paoutdoorsman

Something like this? http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1419007 I see there is also a liquid nails options. Both say silicone adhesive... http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3614513

Anyone know what Hot Springs used to glue the siding onto their hot tubs? I have an 02 Vanguard and a couple of the vertical siding pieces have come loose.

This is really a question only you can answer. Compare the cost of the parts to repair the freebie against the cost of a new tub. Once you have those two numbers, compare them to the balance in your checking and savings account and determine the best option for you. :-)

A certain amount of calcium hardness is actually good. Industry standards recommend maintiaining calcim hardness in spas to 150-250 ppm. This is something that your husband should be checking on a regular basis in conjuction with Total Alkalinity and pH. I don't think high levels of calcium hardness would increase the rate of deterioration of the plastic jet parts, however it could affect the accuracy of the results of the TA and pH tests. All three components must be taken into consideration for maintaining proper water balance. Low pH would indicate corrosive/acidic water that could attack and deteriorate the jet bodies and components. Innacurate pH test results, as a result of not monitoring all 3 necessary components to water balance could put you in the same situation unknowingly.

Hi Robin, have you been maintaining Total Alkalinity and pH regularly? I have friends who decided that was not really important and it didn't take long until their jet bodies were all deteriorting and began popping out on a regular basis. Look closely at the condition of the plastic and see if you notice any deterioration.

I spoke with Del and learned that the life of the MCD-50 is expected at 15,000 hours, but in their experience they typically run a bit longer than that. With my HotSpring Vanguard running 24x7 circulation/ozonation, that gives me about a 2 year life expectancy out of the unit. They also sell a complete renewal kit that replaces the consumable components once they expire. Looking at those costs, I'd anticipate about $50 a year plus the energy costs to maintain a good working ozone system.

I think I'm going to try one of the Del MCD-50 units.

Thanks for the tip on the Del MCD-50. I'm looking for more of the technical data on it. I like the fact that it is rebuildable like the KZO. Trying to determine how it compares as the link you provided lists output in mg/hr vs. PPM/air volume. Did you add yours in, or was it factory installed?

hjames, that is the second time someone on this forum made that statement. However, I'm pretty sure that is inaccuarate as my original owners manual printed in 2002 specifically mentions and has details about the Freshwater III. Additionally I have the original sales invoice from April 2002 noting the Freshwater III unit was included at the time of purchase.

I recently bought an 02 Hotspring Vanguard to replace our older Amish Country spa. From a previous post, I suspected the original factory installed Freshwater III Ozonator may be weak or no longer working at all. An initial sniff test further confirmed this, so I purchased an ozone test kit. The results of the test indicate it is producing zero ozone. Which leads me to my search for a replacement unit. So far I'm considering the following two units. Looking for suggestions on others I should possibly consider, or good/bad experiences with either of these units. Thanks! Watkins Freshwater III Warranty: 1 year Rebuildable: No Ozone Generator Surface Area: .46 sq in Ozone Production (1.0 SCFH air): 830 ppm Internal Check-Valve: No Integral Flow Adjuster: No Made in USA: No KZO CoronaZone Warranty: 2 years Rebuildable: Yes Ozone Generator Surface Area: 17 sq in Ozone Production (1.0 SCFH air): 1190 ppm Internal Check-Valve: Yes Integral Flow Adjuster: Yes Made in USA: Yes

Think I'm going to pull the trigger on this 02 model. It definately needs a cover. The HotSpring dealer says the HotSpring cover is superior to the covers available online. I was looking at a cover from hottubworks.com and thecoverguy. Like the hottubworks covers for the color choices available. Realistically is there an advantage to the HotSpring branded cover?

Well the 08 sold Saturday. I looked at the 02 Sunday and it is a nice unit. A couple of issues I see, the moto massage jets do not orbit up and down like they should, the cover is waterlogged and very heavy and the steps are aged and rickety so really of no value. So basically I'm just buying a used tub with everything in working condition. I spoke to the original dealer, and aside from the heater being replaced in 06, the unit is pretty much original - including the Freshwater III continuous ozonator. What is a fair price for this unit?

He must be confused about the freshwater 3. He said it's been in the tub since he bought it new in April 02. He also said it has never given him any problems, so I would assume all original parts. Sounds like I should definately anticipate some maintenance costs one the older one?

Sorry, meant to include the prices. Asking price for the 02 is $1000 less than the 08. Haven't looked at either yet, but looking at the 02 tomorrow.

I'm considering the purchase of a used Hotspring Vanguard spa. I'm considering two different used spas both from private sellers. Both advertised as well maintained tubs, both with working covers currently in good condition. One was purchased new in 2002, the other was purchased new in 2008. The newer tub includes a cover lifter and steps. The older tub is advertised with a freshwater 3 system, which the owner claims reduces the chlorine demand dramatically. The owner of the newer tub is not as knowledgable and isn't sure what hers has. So my questions are as follows: What advantages does the 2008 tub have over the 2002 tub other than being 5 or 6 years newer? Would both have the freshwater 3 system, or was that something optional? Does the freshwater 3 actually do what the owner is claiming in terms of minimal sanitizer use? Thanks everyone!