shovelhd

A basic Spa Eclipse ozonator is about $90.00. A high output MCD-50 is about $140.00. I would not pay a couple of hundred dollars more for something that doesn't cost a couple of hundred dollars all by itself.

They are both top brands. You can't go wrong with either. I would choose the Jacuzzi, but I own a J-345, so I'm biased. I bought mine used, so the warranty was not a factor. I'd buy another one without hesitation. They don't have the most jets or all of the glitzy features, but if you want therapy, they're great.

Do Caldera spas have a drain that has to be pulled out to open, like the one on my Jacuzzi? If so, maybe he didn't pull it out all the way.

I wouldn't need a pump if my tub had a 1.5" drain.

10 minutes beats 2 hours.

I was a bromine user for years until I found this forum and the chlorine method referenced here. I'll never go back to bromine. I am going to add Nature2 soon to drop the chlorine a little more.

Apparently, Cal Spas recently have a bad reputation concerning their GE pumps/motors and poor warranty service with their dealers. I'm not suggesting that you look for a used Cal Spa. I would focus on Jacuzzi, D1, Marquis, Hot Springs, and Sundance.

You got ten years out of your last used spa with minimal service, why not try it again?

I've been using it all month, the 6% unscented. I can't tell any difference. It's not the 50 cents, it's that they were out of Clorox.

Jacuzzi J-470

I have a Jacuzzi J345, and I'm very happy with the tub and my Jacuzzi dealer.

You have to prime the SpaVac to make it work, and when you're done, you have to pump the water out. So I guess there might be 20 seconds and a half a calorie of extra work to use it.

I use a Spa Vac. There's really nothing to wear out, and you can use it outside of the tub. http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Spa-Pool-Pump-Vac-P9438C1.aspx

I would fill the tub and check for leaks before doing the decon.

I would offer them $2K. It's still a 3+ year old used tub. I bought a used Jacuzzi for $1800 when the buyer wanted $2900. There is nothing about that manufacturer, who also makes Jacuzzi tubs, that predispose them to leaking. IMO leaks are mostly due to owner abuse, i.e. exposure to freezing conditions, chemical imbalance, etc. I would ask a lot of questions, and insist on wet testing it. Check the heater's ability to heat to 104 degrees (the maximum). Download the owner's manual and go through the topside controls and check every function. Check every jet, especially the moving jets, for function. Take off the front panel and check the inside for water, noisy pumps, etc. Others here with more experience may have more ideas. Good luck.

I don't know who is the "best". I get my Jacuzzi parts from here.

OK, but if it is supposed to reduce your santizer demand, then won't it make the sanitizer last longer?

I am a Jacuzzi owner and you did not offend me. I would say that your primary gripes are with the dealer, and your issues with the tub itself are buyer's remorse. The Maxxus is just a better fit for your needs. I have no issues at all with my Jacuzzi heater. It can raise the water temp 10 degrees/hour from cold, and if I put my foot over the outlet when it is on it will burn. It's not a new heater, either. I don't have a lounger with wrist jets, but I have no complaints at all with jet power and functionality. Good luck with your new tub.

I just replaced the ozonator on my 4 year old Jacuzzi, and I use the dichlor/bleach sanitation method. I don't expect it to reduce my chemical usage, as I feel that the tub should always have 2-5ppm FC if it's being used. I think it is more of a safety in case the sanitizer level gets too low when it is not being used.

I would not buy a Costco hot tub, and I definitely would not buy a used Costco hot tub. For $3K, you should be able to find a 1-3 year old spa from a major vendor, that has a dealer network to back you up. You have to be patient. It took me 6 months to find my Jacuzzi. It was well worth the wait.

My Jacuzzi has drain holes in the ABS pan, so it is not technically "sealed", but for all intents and purposes it can be considered sealed to prevent critters getting inside, retain heat, etc.

I love my Jacuzzi.

You can use a non-chlorine shock, i.e. MPS.

No, it's a chlorine based system. Check out any of Nitro's posts. The links are in his signature.

I am also allergic to chlorine (skin tested, verified by an allergist) and have used bromine in my spas for years. Recently I tried the Nitro/chemgeek Dichlor and bleach method, and I have had no reaction whatsoever. It's important to keep the water balanced and the pH steady. Borax has helped with this. I am grateful that I found this forum and was encouraged to use this sanitation method.