canucker
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Posts posted by canucker
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I lurked also for quite a while in this forum and also liked (loved) all my friend's hot-tubs and had great fun with them. I went ahead and bought, but I find the novelty wears off. The first year was good, with no regrets...but the 2nd year it wasn't used very much at all. Now I'm down to using once a week. SO, not sure if I would do it all again if I was just starting out. It's really not worth the upkeep/maintenance/expense for the amount of use it gets. I also got an 8 footer, and in hind-sight a 7 footer would have been adequate....since I'm in there by myself most times
Yes to basic lighting, no to the extra lights....I find those to be 'over-kill'. Yes to an IPOD/Stereo jack and speakers. No to a waterfall are my opinions. Oh ya, and I got a hand-rail thrown in as a freebie...and have never attached it, so completely unnecessary. -
canucker - When I read the title of this thread I thought you meant that your tub was getting too crowded with the ladies. I have found that they are much easier to chase off than the crows that plague you. It looks like you are getting good advice here on dealing with your situation and I don't feel that I can contibute to the body of advice. However, if you seek to alienate women, I have a wealth of experience that I can pass on.
Hey no, I'm not looking to alienate my own ***
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The reason the owls never work is because they are stationary and the birds get used to them and ignore them. I had problems with woodpeckers chipping away at the cedar siding of my house. The local bird/wildlife outlet advised getting windsocks to keep them away. These windsocks are made of foil streamers. You can hang these with fishing line. These fluttering wind socks worked great at keeping the woodpeckers away from the house. I haven't had any more problems with the woodpeckers since I hung a few of these windsocks around the house. They run about $15.00 each.
There is a fancier (and more expensive) alternative to this windsock idea that is based upon the same principal. But instead of fluttering streamers, these are essentially kites designed to look like various birds, which you can attach to your house, pole or ground. These will fly around your house with the wind and keep the birds away. They come in all kinds of sizes in different bird designs, seagull, eagle, osprey, goose, et al. Just google "jackite" and you'll find plenty of selections. They're available through a variety of distributors. These are commonly used as alternatives to the traditional scarecrow to keep birds and animals away from crops, decks, gardens, etc.
Good luck.
gman
Ok both options sound pretty good and relatively inexpensive. I'm going out tomorrow to see if I can find either windsocks or jackites.... Sounds like a reasonable solution! Thank You!
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You might want to consult a garden forum for bird advice.
Don't tell my neighbors but I've had some luck at trapping them -- to keep them away from the fruit trees, I've no problem at the spa.
But let me ask: Do you also have bird feeders? My good friend complains about the birds and squirrels raiding her cherries, plums and persimmons, but also keeps at least three large feeders.
At my housew we don't have enough of a problem to warrant pellet guns, but it would be tempting if local ordinance permitted it.
Noooo way...I have no bird feeders
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We don't want to have to put a roof on our spa, but the number of birds flying over and dropping their business on the steps, cover and surrounding patio is totally outrageous and disgusting. We were told owls (the plastic variety) act as deterrents but they are doing zilch. Does anybody have any suggestions to divert/re-direct these nuisances to a different flight path? Today after I was re-filling the newly cleaned tub with clean water, when the tub was about 1/2 full again with crystal clear water....you guessed it, a big plop right into it. Had to empty and start again.... The culprits seem to be regular black birds...nothing exotic.
Thanks for any suggestions that might spare us having to enclose our tub...we really enjoy the starry nights, looking straight up, without obstruction.
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Yes that would work fine. Or you could just turn both pumps on high speed, and that would work too.
Thank YOU!!!
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I am going to use Arctic Fresh Start for the first time...recommended for flushing out the lines prior to emptying and re-filling. The instructions say to use 8 oz and put the pumps on "high" cycle.... My question is, is this the same as Boost Cycle?
Thanks (sorry if it seems like a dumb question)
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I had this issue with my Marquis spa last year. When they set up and filled the spa the power was turned on about 2:00pm. The cleaning cycle runs for 2 hours twice a day and I would get the overheat error message. I changed the cycling times to 6:00am and 6:pm. This cleared up my overheat error.
