Tubber McGee

Not 100% - but I think they may be replacing my entire control panel! I can update everyone after the service call! As someone else mentioned in an earlier post! When I am in my tub - it seems like very very very hot water is always coming thru the bottom of the tub - almost to the point where it is too hot and you can not keep you foot over this area! Thinking this should fix this issue also! Stay Thirsty!

If you also are having this problem (as I, the other night my temp was set at 101 but my read was 105 - too hot for the kids to even get in). I recommend you call Watkins! I called - They Listened - They Resolved! Part being delivery to my dealer as we speak! Should be fixed within 2 weeks! Life is good again - Stay thirsty my friends!

Tylemandan, Great information! Thanks alot for posting! Tubber!

Your the Devil in diguise - oh yes she is!!

Hey Rider, I am a little over a week into owning the ACE system. Question: do you know when we need to start adding addtl salt. I was told that you may not need to add salt until you change the water. I was also told that after about 6 weeks you may need to add! If we do, how much! Dont think the control panel will tell us! Also, keep an eye on your tempature reading - many of the new HS tubs are not reading correctly. Mine has actually been off about 3 degrees. Last night it was too hot for the kids! I called Watkins and they are sending a fix (some part for the board) to my dealer!

Does any have an input on the Spa Caddy or any similar product. My Hotspring Vanguard has 2 drink holders - fine for the wife and I but we need to prepare for guests! I really do not like the idea of mounting the Spa Caddy with 8 screws into the side of spa! Also wondering if I would have to remove to shut the cover! Anyone have any good ideas for drink holders?

Talked to my dealer today about this as I needed to pick up some stuff! They informed me that the 303 should only go top of the cover! They do make a different product to apply to the underside of the cover for mildew! Just not the 303

Guru Regarding the bubbles in the water: I have actually consulted with my dealer on this and have found out that the bubbles are common when you first fill the tub and add salt. They said it takes a week or so to break down the salt. Actually last night, I noticed the bubbles have gone away! But, upon receiving my tub, I did have a small fitting (drain plus) that was leaking - probably something when it was being moved! I was thinking I could just head down to the hardware store and find the fitting - nope! The service man informed that all fittings need to come thru hot springs! Really didnt like that answer!

I actually had my ACE system thrown in the deal for free - and NO they did not just jack the price up to look like it was free! I have been looking at the pricing for a long time As far as Spa Gurus comment "none of them practically take care of themselves". Please check out the Hot Spring ACE system, because besides adding salt every month or so and Shock - it does practically take care of itself! Some posts you have to take with a grain of salt - ha! I would at least check out the ACE system at your dealer and let yourself decide - I have been very happy with mine!

I would think a Vanguard with ACE, Upgraded steps, Cover lifter, and start up chemicals for around 10k out the door would be a real good price.

Dark Rider - I am still in the learning phase of owning a tub and chemicals - but so far, the ACE system has been great and very easy. I did my initial fill with soft water from inside the house (my outside faucets are hard water). I used the vanished act bag - 12 hours - flip - another 12 hours. I just programmed my tub for size and usage and thats it! I took my water in and it was close to be balanced - I did have to add a little PH reducer! I then put in my 5.25 cups (vanguard model) of salt and my shock! thats it! We had some friends over on the weekend so I hit the boost button for added chemicals! I really think this thing is going to be a no-brainer! They said it takes about a month for the board to get to know your family (usage and such) The water has no smell - soft on skin! So far - so good! Make sure you watch your temp on your board! It looks like this is has been a issue with many new owners! I set my tub at 101 - but it is actually at 103. I called HS customer service and they are shipping a replacement part for my board to my dealer! Looks like they have a fix! I did not want to deal with my tub being off 2 or 3 degrees for the life of the tub! Good luck!

I have had my tub with the ACE Salt System for one week now! Whenever I turn on the jets - I get foaming bubbles that sit on top of my water - not a ton, but I do get them. When the get are off - they go away! Is this normal? Thinking maybe my chemicals are off! I hope to make it into my dealer this week to get more information! I was told that it takes a few weeks for the tub to get set up - so maybe this is normal! Any advice? Thks

Ok - Another silly question - but Im on a roll today! I need to find a spot to store my chemicals! Since I will be using them often - I would like to keep them close to the tub! as oppossed to in my back storage area which is on the opposite side of the house. I was thinking of getting a small deck box and storing the chemicals inside! Where do you store your chemicals? Are chemicals OK to be stored outside? What about during the winter months? Thks

OK - kinda silly post but - we're one week into this tubbing thing and wondering where people keep there towels while tubbing. I have been putting my towels in different spots - one night hanging over the cover - one night on the steps! We usually go after dark so Ive been searching in the dark for a towel! Last night it was sprinkling a little bit! Thinking about getting a towel tree - but it seems like the wind would knock it over unless it was real sturdy! Also - heard about towel warmers - I think this is a box that you store your towels in! Just trying to prepare the real cold months coming up! Any thoughts on this!

