thadius65

Watkins and dealer replaced no questions. Thanks for the info.

Yes I am and the calls are in motion to Watkins/dealer. Is this typically a defect, or a water condition problem. I keep my tub pretty much in the norm for the most part, just wondering.

I have a 4 year old HotSprings Vista. Was getting ready to move a few feet. When prepping to move, I opened the service panel and notices a slight drip. I had noticed some dampness for a while now, but just assumed condensation from cover seam dripping down in front of control panel. Upon closer look, the drip is coming from the non-powered/non-plumbed side of the heater (see below). The black plastic end-caps are attached to the metal heater with philips head screws. Where the tube closest to us in the picture transitions into the square metal manifold is where the drip is coming from. Any thoughts on what would cause this and how to address? Thanks!

I have gotten other feedback from another forum on not having enough returns. This has (2) and to be honest, in this area (central PA), PB'ers only put (2) in. I have checked my PB, others and look back to when my Grandmother had a pool company in Lock Haven PA... Not sure why. Is (2) an issue in an 18x36 Mountain Pond?

So go with one wide skimmer instead of two regular and have them use 2" througout? That a better approach?

PB indicates that the bottom drains (in deep end) are T'd underground per code (barbed, glued and clamped). So they are on same return. The skimmers will be on seperate lines to pad and valved there. With regard to the prevailing winds, my deep end has a backdrop of 40' pines, so most likely any wind would be from shallow to deep. I get the sense PB only wants to do one and is only doing two as he matched another PB's design/price. Wondering if having one wide mouth and convincing him to upgrade from 1.5" pipe to 2" wouldn't be a better route?? Thoughts?

I am about two weeks away from my pool install. Going with an 18x36 Vinyl SWG IGP. Went with Hayward super pump 2-speed 1hp, two bottom drains, two skimmers, to outlets and Hayward Aqua Plus w/ T-Cell-15 salt cell. In addition, we are installing a Hayward Summit 8TA heat pump (130k). My primary question is, the builder is not used to putting two skimmers in and is indicating I can either go with to standard or one wide (due to pool shape I guess?). What are general thoughts on this shape, 20k gallons configured as described? Do I need two skimmers? And if so, what are best locations (alternating corners, one deep, one shallow?)? If not should we just go with one wide in the deep end? The automation, GLI Valencia liner and having concrete coping to make it look like a concrete/gunite pool have us very excited. Appreciate the help! Ted

Question - Why do you need any CYA. I thought CYA basically just kept chlorine from breaking down in the sun? If tub is never used during the day and fully covered, why can't you just use bleach from refill til next refill? Sorry if I missed something. Thx - Ted

(800) 735-5290 Monday - Thursday, 8:00am - 4:00pm, Friday till 3:00 PST (510)234-7920 (510)234-7910 fax Call them soaker, there great to talk to and they know what they're talking about. For once in your life, don't buy that cheap one Doc sells though, buy the good one, you will be much happier down the road when it lasts longer and does a better job. Almost always, and I know you find this hard to believe but, you get what you pay for. I have had a foam blanket since October. I can't compare to not having since I have had since day 1 of my first Hot Tub, but I like it. It at minimum keeps evaporation down and I can tell you that it is getting beat up by the Ozone, not my expensive cover. My electric bills are low, but I have a HotSprings and they are known for that. I bought mine from a guy on Ebay. Standup Ebayer as my first one had a slight tear in it and he replaced. Top notch customer service and a fair price. Mine does not bunch up when on the clean cycle. To remove, I flip cover, then pull half of blanket onto cover and lift entire unit up. Then to put back on, i reverse. Pulling half of cover down, i then lay the blanket on water and position, then closing the cover and locking. Here is the product I bought: http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/premium_foam...QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ Good luck. Ted

I will second the comment on Meyers Enterprises (EBAY ID is meyerenterprises ). I have ordered from there twice with quick/cheap shipping and good prices. I get my Spa Perfect, calcium and Zorbo Scum Absorbers through them. Totally satisfied.

Due to my sons bringing friends over, the high bather load with freshly washed bathing suits was killing me with foam. Could not get rid of it. Started using Spa Perfect along with a Zorbo oil/scum absorber. Not much left of any suds now. Wife and I either repeatedly ware same suit over and over, or none at all.

My HotSprings cover does the same thing. It lifts in the center somewhat and steam escapes. I think it is how they mounted to the HS Upright Retractable Cover System. I figured I was in trouble when they said "First one of these we've installed.....". So I am assuming my issue is not a quality issue, but an install issue.

