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It is pretty easy to do. Everthing should line up because the old one is balboa. There are dip switch on the pc board that should be pre-set for the pack you have. Check the pumps nameplates to see what voltage they are. Next to each plug for equipment is a white wire. if the device is 220 the wire goes go the red ac box on the left side of the board if the equipment is 110 volts it goes to white ac box. you will see the label when you see all the white wires. Other than that follow the diagram on the inside cover to plug the equipment in

1. Non computer control system. All new spas from manufactures use a pc board to control the spa. I wonder if he is still using air operated sytem with relays and timers? 2. both types of filtering work wether its 24/7 circ or timed filter cylces 3 This one if cost for him Single speed pumps cost way less than a dual speed pump. this also does not give you a option of running the pump on low speed for a softer therapy. Its either on full power or off. Bad idea to me. Most spas come with at least 1 dual speed pump. If he using a 24/7 circ pump the big jet pumps should run at all or only 30 seconds or so when starting a filter cylce. the pump itself is not noisy it is the water movement that creates sound. Jet pumps depending on horsepower can use alot of electricity. 4 both filtration systems work in spas wether its a non bypass system or filter and suctions. The only down fall to non bypass system is jet pump horsepower ratings are lower because of restricting water flow through a filter.

I agree with Artic Dealer wet test the spas you are looking at. Both companies make good product. choose the one that feels best for jet placement comfort etc. Don't worry about the extras they are no big deal. Ozone can be added and all filtration types work

Look at the heater relay board located on the left side inside the control box. look for any black marks. It also could be a weakening GFCI breaker. You can try to run the spa with the heater disconnected. Most of the times 99% pressure switches ,sensors etc will not trip the breaker

A professional bathtub repair person might make it look better. Alot of these repairs always leave a mark to know something was fixed there.

With the heater dissconnected check the continuity from post to post. I should read continuity. I get continuity when disconnected. I get 120v from each leg on the board disconnected. I reconnect it pop breaker. I disconnect and it works. I also got a "24" on control panel on powerup. The heater is bad. Balboa heaters can read continuity and be still be bad. you can get a replacement element which is not easy to do. The best bet is to replace it with a universal fast flo heater. These heaters have removeable plugs to fit any sensors or switches mounted to the heater here is a link to elements http://www.spaguts.com/Product.aspx?ID=2 here is a link to entire assembly http://www.spaguts.com/Product.aspx?ID=131 Would have to remove hose clamps I have been using these on my repairs and so far happy about the performance. Make sure you pick KW as close as possable to the original. I don't know if you know but ICON spa products are on limited availablity, but all main stuff can subbed with different pumps, ozonator, spa packs

Taking your parents spa is not a bad idea. After having it and finding out if you really like or use the spa and then decide life is to hetic right now you didn't spend thousands on a new one. Side note I really like my MAAX Spa and the 2010 models are coming in with even better eco friendly insulation

Any spa store should be able to get them. Do you need one like these http://www.cshincorporated.com/product_inf...roducts_id=3228 http://www.justtherightair.com/shop/store/...p?idProduct=252 you have to make sure the coil voltage is 120 volts these two above are

I have this tester and am very pleased with it http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/m...p;Store_Code=PA

Every dealer you list (not sure about Artic) all make smaller spas with less bells and whistlses at a cheaper price point. Most offer a 3 year warranty on these models. Maax also makes the california cooperage models which are less in cost than the Maax branded spas. Hot Spring also has other lines like Limelight and Solana brands. Caldera also makes a c series spa. your best bet is visit some websites look at the models most will be around 4-5 grand as a starting point. See which ones you like then see if the dealers have any in stock. Even floor models should come with full warranty. When asking for prices get a list of what is included. Don't fall for free cover all spas are shipped with covers. Ask about electric breaker panels. Hotspring and Caldera come with them as part as the spa Maax does not. will you need a electrican. Ask what is included in delivery any extra charges, is there set up included at delivery. Ask for copies of the spa warranty and cover warranty so you can compare. DO NOT be shy about making notes while talking to sales person about how you feel, features you like etc. Most manufactures require the dealer to provide service if needed. Spa sales are way down they will want the business don't buy right away make them call with a follow up. Wet test the models you like. Don't listen to the bad rap some sales people will give the competion. Your list of spas are all good quality products. If you have aquestion come back here and ask.