Yesterday morning, I called the Hot Spring toll free number that 'Dan The Spa Man' supplied us. I informed the lady in service of the issue and that it appears as though many others are also experiencing this issue. She stated she was not aware of this issue and wanted to talked with her supervisor. She would get back with me ASAP! I still have not hear back! I sure hope they do not try to cover up an issue that they are well aware of! I would hope they tell customers that are aware of issue and a fix is in the works! I will be plenty upset if my tub is off 2 degrees for the life of the tub! Unacceptable on a $10K product When I am happy with a product - I am very vocal! When I dissatified with a product - I am more vocal! Hopefully I get a call today! Stand by!

Quick questions Took delivery of my vanguard over the weekend. Had the water tested today and getting ready to add chemicals. ACE Salt System - so adding SALT - SHOCK - PH BALANCER asap. My dealer said to just fan the chemicals out in the main tub - but I also heard to put the chemicals in the filter area only! I am going to download the owners manual tonight as I did not get one but I want to get the chemicals going right away! Thinking I just add the chemicals and turn the clean mode! New at this and have no clue - So I have a big learning curve! Also - can I use the tub after I put in the chemicals or do I have a waiting period! Thanks again!

Mike - you must have problems with wildlife! Looks like an overgrown Woodchuck is in your backyard!

I took delivery of a new VANGUARD this weekend! My tub ALSO was reading 104 - when I had it set at 102. I thought it was just because of indian summer and the mid 70's temperture outside! Oh Boy!

Congrats Mike - Really nice color combination! I just purchased a HS in the same combo! Enjoy!

Hello, Getting ready to take delivery on my new tub and was wondering if I should fill the tub with hard water or soft water? Pretty sure my outside faucets are hard water as they bypass my water softner. If I need to fill with soft water - I need to fill from one of my inside faucets! If it matters - the tub will be a Salt Water System (Hot Spring ACE System) Thanks alot!

Hey Gouie - You obviously had issues with your deck! My tub is on order and I am trying to figure out if my deck will be OK to support. Can you talk about why you had to redo your deck. Did you have issues - did deck sink? Thks

OK - just talked with my HotSpring salesperson to address my concerns - who I trust and has been great to deal with! I already purchaed the tub - so his advice really does not affect the sale as he knows if the deck does not work out - I would pour a cement slap! Anyway, he stated that they have put tubs on hundreds of decks without any problems - EVER. And this is high volume dealer with 7 or 8 stores througout the area! Though I do believe this could be an issue in some cases - I think I should be OK. I do have a friend who is a builder who is coming over tomorrow to look at the deck. It was built very nice and overbuilt. Thinking I will go underneath and at least wedge up a couple cinder blocks. Thinking I would put them on small cement paver for more stability! Instead of just laying on the ground! Thoughts - am I assuming I will be fine and possible in for trouble in the future! What a pain! Thanks

Taking delivery on my Vanguard this week. I started prepping my deck when my neighbor says I need to put cinder blocks under the deck! I have never heard of this! My deck in fairly new - built correctly - 2 feet off the ground with all the correct support. Should a tub be OK on this deck? Does it need any additional support such as cinder blocks? Thks!

I live in Michigan! I do think you need to deal with a fairly high volume dealer to get a better deal! Seems like the smaller dealers I talked with had higher prices - harder to cut profit margin! My dealer has mulitply stores! I do know that I did not want to buy from a distant dealer - service was a very important part of my decision and I wanted to make sure I would be dealing with a local company with great service - which I think I got! I truly believe the couple hundred bucks you save buy purchasing from a distant dealer with below par service would be a mistake - I would rather pay more and deal with a good company with great service! If your happy with the dealer - think you would get great service then I would pay a little extra due to location. Be honest and see if they would meet you in the middle! Good luck!

rsc92 - Let me tell you what worked for me! I actually printed off some of the write ups from this forum and brought it in with me - highlighted the area with the prices and options. Had about 3 or 4 quotes from this forum with me! Told the dealer that other dealers are selling em at this price. How bad you want to make a sale? Then BAM - I wrote a check! Stay strong and good luck!