hottubdan
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Posts posted by hottubdan
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Hi to all, this is my first post. I just bought a 2004 Jacuzzi J-385, our first hot tub. It didnt come with an ozonator so I was going to install one. A JED 103 (240v). I also bought a venturi injector. I understand you put the injector in just after the circulator pump and heater. My question is : Should I put the injector before or after the flow switch? The JED person said ozone was quite corrosive but to call Jacuzzi. Jacuzzi didnt seem to know.
Thanks for any help, I've alread got tons of useful info from reading this forum!!
I took this pic with a flashlight and my phone. Its not great but u can see the end of the heater on the far left and the flow switch over 6 inches or so. I'm not sure what that little hose coming off the flow switch is or if the ozone needed to go thru it? Or if I should just install the injector past the flow switch??
http://sn123w.snt123.mail.live.com/att/Get...C96C2916B0890||
After the flow switch. Most spas have ozone jet installed in the shell already. look around in the footwell for a small jet or jets.
In my experience, most spas do NOT have an ozone jet. Spas with circ pumps use mazzei injector, just as original poster is using.
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Holy crap. Is that a NEW 2009 Vista that's never been owned?
YES it is still wrapped up in the warehouse....
Amazing Deal!! In my neck of the woods those go for $12,600!OK - I am convinced that I am getting a good deal
I poked around the forum and it looks like people have paid $9-11K and some paid that ~3 years ago
I was caught off guard - as we were talking about what he had in 2010 models -- he just said I have 2 of these, pointing to a Vista, that are new 09's in the warehouse for $8K - and would not budge on price. Then he said the cover lifter was an additional $400--- that seemed pricey for a lifter and I had not researched this spa yet....
I did not realize at the time that the Vista was one of the biggest HS spas--- So I am very excited --- needless to say..
Delivery is in 1 week !
Big thanks to all those who asked my beginner questions....
Time to start reading the HOT TUB WATER CHEMISTRY section of the forum
:)The warranty is 5 years parts and labor, not 5 and 2.
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I looked at the hot tub last night, but didn't buy it. It was in great shape, but I'm not sure it's really a very good hot tub. The cabinet was plastic made to look like wood and felt kind of cheap and the insulation did not look like it was enough. I still have the option to buy it, but I think I really want a higher end hot tub.
Just so you know, if it was made by Weslo it has nothing to do with the Tiger River Caspian.
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We told the salesman we were still interested in the Certa, and he claimed the 700 series has the same jets as Hot Springs, that the 800 series jets are better.
Question is: is there really a difference in the SD 800 series jets vs. 700 series or HS or is it just hype in order to get you to spend more money for a spa?
If he really said the 700 series has the same jets as the Hot Spring he was either ignorant or lying. Both brands use their own jets. You won't find the same jets in any Sundance that Hot Spring has.
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I would have to think it was more of the dealer taking care of his customer more than Watkins doing anything. They just now released a service procedure to fix the light problems as stated above.
I have to disagree. As a Watkins/Hot Spring dealer I happen to know that we work together to resolve these issues. We, too, with Watkins support, have replaced a Limelight with a similar story. It takes the manufacturer and the dealer working as a team with the customer to resolve an issue like this.
So, while I agree that International Hot Tubs has provided awesome service, they had Watkins with them all the way.
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Does this line have a circulation pump?
No Circ pump.
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There's a local dealer that will be displaying/selling at our local Costco within a few days. I was curious if anyone else had seen this before and what to look out for... I'm assuming if I purchase from this road show of sorts, that I'll get some special Costco pricing as well as Costco return privileges... Maybe the good Costco price, good return warranty and local support.
This particular dealer sells Sundance, HotSpring and Jucuzzi. For some reason I think this will only apply to the Sundance brand though. I won't know for sure until I get there on Friday.
What do you guys think?
Ken
It's been a long time since we did one of these. As I recall you will get some discount vs. showroom price. You will actually buy the spa through Costco; it will go through the register. However, as a road show, I don't think you get the return policy. Could be wrong. You will get the local dealer support, delivery, etc. There might be some kind of a deal with Sundance for them to have the exclusive at the Costco.
Which Costco is it?
