Raeven

LOL, tried to "like" your post but got a message I'd already reached my "allotted" number of likes for the day -- and you're the only one I tried to like! In any case, thank you. I actually got my tiniest flat head screwdriver and gently pried out the disc. Then came the O-ring and the valve body, just as you said it would. All done and replaced, works fine. Thank you again!!

Preserved Swine, that's really useful information. I tapped a screw into the body of the valve so I'd have a new "stem" to pull it out (since I'm replacing that part anyway), and that worked... sort of. I managed to pull the valve body out part way -- but not far enough to clear the hole. Now it rattles around, slides up and down about half an inch -- and then feels completely stuck or hung up on something. I can't see what it can POSSIBLY be hung up on -- except maybe that O-ring. Would that be your considered opinion? And if yes, any thoughts on how to grab hold of that disc to get it out first? I can see how getting that stupid thing off would make things a WHOLE lot easier!! Thanks for your answer so far. I really appreciate it. I live rural and don't have a lot of options for repair service here.

My spa is a 2005 Hot Spring Envoy. I went to turn the diverter lever one day and it snapped off in my hand. So ok, I've gotten pretty adept at fixing this spa myself, so I had a squiz around the youtubes and found a wonderful tutorial on how to replace the diverter valve assembly! I ordered the parts and got to work. Here's my problem: The diverter lever stem snapped off level with the diverter valve assembly. When I get to the part on the helpful youtube video where the guy says, "Grasp the stem of the diverter valve assembly with a pair of pliers and pull it straight out," I cannot do this. I have no stem! The fellow also helpfully adds the following statement to his running commentary: "The C-ring is the only thing that keeps the valve assembly from exploding out of its recess hole when you turn the jets on." Hmmmm, thinks I. Does anyone think this is a good way for me to get that stupid valve assembly out of its lair? I have (of course) already removed the C-ring. Should I just turn on the jets and keep my face out of the line of fire? Suggestions of every sort gratefully welcomed! - Rae

Spa all fixed -- it was the (drum roll) heater relay board!! Back in business and couldn't be happier. Thanks, Dan!! Best, Raeven

Dan, my apologies. You actually told me everything I need to know in your first post responding to my questions. I can only plead temporary insanity -- the end of the year is a crazy time for me business-wise, and this year was made even nuttier due to relentless computer issues. Thanks again for the thorough response. Best, Raeven

Ok, everyone has said my issue is with the heater relay board, and I'll allow it certainly may still be the case. But I don't understand what the readings mean. An electrician friend came by and checked the board with her voltmeter, but she's not a spa person. Here's what we found: 240 volts are coming out of the heater relay. 0 amps read on either the white or black wires coming out of the relay. 14 OHMs between white and black to the heater. We couldn't figure out how to test the heater itself. What say you experts? Can anyone tell what is wrong? The components are expensive and electrical... meaning I want to be sure that I'm replacing the right thing. Thanks and much gratitude! - Raeven

Dan, thanks so much. I'll figure out if it's the board (sounds most likely, for sure!) and then start my search for the part. All the best! - Raeven

Dan... same issue here, only with a 2005 Envoy. Heat started faltering a bit, then the water went cold while we were out of town. How can you tell if it's the heater itself or the heater relay board? Or is it just a guess at that point? And if so, is it hard to change them out?

You guys are bluddy awesome!! This is exactly the information I was seeking. Thanks so very much -- I'll undertake repairs in the next couple of weeks and let you know how it went!! Again, my thanks. Rae

So... I was changing the water in my spa yesterday (2005 Hot Spring Envoy)... got in a hurry because the phone started ringing just as I was pulling the heavy sump pump out of the spa after draining. The pump whapped against the side of the spa and left a nice little bingle!! It's small and above the water line, but it will ever serve as a reminder of my abject stupidity. Is there any way to fix it? <sigh....> Rae

Hi, trooper, I think you are right -- the price is high. I paid the same amount, $3,500.00, for a 2005 Hot Spring Envoy last year, and there were folks here who thought THAT was too high (and maybe they were right!). I think the world of Hot Spring as a brand, so the operating costs are probably accurate as they have been represented to you, but it's still an 11-year-old spa! I would only add that I wet tested a used HS Sovereign while searching for my own used spa, and I rejected it as too shallow. If you decide to buy this unit, I strongly encourage you to wet test it first. Best, Rae

Another Envoy owner here. I purchased mine used, a 2005 model, and I love it. True, no calf/thigh jets in the lounger. The lounger: The dual moto jets are perfect for either side of the spine. The top jets across neck and upper shoulders... wonderful. Also good foot jets. The dual 7 jets is the only seat that doesn't do much for me. First therapy seat in the corner and to the right of the lounger: Excellent back (including low back) therapy, plus calf and foot jets. Middle seat facing the lounger: My favorite thing to do here is slouch way down and let those twizzler jets work on neck and shoulders. Heaven!! Second therapy seat in the corner and facing the water intake: another superb all-around back therapy seat. Also has wrist jets (if you're a gorilla), calf jets and fantastic foot jets. For butt, thighs and calves, I like to run all the foot jets and sit in the well of the tub. Facing either direction, you can get an excellent workout of all those muscle groups. Turn dual jet on low speed and enjoy the water feature, lights and stars. Awesome!!! As Jerimiah says, however, it's only YOUR opinion that counts. Wet test, wet test, wet test. Please let us know how you go! Rae

Hi, flint, I am in much the same situation as you, meaning a solo user most of the time, and I own an Envoy which I was fortunate enough to have found used on craigslist. My 2005 Envoy does not differ in any significant way from a new unit, so I feel comfortable to comment on your situation. Personally, I love my Envoy -- but I never tried out a Vista, so I don't have that experience for comparison. I don't think the price difference you're looking at is much of a factor... as others have pointed out, amortized over a period of years, it becomes negligible. I do love the lounge seat in the Envoy. I'm 5'9" and it's really comfortable. It's a good fit for me. After starting in the lounge, I move from seat to seat over the course of a soak and let the jets pummel every aching part of the old bod. If you turn the jet controls so that all the foot jets are running, you can sit down in the bottom of the spa and let the foot jets work on your calves, hips and rear all at the same time. By the time I'm done in the spa, there isn't any body part that hasn't received the benefit of a good water massage! Really, once you wet test, you'll know. Can't stress the importance of that enough. I nearly purchased 2 different units new before wet testing... after, I knew they weren't for me. I also wet-tested the used Envoy -- and I knew immediately I'd found my spa. Maybe if I'd been buying new and had tried out the Vista as well, I'd have purchased that... but as an Envoy owner, I can tell you I'm very, very happy with this spa. Best of luck to you in your quest! - Rae

LOL, I don't know for sure, but I can take an educated guess... someone probably changed out the interior control panel. They are well known to fail, just as mine did in my 2005 Envoy. I used the very same string when I changed mine out earlier this year. I'd just leave the string alone. Hopefully you won't need to use it again, but you never know.... Best, Rae P. S. Why does this forum kick me out almost instantly after I log in? I always have to log in at least 3 times to post anything... really a bummer. :/

Thanks, Nitro. That's exactly the information I was looking for. For my next fill, I do just as you have instructed. All the best, Rae