Amanda

Not sure. I'll pm you with the info. in regards to a number to call and find out about dealers in your area.

104 degrees... hello to you too! Exact quote from the Gel Gloss container "In addition to fiberglass, amrble and acrylic surfaces, use gel gloss confidently on ceramic, chrome, stainless steel, porcelain, and plastic laminate surfaces." I would take these directions as being safe for plastic. So... yes, I think it would work. Your local dealer may be able to confirm one way or the other about the exact type of plastic shell you have.

I like the "spa wipes" if a waterline is apparent. Lots of cleaners these days are conveniently already put into a disposable wipe! Keep in mind to keep them out of the water as you run along the waterline to avoid adding the cleaner to the water and possibly causing bubbles (foam). "Gel Gloss" is another favorite of mine. It helps clean the surface and then leaves it nice n shiny without any rinsing at all. I usually stay away from the liquid cleaners that require a thorough rinsing.... takes too much time in my opinion.

This is a great point. More often than not, a certain comment will be made to instigate foolishness... and simply by responding, "defending", bickering, insulting- the instigator has won the battle by starting it. The instigator will gain momentum by feeding off the energy of upsetting and disarming the opponent. When people allow themselves to be upset by antagonistic comments, they loose their own credibility by loosing their cool and partaking in the banter. Meanwhile, we all loose a little face by the folks reading this "stuff" while trying to get educated about an important spa decision. I asked my girl (8 yrs old now) the other day how she would stop people from fighting and arguing. Her simple but wise comment was "By using nice words and listening". things would be better for everyone if we didn't loose our cool or our self control. After all, all we have to represent ourselves in here are the words we write. It's probly a good idea to write "nice" words like my daughter shared with me... even when dissagreeing. This way- you keep your own credibility while allowing others to dig their own hole if they so choose. No pointing fingers + practice personal integrity= credibility. yes? Still.... it is better than it used to be.

That is correct. Clearwater is not a fully foamed tub. They use R.T.B. (Reflective Thermal Barrier). From what I have heard of these spas, they are not very loud at all during operation. but... alas, perhaps we should start a seperate insulation topic again. LOL!

I must add... this forum is waaaay better than it used to be and for me, that means the credibility has increased. Those of you who have been around from the beggining know what I'm talking about. People today are more educated, and have tons of researching capabilities at their fingertips. If something sounds outlandish- it is REALLY easy to check it out, verify statements, do comparisons... yada, yada- and all at the tips of your fingers. Credibility as defined by the web: (more than 1000 results in under 2 seconds) # the trustworthiness (credentials, education, experience, etc.) of an author. # defined by Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary as the quality or power of inspiring belief. When applied to an information source, credibility centres on three factors: opportunity (is the source in a position to know?) ability (does the source have the skill and competence?) dependability (is the source responsible and trustworthy?). # An improvement of credibility is considered to be the same as confidence building or providing quality to the customer. # The audience’s perception of whether a speaker is qualified to speak on a given topic. I have faith that most people can take our written words (anyone posting in here is considered an "author" of some sorts in my opinion) with a grain of salt. If anything doesn't seem to match up or isn't written with integrity- it's easy to check it out. The moderators have been doing a fine job of keeping out the nasty smutt. The rest of the posts are simply opinions that should be verified- not just blindly believed. I particularly liked the definition which states opportunity, ability, and dependability. Something for all of us to keep in mind at all times don't you think?

Another update... another year gone by, another year older. My (now 8 yr old) girl recieved TONS of stuff this year for her birthday and Christmas and is donating a good size box of toys she no longer plays with. I will bring these to my new location. I learned a lesson though. NO LEGOS!!!!!! Boy, that was a bad idea! Amazingly enough, the kids found a way to break the "twistables" crayons! LOL! The book of children's drawings has been very helpful and helps the kids have a lot more fun! Today is my last day at the Woodinville showroom... I'm moving to the Lynnwood location as a manager. Yipee! I really will miss working right at the manufacturing facility but I'll only be 15-20 minutes away. I'm looking forward to setting up a nice area for the kids there. There may be enough room to have a small table n chair set. If anyone has more ideas they've tryed lately, feel free to share!

