Flyonthewall

phase 2 offers some pretty significant differences, that vary between the models you mentioned. imo they all look much better with the clean front and top mounted control. it is also a much more sophisticated control. when different options (such as stereo or tv) are added they instantly are added to the menus. air controls and diverters also got a new look. the new phase also added some cool led lighting. because the prodigy has no pillows or moto massage this isn't as big of a deal for it. the vanguard and aria take the most radical shift, having an all plastic (abs i think) frame. am i forgetting anything guys?

i don't know near as much as alot of the guys on here but i'm pretty sure if the heater is providing warm water then it is working. when they fail they usualyy trip the breaker.

just my opinion but if its a true 7 person spa and you and your son aren't very strong it might be a good idea to hire a helper or enlist a friend or 2. a big spa like that can get someone seiously hurt if you aren't experienced.

the breakers are both double pole. they used to use g.e. but now use cutler hammer. here are a couple of links. the first is the wiring schematic thru hss's website. the second is to a breaker wholesaler found thru googling the number on the side of the cut ham 20a breaker. notice that they charge $120 for a reconditioned version. http://www.hotspring.com/cgi-bin/download....instruct_00.pdf http://www.baybreakersonline.com/cutlerhammer/ch220gf.html

sounds like your salesperson got caught up in the little to no chlorine pitch. follow what roger says and you'll do fine. make sure to clean your filter once a month as well. if you want to try less chlorine you might try a silver cartridge that aids the chlorine in keeping the water fresh.

sorry darrell, a better insulated spa wouldn't lose temp that fast. something for people to consider if your in harsh climates. not only is it losing temp, the heater is probably running the whole time. the 2005 caldera got in just under the wire.

gfci's in all forms do tend to wear out at some point.

try the filter trick for sure. some hss from approx. your year have needed heater board replacements. it is a square circuit board mounted inside the iq conrol (black box). the heater board does not make up all the circuitry in the iq box. you may notice some burning on it if it is bad. it probably isn't bad if you're heating as much as you report.if your filters are original they might just be shot. they are past their lifespan.

the no bar lifter is miles better than the standard bar over the middle type. thats a bummer that your dealer won't help you. try calling watkins customer service (800-999-4688) or googling another caldera dealer. someone should be able to sell you one. i've seen similar installs and you have to be carefull and follow instructions to a t, but its not rocket surgery. gl.

i see in the picture it already has a lifter. even better. to really make it yours get a chemical flush product along with the new filters. (if the filters were new with the last refurbishment you may not even need them yet. they can last up to 5 years.)

I have a used 97 hss at home that i got from someone upgrading to a new model. the thing is a tank. just runs and runs without issues. you will probably spend $20 to $30 a month depending on how long you run the jet pumps. the filters should be in the $30 to $35 range. you will have 5. covers should be in the $400 range. they last 5 years give or take. that is a big spa. if you can invest a little extra in a cover lifter you would find it a good investment. get the hss one that attaches to the plates pre-installed in the cover.

was this yellow sticker from one of the road side sellers? i haven't seen any use of a ratings system anywhere although i am hoping canada's lead on the uniform testing migrates down to us in the states.

its too bad you don't like your hot spring dealer. the $6995 price sounds real good. are they giving you steps? i am asuming you live in wisconsin. did you see brett's wife on mnf. my wife was tickled that they were high school sweethearts. she is so down to earth. for me, being a diehard sports fan, i like that his teammates love him to death. he is no primadonna superstar.

you better try the pool side of this forum. from what i've read on here there is alot of good techs but they all specialize in the portable spas which use electric heaters. any pool repairman worth his salt would have experience with the laars lite.

if that serial # is correct you have a 94 classic model. a 97 would have a sequence like f171719. is it 110v or 220v? most of them then were 110v. do you have the insulation wrapped cylinder that the heater goes into? i wonder why someone would have removed it. if you have a dealer near you you may want to pony up for a service call. it shouldn't be too costly. after you get it up and running i would flush it out with a chemical spa flush product. you may also need to replace the 3 filters depending on the condition. good luck.

point/counterpoint the F150 concentrates all its weight on the bottom of 4 tires. probably no more than 10-20 sq. ft. a good spa supports the weight evenly. i've seen huge spas full rate at 115 lbs. that being said reinforcement is still a great idea. like the delivery better safe than sorry.

the appliance dolly idea sounds alright but the blades on those don't protrude much. on a spa with rounded corners you might not get a firm enough grip. the 4 wheel dolly is the only way i've ever moved them (crane sometimes). try to get another guy to help if you can. going up the stairs it would be a big help to have 2 sets of legs driving the spa with one person on top guiding and pulling. the 3rd person can also help shuffle plywood which makes everything quicker. be safe out there.

Sounds like the dealer didn't want to, or wasn't able to power up the additional spa. there isn't anything wrong with that. his call. might cost him some sales here and there. he should be honest if thats the deal and not try to guide you where he wants with his weak rap. buyers nowadays are getting too wise to fall for that cheese.

the buyer beware/gulf coast thread gives scenarios by owners that make people wish they never bought a spa. any spa can need repair, but unglued joints, $150 a month energy costs, runaround from dealers. all stuff that leads back to a poorly run company that won't survive for long.

armour all is great for business. if you sell covers. horrible for customers. i like leisure time's cover care and conditioner. it works great. i would like the benefit of the 303 spray bottle.

stay away from chlorine tabs in a portable spa. its way to harsh imo. i have seen many spa parts wear out ahead of their time due to its use. stick with the dichlor. a week is no problem. as t. bubbles said superchlorinate before going and upon returning.

i have not heard of the sales tax relief from costco but it sounds worth looking in to. the traditional use of a portable spa perscription is as a write off. its not that uncommon although not everybody can reach a threshhold where they can deduct much. you have to spend a percentage of your income on medical before you can start deducting. talk to an accountant if you can. you might be able to count prep (elect. etc.) and chemicals. and of course your normal dr. visits would all add up towards this threshold. if you can get a deduction it might consider upgrading your purchase. it would be like having a built in approx. 30% discount on any more you spent on the spa. i'm no tax accountant (but i did stay at a holiday inn last night) check with one going in if you get the script.

there has to be a malfunction there. no spa should ever heat to 110 deg. i can't say for sure on your caldera but i don't think the part that protects the heater from overheating is too expensive. if you can contract with a factory trained technician i would do so. you will end up costing yourself more in electricity and enjoying your spa alot less (if you can't keep it at your desired temp.)

it cracks me up how people can think 2 identical products can be sold for $3000 or >$10000. do you think costco and their supplier get you that spa at no profit to themselves? i'll bet when all is said and done the difference in profit margin over manufacturing cost is closer than you think between big box and independant dealers. so what do you think the $3000 spa costs to make? (this isn't meant as an attack or affront to any persons, real or fictional)

i think mercedes and bmw salespeople know better than to tell you the other car is a lousy. they will work harder to try to explain why theirs is better. i really don't like negative salespeople. since you have already caught the sundance person lying to get your business be sure to get all the details in writing if you go with him. maybe he didn't know what he said was untrue but i would be wary.