The AquaLife Sutherland LS is a 240V hardwired, 81-jet therapy lounger spa engineered for deep-tissue hydrotherapy and daily serious use. The AquaLife Palm Beach is a 120V plug-and-play, 30-jet bench spa engineered for maximum group capacity, zero installation hassle, and built-in cold contrast recovery.
- The Sutherland LS seats 6 adults with a full-body lounger and 81 stainless steel jets across 120 ports the highest jet count in this comparison.
- The Palm Beach seats 6 to 7 adults in a non-lounger bench configuration with 30 adjustable jets across 82 ports.
- The Sutherland LS requires a licensed electrician for 240V/50A hardwired installation. The Palm Beach plugs into any standard 120V outlet no electrician needed.
- The Sutherland LS weighs 700 lbs dry and has a 3-pump system including a 1 HP blower. The Palm Beach weighs 485 lbs dry and uses a single 2-peak HP 2-speed pump.
- Both include ozone water purification, programmable LED lighting, and insulated locking covers.
- Choose the Sutherland LS for maximum therapy intensity with a lounger. Choose the Palm Beach for maximum group capacity with zero setup cost.
Sutherland LS vs. Palm Beach: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Sutherland LS | Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 6 Adults | 6–7 Adults |
| Shape | Square | Square |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 85″ × 85″ × 36″ | 80″ × 80″ × 34″ |
| Dry Weight | 700 lbs | 485 lbs |
| Voltage | 240V / 50A (hardwired) | 120V plug-and-play |
| Electrician Required | Yes | No |
| Seating Style | Lounger + bench seats | Bench only (non-lounger) |
| Jets | 81 stainless steel / 120 ports | 30 stainless steel / 82 ports |
| Pump System | 3-pump (5 BHP 2-speed + 5 BHP 1-speed + 1 HP blower) | Single 2-peak HP 2-speed pump |
| Ozone Purification | Yes enhanced ozonator | Yes standard ozonator |
| Waterfall | Yes LED waterfall | Yes dual water columns |
| Ice Bucket | No | Yes built-in with lid |
| LED Lighting | Full Lumination system (LED, backlit cup holders, exterior) | Programmable underwater LED |
| ASTM-Certified Cover | Yes | No insulated locking cover |
| Energy Modes | 3 programmable (standard / economy / sleep) | Standard digital control |
| Heater | 4kW stainless steel | Stainless steel heater |
| CEC Compliant | Yes | Not specified |
| List Price | $8,562 | Check Amazon |
| Best For | Therapy-focused daily users, lounger soakers | Large families, social groups, plug-and-play buyers |
Who Fits in Each Hot Tub? Seating Capacity Explained
The AquaLife Palm Beach seats the most people up to 7 adults in bench configuration. The AquaLife Sutherland LS seats 6 adults comfortably, with one position dedicated to a full-body lounger seat.
The AquaLife Palm Beach fits 6 to 7 adults in all-bench seating across an 80-inch square shell. Every user sits upright with their own jet zones no secondary position. This makes the Palm Beach the right choice when headcount matters most: families with teenagers, households that entertain, or groups where getting everyone in at once is the goal.
The AquaLife Sutherland LS seats 6 adults, with one position dedicated to a full-body lounger. One user reclines fully while the other 5 sit upright. For the lounger user, the Sutherland LS delivers the most powerful full-body massage in this comparison by a wide margin.
Choose the Palm Beach if:
- Your household regularly soaks with 6 or 7 people and equal seating matters
- Group entertaining is the primary use case
- No one in the household needs a dedicated lounger position
Choose the Sutherland LS if:
- One or two people use the spa daily for serious back, joint, or muscle therapy
- A full-body reclining massage is more important than maximizing group headcount
- Premium therapy output is the priority over plug-and-play convenience
Lounger vs. Non-Lounger: How Does It Affect Your Soak?
The Sutherland LS includes a full-body lounger. The Palm Beach is a bench-only, non-lounger spa. This is one of the two most important differences between these models.