Soakerman... there's nothing at all wrong with maintaining a spa by the usage of proper chemical care and regular water changes. Waterbear gives exellent advice on chemistry!!! My personal preference is to the pure bromine genreator because of the feel of the water, and I don't have to drain the spa water as often... I have enough things to take care of! Pathfinder is right, Pioneer H2O helpline is VERY good. I'v espoken with them a few times when we first started offering this years ago. They were always very responsive and helpful to me.

That is a great tub! Thanks for putting up such awesome pictures! I wanted to comment a little about floating also. There truely is a bit if a float to that lounge but it is very comfortable (even for short folks like me 5'4"). At first I fought it thinking I would float away... but I figured out I just simply had to relax. That particular lounge (if you relax your body and don't struggle against the water movement) is AWESOME! It is very spacious and has numerous ways to tell the spa exactly how you want to be massaged. Even though I'm short (and there's a bit more weight to love than the average person) I don't float OUT of it at all. I hover in the seat just above the jets and it "cradles" me. We replaced that model on our showroom floor with the Monaco out of the resort series. The Monaco is similar to the (now retired) 9100 but has had a face lift with even more jets and more pumps. I LOVE my job! I test this spa specifically for research purposes of course.

A variety of 5 or more jets will come in any Clearwater spa (even the small ones). The jets are definately rated for therapy. There are many ways to adjust the flow and type of massage from each jet and each seat. Many different controls give a lot of diversity on what kind of massage you want from the pump (on/off at control panel), possible remote controls, air/water ratio/mixture for different types of flow for strong/light options, individual adjustment of the jet position (spin/or directional and on/off capabilities) In bus. for 30 years (this year) with same owner the whole time. I typically use a Clearwater spa with each seat on "high", then opt for a softer massage, then a nice relaxing soak afterwards.

Definate kudos to you both Chas and Dr. Spa! I was on my way out because it became so overwhelming with all the junk that was happening. So very glad to have you both protecting the forum. I will definately hang around and visit. Whew! What a relief!

Hey there Dr. Spa! Just wanted to let you know how thrilled I am that there is a moderator now. I understand you have your work cut out for you as far as cleaning up the spam/smutt/blantant insults and nastiness that has been running rampant in here for a while now. I am very glad to see you in this position because I have respected your input since I began my spa-forum posting a while back. As I said yesterday, if there is anything I can do to help just lemme know k? I'll be looking for my new shiney badge in the mail! I'll definately be coming around more now that you are the Mod. I feel a breath of fresh air beginning to waft through the stagnant stale cyber-room as I type this. Welcome new sherriff, welcome! -Amanda

Awww! You guys are embarking on the empty nest syndrome. Thank God I have a while before I go through this. My heart goes out to ya. It seems like a bitter/sweet event. Even now though, I tell my girl that this is her "training" period to be an adult and that my "job" as a Mom is to make sure she knows how to handle things in life with confidence and the ability to do the "right thing" and keep herself safe because when she moves out I can't be there all of the time to watch her and tuck her under my wing (so to speak). It never really ends though does it? She might eb taller than me when she is 10 but she'll always be my baby. Best of luck to you guys. More time for you to play now!!!!

Ok... taking a deap breath... and relaxing. I guess that's what it is all supposed to be about right? Perhaps I spoke of leaving here because I was tiring of the insanity. I can't help but be drawn back to check in and see how things are going. OK Term... because you said I was one of the ones that "get it" and Guzz said he sticks around because of the people that DO "get it"... I can't help but feel the urge to hang around in spite of the nastiness that ensues and try to help keep the peace with the others that are trying to help also. Besides... a few minutes per forum and I'll find the balance somehow. I don't know how you guys do it though. So many forums... so many topics to read... so little time. Anyway, thanks Term for reminding me to simply take a chill pill and hang in there through all the madness- I needed that. Perhaps I'll stick around... after all, my life has been deticated for the last few years to attempt (with a handfull of professionals) to make this industry something to be proud of, and spas something fun to learn about. Good quality time is something we can all use and a spa is an exellent way to accomplish exactly that. I just become dissapointed and embarrased for the entire industry when it becomes so absurd and the bantering is not done in good humor but crosses the line to be simply offensive. I can't help but feel that somehowit reflects on all of us in some way. I am glad to have found other forums that do not have as much yuck running rampant but there really is a good pack of people in here... I didn't think I could leave for too long. Hope you'll have me back.