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Guess what? Pumps aid in heating the water regardless of the insulation method. Pumps create friction which creates heat. Hot Spring's little circulation pump puts heat into the water from the pump, which is why we sometimes call it hybrid heating. Is it a reason to buy one brand vs. another? I' don't think so.
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If the floaters are biofilm, it may be a mold. I woould burn it out with high dose of chlorine.
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UK Arctic-
Thx for the reply. I will definitely check on Strong Spa. I have done a bit of investigating and a snear as I can tell Aquaterra is a recently formed company/brand used to sell Freeflow spas through Costco without directly competing with Freeflow dealers. Moreover it appears that the Aquaterra Eternity is the Freeflow Legend (which Freeflow no longer sells through dealers). Not 100% sure about this, but again it makes sense to me that a tub manufacturer would want to sell higher end tubs through dealers while simultaneously selling rebranded lower end tubs through a distributor like Costco.
Thx. again.
FreeFlow has no higher end tubs.
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They appear to be the same to me.
I do have a Nature 2 in front of me. The Active Ingredients are:
Metallic Silver** .92%
other ingredients 99.08%
** From Silver Nitrate.
If some one had one of the other boxes to do a comparison.......
edit...
Just did more looking and this site show them to be interchangable.
Ingredients are the same. How they install are different. If you are not careful with the Nature2 version it can end up in your jet pump on a Tiger River. Hot Spring AG+ is easier to install.
Where can you get Nature 2 for $20?
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If it help to clarify, we are by no means rich so I think we would be looking to be in the $5K to $10K range. We have a family of 5 so we are looking larger rather than smaller. We are absolutely looking for something that is dependable, low mantenance and energy efficient.
You'll have a lot of options but I'd start with spas like Caldera, D1, Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Marquis and Sundance (those are my personal top picks, everyone's list is different).
If you go to their websites you'll find they will all have a dealer locator. You simply enter your zip code and it'll tell you where your nearest dealer is located. Visit as many as you can within reasonable distance and plan to wet test your favorite 2 or 3 (preferably on the same day or at least the same weekend).
If you can, go to the Philly Home Show. It is on now. Major players are there.
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Apparently another website spent a year doing a survey. I have no clue how accurate it might be, but I found these two questions in particular interesting.
If you researched hot tubs online, please check any of the web sites that you did research on.
24.3% Google
22.9% Poolandspa.com
18.8% Hot Tub Manufacturers Web Sites
8.8% Hot Tub Spa Forums / Message Boards
8.4% Yahoo
6.4% SpaSearch.org
2.8% Hot Tub Living
2.4% Poolspaliving.com
1.8% None of the above
1.6% Hot Tubs Directory
1.0% Answered "Other"
0.2% APSP Web Site
Which web sites did you find MOST HELPFUL while researching hot tubs ?
36.9% Third party web sites (Poolandspa.com, SpaSearch.com, Comparison Web Sites, Blogs, etc.)
25.5% The hot tub manufacturer's web sites
14.7% Message Boards / Forums
11.3% Search Engines (Google, Yahoo, AOL, Bing, etc.)
6.2% The local dealer's web sites
5.1% Answered "Other"
Do you have a link to the survey?
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Just to give everyone an update, we finally made our decision!
We weeded out the D1 only because the nearest dealer is an hour away and admitted he had no experience with the Bay series at all and is a one-man shop.
The Sundance was nice but not as nice in the wet test as the Hot Spring.
In the end we chose Hot Spring but did not go with the Aria; after seeing the options laid out on paper price-wise, we ended up going with a Vista. Minus the leg jets in the lounger it had everything the Aria had plus several other jets and an extra seat, plus it was only a few hundred more and is a lot more tub.
I'm going in to pay for it and fill out the paperwork this evening, hopefully I'll be very happy with it for years to come!!
Incidentally I did not get the stereo or the AutoFresh system.
Congrats! Great choice. Plus, I think skipping AutoFresh and stereo is wise.
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I'm absolutely obsessing over spas right now and my biggest challenge is determining which brand/model to purchase. I'm looking for a 2-4 person spa, one that will fit through my 73 inch gate. I love the D1 Triad, but it's a bit more than I want to spend and maybe too deep for my 5' wife. Help, any suggestions? I'm wet testing the LA Spa Allure III and the Marquis Spirit (after spending 25 minutes on the line with the service manager at a LA/Marquis dealer, I'm leaning towards the Marquis). Jets and hydrotherapy are most important to me. a lounge is appealing too. I have a 6' claw foot tub already, and want this spa to be more about soothing my aching body and general relaxing vs. merely hot circulating water. Also looked at the new Calspa Escape, though have heard far too much negative press about these to pursue. Anyway, sorry for the long post. I would really appreciate input on the two spas I'm looking at and welcome all other feedback. It's been difficult finding good information on-line in this current obsessive pursuit. Thanks....
