Artesian, Nordic & TidalFit Compared

An honest side-by-side of every hot tub and swim spa line on our Midvale showroom floor

By the team at Soakers, Midvale, UT · Updated October 9, 2026

We carry two hot tub manufacturers, Artesian Spas and Nordic Hot Tubs, because they cover very different needs and budgets. This guide compares every line we sell so you can narrow things down before you visit. We're not going to tell you one brand is "the best." The right spa depends on your space, your electrical setup, how you'll use it, and your budget.

Who makes what#

The lineup at a glance#

Line Maker Seats Electrical Best for
Artesian Elite Artesian 4–9 240V (5.5 kW heater) Maximum hydrotherapy and technology
Island Spas Artesian Varies by model, up to 9 240V (5.5 kW heater on models we checked) Building a spa to your size, seating and feature level
South Seas Spas Artesian 3–8 Mostly 240V; the 519P is a 120V plug-in Lots of shapes and jet layouts at accessible prices
Garden Spas Artesian 2–6 120V/15A plug-and-play Condos, townhomes, small patios
TidalFit Artesian 3–4 (exercise pools); 5–6 (hot tubs) 240V (5.5 kW heater) Swimming and exercise year-round
Nordic Luxury Nordic 6–8 220V (Encore LS: 50A) Big features in a value-priced family spa
Nordic Sport Nordic 2–6 220V on models we checked (40A) Targeted recovery jets, athletes
Nordic Modern Nordic 2–6 110V/220V convertible Contemporary looks, compact footprints
Nordic Classic Nordic 5–6 (round) Most 110V/220V convertible Round tubs with multi-level seating
Nordic ALL-IN-110V Nordic 2–6 110V plug-and-play Simple installs with Nordic Wrap and ozone standard

Artesian Spas lines#

Artesian Elite: the top of the range#

The Elite line is Artesian's luxury hydrotherapy spa. Standard features include the DIRECTFLOW Personal Control System (adjust the jets at your seat), 316L stainless steel H2O PowerFlow jets, dual footblasters, a 5.5 kW titanium heater, WiFi, DynaBrite Elite LED lighting, an ozone system, and full-foam insulation with a PermaBase ABS pan. Models run from the 4-person Quail Ridge to the 9-person Pelican Bay.

Choose it if: hydrotherapy is the main reason you're buying, and you want the most control over every seat.

Island Spas: build it your way#

Island Spas start with a size and seat layout. Then you pick a trim. Essential includes 32–44 Helix jets, two jet pumps plus a circulation pump, and full foam. Luxury adds more jets, a third pump, footblasters and an ozonator. Elite goes up to 72 Helix jets and adds DirectFlow personal control. There are eight models, up to the 9-seat Bimini.

Choose it if: you want a premium Artesian spa but would rather pick the feature level than pay for everything.

South Seas Spas: variety at accessible prices#

South Seas offers more than fifteen models in Deluxe and Standard classes, with lounger and bench layouts, pillowfall massagers and neck-and-shoulder jet systems. Most models use a 5.5 kW heater on 240V. The compact 4-seat 519P is a 120V plug-in.

Choose it if: you want lots of shape and seating choices without stepping up to Island or Elite pricing.

Garden Spas: compact plug-and-play#

Nine compact models from 2 to 6 seats, designed for smaller homes and tight spaces. They plug into a standard 120V/15A outlet with the included GFCI cord. Grandwood cabinets are maintenance-free.

Choose it if: you live in a condo or townhome, have a small patio, or want to skip a 240V installation. Read 110V vs 240V first so you know what to expect from a smaller heater.

TidalFit: swim spas and hot tubs#

TidalFit exercise pools (Active EP-12, ActivePlus EP-12 and Pro EP-15) have a True Variable Speed swim current and are heated for year-round use. TidalFit also makes standalone hot tubs (DTL-6, DTL-8, DT-19 and DT-21). See Swim Spa vs Pool in Utah.

Choose it if: you want to swim or exercise at home and a full pool doesn't fit your yard or your Utah swim season.

Nordic Hot Tubs series#

Nordic spas share a few traits: Nordic Star stainless steel jets, a textured, non-skid HDPE Permashell surface, Permawood or cedar cabinets, and Nordic's Dual Therapy System, which pairs high-volume whirlpool flow with targeted jets. Many models are 110V or 110V/220V convertible, which makes installation simpler.

  • Luxury Series: the 6-person Encore LS, for example, has 53 jets, a 3 hp and a 2 hp pump, and the Northern Lighting Package standard. Rendezvous LS seats up to 8.
  • Sport Edition: built around recovery, with jets aimed at the back, legs and feet. Models range from the 2-person D'Amour SE to the 6-person Encore and Jubilee SE.
  • Modern Series: clean, contemporary shapes. The Bella MS is only 34.5 inches wide and fits through most standard doorways. Models are 110V/220V convertible.
  • Classic Series: Nordic's signature round tubs with multi-level, barrier-free seating, from the Impulse Classic (Nordic's shallowest at 31 inches) to the Crown XL. Most are convertible.
  • ALL-IN-110V: plug-and-play versions of popular models, with Nordic Wrap insulation and the Nordic Clean ozonator standard.

Choose Nordic if: you want a straightforward, durable spa at a value price, like round tubs, or want a plug-and-play or convertible option.

How to compare spas yourself#

  1. Sit in them. Seat depth, lounger fit and jet placement feel different for every body. Our Midvale showroom has models on display from all the brands we carry.
  2. Match the electrical to your home. Plug-and-play, convertible, or 240V. See 110V vs 240V.
  3. Ask about insulation if you'll soak through Utah winters. See our winter guide.
  4. Compare total cost, not just the sticker price: installation, running costs and accessories. See what a hot tub costs in Utah.
  5. Think about service. We repair every brand, and we're a short drive away for anyone on the Wasatch Front.

Want a recommendation for your yard and budget? Ask us or stop by Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes Island Spas, South Seas Spas, Garden Spas and TidalFit?

All four are lines from Artesian Spas, a manufacturer based in Las Vegas, Nevada, which also makes the Artesian Elite line. Nordic Hot Tubs are made by Nordic Products, Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What's the main difference between Artesian and Nordic hot tubs?

Artesian offers cast acrylic shells and a range from plug-and-play compacts up to the high-end Artesian Elite with DIRECTFLOW personal jet control. Nordic uses a textured HDPE Permashell with Nordic Star stainless jets and focuses on simple, value-priced spas, including classic round tubs and many 110V or convertible models.

Which hot tub brand is best for a small space?

Look at Garden Spas (2 to 6 seats, plugs into a standard 120V/15A outlet), the Nordic ALL-IN-110V Series, and Nordic Modern models like the Bella MS, which is only 34.5 inches wide and fits through most standard doorways.

Which line has the most hydrotherapy features?

Artesian Elite is the top of our lineup, with the DIRECTFLOW Personal Control System, 316L stainless steel jets, dual footblasters and a 5.5 kW titanium heater. The Elite trim of Island Spas also adds DirectFlow personal control on top of up to 72 Helix jets.

Questions? Ask Us in Person

Visit our Midvale showroom Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM, or call 801-838-SPAS. No pressure, just straight answers.

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