q95

I bought a 2008 Altamar about 6 weeks ago. It was $8,500 (included TAX, steps, delivery, lift, cover & start-up chem kit). So, right on with what you have. Note it did NOT have ozone or stereo.

Maybe try this site. I see some 2008 updates, not your tub type. Anyway, some customer reviews of some Artesian tubs: http://www.hottubsparatings.com/cgi-bin/reviews.pl

I'm no expert ... but if you believe something started after a "change", I'd undo that change and see if the symptoms revert back. If so, that change could be a cause.

If "not long" is 1-3 years, I'd probably just haul in some pea rock and level it out and go with that. Otherwise, maybe you just want to leave the tub behind (add to the price of the home, the value when you sell it) and get a new one delivered to your new home ! I'm guessing in 3-5 years, there will be a lot of bells & whistles that you may want.

I have seen, at my dealer, a neat idea. Its a "filter" that fits on the end of the garden hose. Has all the nice marketing stuff about cutting down on post-fill chemicals. I live in the city, so its not overly harsh metals like a well may be. But, I'm sure its not good quality spring water either. Has anyone tried a "pre-filter" (goes on the end of a garden hose) and found the post-fill chemical balancing is easier with it, than without ? Here is one place that shows the product, this one is $49 and can be used multiple times. I've see others from $39 down to $19. Just a reference: http://www.pacificsands.biz/html/spa_pre-filter.html Here is a $19 variety: http://www.hottubworks.com/cgi-bin/commerc...p;preadd=action Let me know if its worked for you ! I need to refill later this week and may get one, if there is good feedback here.

My 2008 Sundance 880 Altamar should arrive later this week. I'm going to finish the wiring myself and have been looking at the online owners manuals and set-up manuals. It doesn't describe the width of the "power supply inlet". Nor does it say if its threaded or not. I've got 3/4" liquid (flex) to use from the power supply line to the tub. I'd like to get the fittings that connect to the tub, but I don't see the details on what I need. Does anyone know the exact type of fitting (threaded or not) and size (1" or 3/4" ... probably not any smaller than that) ? Thanks.

There are some pretty sharp people on this forum, but for a question like this, you're better off asking a local electrician or electrical inspector. You may get an answer here, that may not meet the local interpretation. Maybe that's ok with you, but maybe if you sell the house, it may be a sticky issue with the new owners and it failing some inspection. Good luck.

I have been looking at home depot. If "white" is fine, maybe try this: Veranda Wihdham panels (68-3/8" x 68"). The display outside had them for $49, inside they were marked $39. I'm in Minnesota. I only need one section. The kicker, the posts (hardware & cap) are $39 each. So, two posts and a fence panel. Still, better than most I've seen. Here is a link to the post: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores...uctId=100024433 actually, its very similar by my post (from the top of my head) was 4.75" x 4.75" x 105". I was able to find the picture of the fence, but not the item number w/ price, on their page. I searched the privacy fences and saw various pictures. Its basically vertical (vinyl - white) 1 x 5 (ish) with a top cap & two horizontal (like 1x4) pieces. All vinyl. White is a lot cheaper than the colored ones. Since my house is clay with white windows, gutter, and other trim, its fine for me. Plus, my wife wants it NOW and its in stock. Colors cost more and take weeks to deliver.

I have been looking at home depot. If "white" is fine, maybe try this: Veranda Wihdham panels (68-3/8" x 68"). The display outside had them for $49, inside they were marked $39. I'm in Minnesota. I only need one section. The kicker, the posts (hardware & cap) are $39 each. So, two posts and a fence panel. Still, better than most I've seen. Here is a link to the post: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores...uctId=100024433 I was able to find the picture of the fence, but not the item number w/ price, on their page. I searched the privacy fences and saw various pictures. Its basically vertical (vinyl - white) 1 x 5 (ish) with a top cap & two horizontal (like 1x4) pieces. All vinyl. White is a lot cheaper than the colored ones. Since my house is clay with white windows, gutter, and other trim, its fine for me. Plus, my wife wants it NOW and its in stock. Colors cost more and take weeks to deliver.

If price is a big issue, make sure you remember any extras: - concrete pad (or whatever you decide is going to work for you) - electrical (can be expensive, especially if running 100' of copper wire) - standard stuff w/ a new tub, just make sure you get them and are comparing apples to apples (that is, both deals have the same extras or are adjusted for the extra cost): steps, cover, lifter, starter chemicals mostly come to mind. maybe an extra filter.

I'd think option #1. From what I can tell, there is very little difference in '07 & '08 for Sundance. I'm guessing the price break for 07 vs 08 is to move it off the showroom. Of course, if the 'showroom' 07 is dinged up or considered "demo", that's probably another reason for the discount. If it shows slight wear from customers (and their kids) and has full warranty, then I'd still say #1 would be hard to beat.

I would pay for concrete. The tub is probably a decent sized investment. Its worth the expense to have a concrete pad ... make it a bit bigger so the steps also sit on the pad (not just the tub). I don't know much about the 'spa pad', but have heard, that over time, they won't holdup well.

my 9'2" x 7'6" concrete pad was $450. that's the base (4" +) and the concrete (5") with rebar.

my 9'2" x 7'6" concrete pad was $450. that's the base (4" +) and the concrete (5") with rebar.

I really debated, I didn't want to spend a lot of money for something my tub was just going to sit on. But, I figured the investement I was making for the tub, warranted a good foundation. So, I went with a concrete pad. 4" of sand, 4" of concrete & rebar. Looking at literature from tub manufacturers, they seem to say concrete is best, wood deck is next and 'spa pad' is the next option. I've heard from some, that over time, the spa pad will not be as good of an investment. Maybe its the 4 sections that float and move around. I've not seen anyone that recommended parameter style pad. I imagine some of the tub is supported in the middle. I'd probably say this option is better than a spa pad and better than just on gravel, but not a top two choice I'd make. Of course, I'm a novice and am preparing for my first tub. Electrical is complete. Concrete should get poured tomorrow and the tub will be here next week.