I'm not getting any overheat or error messages though. It's just that the temp reading is about 2 or more degrees higher than the set point.
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Is the spa outdoors in the sun?
half the day would be sunny, the other half shady....
We have an Arctic Summit that is 5 months old. Now that the weather is getting warmer we are setting the temperature to around 101-102. Each time we open the lid to use it the temp reading is 104. I don't understand why the actual temperature would exceed the set temp.....is there a problem with the thermostat?
How much filtering do you have it set to do each day and at what time of the day?
Sorry to sound like a real ditz...but I have no idea
Whatever they set it to when they came and installed. In the cold weather the temperature was always exactly at where it was set to. Now that we have spring weather (finally!) it's running at 2-3 degrees higher than where it is set. -
We have an Arctic Summit that is 5 months old. Now that the weather is getting warmer we are setting the temperature to around 101-102. Each time we open the lid to use it the temp reading is 104. I don't understand why the actual temperature would exceed the set temp.....is there a problem with the thermostat?
How much filtering do you have it set to do each day and at what time of the day?
Sorry to sound like a real ditz...but I have no idea
Whatever they set it to when they came and installed. In the cold weather the temperature was always exactly at where it was set to. Now that we have spring weather (finally!) it's running at 2-3 degrees higher than where it is set. -
We have an Arctic Summit that is 5 months old. Now that the weather is getting warmer we are setting the temperature to around 101-102. Each time we open the lid to use it the temp reading is 104. I don't understand why the actual temperature would exceed the set temp.....is there a problem with the thermostat?
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Hoping Tom or someone else can help me out as far as telling me which make/model of Filter I have in my Arctic Spa Tundra Legend?
(Sorry I don't have a manual of any kind - wasn't provided with the tub strangely)
I'm also wondering if there is a good place online that anyone knows of to order these filters (bulk?) as they are pretty costly to pick up locally?
Thanks
Calvin
I too would like to know which is the most appropriate (read best) filter for my Arctic Summit. I received the spa in October, replaced the filter on January 1st with a different filter that the local Arctic store sold me saying "this is it"...then I read online here that the one's without the casing tend to disintegrate and cause a big mess. So, this water change I got yet another different one from the Arctic store...no wrapper, no brand name listed on it, but it did come with mesh around it. Then when I went to install it, there were no threads on the bottom of it to screw it into place. I'm very confused about the correct disposable filter that I should be using for this Bromine tub. They don't seem to know at the Arctic store either!
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Hi All
I've been shopping a while now (it's very confusing LOL)
I'm leaning towards a Sundance 880 Optima ($10,995 CDN - he says non-negotiable)
I've also strongly considered the Arctic Spa Tundra Signature Series roughly $12,000 CDN
Wasn't keen on the Arctic sales folks in the end.
Also looked at Coastal Spas - could get a tricked out one for $10,000 or less it looked like - but didn't feel the quality was there.
I'm going to check out Beachcomber (although i think it's lower end of the ones I'm considering from my research), and Jacuzzi they both have local dealers.
Are there any other brands in the Sundance/Arctic/Jacuzzi quality/price range I should be trying to consider?
Much appreciated.
I was in your situation in the Fall (here in Mississauga). I also was not keen on the local Arctic dealer, but decided on an Arctic Summit anyway. I absolutely love it. Still not keen on the Mississauga dealer...they keep changing personnel every time I go in there! I just go to the next closest store in Oakville instead.... or just phone them if I want info/advice...
Good Luck with your decision!!
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We have these neighbors that have always been reasonable and not uptight. But they claim that when our hot tub is running is vibrating their house and they can hear it!
Here's the details:
We have an older hs prodigy 1 horse power. We run the jets for maybe 20-30 about 5 times per week. Usually we go in sometime between 9-11pm.