That is a old heater. Some parts are still available but who knows for how long. Yes you would need to change the gas valve and orfices. These heaters were last made in 1999. If the name plate is still in it should have the BTU rating. Flow rates are determined by pump and plumbing but most 1 hp pumps will operate the heater http://www.poolcenter.com/parts_heaters_laars_telstar.htm

According to windriver's web site. They have a good insulating method. if they really used the hard spray foam as they say there is very little heat loss through the shell. The question is heat loss from the exposed pipes. Now with the air cavity and it sounds like the pump motor exhaust is used to heat that space. The reflective will help but you do not want it too warm it shorten the life of the pumps. It also says they use Balboa controls. Did you try to use the economy mode were it only heats during a filter cycle. Some balboa packs can be programmed to what time you want the filter cylce to run. That is if the circulator pump doesn't run 24/7. If it does the is a way to program it that is doesn't with the dip switches on the pc board.

Is your equipment sectioned off from the rest of the spa? The vents should be to vent the heat generated by the jet pumps running. What ever insulation you use make sure it will not soak up water. I personally would not add insulation. By the time the pumps start to give out from getting to warm your done. They won't last long. If your equipment is not sectioned off you can try to put a shroud in behind it with some insulated foam board. again you will have to keep a eye on things

First off I am sure that 1700 lbs is empty spas with water can get up to 2 tons. If the dealer says ok and he will service it go for it. I have seen them on pea gravel got to fix it right away if it sinks or shifts

have a second person watch the return lines as you add de. If water comes out clear your grids should be ok. easiest way of testing

There other factors to look at besides the heat cycle. Most of the energy ratings I have read if they are even printed have a spa connected at 120 volts and use jet pump 3-6 times for 20 min. First off at 120 volts with jet pump on the heater can't heat= lower energy use. 120 volt heater will pull less amps = lower energy use. Now if the same spa is on a 220 volt the heater and the jet pump can run at the time= higher energy use. Take the energy guides with a grain of salt. Other factors Size of the heater 4kw 4.4 kw 5 kw 5.5 kw. size of circ pump 35 watts 45 w 98 w Hp of jet pumps 1.5 hp 2 hp 2.5hp 3hp and how many in the spa Motor frame 48 vs 56. A 56 frame is larger and pulls less current so its cheaper to run. Also who made the motor. Marathon electric has the lowest energy use compare to AO Smith or Emerson od GE. How many jet pumps are in the spa and what size. Some spa have the hp pumps some have 1 at one hp and second 1 at different hp There is alot to look at for energy use and as a rule I estimate to the high side when talking to customers and if they don't ask I don't tell

Here is another way to look at it. I don't know your health issues, but down the line if you start having back problems, soar joints, arthrirtis etc, trouble falling asleep, trouble relaxing etc etc. I have talked to a great many people how have reduced or got rid of medical bills because of owning a hot tub. You will pay more in medical bills than owning the spa over 15 years. A spa can help on all the listed above items. You may be healthy now but you never know. If your worried about overall cost of owning a spa before you buy one I will bet you will regret getting one after 3 years and up selling it

Were are taking readings from? The main display is a average of all different times. Pres the button until a negative sign then a number comes up after the pump been running for a while. This is instanst reading

Nothing really popped out at me as really good addition for 2010. The advancement is spas has to slow down there is only so much that can be done with them, LED Lighting was the last big neat thing. I think as time goes on a variable speed pumps will be used by everyone, Salt systems will be used more (even though I still think it is a fad) A better UV purification device will come about were water will pass through a chamber to cleaned. Right now I only know of Maax Spas offering this.

Sundance makes a good product. All spas can get a leak it is the nature of the beast. Sundance Is quality and even if have to put some money into it, You are still way lower in cost than buying new

I would go with a self contained spa. Once it is heater energy use in low if the spa is covered. Check with your Hotspring Dealer they offer other alternatives to the plastic cabinets. A good spa should only cost about 30 bucks a month to run

I know this place has your exact replacement but they do not sell to the public. Here is link to find a retailer that has a account with them pick by state http://spaparts.com/findreseller.htm

Down and on a angle is best for water circulation. It helps with not creating dead spots were algae can bloom. If you get them postioned correct you notice none or very little water movement when looking at the pool. pointing them up does nothing for proper water circulation

If it brand new you should still get the full manufacture warranty. There really isn't much to change on a spa nowadays. Compare the features to 2010 model.

Stan, Look in the phone book for your local dealers and let us know. Its hard to give info if we don't know what is available in your area. In the Meantime look for a Hot Springs Marquis Sundance Maax Artic Nordic Jacuzzi Bullfrog These are some that build reliable spas