Update: I was concerned about making the blanket fit. Listened to some recommendations and placed blanket in water, used a non-perm marker and traced sections for cutting. Cut with scissors one area at a time and it turned out pretty good. Floats nice on water and stays put even with jets on full or on clean cycle. It is very easy to remove. When I flip up cover 1/2 way, I then grab the blanket and flip it up on cover, then fully open cover and it comes off with it. Reverse to put back on. Only a few more seconds to remove/install. First think i noticed was that when cover is removed, there is not all of that condensation on the underside, so it definately helps with loss of water. Hoping some benefit from heat loss. Question - Do those of you with cover lifters notice that the cover is not fully snug all the way around the tub. I have some spots that have like 1/8" gap, even with 4 straps on corners in place?? Ted

This one is 1/8" thick. Sandi - thanks for the usage feedback. live and learn i guess. not much lost. got 30% off with MS Live rebate. with the HS Vista, no jets unless i hit clean button other than the silent flo 7x24 pump.

I just ordered a cover saver type closed cell thermal blanket. Similar to the Cover Saver, but not quite as thick: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...E:X:RTQ:US:1123 Two questions: 1). Anyone use this type of cover and if so, have good outcome? 2). What is the best way to trim to get good fit? Obviously with scissors, but examples if you have cut down to fit. Wish I could get a paper template from Watkins for my Vista, that would provide best fit. Any thoughts on how to best do this? Thanks for the feedback! Ted

Thanks for the info!

SpaTech, Add Metal Gon before my next fill or at my next fill, or both? Thanks! Ted

I have had my HS Vista for about 3.5 weeks and just noticed something last night. The bottom plastic piece that the ozone and heat comes out is discolored. Sort of a brownish color. Nothing else seems to be of issue and watar parameters seem okay from test strip. Any thoughts, or is this normal? Thanks, Ted

I have outdoor speakers wired to my system inside. Far FAR superior sound quality, at a fraction of the price. 100% agree! I bought a pair of Polk Audio Atrium 45 outdoor speakers on Amazon for $85 shipped (white to match house). Mounted at just above sitting ear level facing towards the spa. Used about 80' of white "lamp cord" wire from lowes to get inside to my receiver and purchsed a RCA to iPod style connector (3.5mm?) to hook up either my Pioneer Inno XM portable or my iPod. Total cost was $130 (already had receiver) and the sound is so much better than most spa sound systems. Enjoy!

Being from the area around Bloomsburg PA, I can tell you of a good dealer experience I just had. I have had my HotSprings Vista for about 3weeks now and the sales, delivery and post support has been great to date. They sell HS and Caldera. Have your friend go see Matt in sales. Very easy to deal with, low/no pressure and new his stuff. AND my deal was the best in the area. Tell your buddy to let Matt know Ted Haines gave you the info should he go and look/purchase. Artesian Pools and Spas 570-784-8955 Matt Dickson Good luck! Ted Haines

Central PA (Williamsport). It was hot today, so it felt good. Tub is to temp this morning, so good soak coming after work!

Randy, Thanks for the info. All installed and water in. Powered up and all looks good. With two hoses, did not take long to fill at all. Two hours tops. Slowly the temp is increasing. Up to 82 now and good enough for me to take a dip and test out the jets. Nice a cool like a pool!! Figure by tomorrow night, we should be at 102F and ready to start the official soaking. Thanks, Ted

After 2 weeks of wait and prep time, the pad is poured, sub-panel wired, placement selected ...... Today is the day for delivery of our new HS Vista. So for day 1, what should my expectations be? How long does hose water take rise to spa temp? I am imagining that filling with a hose is a long process. I think I will run two hoses to shorten fill time. Does installer stay until completed to show how to use, or ?? I will be using chlorine and the ion inserts, along with the ozonator. I have them bringing two lifts as I am not 100% sure if my clearance is good enough. They are bringing the HS Uprite and the CoverCradle. Either are included. Any pros/cons to either of them. They both look solid. Hopefully soon, the central A/C can be turned off and the costs to offset!! Any other tips would be appreciated. Great forum and thanks for all the previous help! Ted

I was afraid that was the answer..... but good to have verified. Thanks! Ted

Need some help from owners/dealers: I am getting conflicting information on cover orientation. I ordered my HS Vista in Sand/Espresso (thanks for your help). I am being told by dealer the default/normal cover seam is parallel with the lounge, where as Watkins is telling me seam is perpindicular, or running from 12 to 6 on the dial (as you face control/access panel)? I am trying decide on orientation of tub/cover on my new pad. Makes a huge difference on if I go with CoverCradle or UpRight cover lifters. Thanks, Ted