Our tub is right next to our house (2 feet away) on a deck that sits 18 inches off the ground. Their bedroom sits about 50 feet away on a second floor. No obstructions between my tub and their house except for a 6ft wood fence.
I've checked in with other neighbors, no one can hear it. We can barely hear inside our own house! They claim that it vibrates their whole house/bedroom in particular, and drives them nuts. They were cool about it, but definitely emphasized how major of a disturbance it is for them. The drone sound and vibration, etc.
I apologized and said that I won't turn on the jets after 9pm. They were cool with that and appreciative , but continued talk about how much of a nuisance it is.
I'm a friendly guy who understands the importance of getting along with neighbors. I kind of question how loud it really is for them (note: their windows are always closed). Regardless, is there any simple solution that will lesson the vibration/sound? I'm not going to stop using my tub or spend a ton of money on solutions. Moving my tub isn't an option.
any ideas or thoughts?
Thanks!
Neighbours that have always been reasonable and not uptight are not making this up at all. You really should ask to go inside their house to experience the noise/vibration for yourself, then you will know more how to respond to the complaint. There could be a simple solution, like someone suggested...a pad under or maybe a screen to break the sound waves....
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I am looking to buy a sump pump in order to drain my 500 gal hot tub quickly. Any ideas/thoughts/suggestions on the best one to buy (economical yet works well)....? Price range and where to get would be helpful.... I'm an Ontario resident...
Thanks for any help !!!
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I am very new to the tub world as well. I had it down to either a Coast or Arctic as well... I bought an Arctic Summit and had it installed in November. I love it! So far so good with everything about it!
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well ive been luking around here for at least 6 month me and my wife decided we were finnally going to get a hot tubb the forum has been very helpfull with all the options out there a guy can get a little sick of the overwhelming amount of inf.. so here are the details we are in our lower 30s and are a family of 6 my area options we sundance, master spa, emerald, arctic, and hot springs(not a fan of full foam) after talking with all the dealers and 2 hot spring dealers i realized that i must have researched too much because i felt when i went in and got to visiting with the dealers i new more about thier spas than some off the dealers which eleimated the hot springs brand and the others were a lesser class spa(boxy) in my opinion so here is what i endend up with a arctic summet legend w aquatremmor i wet tested several models the summit was by far the most comfortable and plenty big enough for the whole family. with really powerfull jets as it should with 3 pumps
advice that i thought was a little much at first was wet test, if you are going to spend an absurd amount of money on something like a hot tubb and dont wet test you are crazy!!!it has to fit you not the other way around
second piece of advice i thought was great was dealer confidence i can totally see how a bad dealer can absolutly turn someone away from the purchase or repuchase of a pool or spa.once again this is a want to have not a need to have item!! im sure im not problem proof hopefully the dealer choice keeps that from being a bigger problem:)
the dealer i went with was devader pools and spa topeka ks i would recomend this dealer and have to any family member/friend of mine 4 friends have been there since. they seemed to specialize in hot tubs and pool and spa chemicals.
i am a newby this is just my opinion on my experience i dont know it all just what i like!
i have had the tub for a day so my 1.5hr soak was great a little prunny the install was on time and 3 hrs later i was waiting for heat to rise so far a great experience!!
as for the doubters or arctiic haters? i found it very comforting that james kierstad ( wrong spelling) has been on here and im sure at the plant trying to rectify a tarnished image by a few bad spas.. so here is a big thumbs up for arctic spas!!!!
Thumbs up to your Summit... I aboslutely love ours!
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I purchased an Arctic Summit in November and absolutely love it for it's therapeutic value. It has everything that one could ask for, lot's of soothing for the aches and pains associated with arthritis and muscle pains following gym workouts. My neighbour often complains that their spa isn't as therapeutically good as our Arctic Summit. I would wet test one of these before making up your minds.....
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My neighbour has had problems with basement leaking because of his hot tub being right up to the back wall of his house....he thinks it's due to the hot tub anyway...
Also, you have to leave 18" or so for maintenance access...don't you? That's what I understood anyway....
