Bueno Spas are indeed made by Wellis!
People want to know why they should pay more for a Wellis hot tub when Bueno spas are made by Wellis and available online at a much lower price.
It's true you will spend less money but as you know, you get what you pay for. According to a Wellis factory representative the differences to the best of our knowledge are shown below.
Insulation
Wellis spas include a super efficient 3 (three) layer laminated closed cell waterproof foam blanket fit into a channel top and bottom around the perimeter of the spa right under the cabinet. This closed cell foam blanket reflects the heat back inward to keep it inside the spa cabinet. This also keeps the sound inside so Wellis spas are super quiet too.
Bueno spas has only one single layer of foam to cut costs so, 66% less insulation value and based on that, 66% more noise too.
Thermal Cover
Wellis spas include a tapered thermal cover made with new high tech Weathershield fabric. This type of fabric is well known for it's weather durability and is used in outdoor furniture and umbrella products.
Bueno includes old technology imported vinyl invented in the 1920's that dries out and cracks over a short period of time.
Underwater Lighting
Wellis spas include LED lights around the perimeter waterline and underwater for a nice lighting effect. Many models also include exterior corner lighting which is really handy on a dark night getting in and out of your spa.
Bueno also includes interior LED lights but only about 50% as many for a fairly weak LED light show.
Ozone purification system
Wellis models include the UV/Ozone system on some models and the Ozomix system on others.
This delivery system significantly improves the effectiveness of the entire system by injecting the ozone gas directly into a high turbulence mixing chamber that is at the headwaters of the return water lines of the spa. The ozone is thoroughly mixed with the water and trapped inside the water lines killing bacteria all the way back to the spa where it ultimately rises to the surface.
Bueno spas use a standard ozone unit where the ozone is drawn into the spa via the venture air lines. The first and only contact with water is when it is pulled into a jet where it immediately rises to the surface and is gone. Very limited contact with the water so much less effective.
Spa construction and structural integrity
Wellis spas are made by vacuum forming a sheet of Lucite acrylic into a mold of each particular spa then it is flipped upside down and is reinforced by layers of robotically applied polyurethane. That's what gives it it's structural integrity. The robotic polyurethane sprayer sprays a total of 8 (eight) layers of polyurethane on each Wellis for a super strong shell.
Bueno spas are made the same way but the robot only sprays 2 layers (two layers) of polyurethane so only 25% as strong.. I don't like the sound of that!
Self cleaning systems
Wellis spas each have a specially placed jet in the footwell area that is called a "sweeper" jet. It keeps debris off the floor so it can be sucked into the filter system and removed from the water.
Bueno has no system in place to keep the floor clean.
Warranty
Wellis spas have a 5 year warranty. The first 3 years are full parts and labor and the last 2 years are pro rated so you would pay a percentage of the cost of a repair. The Wellis dealer that sold you the spa will come out immediately and take care of any problem. Dealers typically stock parts so they can get you back up and running quickly and normally in one trip to your house. This is especially important in winter.
Bueno spas have only a 1 (one) year warranty and service must be arranged directly with the factory. Bueno DOES NOT appear to have any repair system in place and the local Wellis dealer does not service Bueno. For that reason you can expect to wait a long time for service. After you call and get through to someone at Bueno, that person will first try to locate an independent spa repair person in your area. That person will need to come out and see what the problem is, what part failed. They will then report back to the factory and wait for the factory to ship out whatever part is necessary. Once the part arrives that local independent spa repair person will return with the part and hopefully fix your issue. In winter in cold climates spas either need to be full, running and hot, or drained and winterized. Winterization means that 100% of the water must be blown out and sucked out of all of the lines and equipment. If a spa is allowed to freeze while filled with water or even drained but not winterized you will effectively destroy the spa. Think of how pleasant draining and winterizing a spa would be at 10 below zero with a nice 25 mph wind. Keeping the spa safe from freezing damage is YOUR responsibility and damage from freezing will not be covered by the warranty even if the failure of a component caused it to freeze. You need to check on your spa every few days to make sure all is good.
Delivery and training
Wellis spas include delivery to your deck or patio in almost all cases. In addition to that delivery we also remove and dispose of all packaging, we include a free cover lift and matching step in almost all cases and we install the cover lift for you while at the same time we train you on how to start up and maintain your spa. If you have an old spa that is worn out we'll even take that away, recycle what we can and properly dispose of the rest for you at no charge. This process is done by 3 highly trained people and usually takes an hour or two. Improper water quality is the number one reason for spa problems. We understand that which is why we include extensive training on how to start up and maintain your spa.
Bueno spas are delivered via common carrier freight company, usually on a full size semi that will not back into your driveway. The 600 to 900 pound spa will arrive tipped up on it's side on a pallet and lowered to the street in front of your house using the lift gate on the back of the semi that delivers the spa. The driver, yes one person, will drop it in the street and that is the extent of his responsibilities. If you purchase a cover lift or step you are responsible for assembly of the steps and installation of the cover lift. As for training, you are totally on your own.