Sundance Optima vs Chelsee hot tubs compared
Short answer
The Sundance Optima seats 7 with no lounger in 89 x 89 in; the Chelsee seats 7 with no lounger in 89 x 89 in. The Optima has 49 jets to the Chelsee's 40, as the maker counts them.
| Measure |  Sundance Optima880 Series |  Chelsee780 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Lineup | ||
| Series | 880 Series | 780 Series |
| Size | ||
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Length | 89" | 89" |
| Width | 89" | 89" |
| Height | 37" | 38" |
| Water | 355 gal | 400 gal |
| Dry weight | 944 lb | 873 lb |
| Filled weightwater, no people | 3,905 lb | 5,210 lb |
| Jets and pumps | ||
| Jetsas the maker counts them | 49 | 40 |
| Jet pumps | 2 | 2 |
| Electrical | ||
| Voltage | 240 VAC | 240 VAC |
| Amperage | Not published | 240 VAC at 40A, 50A or 60A |
| Breaker | 40, 50, 60 | 40, 50, 60 |
| Heaterat 240V | 5.5 kW | 5.5 kW |
| Build and water care | ||
| Shell | Acrylic | Not published |
| Cabinet | SunStrong® synthetic cabinet panels (SunSide™ cabinet) | SunSide® cabinetry (tool-free, UV-treated) |
| Filter area | 130 sq ft | 125 sq ft |
| Ozone | Yes | Yes |
| UV | Yes | Yes |
| Built in | Not published | Chino, California |
| Warranty | ||
| Shell structure | 10 years | Not published |
| Shell surface | 7 years | Not published |
| Equipment | 5 years | Not published |
| Plumbing | 5 years | Not published |
| Cabinet | 5 years | Not published |
Verdict: The Sundance Optima suits buyers who want more jets (49 against 40), a lighter load on a deck (3,905 lb filled) and less water to heat and treat (355 gal). On the rest of the table the Chelsee is tied or close, so sit in both before you choose.
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What is the difference between the Sundance Optima and Chelsee?
Both seat 7. The Optima measures 89 x 89 x 37 in and the Chelsee 89 x 89 x 38 in. The Optima has 49 jets to the Chelsee's 40, as the maker counts them.
Both are Sundance Spas hot tubs, the Optima from the 880 Series and the Chelsee from the 780 Series. Every figure is the maker's own, with a dot that links the page or PDF it came from. Where the published specs differ:
- Height. Optima: 37"; Chelsee: 38"
- Water. Optima: 355 gal; Chelsee: 400 gal
- Dry weight. Optima: 944 lb; Chelsee: 873 lb
- Filled weight. Optima: 3,905 lb; Chelsee: 5,210 lb
- Jets. Optima: 49; Chelsee: 40
- Cabinet. Optima: SunStrong® synthetic cabinet panels (SunSide™ cabinet); Chelsee: SunSide® cabinetry (tool-free, UV-treated)
- Filter area. Optima: 130 sq ft; Chelsee: 125 sq ft
Will the Optima or the Chelsee fit my space and deck?
The Optima is 89 x 89 in, about 55 sq ft and 37 in tall; filled, it weighs 3,905 lb, about 71 lb per sq ft before anyone gets in. The Chelsee is 89 x 89 in, about 55 sq ft and 38 in tall; filled, it weighs 5,210 lb, about 95 lb per sq ft before anyone gets in. Leave room around the tub for the cover lifter and the service panel, and have a builder check any deck for the filled weight plus people. See hot tub sizes, hot tub weight and what to put a hot tub on.
What electrical hookup do the Optima and Chelsee need?
The Optima runs on 240 VAC. The Chelsee runs on 240 VAC. The table lists amperage and breaker as each maker prints them. A licensed electrician sizes the circuit and the GFCI protection for the model you buy. See hot tub electrical requirements.
Do the Optima and Chelsee carry the same warranty?
Sundance Optima: 10 years on the shell structure, 7 years on the shell surface, 5 years on the equipment, 5 years on the plumbing and 5 years on the cabinet.
Sundance Chelsee: we have no published warranty terms for this model. Ask the dealer for the warranty card.
Read the warranty card before you sign: labor after year one, travel charges, and whether coverage moves to a second owner. The hot tub warranty comparison lines up every brand.
Which costs less to run, the Optima or the Chelsee?
The Optima, by 1 W on standby, about $0.13 a month. Standby is what a tub draws to hold its temperature with the cover on and nobody in it. California tests it the same way for every spa sold in the state, so it is the fairest running-cost figure we have.
The Optima draws 151 W in California's standby test (filed at 355 gallons), about 110 kWh and $20.05 a month at the U.S. average rate. 95% of the 132 filed tubs its size draw more; their median is 197.5 W.
The Chelsee draws 152 W in California's standby test (filed at 370 gallons), about 111 kWh and $20.18 a month at the U.S. average rate. 95% of the 131 filed tubs its size draw more; their median is 201 W.
Costs use the U.S. average residential rate of 18.19¢ a kWh (January to July 2026, EIA). Your own rate, climate and how often you use the jets change the bill. Hot tub running cost works it out by state, and measured standby watts lists every filed model.
What to check in the showroom
- Sit in both, dry is fine, in the seat you would use most. On a running display tub, feel the jets with the back of your hand. Seat depth and where the jets land matter more than the count.
- Climb in and out: step height and the lounger's length suit some bodies and not others.
- Ask for each model's California Energy Commission listing and the warranty card.
The full spec sheets: Sundance Optima hot tub and Sundance Chelsee hot tub. The series: Sundance 880 Series.
Still deciding? Get the price range on both.
- Sundance OptimaPrice on request
- Sundance ChelseePrice on request
Free price range, then one dealer.
Common questions
What is the difference between the Sundance Optima and Chelsee?
Both seat 7. The Optima measures 89 x 89 x 37 in and the Chelsee 89 x 89 x 38 in. The Optima has 49 jets to the Chelsee's 40, as the maker counts them. The table lists every published figure side by side.
Which is bigger, the Optima or the Chelsee?
They take the same floor space: 89 x 89 in, about 55 sq ft each. The Optima holds 355 gallons and the Chelsee 400.
Which costs less to run, the Optima or the Chelsee?
The Optima: 151 W on standby against 152 W in California's tests, about $20.05 against $20.18 a month at the U.S. average of 18.19¢ a kWh (EIA, January to July 2026). Heating fresh water and running the jets add to that.
Do the Optima and Chelsee have the same warranty?
There are no published terms for the Chelsee, so the two can't be compared. The Optima: shell structure 10 years, shell surface 7 years, equipment 5 years, plumbing 5 years and cabinet 5 years. Ask the dealer for the Chelsee's warranty card.
Sources
5
- Sundance Spas Optima product pagemaker's specifications
- Sundance Spas warrantyOptima warranty terms
- Sundance Spas Chelsee product pagemaker's specifications
- California Energy Commission appliance database (spas)standby watts
- EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.BU.S. average residential rate, 18.19¢ a kWh, January to July 2026