We like these 2 tubs because they are almost "pool like" in the sense that they are the largest ones out there, and you can actually walk down the middle of them and they seat a large number of people. We live in Texas, so it will be nice to just have the heat off for most of the year, many times we will just use it as a way to cool off like a pool without heats or jets. We are pretty set on a model like these 2, we don't need anyone to ask why we want a tub that seats so many 
We also want a heat pump, as water temps can easily be 85-90 in the middle of summer, so we may want to turn it on in summer once in a while. And, since we rarely get a deep freeze here, we'd likely use it for heating in the winter as it's more efficient than a heater.
Don't want a sound system, I have an audio system around the area already.
As with anything, there are some pros/cons to each and wondered if I am overlooking anything.
Cal spas has Balboa control and better pumps/heaters, will be cheaper and easier for me to DIY fix down the road.
Cal spas Seems to have a better general reputation all-around (?)
Cap spas frame made with P.T. wood, not steel (steel seems like a problem to me and a cheaper way out and a bad idea for a wet environment)
A.W. dealer is very, very hungry. One Cal Spa dealer is a bit too lax but has a much better reputation, the other Cal spa dealer is also hungry but they do not have a good overall dealer reputation (to the point that I have probably ruled them out).
Cal spas seems to have a supply chain issue with heat pumps, not sure when they will come in. Apparently not a problem with A.W. However, apparently the install can be done in 2 phases: the heat pump later.
A.W. has more jets.
A.W. seems to have more focus on the upper shoulders/neck, an area where my wife needs help. I am not sure we'd get the same from Cal Spas... in this model I mean. Maybe the other Deck series with a lounger would proivide that.
Cal spas with ATS seat has 4 motors with about 21 HP, A.W has about the same.
A.W. has loungers, Cal spa does not (although they sell another model that does). I keep hearing that everyone regrets getting a spa with a lounger
Delivery is an issue. Both of these spas are huge. We have a gate and clearance of > 43 inches to the backyard. However, everyone is telling me that it must be craned in because the units have to be turned on their sides to fit on sleds/dollies and this is both not recommended by the manufacturers and also requires a lot of manpower and is risky. We can do a crane, there's enough space to go "over" the house with a crane, but this just seems like a big added expense. is there really truth to this "requirement"?
We also want a heat pump, as water temps can easily be 85-90 in the middle of summer, so we may want to turn it on in summer once in a while. And, since we rarely get a deep freeze here, we'd likely use it for heating in the winter as it's more efficient than a heater.
Don't want a sound system, I have an audio system around the area already.
As with anything, there are some pros/cons to each and wondered if I am overlooking anything.
Cal spas has Balboa control and better pumps/heaters, will be cheaper and easier for me to DIY fix down the road.
Cal spas Seems to have a better general reputation all-around (?)
Cap spas frame made with P.T. wood, not steel (steel seems like a problem to me and a cheaper way out and a bad idea for a wet environment)
A.W. dealer is very, very hungry. One Cal Spa dealer is a bit too lax but has a much better reputation, the other Cal spa dealer is also hungry but they do not have a good overall dealer reputation (to the point that I have probably ruled them out).
Cal spas seems to have a supply chain issue with heat pumps, not sure when they will come in. Apparently not a problem with A.W. However, apparently the install can be done in 2 phases: the heat pump later.
A.W. has more jets.
A.W. seems to have more focus on the upper shoulders/neck, an area where my wife needs help. I am not sure we'd get the same from Cal Spas... in this model I mean. Maybe the other Deck series with a lounger would proivide that.
Cal spas with ATS seat has 4 motors with about 21 HP, A.W has about the same.
A.W. has loungers, Cal spa does not (although they sell another model that does). I keep hearing that everyone regrets getting a spa with a lounger
Delivery is an issue. Both of these spas are huge. We have a gate and clearance of > 43 inches to the backyard. However, everyone is telling me that it must be craned in because the units have to be turned on their sides to fit on sleds/dollies and this is both not recommended by the manufacturers and also requires a lot of manpower and is risky. We can do a crane, there's enough space to go "over" the house with a crane, but this just seems like a big added expense. is there really truth to this "requirement"?
I see your post hasn't received any replies yet.