I've been in there just for a little bit and so far it's been a breath of fresh air. Really... no joke. There are folks in here that I really have grown to enjoy hanging out with and if I can say anything... visit that forum and you will know what I'm talking about. I don't want to write anthing bad... but well, come to think of it- I've already read some of the worst things possible in this forum. I have to mention, I was beginning to feel more of my time was spent trying to clean up the image of the spa industry so that people visiting in here could get information without being insulted or degraded or turned off or be forced to shuffle through smutt. Check many of my posts and you will see that that is the truth. Infact... I am very confident that I seek the truth, speak the truth, and fight for the truth. That sight (from what I have seen so far) is great. I won't rave about it too much because it would be a bit rude to this one and that is not my intention because I have been very loyal to this one for quite some time. For those seeking the truth in this industry, don't you think it (more than likely) would come from someone who is able to maintain their professional composure when faced with adversity and speaks of any differences with respect for the knowledge that both parties have worked towards? The truth (in my opinion) comes from the place of an honest hearts desire for a greater understanding of others with a compassion for what is just and good... ALL of the time, NOT from bitterness and manipulative mental/emotional game-playing. Most certainly not from a person that attempts to bring out the worst side of people to appear to be more knowledgeable. Absolutely not from a person that harms others in the name world education who uses religious and philosophical quotes while in the same breath attempts to phsycologically twists people into knots. Please... test me on my desire to seek the truth and to help the spa industry. I will pass that test every single time. Simply put... I am going there because (for now) it serves my desire to have my limited (and precious) computer time be as productive, fun, educational and helpful as possible. For those seeking good quality, FRIENDLY information... if you feel you are not finding it in one particular forum... try another. That's the conclusion I have finally come to. For the regulars... I hope you will visit me in there. I am finally exited about my forum experience again!!! Yipee! I was almost going to stop posting entirely but I guess I didn't have to take a break after all... just had to change forums. Jim, why do you claim that site to be the worst on the net? So far, my exchanges with the folks in there have been kind, funny, encouraging, informative and very- very professional. Do these traights deserve the name "worst site on the net"? Or is it because you have been banned? Lets have the readers/regulars decide. Or.. stick around here while the next saga unfolds complete with cuss words, insults, and uncontrolled manipulative childishness. To those who remain loyally here attemping (as i have) to keep things informative, professional and fun... Kudos to your perseverance. Your patience is better than mine. I simply cannot continue to do it. Time is far too short. I will miss ya and think of you often. Finally happy again-Amanda

I have gone to: http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com I may proceed a bit slowly in the new forum to find my "ground" and start fresh to establish my name in there. I hope to see alot of the regulars from here too. I had been personally encouraged by numerous different folks... so I'll be checking it out in there for a while. My name in that forum is amanda_panda. Thanks for asking where I went. I feel loved... see ya in there!

