DK117

I use a shot glass for dry stuff (one oz) and a one cup pyrex (glass) measuring cup for bleach (it has both oz and cups listed.) That's about it. DK117

Where did you buy it? Those tubs are made cheap to meet a price point for big chain type stores. If you got it from Costco bring it back and go see a reputable dealer for your tub. I'm pretty sure the Evolution line is only sold through Costco. Have you had a tech out to assist your troubleshooting? If you're at your wits end and truly unhappy with your purchase, return it to Costco. DK117

I'd suggest narrowing your price range as that would help people give you more specific advise. At $7K, you might indeed get a "tier 1" spa from a dealer, maybe last years model or a floor model. If you said under $5K, you've got one choice, the CSXi80 is on sale. DK117 PS, don't forget to budget for electrical and set up. DIY a few hundred, $1000 subed out.

I though I did something to get BANNED,glad it's back up but have no idea why it was down. me too, in fact I checked with different devices and different IP addresses just to make sure it wasn't just me that was forbidden. That was a very long outage, we've been down before, but I don't remember it ever being like that. DK117

But that site is for covers you buy from that website, not for the ones we're speaking of. We're talking about the ones they make for Costco. I had an electronic conversation with someone that I'm sure knows the answer to this and he stated that he knows wit 100% cerainty that the Costco covers in question are 1.0# density. It doesn't surprise me really because Costco looks for a price point and the easiet way to lower the cost of a cover is to reduce the foam density though its not good for teh consumer in the long range in this example. That sounds plausable, and you're probably right, I just don't see how a consumer would arrive at that conclusion. I'm also curious as to how other online cover retailers stack up. It seems there's an upgrade for everything so the initial price point is totally moot. DK117

Talking points look identical to: http://www.hottubworks.com/SpaCovers/SpaCoverFeatures.php Hot Tub Works and Core Covers (the maker of the Costco cover) share the same address: 1559 Sunland Ave, Costa Mesa CA Hot tub Works has a website that allows you to order a cover and enter info for size, color, foam density, etc. For a 7 x 7 4"-2" cover in dark grey with 1 lb density and 1 year warranty, their price is $299 delivered - they say this cover is "best for indoors". The same cover in 1.5 lb density has a five year warranty and is 329.99 delivered. Move up to 2 lb density for 349.99 delivered. Move up to the Ultra for 6"-4" cover with 1.5 lb foam for 464.99 delivered. The Works is 6"-4" 2.0 lb foam for 599.99 delivered. Could it be that the Coscto cover is the 1 lb cover with a warranty expanded to three years or the 1.5 lb cover with the warranty reduced to 3 years? It sounds like it may be the 1 lb foam with better waranty, but beware of the lower insulating qualities of 1 lb foam if you go that route. On the other hand if price is all that one cares about and wants to be able to take it back to Costco after a couple of years and get $ back (some have no qualms with this, unfortuantely I say as a Costco member)the Costco cover may be for you. Just sharing this info for whoever is interested. Not trying to butter up the Doctor but that is where I will be going for my next cover. where did you get the 1 lb foam info? Compare Energy-Saving 4" 1.5 lb virgin foam in our "Standard" outdoor cover DK117

What is the foam density? I'd be worried I'm getting a 1# density cover which will raise my utlility bill. Covers routinely last more than 3 years so that "bumper to bumper" warranty doesn't wow me. Shop your other choices and compare, the best deal often isn't the one with the lowest up front cost. Not much detail on the Costco website or the ordering web site. Meets all ASTM safety standards Rugged 30 oz. marine grade vinyl top Tapered Virgin Foam Insulation: 4" - 2": Allows moisture/rain/snow to drift off the cover eliminating a “pooling” issue that many flat covers encounter 6 mil double-ply poly-laminate underneath Exclusive moisture lock heat seal Sturdy, four layer hinge #93 Dacron Polyester, UV thread throughout Super-strength recessed handles 37 different stress point reinforcements 20 gauge steel, non-corrosive reinforced center bar Locking, extra strong tie-down straps Cold crack tested down to -20F Hidden zipper design and corrosion resistant Mildew and UV inhibitors Grommeted drain holes Premium commercial grade skirt with custom made split corners to seal the heat in and protect shell Warranty: 3 year (bumper to bumper). NON-PRO RATED. DK117