We're just back from a wet test of the Spirit. Loved the size, comfort and styling. Jet placement too was nice, though a little weaker than we anticipated. The salesperson was great, but a bit perplexed as to why the jets weren't more powerful (never had been filled. transferred water from another tub the night before to get it ready for us). Tub was setup for 120, not 240 which might have something to do with it. Not sure if the tub had an issue or wasn't started properly. At any rate, he's talking to the service tech to get a better idea. It's either that it's a 120 vs. 240 thing or there is an issue with the particular floor model we tested. We're testing another Marquis side by side with the Allure over the weekend so will have a good comparison. This all said, we loved the Spirit and are ready to pull the trigger if it can be shown to have better pressure.
It is not going to be an issue of power supply. All that changes when you go from 120 to 240 volts is the heater. Pump stays the same.
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You might also check out the Arctic Fox by Arctic Spas. Its a very comfortable 2-4 person spa, and it would fit through your gate, as it is 86 x 69 x 39. It also has a lounger in it, and is available in four different jetting packages which also makes it available if four different prices. You can go to Arctic Spas dealer locater to see if there is a dealer near you area. Let me know if you have any questions.
If you are in Marin County (your name) check out the Hot Spring Jetsetter from Creative Energy. Classic Jetsetter is a version that can save you some money.
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Do the prices I indicated seem fair for these models?Others may have different pluses and minuses than me for the exact same tubs. Bottom line - each of these manufacturers make quality tubs. Your personal experience validates what everyone (almost) says, "Itis critical to wet test a tub before you buy it." Therefore my advice to you would be, assuming that the dealers are equal (big assumption) buy the tub you like best that you actually sat in.
Agree. You won't go far wrong with any of these tubs.
Prices depend on where you live. Sound high to me.
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I want to change out my Jets. I see that most will work. But, I am wondering if I can put a nozzle in a jet that doesn't have one? One that is just a flow through.
You post in another thread how much you like your dealer. Have you asked them?
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How do you know you need to replace the ozonator? Are the nipples on the ozonator itself falling apart? Our customers have ozonators lasting 5-7 years or more.
In the past it has died and stopped emitting any bubbles, and the service tech checked it out and declared it dead. It has also had the nipples snap off when removing the tubing to run vinegar through it, which is what happened today when I started my drain/refill maintenance routing.
In the past I have been admonished by the service tech to be sure to run 2 cups of vinegar through it each time I change the water to prolong the ozonator's life. It seems odd that with this recommendation, you also have to deal with a unit that does not seem to be built with this maintenance in mind. If it was meant to have the tubes disconnected I would expect them to have a fitting that screwed off or something other than the tight fit they have.
Thanks for the feedback. Any comment on swapping out for a DEL ozonator and DEL which model is appropriate?
Thanks!
MCD-50
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We have a hot springs spa Grandee that we've owned for about 7 years. In that time we have gone through 4 freshwater III ozonators, usually shortly after the one year warranty is up. We are extremely frustrated with the poor construction quality and high price of the Freshwater III ozonator. The plastic fittings often just fall apart, and are especially prone to doing so when performing the recommended vinegar rinse procedure. Our dealer just shrugs and says they aren't intended to last a long time. Great!
So instead of plunking down another $375 for a new one, or ordering one for $240 on the internet, I am considering a DEL product.
Do I want to get the DEL Spa Eclipse or MCD-50?
With the Freshwater III product, you need to put the silver ion cartridge into the filter every 3 - 4 months. I saw no mention of this in the DEL literature. Does it not require this, or benefit from it? Just wondering if this is yet another component of the overpriced hot springs spa maintenance ritual that I might be able to free myself from.
Thanks for any and all advice!!
The Silver cartridge works with any ozonator. See many threads on pros and cons of Nature2 (which is what the silver cartridge is).