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Hi Canucker,
Did you ever get a test kit, I think I replied to antoher thread you had a comment in. I picked up a Taylor K-1004. It was $30 and the only thing it doesn't do that the K-2106 does is measure calcium.
I picked mine up at a local pool & spa store. Boldt Pools in St. Catharines.
This kit works perfect for me as I have an Arctic as well with the Onzen system using a sodium bromide salt.
Yep I ordered & received the K2106. I'm surprised how much time the whole process takes and how "kinda complicated" it is...but I'm getting there. Test strips sure are easier
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Does anyone have any suggestions for a good test kit available in Ontario Canada for a Bromine tub?
I know Taylor kits are the best, but they are hard to find here (Peterborough) and are expensive as compared to purchasing in the US.
Of course, want to measure PH, TA, CA and Free or Total Bromine.
Thanks
I don't know if this helps or not but check this company out: http://piscines-apollo.com/cubecart/. The Taylor K2106 is on special for $127. They are in Quebec and carry Taylor stuff. Prices, though inflated for us Canadians , seem to be a bit cheaper.
Ya they are $20. cheaper...the base price at Lowry is $146. The difference may very well be made up in shipping costs from La Belle Province.
Also, they won't ship in below zero temps., as they don't want the chemicals to freeze, so they hold the order waiting for a mild spell....
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Does anyone have any suggestions for a good test kit available in Ontario Canada for a Bromine tub?
I know Taylor kits are the best, but they are hard to find here (Peterborough) and are expensive as compared to purchasing in the US.
Of course, want to measure PH, TA, CA and Free or Total Bromine.
Thanks
I just got mine last week...Taylor K2106 as recommended here on the forum for bromine hot tubs (I have an Arctic Summit since end of November, bromine and don't know what I'm doing either
The only place I could find it was from the Canadian distributor in Newmarket. I paid $176. including UPS delivery charge (I live in Mississauga). The company is Lowry & Associates. I checked all the pool companies in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Etobicoke and couldn't find this kit anywhere else.Good LUCK!!!
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So I bought a test kit at a local supplier. Its a Premier Test Kit by Poolmaster and has tests for Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity and Acid demand. I only paid $17.95 + tax. So do cheap kits work? Any difference in reagents?
The only other test I think I need is hardness and I can get that on the test strips.
I used Spa Flush - OMG - tons of foam when I added it to the tub. Yuck deposits above the waterline including on the pillows, that cleaned up easily when following the instructions on the bottle. The jets spin more freely than they have in years. So far a very positive experience.
I am presently filling the tub for the decon portion. I picked up a filter from an online source that said the pre-filter is just what I need for my well water. I will balance and add Chlorox unscented tonight and circulate for a couple hours.
Thanks, Doug
Hmmmm you are lucky! I just paid $180. for a Taylor kit, which included UPS delivery charge.
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I usually flip my steps over, or set them on their side. The ice accumulates on the bottom instead of the top of the steps. Then just flip them into position when you plan to use the tub.
This is a good idea. My latest problem is that it's so jokin' cold that the water freezes on the steps while I'm IN the hot tub for 30 minutes or so. I thought about getting one of the anti-freeze electrical lines for pipes and tack it to the bottom of the stairs.
I don't like the idea of any electrical heater near water. I would be too afraid of an electrical shock when getting out of the tub. I'm going to be trying the towel idea myself. Even though the towel might get wet and freeze, it would still provide some traction. I like to try the simple solutions first.
The towel idea is working fine for me...temperatures last week were -25 at night, during soak time. Of course I don't leave the towel there after I'm out of the tub....just put it down on entry. Cheap, simple and safe!
Arctic Spa In Gta Area
in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Posted
Does anyone know if the Speers Road Arctic Spa location is still there? When I google Oakville Arctic Spa, just one on Dundas west of Trafalgar comes up. I am in Mississauga and I can't stand dealing with the Mississauga Store....yes since the change-over to Jacuzzi, they are rude and abrupt and I will not go back there.