My POS cover held 2 inches of snow on yesterday too. But the seam didn't keep any accumulation, too warm. Strong sent me a new cover liner (taking on water from the top ... rain) just haven't had the opportunity to install yet. However my cover does seal, but with the same caveat, the skirt makes up for gaps. DK117

I'm 5'10 1/4" and I'm counting that 1/4 inch Anyway, I've got a long torso, like my head almost hits the ceiling in the my 4Runner, but I don't have to adjust the seat back when my wife drives as I've got short legs. Anyway, my torso would be like a 6'2" guy, and yes, the neck jets aren't that comfortable to me. I have them turned off and rarely sit in those two seats. I can fit there if I just slide myself forward a bit, but the jets were too loud anyway. I like to have the top half of my chest and arms above the water. It's all personal preference here and you do have other seats to choose from. Having owned the CSxi80 for 17 months, I conceed Spatech has a point, but I'm happy with my purchase. And while it's not premium, in my opinion it's a quality spa. DK117

+1 I'm not going to get in over my head on a subject (chemical science) I don't know. But this is working for me too. 2 to 4 oz of bleach a day dependent upon use. I will say on the once a week or every other week I remember to MPS shock, I do put a generic defoamer in as well, in addition to an oz of dichlor instead of the bleach (and clean the filter.) However, after the 5th month it was a bit messy ... messy being the techical term (but nothing a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser didn't fix.) So I'm thinking 4 months is a good change time for me with the dichlor then bleach method. Not that some people won't go longer. It took a few tries, but it's basically a no brainer at this point. I hate that I say that now because I struggled the first few months. DK117

Follow-up appointment with the DR. set for the 25th. I'm preparing for the salt, cholesterol, hot tub, alcohol, lifestyle discussion (I already run 5 days a week, so I got a pass in my initial consultation.) If you want your blood pressure to go up, go ahead and use Google to research the condition. DK117

well, it finally happened. I'm on blood pressure medication. A Google search for high blood pressure and hot tubs brings totally contradictory results, so I'm just going to ask the majority here. Any opinions on tubbing with high blood pressure ... sigh. DK117

50 ft garden hose, one hour to fill. One hour to siphon drain. Also interesting, how often do you change your water? I went 5 months last fill and I felt it was too long, too much gunk. I'm now approaching 3 months and thinking of changing. It's not a big effort and the first two weeks of fresh water is sooo nice. DK117

hey man, slow down, 17.85 posts per day over the past day and a half. Introduce yourself. You say you don't want to get into it, but you're dishing it out. Sit in your hot tub for an hour and relax. It's obvious you know something about hot tubs, but it's also obvious that you have an agenda (some might call an opinion.) Welcome to the forum, enjoy the trash talking, but wow, I don't think I've seen anyone come in guns a blazin' like this in my 18 months on this forum. DK117

dang, I'm too late ... 9 posts in one day. It looks like he was trying to help, but the 30 day Costco return policy? This guy has an agenda ... fact be damned. DK117