A lounger positions the body horizontally. Jets target the lower back, calves, hamstrings, and feet simultaneously powered in the Sutherland LS by a 3-pump system that produces some of the strongest water pressure in any 6-person home spa. For solo soaking, this delivers a full-body deep-tissue experience a bench-only spa cannot match.
The Palm Beach bench layout positions everyone upright with equivalent coverage across all 6 to 7 seats. No dominant position. No compromised seat. For groups, this equal-access design is a genuine advantage everyone gets the same quality soak.
Note: Sutherland LS lounger users under 130 lbs may experience buoyancy at high pressure bench seats provide more stable contact for lighter users.
What Kind of Massage Does Each Hot Tub Deliver?
The AquaLife Sutherland LS is one of the most powerful therapy spas in the AquaLife lineup 81 jets, 120 ports, and a 3-pump system including a blower. The AquaLife Palm Beach delivers moderate, broad relaxation therapy across all bench positions through a single 2-speed pump.
Sutherland LS therapy profile:
- 3-pump system: 5 BHP 2-speed pump + 5 BHP 1-speed pump + 1 HP blower pump
- 81 stainless steel jets across 120 ports the highest jet-to-port count in this comparison
- Jets are zone-targeted to seat-specific muscle groups across the entire shell
- Blower pump adds full-spa effervescence: bubblier, more enveloping water movement for all 6 users
- Lounger position delivers deep-tissue coverage across the complete body simultaneously
- Enhanced ozone system keeps water cleaner with fewer added chemicals
Palm Beach therapy profile:
- Single 2-peak HP 2-speed pump powers all 30 jets across 82 ports
- Two speed settings: gentle relaxation mode or more invigorating massage mode
- 30 adjustable stainless steel jets distribute coverage across all 6 to 7 bench positions
- Dual water columns add cascading neck and shoulder coverage as a passive therapy layer
- Built-in ice bucket enables cold contrast therapy immediately after the hot soak a recovery technique used by athletes and physiotherapists
The Palm Beach ice bucket deserves specific attention. Cold contrast therapy alternating between a hot soak and cold exposure is a clinically recognized recovery method for reducing muscle soreness and inflammation. Having a built-in chilled compartment directly on the spa shell makes contrast recovery a seamless part of the session. The Sutherland LS does not offer this feature.
Will It Fit My Backyard or Deck?
The Sutherland LS is 5 inches wider, 5 inches deeper, and 2 inches taller than the Palm Beach and weighs 215 lbs more dry. Both are large spas, but the Palm Beach is significantly easier to deliver, position, and support on a standard deck.
| Measurement | Sutherland LS | Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 85 inches (7.1 ft) | 80 inches (6.7 ft) |
| Width | 85 inches (7.1 ft) | 80 inches (6.7 ft) |
| Height | 36 inches (3.0 ft) | 34 inches (2.8 ft) |
| Dry Weight | 700 lbs | 485 lbs |
| Filled Weight (est.) | ~4,200 lbs | ~3,700 lbs |
The Sutherland LS at 700 lbs dry (~4,200 lbs filled) requires a reinforced concrete slab or structurally verified deck. Confirm your deck rating with a contractor before ordering. The 85-inch footprint also requires a wide delivery path.
The Palm Beach at 485 lbs dry (~3,700 lbs filled) suits most standard patios and decks. Its 80-inch frame moves more easily through standard backyard gates, and its 34-inch height makes entry slightly easier than the Sutherland LS.
How Much Does Each Hot Tub Cost to Install and Run?
The Palm Beach eliminates electrician cost entirely plug it into any standard 120V/15A outlet. The Sutherland LS requires a 240V/50A hardwired install by a licensed electrician, adding $300 to $800 to your total setup cost, but delivers proportionally greater therapy output in return.
| Energy Factor | Sutherland LS | Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 240V / 50A hardwired | 120V plug-and-play |
| Electrician Required | Yes $300 to $800 typical | No plug in and soak |
| Pump System | 3-pump (high draw) | Single 2-peak HP pump (low draw) |
| Energy Modes | 3 programmable modes | Standard digital control |
| Monthly Running Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Ozone System | Enhanced reduces chemical spend | Standard reduces chemical spend |
| CEC Compliant | Yes | Not specified |
| ASTM-Certified Cover | Yes superior heat retention | No standard insulated cover |
The Sutherland LS’s 3-pump system draws more power per session but delivers therapy that no single-pump spa can match. Its 3 programmable energy modes (standard, economy, sleep) let you actively manage daily operating costs based on how frequently you soak. The ASTM-certified cover also provides superior heat retention compared to a standard insulated cover, reducing heat loss and lowering the energy needed to maintain temperature between sessions.