I know, I may sound like a broken record but, really... all the insults and nastiness (no matter WHO started it, or who tries to finish it) really has no purpose in helping people coming here to get an education. Think about it. Someone enters the forum to learn more about spas and get help with their existing one or learn enough to make a decision on which one to purchase in their area and they find a bunch of spa salesmen bickering and insulting each other. ugh! I personally have stayed in this forum to help keep things on a professional level (thankyou to those who have commented on my efforts ) and I have learned quite a bit after weeding through a bunch of junk. I just can't help but think how completely rediculous it makes our industry look to have to go through so much garbage to get a little morsal of real information. I wonder who would actually take the time to weed through the junk at all, or see this kind of behavior and think... "if this is what the industry is about, I'll just get a pond and blow bubbles through a straw instead". ***don't give up a spa search because of this silliness... not everyone is like that!*** I have been invited numerous times to a forum that has less of this kind of garbage where moderators spend a bit more time and actually BAN trouble makers and offensive/inappropriate topics. I have a strong desire to go to that one but I'd hate to see people be led astray by any nonsense in this forum. SIGH! Perhaps I'll take another break and come back when I'm not so tired of the yuckiness. I have also had quite a few personal messages asking my opinion on something and completely by-passing the forum entirely so the topic wouldn't be hi-jacked or start a "spa war" or to avoid being insulted themselves. Of course I answer the questions in a personal message and I appreciate the direct approach but we should collectively be able to offer this in the FORUM without "As the spa water turns" soap opera junk going on don't you think? Thankyou to the FEW regulars that continually take the high road and keep their responses on a even kilter. I'm sure things will move along just fine without me for a while. I may be back soon... not sure at this point. My plea- no matter WHAT someone does to instigate a negative response- don't give in and let them win by responding with insults and negativity. An insult that completely misses the target has no power at all. Just move out of the way and answer the spa questions. I'm taking a break for a while AGAIN. There are much better ways to spend precious time than this. Good luck to those seeking info. Hang in there. -Amanda

I believe it is possible to shim a spa if it is done correctly. An even shim accross the entire length of the spa... not a "frame" around the edge just to level it where it would leave an area under the spa that isn't supported potentially leaving the spa to sag in the middle and cause problems. Level is one thing... completely flat is another. If you are able to shim it to a level position with the shim entirely flat accross the full length of the spa, it should be ok.

I suggest to use "shock" or mps once or twice a week (depending on usage) to assist your sanitizer. If you are using bromine... it is suggested to establish a "base" or "foundation" with sodium bromide prior to adding bromine in granular or tablet form. You may want to check your manual to see if there are any suggestions on how to "clean" your jets. This is usually recommended at least once a year. Also... when you are done using your spa...make sure that all of the jets are in the "open" position to make sure that the water will move through each of the plumbing lines when the spa runs the pumps periodically. This will help stop stuff from building up behind jets that are closed and causing stagnant water which could possibly be causing someof your challenges. Hope that helps! best of luck!

If a gravel bed is the desired foundation, I recommend 5/8"minus cruched rock tamped in layers instead of pea gravel.

I think also that it is "WHY" as well. So many salespeople are selling to meet quotas.. personal goals...and to fill their pocket books. I know this is a strange concept to many but I really believe you can do just fine by having the "consumers" needs as your primary reason to sell. Much sales advice/tips talk about ways to "control" what others are going to do to meet the "sales" need... I've found the most successful people in any sales industry actually put others needs before their own. Strange... I know, but it amazingly works- especially when many other people are obviously out for themselves.

Your welcome. It sounds like things are coming together for you. Hang in there... happy soaking to you in the future.

Katey, It sounds like you've been through quite a bit. Sorry to hear of your troubles. It may be a good idea to find out exactly where this "hired saleperson" came from and who hired him. I have heard of this many times before unfortunately. If the person representing the company is not complete with his information, the company should know about it. Perhaps informing the company about the error of his ways and how it has effected you will help stop this from happening to unsuspecting folks in the future. I think this may have been what the dealer was trying to explain but may have lacked some tact. If he simply did not know to ask about that, it seems a bit more education for the sales staff would need to happen. If he knew it was going to make the deal and simply avoided it to get his commission, that would be slimey character. While everyone else is running around trying to help make things right for you, he is sitting back with a fatter wallet and not having to deal with the repercussions of his ignorance or lack of care. Maybe there is a way to transfer the salesperson from his name to the dealer who is caring for you. Sometimes if you let someone know that you are recording a conversation, it will help get the truth out a bit faster and eliminate the "run-around". I don't know if I would agree with secretly recording a conversation, but documenting everything very clearly with names, dates, and what was said is always a good idea and should protect you just as well. Best of luck to you. -Amanda

This works great for bubblegum in hair too. I'd say out of everything mentioned so far... the peanut butter (smooth LOL) would be the best substance.

Nice girlfriend.