Newbie Fixing Up Vita Spa Looking For Some Helpful Tips

[sscott0203]

Picked up this Vita Spa Ambiance model of craigslist for $200.00, this is my first hot tub. This model is from 93 or 94 not real sure, but the only issue with the tub is the gfci breaker trips whenever the heater comes on. I like to do things right the first time, so i don't wanna fix it up and then find out i have a leak somewhere. So these are my plans and i am hoping to get some advice and tips from you guys to make this go as smooth as possible. So here goes.....

Got the tub home got it jacked up in the air with 4 jack stands and 2X4's

I used Mold and Mildew remover with a pressure washer to clean the outside cabinet.

Started sanding the cabinet for fresh stain, still not sure what would be a good color and type of stain.

I have started to remove the spray foam the previous owner put in, what a time consuming, never ending job.

Out of all the spa pack stuff the pump is the only thing i am keeping it was replaced 2 years ago it is 1.5 hp 2 speed 115v

I plan on using the tub all year around, and i live in Ohio.

PLANS (What i need help with, hoping for recommendations, and advice)

1. New Spa Pack- I am running 240 to the hot tub, i had all air controls and i want to upgrade to digital with topside controls. I have room for topside controls, will fit perfect where the current 3 air buttons are located. I will be running 1 pump, air blower, ozone generator, and 1 light.

2. Any idea's on a certain type of stain and a color for this? In the pic below i tested two different stains. The stain is Olympic penetrating oil Toner, Natural Cedar on the left, Canyon Brown on the right. Not sure if i like either.

3. What do i do about all this foam?????? This is my biggest concern, i don't want to have leaks after i get this thing finished and have to put it back in the garage and tear it apart. Should i continue taking this out or leave it?? I was using a pressure washer and it works pretty good and then using a drywall jagged knife, and plastic scrapper. I really want it all out but what is actually holding this hot tub in the cabinet???? Besides the top outside edges sitting on the wood. I bought some treated wood for the bottom base of the hot tub that i will use after i figure out this foam mess.

Am i wasting my time and money is this tub even worth putting the money into it? I am a very handy person and like projects like these, so i enjoy working on it. Any tips, advice, or comments are greatly appreciated!!

Pic from craigslist ad.

Pic from craigslist ad.

Pressure washed and up on jack stands

In the process of finishing up sanding the cabinet, still a lot to do but a huge improvement

Some of the foam removed

Very dusty pic of the inside of the tub

Again dusty pic of tub

[sscott0203]

Close up

Testing stain colors

THE BAD AND THE UGLY AND MY MAIN PROBLEM

[glaciercory]

Close up

Testing stain colors

THE BAD AND THE UGLY AND MY MAIN PROBLEM

Buy a new tub!!!!! Find an old harley to fix up instead!!

[Roger]

I hate to tell ya this now but I think I would have disconected the heater, filled it up and let it run for a few days before I did anything. Then bought a new heater or relay whatever was causing it to trip, and heated it for a while to check for leaks. If there wasn't any I would of used it till it broke.

[sscott0203]

Well the hot tub was filled when i went and looked at it, the owner i bought it from had it since brand new in 93 or 94. He said there are no leaks, but there is a jet that no longer works. The jet that does not work is the top one that is gray, it has a nozzel that spins which is missing. Since the tub is older with not that many jets i would really like to replace the one that no longer works. I am thinking of just taking the pressure washer and try cleaning the foam off from around that jet and replace it and be done with removing any more foam.

[hrustar]

Why are you removing the foam? By doing so, you are removing the spa's insulation. Or, are you planing to put new foam in for some reason?

[sscott0203]

Why are you removing the foam? By doing so, you are removing the spa's insulation. Or, are you planing to put new foam in for some reason?

I was removing because of possible leaks but i guess i am just going to leave it alone and not remove any more. I wanted all the foam off the lines and fittings so down the road i can fix a leak no problem.

[Mikey_in_NY]

Why are you removing the foam? By doing so, you are removing the spa's insulation. Or, are you planing to put new foam in for some reason?

