NorthWoodsDipper
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Posts
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Posts posted by NorthWoodsDipper
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Regardless of how the Ozone is marketed you WILL need a primary sanitizer. Bromine or Dichlor is your choice. I prefer dichlor for 2 reasons, 1. It does not smell like chlorine in your tub when you are soaking because it dissapates quickly. 2. Your not feeding chemicals into the water constantly whether you need them or not, which is how a bromine feeder works.
You will learn, using dichlor, how much is required to keep your water clean (trial and error) ozone system or not. The key is to not panic and take a soak, add a little chlorine to kill off the nastys and test the next day before your soak to see where your level is. If it's not almost 0PPM add a little less, if it is 0PPM add a little more until you find the quantity that works for you based on your bather load and what you introduce (im not saying your dirty just everyone is different).. If you want to try bromine first get enough for 3-4 months so if you don't like it you can change to dichlor at your first water change. Relax and enjoy hot tubbing.
Test your source water now to see what you need to balance it. This will help you avoid purchasing all kinds of stuff you don't need.
Roger, GREAT idea to test my water now! I will definitly do that. That is one thing I can work on before my spa arrives (besides building the mongo deck it is going to rest on).
Steven
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Well, I finally pulled the trigger on my spa. I purchased an Arctic Summit Ultra, along with the Peak Ozone option. My question for you is this - after reading all the threads of the benefits of Dichlor over Bromine, I had my heart set on using Dichlor - "The Vermonter Method". But I have also read that Ozone works better in conjunction with Bromine, not Dichlor. Thoughts / comments? Keep in mind that the Peak Ozone option from Arctic is the "super output" ozonator. Does that make a difference in the Dichlor / Bromine argument?
If I do need to use Bromine, any idea how much more yearly chemical cost would be over Dichlor? Also, what other pros/cons are there with Bromine over Dichlor?
Thanx for your input! The weather here in Minnesota is cooling down fast and I can't wait for my Summit to arrive!
Steven
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I'm a newcomer to this site and just read your question. My wife and I (suburban Chicago) are also in the market for a new spa. I am a very conscientious buyer (what with the costs of these things) and have done quite a bit of research on about 15 mfgs and wet tested about 8 different models. We have narrowed our search now down to 4 which includes Arctic. We haven't wet tested it yet, but we like the design of the Tundra except for the fact they don't offer a center foot jet dome. Did you buy yours yet and if so has it been delivered and have you been in it yet? How do you like it? Can the Summit seat 6? It doesn't look like it unless people cross over each other with their legs. Does it come with any foot jets ? If you haven't bought it yet, did you ever look at Artesians', Vitas', or Barefoots? Those are the other 3 on our list. The Platinum Class of Artesian has 5 pumps with every seat having totally individual controls. Very cool and the only spa in the market that I know of with that feature! Plus, foot jets and a volcano which feels great on the feet. Anyway, that's our layman take on the market. A lot of the big brand name companies seem to charge a lot more for a lot less jets (which is important to us). By the way, are you in the Northwoods of MI, WI, or MN. We have a summer home in Rhinelander, WI.
Northwoods of Minnesota!
I purchased a Summit Ultra, and should take delivery of it in aprox 4 weeks. I will let you know how I enjoy it!
Steven
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Spa family,
What are your comments on Gecko electronics? I am in the process of ordering an Arctic spa. The dealer (who is great) pointed out the fact that they can be built with Gecko electronics, or another brand that Arctic has made for them in China. My neighbor who sells and services pools, and used to service spas didn't like the Gecko brand. But I am not sure how many spas he has had to service and so don't know how much value to place on this.
So since I can order the spa either way, what comments does anyone have on the two brands of water packs? Especially helpful would be to hear from Arctic owners.
Thanks,
Steven-
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what is this peak ozonator? will it work with any spa?
No, this question is related only to the Arctic spas. The "Arctic Ozonator" is the entry level Ozonator, and the "Peak" is the upgrade. Comments from anyone on if the upgrade is worth the investment?
Steven-
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If I purchase an Arctic spa, does anyone have a recommendation on whether the upgrade to the "Peak" Ozonator is worth it over the "Arctic" Ozonator? I do not recall the price differenc, but I believe it was fairly substantial.
Thanx,
Steven-
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FYI, the spa I am looking at is the "Summit". I would like decide in a week or so, since I am about 1/4 way done with building my deck (man is it going to be cool!) so I really want to get one on order.
Steven-
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I think I have narrowed my search down to the Arctic spa. I like their design. My dealer is 70 miles away which does not make me happy, especially since I have 5 dealers who carry other brands right here in town. But like I said I like their design over the other brands.
What is your feedback on their design, cost, features over the other brands? What do you not like about this brand?
Thanx!
Steven
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Does anyone have input on the pricing for an Arctic spa? I would like to order this week, but want to know if there is any more negotiating room.
Thanks!
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Where are all the Hot Springs dealers on this forum when you need them? :-)
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TommyTub,
Would you please tell us what the engineer recommended for your layout? I am wondering specifically how far apart your piers are, and how far apart your joists are.
When I figured out the lbs/sq ft of the spa I would like to order, I added the weight of 5 THIN BEAUTIFUL women and myself and came to just under 100 lbs/sq ft. Any information you could give me on your construction would be very much appreciated!
Steven
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I tried getting the "deck builder" software at the Hot Springs website to work, to no avail. Does it run for anyone else? I tried on both my home and work computers. I have the latest Java loaded and I disabled pop-up blockers.
Thanx!
Steven
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I would be interested to have an update on what he says. From what I have heard, usually 100 lbs/ sq. foot would do the trick for just about any spa 7-8', but I am definately not a structural engineer.
Amanda, where did you get that spec. from? I am in the process of laying out my deck now and the Deck lady at Home Depot said 80 lbs/sq. foot was fine. I would really like to know before I build this deck...
BTW... I tried getting the "deck builder" software at the Hot Springs website to work, to no avail. Does it run for anyone else? I tried on both my home and work computers. I have the latest Java loaded and I disabled pop-up blockers.
Thanx!
Steven
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Guys/Gals,
I am in the process of purchasing my first spa. I am the kind of person who really likes making an educated purchase, so I have tried to look at all aspects of the spa. I have shopped spas in my city for a couple months now and have read most posts on this forum. Because of their design I think I am down to the Arctic brand, although the dealer is 70 miles away. Yes, there are 8 other brands sold within minutes of my home, but I really like the design of the Arctic over the others. I am going to wet test next week. I have 2 questions for you:
First - What is a good price for the Arctic? I am looking at the Summit designer series. It suits my needs and budget best. How much "room" does the dealer have over list price? I know the Cal Spa guy came waaaaay down after he heard I just came from the Coleman, Hot Springs and Vita dealers.
Second - Is the Ozonator important enough to add?
Thanks for the info!
Steven-
Water Temperature, Which Is Better?
in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Posted
Would you feel the same way for my circumstances? I am out of town Monday-Friday. Does it still make more sense just to leave the spa @ my normal temp for those 5 days? BTW, I live in Minnesota - BRRRRRRRRRRR.
Steven