Just to be fair, would you please explain what this might be and how it would be quantified? Not trying to be an ass, but I'm curious as I don't really believe in "superior hydrotherapy." DK117 DK – No offense taken. I appreciate that you are interested enough in my opinion to ask me to clarify it. And actually, to large extent, I agree with your point of view. I believe that simply sitting in hot water provides great benefit and when people have posted in these forums about what to look for in hot tubs have expressed that “it is 90% about being in hot water”. While you seem to believe that there is little or no difference in the therapeutic benefit of hydrotherapy between tubs, I believe that some tubs do offer better hydrotherapy. A couple of questions come to my mind when I consider your position. Do you believe that moving water is beneficial vs still water? Do you believe that all muscles and joints are equally accessible to effects of moving water such that larger, deeper muscles benefit as much from a gentle surface application as from a more forceful jet? Have you ever had a massage and did the masseuse attempt to apply pressure to the deeper muscles? Everyone is different but I have found that I am like others who do not like to sit in front of the small bullet jets for long – many complain of itching. I much prefer the larger jets, especially the ones that rotate so that the water is not directed to the same spot. I am probably pretty unusual in that I often go through a regular routine in my tub that attempts to imitate the effect of a massage applied by a person. Just as a masseuse starts at the extremities and works toward the heart, I do the same thing. In the above post I described how I use a very powerful typhoon jet and start at the feet and work my way up the legs. I actually rock over the jet so it sweeps back and work along my leg as I slowly move so that jet progresses up my leg and then buttocks. I then go to a different location where large rotating jets continue up my lower back while I work the fingers of each hand on nearby jets, then forearms, upper arms always using large powerful jets. I then lean sideways so that a large rotating jet works first one shoulder and then the other and then sit in front of a pair of large rotating jets at my shoulders and another lower on the back. I don’t just sit in front of the jets but move so that the jets slowly sweep back and forth across my back and work down, just as a masseuse does not apply constant pressure on one spot but instead is always moving and pushing the underlying muscle laterally. One of the things that I like about the open, non-sculpted seating of my tub is that it makes it very easy for me to move so that the jet sweeps over a large range of motion. Of course the typhoon jet is a beast and I have never seen anything else that is as powerful and that I can access to work my lower body. Usually I leave the diverter so that power is applied to all jets but after a harsh workout I will divert flow away from some jets so that the typhoon is even more powerful. I don’t need to go around adjusting individual jets which I could do for more power – the diverter is good enough and quick and easy. After the massage, I go though a stretching routine and then finally kick back, drink lots of water while the tub swirls around me. I usually don’t sit directly in front of jets at this point but my tub has a powerful whirlpool jet than moves the water in a circular fashion which I think provides some benefit over still water, but by this time I feel I am pretty well covered. While a hot tub may not “cure” aging I fully believe that it can make the process less hostile. The therapeutic benefits were one of the reasons I bought my tub and I saw and tested many that I do not believe would apply the same benefits that I can get with mine. Not every one needs or wants this benefit and some, such as yourself, may believe that just sitting in the water is just as beneficial which is one of the reasons different people buy different tubs. Of course I enjoy other aspects of hot tubbing like everyone else – many a cava cork has been popped from the comfort of my favorite seat in the tub. Excellent post, that does help me understand a bit. But just a few points. I would agree that 90% of hydrotherapy is jst hot water. So that pretty much ends the discussion for me. However, based upon your detailed explaination, I have to confess. While the wife gets massages 6 or so times a year, I've never gotten anything beyond a sports massage in college. I've never been to a masseuse, so I suppose that lends itself to the argument that I don't know what I'm missing. But again, in my opinion, ignorance is bliss. DK117

Just to be fair, would you please explain what this might be and how it would be quantified? Not trying to be an ass, but I'm curious as I don't really believe in "superior hydrotherapy." DK117

So the above is my experience. I like the long soaks to sit outside, look at the stars, spend time with the wife and or family. Again for me personally 102 and above provides that jelly relaxed feeling after sitting in the tub, but I can't stay in that long at 103 or 104. So we do 101 and 102. I run almost daily. After a really tough run, or more likely a really tough couple of days of running, I'll get sore, nothing like 30 minutes sitting in plain old hot water to relax the muscles. Again in my experience, chalk it up to me owning a Strong or whatever ... There's no amount of bubbles and water that will work out a strained muscle. That takes time and stretching. Hydrotherapy in my opinion is the jelly warmth feel and overall well being. Some people are using aromas right? Bottom line, my opinion is that "hydrotherapy is overrated." It's subjective. I can call my 4 times a week in the tub for 30 minutes hydrotherapy. But it would be more accurate to just call it relaxing. If you want to run more expensive jets then so be it. But let's not pretend that it will cure aging. DK117

Dave, thanks for your input, but you're lumping Strong with all discount tubs. And you're saying what will happen year three with a Strong. To my knowledge, at least with Costco Strong tubs, there are none over 20 months old. While your analogy is compelling for some, it's pure speculation at this point. Roger, I'll provide my opinion. Hot water swirling around with a few bubbles is hydrotherapy. Many will disagree, I'm ok with that. DK117

