going2baja

Starting a remodel on an 80x20 3.5=>11' deep. It should be close to 80,000 gallons. Is this too large for a salt system? Anyone care to recommend a Salt system for a large size pool if indeed it will work? Thanks, Baja.

Hi all...kind of new to his forum. I'm doing a remodel of an 80x20 pool that was originally built for water storage (80x20x16.) It was all block and then plastered in to form a pool in 1960. Now 51 years later there is rust poking through the plaster in many spots and there are many cracks on the outer block with what appears to seepage not leaking. I've had 6 or so contractors look @ it and 4 think to just remodel and the other 2 want to build a pool within the existing pool. I've searched the web and can't find any guidance in this arena. Any thoughts here would be greatly appreciated. The pool is located in So Cal so freezing isn't an issue. Thanks in advance for your consideration. Tim.

Geek - I'll let you know how it works for me. I'll be starting w/ baqua and an Ozone system and we'll see how things work out. BTW - Great posts on the chem stuff! Baja.

Now that I've pulled the trigger on the spa I'm starting to search around for the other required items - Chen, booster seat, thermo, etc and I did a search on Baqua free shipping and spastore.com is what I found. Their prices are quite a bit better than the 'members only' prices the dealer is offering. If anyone has had any dealings with this company would you please post a comment. Thanks - Baja.

Hi all - I'm ready to buy a Sundance Marin and I'm wondering what your opinions are on Ozone. I think the Marin circ pump runs 24/7, but I'm not sure if you can set the amount of Ozone. Have any of you with Ozone noticed problems w/ damage to your covers? I'll have young children in the spa some of the time, but mostly my wife and I will be using the tub. Come to think of it, I bet my daughter will be in there a bunch. After reading some previous posts on the 'Ozone or no Ozone' topics the one thing that rings out for me is the side the dealer is taking. I did a search on the Sundance site and here is what I found: "SunZone™ CD System The SunZone CD options on system-ready models utilize ozone technology to effectively remove water impurities and reduce the need for frequent use of chemicals. Reduced chemical maintenance and lowered operating costs are the two most significant benefits of the SunZone CD system, found only on Sundance spas. The unit uses a highly efficient corona discharge (CD) element to maximize ozone production and provide clear water, surpassing the capabilities of UV-ozone options. Ozone maintains the water balance longer; so the spa will not need to be drained, refilled, and reheated as often. At a cost of only 4¢ per day (to operate 24 hours a day), the SunZone CD system provides the very best in water purification technology." Any comments on this? I think this if from an older version of the site since this isn't what is currently on the site - This is from a search on the site - If that makes sense. So - What are your comments, experiences, and suggestions? Thanks - Baja.

Hi all...Down to the wire now and have to make a decision fast. My two choices are: 1) Sundance Marin new 2007 never wet, limited color choice but they have the one one I want - Price at cost. 2) Hot Spring Sovereign 2007 factory blem - Don't really like the shell color but the price is $6700 + tax. I've wet tested the Hot spring and really like it. No floating and all the seats are nice. Good dealer as well. The Sundance dealer is closer and I did wet test the Sundance Altimar that is very close to the same. They are both the 880 series and have loungers and main seat that are close to being identical. I like the seating set up a little better in the Hot Spring as it would lay in my back yard but the Sundance seating would be ok as well. I'd appreciate any comments on both lines. I think I'm being offered a better deal on the Sundance but it's still $500 more than the Hot Spring. Thanks - Baja.

Use the search feature for "costco highlife" and you'll see many posts on the topic. In my opinion, buying from a deal is a better deal in the long run unless you are totally happy with what Costco offers. Adding the extras will match or exceed the Costco price. Good luck - Baja.

