JimB

I think the adventure is winding down. For those interested, the current state of my D1 Seville fun & games is that the dealer finally replaced the tub. After repairing the first leak, I refilled and immediately got at least 2 more leaks (my opinion, based on wet spots on deck). The repair guys wanted to empty it again, take the bottom off, refill and look for leaks. The frustrating part of that is that it takes at least a week between visits and the first leak took 3 visits. I had also confirmed that the company had sold me a 2004 model when the sales guy told me it was definitely an '05. When I carefully outlined to the repair guys how I felt about the prospects (I made sure they knew I wasn't aiming at them), I think they relayed a few of my points to management and a couple of days later they told me they would replace the tub. This time it was indeed an '05 model, and was a step up on the shell for no extra charge. So far no leaks, and things seem to be working ok. I know you all were just worried sick, so please rest easy now ;=))

Thanks for the empathetic response. I have been lurking here a few months and I'm aware that there are some, shall we say, strongly held opinions floating around here, and the skimmers don't seem to get them all (just couldn't resist ). You've hit the nail all over the head. I am disappointed about having a new, well regarded brand give me fits right out of the gate. I just got rid of one that I just gave up trying to keep running. I'll be a happy customer if the repairs resolve the plumbing problem (with no new ones) and a new cover fixes the condensate problem. I was just trying to get a sense of whether I am reacting appropriately to these problems. I don't want to over-react, but I also don't want to be a milquetoast (“the man who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick”). The regulars on this forum have a lot of collective experience that is a great resource to tap into. Thanks!

Thanks! I guess I have a little paranoia about having the spa from hell syndrome. Time will tell....

Ok, I went ahead and got the D1 Seville, mainly for its' smaller size and the D1 quality. I didn't get a special deal, just a normal price. Once I got my electric hooked up and the deck reinforced, I filled it up, got the water checked at the dealer (dealer has a good rep around here) and added chemicals per the dealer suggestion. Three issues I noticed during the past couple of weeks. Cover: 1. Before I filled the tub, we had several days of fairly steady rain. When the rain stopped I opened the cover to admire the spa and there was about 4-5" of water in the bottom. I thought the cover should not leak like that. 2. After the tub was filled and up to temp I noticed steam coming from the sides of the cover, and I noticed a significant amount of condensate actually running down the sides of the shell. Again, I didn't think it should do that. That will rot a deck if left unfixed. I checked that the cover was all the way down and the flaps were untucked, but that doesn't seem to be the problem. Plumbing: 1. I noticed a frequent dripping coming from between the shell and the tub. I reported it as a leak and the repair crew came out to work on it. Due to the nature of the construction of D1's, they had to dig out the foam under the lounge jets and indeed found a leaking fitting. The foam is apparently an open cell foam and had soaked up considerable water. I'm not having a warm and fuzzy feeling right now. I worry that the foam won't dry out leading to possible freeze/thaw damage, mold & mildew, and other leaks that may not become apparent for weeks or months. The company has said they will replace the cover, and I am hoping that will resolve the condensate issue. Does anyone have experience with D1 repairs? Is it too early to start squirming? Any suggestion on how to approach the dealer? Thanks in advance!

I am looking at D1 Seville. It will be going on top of a reinforced deck. Any thoughts on the Seville? Price was about $6950.