The Palm Beach’s plug-and-play design saves installation cost upfront. Its single pump draws significantly less power per session. For families who use the spa primarily for social soaking rather than daily therapy sessions, these lower running costs represent real monthly savings.
Daily Use vs. Weekend Social Use
The Sutherland LS is built for daily personal therapy. The Palm Beach is built for weekend family and social group use though both work year-round.
Sutherland LS daily therapy routine:
- 3-pump, 81-jet system delivers clinic-grade hydrotherapy on demand every session
- Full Lumination LED system (backlit cup holders, exterior lighting, waterfall) creates a complete daily spa atmosphere
- ASTM-certified cover and enhanced ozone minimize maintenance between daily soaks
- 3 energy modes reduce running costs during weeknight sessions when full power is not needed
Palm Beach family and social group use:
- 6 to 7 person capacity means the whole family or a group of friends fits at once
- 120V plug-and-play means no scheduling around electrician availability plug in on day of delivery
- Dual water columns create visual atmosphere during evening group soaks
- Built-in ice bucket with lid is a genuine post-workout or post-game recovery feature for active households
- Lower 34-inch height makes entry and exit comfortable for children and elderly users
Which Spa Offers Better Value for Your Situation?
The Sutherland LS is the premium deep-therapy model maximum jet power, lounger, and full installation commitment. The Palm Beach is the maximum-capacity social model highest headcount, zero installation cost, and built-in recovery features.
How to decide:
- You or a family member soak daily for back pain, arthritis, or athletic recovery: choose the Sutherland LS.
- Your household has 6 to 7 people who soak together and you want everyone in at once: choose the Palm Beach.
- You want the fastest possible setup zero electrician, zero waiting: choose the Palm Beach.
- You want the most powerful jet therapy available in a 6-person AquaLife spa: choose the Sutherland LS.
- You want cold contrast recovery built into the spa shell: choose the Palm Beach.
- You want an ASTM-certified cover and CEC-compliant energy efficiency rating: choose the Sutherland LS.
- Budget is a serious consideration and your primary use is social soaking: choose the Palm Beach.
Final Verdict: Sutherland LS vs. Palm Beach
These two spas represent opposite ends of the AquaLife 6-person range one built for maximum therapy, one built for maximum access.
| Your Situation | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| You want 81-jet deep-tissue daily therapy | Sutherland LS |
| You want a full-body lounger for solo soaking | Sutherland LS |
| You need ASTM-certified safety cover | Sutherland LS |
| You want the strongest pump system in a 6-person spa | Sutherland LS |
| You want CEC-compliant energy efficiency | Sutherland LS |
| You want 6 to 7 people in the water simultaneously | Palm Beach |
| You want plug-and-play no electrician, no wiring | Palm Beach |
| You want a built-in ice bucket for contrast recovery | Palm Beach |
| Budget favors lower setup and running costs | Palm Beach |
| Children or elderly users need easier entry (lower height) | Palm Beach |
Both the Sutherland LS and Palm Beach are manufactured by AquaLife (Strong Spas) in Central Pennsylvania, USA. Both ship from Amazon.com with a 30-day return guarantee and full manufacturer support. The Sutherland LS carries a 5-year shell warranty, 2-year plumbing and electrical warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.
The Sutherland LS is the right spa if therapy is the mission. The Palm Beach is the right spa if access, capacity, and simplicity are the mission. Neither model is universally better only better for the buyer whose life it fits.
Shop both models at aqualifehottubs.com or visit the AquaLife Amazon Store for current pricing and fast delivery.
