Puckyhuddle

Thanks. I will post pics of the panel. I did not check the breaker, but the jet pumps ran for 30 mins no issue after tripping and reset, while the circ pump ran only 30 secs after reset then tripped. If the breaker was hot I'd assume the jet pumps would trip it as well? Also didn't mean to disparage the tech. I was hoping to have him attack the issue with the collective knowledge of this group first. I realize it's going to be hit and miss.

Have a 2011 D1 Chairman. Found the breaker had tripped. After reset, it ran for a few hours and tripped again. Repair tech came out. Tub had been powered down for a few hours. Unplugged all pumps, lights, etc, and replugged in one at a time. Nothing tripped. Circ pump was on its last legs anyway (slow to restart after refilling past 2 water changes and was making rattle noise) so tech replaced the circ pump figuring it was the culprit Tub ran for a few hours and tripped again. Tech figured then must be the heater. He came back next day and disconnected the heater while the heater part is on order. Tub ran for a few hours and tripped again with heater disconnected. I rest the breaker and it tripped immediately. At that point I disconnected the ozonator, fan, waterfall, and the circ pump, reset the breaker and the tub ran. Plugged the circ pump back and 30 seconds later the breaker tripped. Plugged all back in except the circ pump and tub is still running 48 hours later. Ran both jet pumps on high for 30 minutes with no problem. So it seems when the tub sits idle without power and everything has cooled, nothing trips it. But after circ pump runs for a few hours it trips. Even though it's a brand new circ pump and the heater has been disconnected. I figured if it was a bad breaker it would trip after running both jet pumps for over 30 mins but it didn't. Any ideas? Saw a very similar post which had a lot of people scratching their heads without an answer. Post didn't have a resolution. Repair tech is coming back tomorrow and I don't want to play the "let's try this to see it works" game. Thanks in advance for everyone's input!!

To code, huh??? What was the temperature rating of the installed conductors and what is the hottest temperature that your attic gets to?? John I just had an install done - cost $1200. 30' run to outside of house, then another 20' flex conduit to the tub. Also included adding a new outside outlet. Had another estimate of $1,350 for just the tub run. Tub dealer told me to expect around $1,000. Your estimate seems high. I live on Long Island, so prices tend to be higher than other areas.

Dennis - you're the best. Thanks so much. Great customer service and I'm not even in the tub yet!

Just when I thought it was over! The owner called me later on today and told me about a Chairman they have in their warehouse that had a corner damaged during shipping. It has the LFX package and stainless jets. Said I could have it for the same $11,500 as the base I just ordered. They want to move it. So I'm going to take a look tomorrow to see exactly what "damage" means.

I had posted last week to check on some D1 prices, mainly a 2010 Chairman floor model with LFX and upgraded outer shell. The price with steps, cover, lifter, chemicals was $12,500 + tax. The consensus was that the price was on the high side. Since the upgrades to me really didn't add any value, but contributed to the cost, I decided to look into a new chairman with no upgrades. Luckily, I have a D1 dealer near to where I work and another near to where I live. I knew talking to both would give me a little leverage with negotiations. Long story short, I've ordered a new 2011 D1 Chairman today. Price with steps, cover, lifter, chemicals and delivery was $11,500 plus tax. I think it's a fair price for the area, and about as could as I could do, short of moving. I ended up going with the 1st dealer that I wet tested with. Thanks to everyone's advice here! It really helped a great deal.

If its on a spa that uses a 24/7 circ pump then that lamp is on all day every day and I'd change it far before 2 years in that case. I always let them know that the fact that it is illuminating still doesn't mean its putting out much ozone so I've always said 1 to 1½ years (though many will delay that I'm sure). Thanks, but not really what I was asking. I really wanted to know if the dealer throws in 2 extra lamps when I buy my spa, can they sit on the shelf for 4 years until I need them?

So I'm getting ready to negotiate with my D1 dealer, who seems to be on the high side based on the consensus here, and I was thinking about asking him to throw in a few replacement ozone lamps. Seems like a win/win, since every $100 I save doesn't cost him $100 in lost profit. I don't know much about ozone lamps, but the only flaw with my plan I could figure is that maybe I can't store a lamp for 5 years? Do they have an expiration date? Thanks!

Thanks to all for your valuable input! I'll let you know how it all works out.

Long Island would be correct!

After having looked for a few months now, I've finally wet tested D1, Jacuzzi and HS. Before the wet test I figured I'd be getting the HS Vanguard. And I was convinced I didn't want a lounger. After the wet test, I'm leaning toward the D1 Chairman. I hate to go in blind with no idea of price. I've searched here, and am confused if the Chairman and Chairman II are the same model. The dealer has a 2010 floor model of the Chairman available. Price is 12,500 (list 16,000) Upgrades/options include cattail shell, stainless steel jets, and "lighting package". Price included steps, cover, chemicals, setup. For comparison , his price on a D1 Nautilus is 11,000. The dealer is in NY. Not sure if tax is included. Seems on the high side to me. And I don't see the "upgrades" metioned on the D1 website. What's a fair price for the D1 Chairman floor model? I know prices vary by area, but I wanted to get a ballpark idea so I don't get ripped off. Thanks for your help!

Like anything else, it all depends on the condition, which you don't mention.

Went to the HS dealer a few days ago and he said they're phasing out Tiger River. Limelight is replacing the TR line. This particualr dealer didn't carry Tiger River any longer. I'm not sure if the "they" meant it was a local dealer decision or a Watkins decision. Anyone know?

Thanks to all for the input.

New to the board. I appreciate everyone's input. I know to stick to quality brands, look for a quality dealer and do a wet test in order to decide the right tub for me. But each brand has their own little "hook" that makes their tub a little different (and better in their eyes) than the other guy's. All things being equal, should I consider any of these variables in coming to a decision: 1. HS "moto-massage". Probably too subjective to comment, but interested in opinions. 2. Both HS dealer (100% filtration) and D1 dealer said their system was the best in terms of clear water . I'm thinking all systems are going to keep the water clean to a similar standard. Does one require less time/money/chemicals? 3. D1's lifetime shell warranty. Sounds good, but is the shell really a vulnerable component? 4. CD (HS) vs UV (D1) ozonator. I've seen the argument that UV needs a bulb every 18 months, so CD is better. How much are these bulbs? I checked on line and I see $8 and $195 for what looks like the same bulb? Thanks!

I'm new to the board. This is a great forum. I'm in the market for my first tub. I'm looking at HS, D1, Sundance and Jacuzzi. Most of the questions here seem to be about which is the best tub. But equally as important is what makes the best dealer. What are some of the not-so-obvious ways of evaluating a dealer? Obviously how long they've been in business and the BBB rating helps. As well as your gut feeling. But what about the new guy in the business a few years? I would think length doesn't always tell the story. Went to the HS dealer yesterday. 25 years in the business, A+ BBB rating, 2 successful stores. Pretty obvious, a good dealer. Today was the D1/Jacuzzi dealer. 5 years in the business. Just opened 2nd store. Also carries Clearwater spas. Their first year carrying Jacuzzi. I dealt with the owner. He could be just as reputable as the HS dealer. How do I know? 1. Since Jacuzzi is new to this dealer, does that discount his experience? 2. D1/Jacuzzi dealer did not offer any financing, vs HS who did. Can anything be inferred from that? 3. Does number of brands carried mean anything? Or is that controlled by the manufacturer? 4. In general, is the dealer who's sole business is spas more likely to be better that the guy who sells spas, wood stoves and gazebos? Are there any subtle clues to look for? Thanks for your input!!