ideal for family conversations and hosting guests.
2. Hydrotherapy Breakdown: Hydro-Massage Technology
A common mistake when comparing hot tubs is assuming higher horsepower motor ratings equal a better massage. True muscle relief is achieved through water volume, dynamic movement, and precise jet engineering.
The Optima® is equipped with 49 specialized jets powered by two high-output 2.5 HP pumps and Sundance’s patented Fluidix® Jet Technology.
Key Therapy Stations:
- The Accu-Ssage™ Therapy Seat: The flagship station in the Optima®. It delivers full-body immersion with the widest neck and shoulder coverage in the 880 Series, plus dedicated hip, wrist, and armrest massage jets.
- Fluidix® Jets (No Moving Parts): Traditional hot tub jets use spinning plastic bearings that wear out or seize over time due to mineral buildup. Fluidix® jets use fluidics principles to create oscillating, pulsing, and deep-kneading massage patterns without any moving parts.
- Central Reflexology Foot Dome: Located in the center of the spacious footwell, the integrated jetted dome delivers a vigorous foot massage accessible from every seat in the spa.
3. Built for Canadian Winters: Insulation & Power
Running a hot tub through -20°C Ontario winters requires serious thermal retention and durable engineering.
- SunStrong® Steel Frame: Constructed on an eco-friendly, fully recyclable steel frame engineered to resist rust, rot, and structural decay over a 20+ year lifespan.
- Full-Foam Thermal Insulation: High-density insulation completely fills the cabinet cavity, trapping heat inside and preventing heat loss during winter freezes.
- 240V Electrical System: Operates on a dedicated 240VAC (40A, 50A, or 60A breaker options). This delivers rapid heat recovery so your water stays consistently warm even when soaking with the cover off in mid-winter.
4. Simplified Water Management
Keeping your water clean shouldn't feel like a chemistry experiment. The Optima® combines two automated water-care technologies:
- CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™ Technology: Uses UV-C light to sanitize water on contact, neutralizing 99.9% of waterborne pathogens and significantly reducing your reliance on traditional chlorine or bromine.
- MicroClean® Ultra II Filtration: Uses a 130 sq. ft. dual-stage interlocking cartridge system paired with a dedicated low-draw circulation pump for continuous 24/7 water filtration.
Technical Specifications Matrix
| Feature | Specification |
| Seating Capacity | 7 Adults |
| Dimensions | 89" x 89" x 37" (227 cm x 227 cm x 94 cm) |
| Water Volume | 355 Gallons (1,344 Liters) |
| Dry Weight | 944 lbs (429 kg) |
| Filled Weight | 3,905 lbs (1,772 kg) |
| Total Jets | 49 Specialized Fluidix® Jets |
| Pumps | 2 x 2.5 HP Continuous (56 Frame) + Circulation Pump |
| Electrical Requirement | 240 VAC @ 40A / 50A / 60A |
| Filtration | MicroClean® Ultra II (130 sq. ft.) + CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™ |
Who is the Optima® 880 Best For?
The Optima® is ideal for you if:
- You want maximum comfortable seating for families or group gatherings.
- You prefer deep, open bucket seats instead of a full lounge.
- You suffer from chronic neck, back, hip, or foot pain and want targeted hydrotherapy.
- You want a low-maintenance, heavy-duty tub built to handle cold northern winters.
Consider alternative models if:
- You strongly prefer a full-length, lying-down lounge seat (Check out the Sundance® Cameo® 880 Series).
- You want a similar open-seating footprint at a lower price point (Check out the Sundance® 780 Chelsee).
The Main Street Pool & Spa Advantage
When you invest in a hot tub through Main Street Pool & Spa, you get complete local backing from delivery day to ongoing care:
- Complete Turnkey Package: Includes professional local delivery, heavy-duty insulated cover, cover lifter kit, entry steps, and a starter water treatment chemical kit.
- Uxbridge Showroom Support: Enjoy free professional computerized water testing and access to local field service technicians.
- Flexible Payment Options: Flexible bi-weekly financing terms available on approved credit.
Experience the Optima® in Person
Want to test the seating depth or view shell and cabinet finishes in person? Visit our Uxbridge showroom at 37 Main Street North, Uxbridge, ON or call us at 905-862-4040 to speak with a specialist.
👉 Apply for Financing or Request a Quote on the Optima 880 Product Page
