tony

With those names, you must be talking "plus sized" panty hose.

I would think your Local dealer will service you, warranty right ? they still get paid so I would go for it And they will get your business for chemicals and acessories....well you can tell them that ! I think they would have too if they are a dealer, ask D1 about it. Yes $2600 would make me do it ! I have a D1 Diplomat, only time I have had service was for a Bad control panel. It has been replaced about 3 times since owning it in 03. You might have to wait a little if they are busy but I would take the chance. Thats my $.02 !! John My guess is that your local dealer will not service you under warranty. Dealers generally take a hit on warranty calls and figure this into the selling price of the spa. He may be willing to do the work as an out of warranty tub where you would pay for the tech and the parts are under warranty from D1. This may not be a bad arrangement. Some spa parts can be expensive and can use up the $2600 rather quickly, but if these are covered and you are just covering the labor, it may be worth it.

If I were in your situation I think I would place it inside the screened porch. Mosquitos can put a damper on soaking. Missing out on the night time sky is probably a better decision than constant buzzing in your ears.

I now there is a newer version than mine, but I don't think it is much different. My handles just pop off without much effort...no set screws, no screwdriver necessary.

I've got a granite style blue shell which after more than five years looks like the day it arrived. Although not quite as sexy as the new smooth finishes, I would most likely get the same style again. It takes no maintenance at all, no marks, no dirt, no scratches. I like my color and I use only a blue light at night so it has a nice look but there are so many colors today so that decision would be tough.

Not sure about the new Optimas, but with my 2002 I lift the handle off and turn the threaded bottom part counter clockwise just a little and air can escape...then just tighten and replace handle. Diverter valves can be a little noisy though especially in the center position.

That is a good deal. I personally don't like a pillow that encircles your neck. The foot dome on the Optima is a real nice feature plus the filtration system and electronics on the 880 series Sundance spas are excellent.

Just to get facts straight....your Maxxus holds 600 gallons, not 480.

I like to set it and forget it....at 102 in standard mode.

I am partial to the Optima. Yes it is worth the extra money over the Chelsee...better electronics, different filter system, different jets. The Majesta looks like a great tub, but I've never been in one.

I don't think it would hurt for the winter only. Some manufacturers offer winter covers for the vents for very cold areas. I have used moth balls in the past but no longer do because of odor. There are natural mouse repellents you can check out here http://www.rhtubs.com/store/miscacc.htm. I keep mouse poison in my equipment cabinet for insurance.

As mentioned there are low profile lifters such as the Covermate II, but a lifter is a must have accessory.

In my area it would be very fair.

In an acrylic tub it is not critical to have low calcium. Too much calcium can be more troublesome, however your water may be nicer if there is calcium. That is why I like to keep mine at the low end of normal.

Total hardness is more important in a concrete/plaster spa or pool than in a portable spa because low calcium water will seek calcium and concrete is a good source. Modern portable spas are built from materials that aren't really affected by low calcium, however harder water will be more polished and it is a good idea to bring low calcium levels up a bit. My calcium level from the tap is 50 ppm, I bring it up to 100-150 ppm using a liquid calcium up or hardness up product from my dealer. Its very inexpensive. You only need to test for hardness when you fill the spa after you drain...calcium stays with the water.

My spa reacts best when TA is around 80. My pH will hold steady or slowly drift down at this level. If my TA is up, my ph will rise.

As the weather gets colder you will have to add more water on a regular basis. Evaporation is greater when the air is dry. Eight gallons doesn't sound out of line for a spa that is getting a lot of use, especially if suits are worn. Water will drain off the top of your spa cover to the two sides that are pitched. Also, every time you open your cover you will get water draining from the inside of the cover onto the ground. On top of that, on the edges where the hinge is, you could have a small amount of water from condensation.

The filter should be tightened just enough that it does not spin.

jadi FWIW, I prefer non buffered MPS. I don't like having to add twice the amount and and using the non buffered product never seems to have any noticable effect on my pH.

To add to Richard's response, some non chlorine shock products for spas are buffered MPS to make them pH neutral, while others are non buffered, thus they are acidic. For instance, LeisureTime Renew..a popular product..is buffered. A downside of buffered products is you need twice the amount to do the job.

Quite sophmoric. That wasn't the question. The colors range from orange (low/acidic) to deep red (high/basic). Try this site, it gives an idea of the colors your looking for. Couldn't find a pic of strips. http://www.taylortechnologies.com/products...&KitID=2450 The test kit colors are close to the test strip colors. Water should be changed generally...every three to four months...for normal spa usage.

Just my opinion...but I would go for the Sovereign. These being used spas...Hot Springs..especially the Sovereign...are rock solid and have a reputation for longevity.

Don't obsess. You don't have to get every drop of water out of the bottom or the pipes. I will even suggest you will have more issues if you suck all the water out of the lines with a shop vac. The few gallons of water left are insignificant when you add 300-500 gallons of new water. Why make it more of a project than it has to be? Get yourself a good submersible pump for about sixty dollars and put it in the bottom of your spa and pump as much as it will take out. You can wipe down the sides if you like but you really shouldn't have to. The only time I wipe down is if I am putting spa gloss on and I only do that once a year when the weather is nice. My spa shell NEVER has dirt or residue on it. Then fill through the filter well.