How do you know you need to replace the ozonator? Are the nipples on the ozonator itself falling apart? Our customers have ozonators lasting 5-7 years or more.
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Hopefully someone that works with these regularly can help.
I just bought a 2009 Vanguard tub without the audio system. While searching various accessories I found a "deal" online with a dealer going out of business and purchased a SpAudioCast system. He said it would be compatible with my new tub, but before I go a plugging in things I'd like to confirm this for certain. I'm an EE and spent many years as a tech before getting into management so I can follow the instructions for install. HOWEVER again, before I endeavor can anyone confirm the compatibility. Its doesnt seem the same system as would've come with the HT if I'd ordered it because those speakers would install in the shell light/cupholder openings. The system I just bought is older and the speakers mount on the side cabinet.
My concern here is compatibility with the spa's control box, connections, etc. Can someone please advise??
I think it would be compatible with the controls. I think the change is the speakers. I would feel more comfortable if someone else chimes in. Petey? Jeremiah? Chas?
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I suggest that you contact the Hot Spring service center and have a service technician inspect the tub for you.
They should be able to advise you as to whether or not the tub is in good condition.
You really need to see it running. A tech cannot inspect or test spa without water in it. I would be concerned with it being empty for a year and a half. Where do you all live? Snow country?
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I was hoping to get some advice from Dan, Petey, and the other "gurus" out there. I have a 1995 HotSpring Grandee and want to get a cover lifter. I looked online and their are so many of them and they range in price from the $80 area to the $350 area. Around my spa some sides have 6-8 feet before anything would be in your way. The side I would like to place the cover lifter (the side that doesn't block my beautiful view of the valley OR block my view of my pool has 44" of room before you have the large wood support for my patio.
So what cover lifter might you recommend I get? I am more than able to lift the cover as it is now. I am 31, my girl is 28, so if for $200 more in a cover lifter it simply makes it easier if your older, then I don't need that specific feature.
Thanks for your help.
All things being equal, I would get a Cover Cradle 2. Most of our customers do. However, you need to have a cover with the mounting brackets to make it work.
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Update on the Spa shopping.
Wet tested the Jacuzzi J-355 and Sundance Optima and Chelsee.
Jacuzzi: A little quieter then the Sundance or a lot quieter then the Sundance with the air system on. The lounge seat was to short for me my feet were over the foot jets and not comfortable. Overall good jets, not great but not bad at all.
Due to the short lounger we now have a quote on a J-375 but the dealer does not have it in stock.
Sundance: We liked the lounger in the optima but the Spa is way to big for the 2 of us. We didn't like the rased foot thing in the base of the Chelsee it made us both feel like our legs were up to our chest. So the Chelsee is out we are now looking at a Cameo but the dealer doesn't have one to wet test, the good news is I found out 2 different family members have Sundance Cameo spas so when I am visiting realitives for Christmas gonna do a true wet test! We really liked the jets in the Sundance, Lots of power and well positioned from the 2 we did wet test. The only possible negative about the Sundance is the Air system, it's loud and seems to be blowing in cold air,
hate to try it outside in January when I am visiting relatives in Nebraska.Current quotes now are $9995 for the Sundance Cameo and $10,049 for the Jacuzzi J-375.
Two other tubs we are going to look at yet are the Hotspring and D1 but in my area I have concerns about both dealers, one has closed all his showrooms and has 1 spa set up in his warehouse entry room. The other just has mixed feedback about service after the sale.
I will post when more of my spa adventure continues...
In the mean time does anyone have any feedback for me on the air system on the Sundance tubs, Loud, cold ect. Is it worth it? Good or bad feedback is appreciated, I want all the information I can get.
Thanks again for the great information.
Dasher
Several things:
It's to bad you have had such a negative experience shopping for a spa. It should be fun. Dealers who bash the competition are a bad mark on the industry.
As a manufacturer, Hot Spring is as strong or stronger than anyone in the industry. I totally understand your concerns about the dealer as you describe it. However, if you get a Hot Spring, the manufacturer will make sure you are taken care of. Find an Envoy and a sovereign to wet test.
I am surprised the Jacuzzi is quoted higher than the Sundance.
The air jets you describe are pretty useless. However, if you get the Sundance you get the system. You don't have to use it.
Quick Question: Ozonator On Jacuzzi
in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
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exactly.