I am trying to short cut what looks like a long involved research project. Our 15 year old sundance hot tub must have sprung a serious leak. It had a slow leak...but when returned after a four day trip, it was almost empty. That wasn't the slow leak at work. Anyway, for a couple of reasons, I am thinking I should replace it (and I am not the replacing type...I am generally a fixer). The reasons are 1) it is bigger than necessary, I need one that accommodates 1 to 3 people and this one is 4 to 5 people; 2) the newer ones are more energy efficient, I think; 3) I don't want to spend money on fixing something that will leak again, probably soon.

QuestionS: Is spa depot or another reputable on line seller trustworthy? Spa depot says that the value of insulation is over rated because it is though the top that heat escapes. Is the Belize hot tub a reliable brand? What about "soft" hot tubs. I see that they are less expensive, but are they reliable?

Thoughts and opinions created appreciated.