Ron3549

I have not used the Aroma injection in my Arctic - mainly because I don't like to add "mystery" products to my water/air. I also don't mind the smell of clean water (with a bit of chlorine). I have been tempted to use essential oils - maybe eucalyptus, tea tree or juniper but am still a bit paranoid about adding materials to the air line. My wife would probably choose different oils - another reason I have not tried.

I got my service call today. Day 57 since I first reported the problem. The solution: I need to drain the spa, remove the screen at the bottom of the spa and spray CLR onto the electrode. The assumption is that calcium has built up on it. When I bought the spa I was told not to use anything stronger than diluted vinegar or my warranty may be voided. Can someone at Arctic comment on this? I don’t think this is what James had in mind.

I have an Arctic Summit - outstanding product. We have Oznen (Arctic salt system) which I like. You need to be comfortable with your dealer - if you have a problem they can make all the difference. I have seen excellent service from one dealer and erratic behavior and poor service from another. If they don't seem serious about their business - they probably will not be very helpful. This would apply to any brand. Ask both your suppliers about the cost and timing of a service call to your location.

I was recently told that the new Onzen system will work with either Bromine or Chorine salt. But I was told earlier that Bromine would damage the electrode. Is it just a choice I can make next time I fill the Spa – Bromine Salt or Chlorine Salt? Does one have advantages or disadvantages over the other? Finally – is it ok to use boric acid with the Oznen system? Thanks for any guidance in this…

Yes - you need to be comfortable about your dealer's ability and commitment to provide after sales service. People need to do their homework before the purchase... Ask around and trust your instincts. (not suggesting you didn't piechart) There are some troubleshooting tips on page 5 of the Onzen guide. Hopefully you have your Onzen guide. If not, get one from your dealer or Arcitc. Make sure you test the salt level. The Onzen guide says the minimum is 2000 ppm. I have mine at 2400 and it works for me but don't go too high or you'll have bigger problems with wildly fluctuating PH and sanitizer levels.

We are on Vancouver Island and get lots of rain and snow in the winter. That when I wear a hat. The open sky experience make up for the wet days. Tubbing under a roof would be as unnatural for us as wearing a swimsuit.

All I have used is test strips. I think the Spa dealers have those mini test tube kits. Do you have suggestions on what to look for in a test kit or where to get them? ... I found some answers in the other forum topics: Taylor K-2006 was one that was mentioned.

In 6 years with Arctic I have had 1 issue that required a service call. I was impressed with the actions the manufacturer took to stand behind thier product. I am currently dealing with the second problem (Onzen stopped working / Poor dealer service). I'll let you know how it goes. My Summit is the best spa I have seen for therapeutic value.

Hi gepert - I have some feedback. I previously owned an Arctic with Peak Ozone but I now have the new (2008) Summit with Onzen. Both systems are great. It is true the Onzen is finicky but I'm starting to get used to it. Part of my problem at first was "too much salt". I like the system, but I need to add more chemicals than I expected to keep the PH and alkalinity under control. I'm still not sure which system I would order if I was to buy another. Onzen needs better user documentation and the low level programming to control it is a pain. The new tub design (seat layout etc) is much better than the last summit I had and the new Jet system is a leap forward. Not a single jet has fallen out (not that they should in the first place, but all brands of tub that I have used had that problem). Service is another story. I have been waiting 35 days and counting for a service call to fix the Onzen system which stopped producing sanitizer. I have called the folks in Nanaimo 3 times to get an update and apparently they are still waiting for parts from Arctic. Last time I called, they hung up on me when I suggested we follow up with Arctic. (The same fellow is listed as the Complaints Contact at BBB) I have a certificate here that guarantees 24 hour service - do they still hand those out? From my experience, over the years with Spas (various dealers / manufacturers), post-sales service has ranged from excellent to appalling. That part baffles me... Sorry to see Tom leave - just when I need him. (long time listener, first time caller) Hope to here from you James.