Hi all - once again....This is the final three. I'd like your experiences and professional opinion on these three spas. Hot Spring Sovereign: $7400 delivered or $6700 for a factory blem. I'm going to dry test today. Great dealer - long time in same location. I don't HS is the same company John Watkins started. btw - I knew John personally just before he sold the company. At that time he told me there were no other companies even close to his technology. He was a very down to Earth good guy. Sundance Marin - My local dealer has lowered the price from starting at over $8k to $7200. Ths dealer has been around for a long time as well and have a good history. I also like the sale person. I have dry tested and like the feel of the spa. I wet tested a larger 800 series and liked it. I didn't like the 700 at all. Marquis Destiny - $7500 delivered. I like the salesman but the shop is also a fitness dealer. They tell me any work would be performed by a local Marquis rep. I have dry tested the Destiny but wet tested the larger version and liked it a lot. The waterfall looks cheesy but oh well. I like the look of the interior of the Marquis - very clean. I'll update once I check out the HS - But I would VERY much like to hear any and all of your thoughts!! Thanks...Baja.

jdevelop2 - What area of the country are you?? Baja.

I did forget to mention that I did see it running and tested all the jets. Stereo also worked fine. The cover was a little dirty but all looked good. I didn't open the compartment though but there was no apparent leaks and he it was on a filtering schedule. There was debris floating in the water - looked like filer aper maybe...not so sure. I'll upload the video I took an place a link to youtube tonight. Thanks for reading and the reply....Please keep em' coming!! Here's the link to the test video: Jacuzzi 345 test Baja.

Hi all....I've found a 1 year old Jacuzzi 345 for a great price. I'm about sold on it but I'd sure like to get some advice from the professionals (YOU!!) Is there anything I should look out for in moving the spa and what other things should be upfront in my mind in purchasing a used spa? Thanks - Baja.

I have to be honest, shopping for a Hot tub has been one of the most frustrating experiences I have ever had buying something...much more than buying a used car! You got that right!!! This is a major pain in the a$$. Everyone seems to think they are the best and that everyone else has MAJOR problems. If I would find a dealer I liked with a spa that fit my size req. and was under $7k I would pull the trigger. I thought I found one spa but the dealers store was a MESS. Bathroom was trashed, empty boxes lying everywhere, junk floating in the wet tubs. How can one trust a dealer that can't take care of themselves. And the owners ran the store - What's up w/ that?? I'm feeling like bying used for 1/2 the price is the best call. That would leave me +/- $3.2k for service down the line. We'll see. There is a Jacuzzi that just acme up in my area for a good price. Who knows......Ahhhhhhrrrrrrgggggggg!!!!!! Baja. btw - time for another cold one!

I was really looking at Jacuzzi but neither of my dealers really have it together. Once dealer also sells furniture and doesn't know that much about spas. The "REAL" Jacuzzi dealer in San Diego is sometimes open and other days is closed without even hanging a sign saying if he'll be back later or not. I'm still in the market and looking. It was funny that the other day my Sundance dealer called to see how things were going and I let her know I was wet testing other spas and she immediately lowered her previous "best" price by 800 dollars on the Marin. Classic...... I'll keep searching. Baja.

I googled "safe spa temp for children" and a lot of good pages came up. Here is one that answers your question: Soaking for too long in elevated water temperatures can raise body heat to hazardous levels. The National Spa and Pool Institute considers 104° F to be the maximum safe water temperature for adults, and modern spas are normally set at the factory not to exceed that limit. A safe soaking time should not exceed 15 minutes. Some medical authorities have recommended a lower maximum temperature of 100° to 102° F. They advise that since infants and children are more sensitive to heat, they should be exposed to water of not more than 95° F, for no more than 10 minutes. Consult with your family doctor. Persons with heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, or any other serious illness should not enter a spa or hot tub without first consulting with, and obtaining the advice of a physician.

Good going Ron - That was my 1st choice after I gave up on the triangle plan. Take plenty of before and after pics to share - Sounds like it's going to be great once finished!! TSG - Still shopping. Looking at Marqui, Jacuzzi and still have Sundance in my back pocket but their $$ is still out of my range. Also waiting to hear from a guy with a J-345 that is like new on Craigslist. I have to keep in mind that I'm looking for a container that heats water and provides therapy - This shouldn't have to cost $10k+ for a good spa that is 7x7. Baja.