Kefbum

I'm in Atlanta and every municipality requires a fence or enclosure around the pool. The problem is there are over 50 different cities and counties in my permit book who all require different items. Also, there are now door alarms (mandatory) on all exterior doors. The "type" of these alarms depends on the muni. Also, upgrading to a safety entrapment main drain requires a lot more than just a new safety drain cover. You may be opening yourself to a lot of liability. Consult a pro

I use Nat 2, a small amount of dichlor, and non-chlorine shock after each use. You can drain and refill the tub with no problems from the Nat 2 cartridge... it will continue to work. If you want to test it to put your mind at ease, take a water sample to a pool / spa chemical retailer and have them test it for copper, etc. If your TDS are high this will effect your water quality and you need to drain and refill the tub more often. I drain and refill every 30 +/- days. The reality is that you can drain and refill your spa in an hour with a good sump pump and a 1 1/4 pool hose. New water is cheaper than all of the chemicals you may try to add to your spa to make it look or feel better.

If its cutting off and not heating its prbly a dirty filter, bad or not calibrated FLO switch, hi limit.

I have lots of clients who build a pool (concrete) with out a deck... I personally don't like it but... The reality is once you have your CO or final inspection... you as the homeowner have the option of adding a hand laid flagstone or paver deck as you like. Keep in mind this is like speeding when you don't see a policeman around. Its not necessarily legal but who is going to come back and check 30 days after you have your final inspection. The problems could arise if your neighbor sees a concrete truck backing down your driveway a month after your pool is complete. This is where your ethics and honesty kick in - the impervious settings are there for a reason and 25% is a reasonable limit

Based on your shock agent (chlorine / non chlorine / biguanide)... If chlorine shock, shock minimum once a week or every 3rd use and do not get back in until the chlorine level is safe. Non chlorine shock is the same but theoretically you can get right back in the spa. I shock 1 tbsp after every use and maintain perfectly clean and clear water

The reality is you are not making the decision on the #1 factor - which tub feels better when you sit in it (wet). If you can afford the tub, who cares if once cost $5 or $10 more per month to operate. You are comparing a Corvette vs a Porsche based on gas mileage. Also a multi pump system should only cost more if you are using it more often. All tubs generally heat on a the low speed of 1 pump or a circulation pump. Wet test the spa, do you like using it on high speed for 30 minutes or do you like to soak?

Generally the thicker the better, 20 mil is a standard liner and 27 / 28 is an upgrade. I'd double check the fine print in the warranty because no mfg covers labor in their warranty. The labor would be covered by your installer - who may or may not be in business in a few years. Also 99% of mfg warranties only cover seam separation - nothing else.

First off, make sure you are comfortable in the spa. Make sure you fit the model you are considering. The wet test is a good idea once you have narrowed your selection to a few spas. More jets is not always a good thing but a marketing tool. I generally use my spa on high speed for a few minutes and then back to low speed or with the large whirlpool jet. After a while, the high speed jets can make your back sting. My personal opinion and experience is to keep the spa as simple as possible. Whever clients chose fiber optic lights, tv, stereo options... those are the items that failed and required the most maintenance. As far as dealers, on the high end you will find 5 years equipment / no trip charge as your warranty. As you drop in price, so will your warranty BUT the reality is that in some cases you are prepaying for your warranty. For example, most larger spa companies have thier premium line and a basic line. Hot Springs / Tiger River. Avoid buying your spa at Sams Club, Home Depot, or Lowes... buy it from a dealer but know that you are either buying the warranty up front or paying for it later. Find a chemical maintenance system that works for you and your bathing load. Find a chemical supplier you trust, not Walmart or Home Depot. Most clients bad experiences come from poor water maintenance. Also, basic water chemistry + frequent water changes and proper balancing of the spa can eliminate MOST of your long term problems

It could be any of 100 things but is it your freeze protection? How cold is out outside? Otherwise contact Jandy tech support or your dealer - who will fwd you to Jandy tech support.

I am in the business and I would never sink a tub in to a deck $8,300 is a lot for a used product when in reality you can purchas a new tub for $5,000 - $8,000. Also a 2006 model usually has a factory warranty of 3 or 5 years. Your dealer is not really offering you a deal in my opinion if the equipment has already been refurbished. Also I did not see any mention of you ever "wet testing" the hot tub. You need to try it out before you buy it and your dealer should accomidate you after hours for your privacy. It all needs to come down to COMFORT and value. In regards to warrany - my opinion has always been "the simplier the better". Never buy the fiber optic lighting, remote control, or the cd / stereo, pop up tv.. they alwasy break.

If the heater trips when it hits its high temp... it sounds like you may have a problem with the High Limit / Temp sensor. That sensor is ususally set for 108 degrees so if you have "tricked" out your thermostat to go over 104 its the back up to keep you from damaging the tub. On a Balboa board I don't know if you can manually trick the temp sensor.

I'm a fan of the Nuage from Vita. Given that you are spending a lot of $$$ on a luxury item... why wouldn't you let the dealer earn your business and have him set up a Nuage for you to wet test? All 3 are quality tubs althought Vita does not have the name recognition you may have from the other guys. I'd base my decision on comfort, durability, dealer service and warranty. DON'T GET A STEREO ON ANY HOT TUB!!