I was removing because of possible leaks but i guess i am just going to leave it alone and not remove any more. I wanted all the foam off the lines and fittings so down the road i can fix a leak no problem.

I can understand your nervousness about the foam, but worry about that if/when the times comes you get a leak.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[elkski]

Well you have dove right in. I like that in a guy but why are you worried about the stain color until you get it running and leak tight. That foam was not put on by the previous owner but at the factory. I would only dig into the foam where you see the rust marks or water stain signs. The factory uses the el cheapo easy to install self clamping hose clamps and they will rust away as they leak under that foam. Usually just digging out enough hose from under the foam till you get an extra 3/4" and cutting off the old end and using a new worm gear Ss hose clamp will fix that.

My main question is why buy such an old one pump hardly any jet spa?

Just plan on replacing all the jet heads. Have you figured out how to take them all out? sometimes (all the time) they get wedged in with sand. Take them out and find out what type you need and how much it will cost and then a whole new controller and you are going to be 2500 + 200$ into this thing for one pump. Add another 450$ for a new top cover and I think in this economy you could have found someone who needs the money and is parting with a year or two old spa they cant aford payments on. that said it is very important to be able to trust the guy you are buying a spa from.

[Tdbo]

Picked up this Vita Spa Ambiance model of craigslist for $200.00, this is my first hot tub. This model is from 93 or 94 not real sure, but the only issue with the tub is the gfci breaker trips whenever the heater comes on. I like to do things right the first time, so i don't wanna fix it up and then find out i have a leak somewhere. So these are my plans and i am hoping to get some advice and tips from you guys to make this go as smooth as possible. So here goes.....

Got the tub home got it jacked up in the air with 4 jack stands and 2X4's

I used Mold and Mildew remover with a pressure washer to clean the outside cabinet.

Started sanding the cabinet for fresh stain, still not sure what would be a good color and type of stain.

I have started to remove the spray foam the previous owner put in, what a time consuming, never ending job.

Out of all the spa pack stuff the pump is the only thing i am keeping it was replaced 2 years ago it is 1.5 hp 2 speed 115v

I plan on using the tub all year around, and i live in Ohio.

PLANS (What i need help with, hoping for recommendations, and advice)

1. New Spa Pack- I am running 240 to the hot tub, i had all air controls and i want to upgrade to digital with topside controls. I have room for topside controls, will fit perfect where the current 3 air buttons are located. I will be running 1 pump, air blower, ozone generator, and 1 light.

2. Any idea's on a certain type of stain and a color for this? In the pic below i tested two different stains. The stain is Olympic penetrating oil Toner, Natural Cedar on the left, Canyon Brown on the right. Not sure if i like either.

3. What do i do about all this foam?????? This is my biggest concern, i don't want to have leaks after i get this thing finished and have to put it back in the garage and tear it apart. Should i continue taking this out or leave it?? I was using a pressure washer and it works pretty good and then using a drywall jagged knife, and plastic scrapper. I really want it all out but what is actually holding this hot tub in the cabinet???? Besides the top outside edges sitting on the wood. I bought some treated wood for the bottom base of the hot tub that i will use after i figure out this foam mess.

Am i wasting my time and money is this tub even worth putting the money into it? I am a very handy person and like projects like these, so i enjoy working on it. Any tips, advice, or comments are greatly appreciated!!

Pic from craigslist ad.

Pic from craigslist ad.

Pressure washed and up on jack stands

In the process of finishing up sanding the cabinet, still a lot to do but a huge improvement

Some of the foam removed

Very dusty pic of the inside of the tub

Again dusty pic of tub

I have some knowledge of this tub, as I used to own one exactly like it. I'm with Roger, I would have filled it up and let it run for several days to check for leaks. If it did not leak, I would spend the minimal amount of money to get the heater fixed. In regards to topside controls, mine had the old air controls also, but when my spa pack went a digital control was included ($700 installed in 2003 .) It was a great tub, but mine got to the point where I could not justify throwing huge amounts of money into it. Since you are this far into it, put minimal $ into it to get the heater fixed, stain it up and enjoy it.