ChrisP

One of the dealers I visited last weekend (Caldera?) showed a document from the California Dept. of Energy. Apparently, all hot tubs sold in California are REQUIRED to be tested for R-value. The document listed hot tubs by manufacturer, and showed an R-value for each. I have not bothered to search for the same information online, but apparently it is available. The two tubs we were considering were the one offered by that dealer (R30), and the Arctic Spa Yukon (R28). We have since decided on the Yukon, with the deciding factor being the ability to service the underneath of the tub without scooping out foam and replacing it. The tub will be put on the ground, and surrounded by a 16" high existing deck. The Yukon sits high enough that I can service it through the panels without having to remove any decking, which is important given the specifics of our deck. Oh, and we live in Kitchener, so I know all about the cold climate. BTW, I was surprised at how low Beachcomber scored. I believe they were R22. The tub we have now is a Beachcomber, but we inherited it from the Previous Owners of the house, and they let it sit dry for a number of years. As a result, we have had constant issues with leaks. To me, it isn't worth the hassle of pulling the tub out, turning it on it's side, scooping out all the foam, trying to figure out where the leak(s) is/are, changing out all the piping, putting it back, filling and running it for a while to determine that it's fixed (or not), emptying it and putting it back up on it's side, sprayfoaming it, then putting it back down in position and filling it again. Not, at least, for a 12 year old tub... ChrisP in Kitchener

I am very happy with the cover I got from 'www.thecoverguy.com'. And, their service was excellent. When I (on the advice of a dealer) ordered a cover that turned out to be the wrong size, TheCoverGuy stepped up and sold me a replacement at cost, which allowed me to sell the too-small cover on kijiji and almost break even on my stupidity. They also gave me a list of hot tubs which would fit the incorrectly sized cover. I paid a bit extra, and got the 5"-4" cover, and it's nice and solid, and kept the hot tub hot. I didn't get the reflective wrap, so I don't know how effective it is. The cover is strong enough to not have an issue with the 6" of wet snow it had on it during a winter storm. ChrisP in Kitchener, Ontario Leaking, old Beachcomber going, Artic Spas Yukon coming...

I have read the various posts about Onzen, and the various troubles that have been reported at startup if the salinity isn't right. I also know about the retrofit, and redesign, to ensure that the Onzen electrodes are getting enough circulation (and don't have any air issues). So, let's go on the assumption that the Onzen system that I'm considering ordering with my hot tub will work as designed. What are the real pros and cons? Is it worth the money? The house my wife and I bought 2 years ago came with a Beachcomber that hadn't been run in several years. It ran with leaks that I was able to mitigate with silicon and Fix-a-leak for the first 18 months, but it's been too much for me to continue fixing. We used a tablespoon or so of dichlor after each use (max two uses per week, I would pre-chlorinate if we were having company over), and didn't have any issues with water clarity etc. But, I'm not sure what to do with the new tub. We are a young-ish couple, and plan on owning the house for at least another 15 years, so we want to do this right the first time. From what I know, the Onzen system softens the water (this is big for me; the water in the Kitchener area is VERY hard; should I fill the tub up with soft water instead?), and eliminates the need for constantly adding bromine/chlorine (or using tabs). So, this is the Pro/Con list as I know it: PROs: 1) Not having to worry about adding dichlor after every use (not big deal; took me about 30 seconds), or every few days if we didn't use the tub. 2) The savings of the cost of the dichlor, but that wasn't very much. \ 3) Only having to change the water once per year, instead of every 3 months. 4) Softens the water (Is this negated if I use dichlor and soft water?) CONS: 1) COST!!! How many years worth of dichlor could I buy for the initial cost of the Onzen system? 2) The electrodes won't work forever. How hard are they to replace? Does this require emptying/filling the tub? 3) The salt is expensive (but isn't needed much, right?) Any additions to the list of Pros and Cons are welcome. Experiences are also welcome, either by PM or in the thread. I like to have as much information as possible before I make a decision! Thanks, ChrisP in Kitchener