I want to believe you guys. And I believe you believe you have everyone's best interest in mind. But what if your crystal ball is wrong? None of us know the life expectancy of a Strong. This line of diagnostic based upon opinion (however expert and experienced it might be) seems iffy based upon a relatively new to market product. I know you'll respond with your experience, but your experience is tainted, you generalize all Costco tubs as one in the same. My personal opinion is that this is a dicey line to walk. I'm not the expert, but I'd be pissed if I needed a repair and the tech in his due diligence decided my tub had a life expectancy of 4 more years and gave me a sub standard repair. This is sounding all too much like my old auto mechanic. DK117

I don't screw anybody, when I fix a tub I back it for as long as the part allows. When I replace a hot water heater for a customer I warranty my labor for as long as the warranty is on the heater (10 or more years). Because of my plumbing license, which I want to keep, I only do the highest quality work with what I have to work with. And that's the key, what I have to work with. I replace water heaters with a more expensive brand when my bid includes the heater (not available at box stores) and warranty accordingly. But if a customer wants a box store heater I will do those also because it's easy to make the plumbing joints outlast the heater. Our local box store is Menards they sell hot water heaters for 200-400 bucks. My DEALER for water heaters starts at 400 bucks. Double the cost for a longer warranty and a better more effecient heater. Just like hot tubs. Sinks, toilets, boilers, showers, copper pipe and fittings, PVC everything plumbing there is suffecient, better and best. I use the best whenever possible. It cost more but you get what you pay for. When suffecient is all that is in an equipment bay on a tub then suffecient is what I use. Quite frankly I make a higher mark up on suffecient parts because........yep most customers don't know the difference. Just like those here who say the tubs available at box stores are just as good as those that cost almost twice as much. If you want to buy your own parts I will install them and warranty my labor, but not the parts. Thanks for clarifying, I'm glad my initial read on the first post was mostly in error. And for what it's worth the PVC plumbing analogy resonates with me. I worked my way through college doing irrigation work (installation, repair, and yes digging lots of ditches.) DK117

Its easy to fix sub standerd with sub standerd. Look inside the equipment bay of a high end tub, neat clean and everything is packed in tight. D1 and Hot Spring pay a higher rate. Look inside any of the big box tubs it is unorginized, there are extra 45's and 90's scattered around with a crappy glue joints and all ya gota do is close the water flow leaving lines and joints any where and call it good enough. Strong has called, I get paid by customers who I do repair for, not Manufacturers/Box Stores. Call it damning if you'd like but it simply is easier to work on value tubs, but generaly you have to offer a discounted rate. I interpreted your first post as purposely short changing value tub repairs. Value tubs die in short order and value manufacturers don't pay their bills. OK, in your opinion and experience, little of which is with Strong. So I think/hope you clarified in the follow up post. You repair Kia's to Kia's standards and BMW's to BMW standards. I hope I'm interpreting that correctly, it sounds a lot better than screwing over value tub repair clients because of your opinion/experience. DK117

And I know how I support these types of tubs!! "good enough of a repair for who it's for" It only needs to last a few more years then I will dispose of it. Pay me up front please and collect from the manufacturer yourself. To many independent have been burned after a Costco tub manufacturer leaves owing them tons of money. Roger, while we disagree on a few things, but I generally respect your knowledge and integrity. But this post threw me for a loop. Are you telling me that if Costco/Strong calls you for a service call in Minnesota that you will perform a lesser repair than if D1/Hotsprings called you? Please clarify your post. That's a pretty damning statement right there. DK117

+1, every vacation rental I've ever visited that had a tub had a cleaning fee, and this wasn't just for the housecleaner, it also includes weekly spa maintenance. I'm not sure on the prices, but it's got to be built into your costs of owning a second home and a second (or vacation) tub. DK117

Sandi, thanks, you'll be missed. A little over a year ago, some of your posts and thoughts were very influential to me. I thought maybe I would fall into the same situation. We didn't use the tub much in August. But so far it's a seasonal thing, I think we probably are a tubing family ... we've been in daily over Christmas break ... but we've only had the thing for 15 months. Anyway, I totally agree, first timers need to look at entry level options to gauge their interest before spending 10K and making a lifestyle/life-changing decision. DK117