tony

Coffee just about every morning.

What's the manufacture year of your spa? There might be a page in the manual, toward the back, that shows details for jumper settings on the PC Board. On the 09 it's jumper #7 Just to clarify a little, JP9 #7, jumper on is 60 amp logic, jumper off is 50 amp.

The 2002 Optima dimensions are listed at 7'7'" x 7'7". I don't know the dry weight, but a new Optima weighs 855 lbs and I cannot imagine it being that different than an 02. If you would like me to measure my 02 Optima, I will. Mine is a wood cabinet which has a lip that the shell sits on which is different than the composite cabinet.

The leak issues you hear about refer to somewhere in the mid 1990s when the state of CA regs forced a change in the glue. There were a series of spas built with severe leak problems. Most spas were replaced. This is a very old problem and nothing to be concerned about with a 2006 model. The Altamar is a great spa and is one of the top of the line Sundance spas. $2500 is certainly worth a shot.

Well, the money ultimately flowed to the same manufacturer, so I guess everybody is happy now.

A set of pillows with inserts will run about $200 for a 2003 Optima. If they are original, they will need replacing. A set should last 3-4 years. If there is no ozone or if the ozonator is not working, I personally would just eliminate it. If you feel you really want to replace an ozonator, I would purchase the Sundance models as they work with the icons on the topside controller where another manufacturer's may not. I am not sure if the 03 Optima still used the rotating jets or if they have the bearingless jets. The therapy seat will definitely have them but the other seats may not. Both are fine, but the bearingless jets will most likely never have to be replaced. If the jets are the rotating type, they swap out in a second and are easy and inexpensive to replace.

I am also one who does not use an ozonator. I removed it about four years ago and have not looked back since. I do not find that it saved any on chemicals, but did a number on pillows and my blanket.

You do not need the Frog floating system to use bromine/silver cartridge in your spa. You can purchase the regular Frog cartridge (or the LiesureTime cartridge which is made by the Frog people), install it in your filter and use any bromine system you like whether it be a floater, two part or Brilliance. It allows you to keep a lower bromine level.

Hello, I have learned that when restoring panels it is best to use wood stains used for fences since the oils in the protect, then use a water sealer. I agree. If the panels are original, they are most likely either redwood or cedar. Penetrating stains work well.

I've owned my spa just over seven years and still use it just about every day.

There should be a wood frame that supports the shell. The cabinet panels and corners attach to the frame. Wood parts are available from Sundance for most of their spas. Not sure about your particular model, but you can check with any Sundance dealer. A spa generally just sits on a concrete slab.

Though Hot Spring spas do a very nice job of filtering, it is misleading to state that those spas without five filters are average. There are high end spas with, arguably, more advanced filtration that use only one filter. Hot Spring spas do it one way. Another manufacturer may do it a different way. Who does it best can certainly be up for debate.

You can purchase a wood/deck cleaner at Home Depot. There are many available. They do a good job prepping the wood for stain.

The winter issues have to do with thoroughly rinsing the filter after soaking. It works best with a pressure nozzle on a hose generally done outside. Rinsing it under the kitchen sink or in the bathtub does not do nearly as good a job. Failure to rinse properly will cause soap suds in the spa.

I have found that if I use a spa plumbing cleaner such as Swirl Away or Spa System Flush, the spinning jets loose any stickiness and operate much more freely. Of course you do this only just before changing your water.