Roger

If there is a short in your wiring/equipment there is always the possibility that the short could create an electrified water situation. A bonding wire connection from the control panel lug the a copper grounding rod will prevent this by tripping the breaker if a problem exists.

Dish soap works fabulous. But I suppose you want it to go away after your done huh? A drain, clean and refill will be required. We have done this for a couple parties when we knew a drain, clean and refill would be required.

Most dealers don't hold those same policies/practices. Pick a different brand, there are others out there. Artisian makes a fine tub. Or call him in advance and let him know your hours don't fit with his and your seriousness about a wet test.

Without even looking at the tub I will say this. Any Big Box Store tub is made to meet the price point set by the store. This forces manufacturers to cut corners to get to that price point. If it meets your budget just go in knowing that these are not high end products but rather an inexpensive option to that.

I don't like the chlorine smell when using a constant bromine doser (floater) with chlorine it dissipates so fast there isn't much smell.

Good stuff

As a very general rule I'd start with the assumption of an unknown 8 year old spa being worth about 20% of its original value (1 yr old 60% since its not new and no longer under warranty since warranties don't transfer, 2nd yr, 50%, 3rd yr, 45%, 4th yr 40%, 5th yr 35% ... 8th yr 20%). However, condition is everything on a used spa so of course if its in fantastic shape maybe you give as much as 35% and at the same time if its operational but has a few issues maybe only 10%. There is no way I'd give $5000 for any 8 year old Sarena, even if this one had zero issues and in this case you already know you'll have to replace the topside fairly soon and they're not cheap. That price isn't even in the ballpark IMO. Good fences and fair deals makes good neighbors. Keep the friendship, pass on the spa. Maybe if he tries to sell it and realizes he won't get near that price you can get it later for no more than half that price but right now he's asking way too much though in his defense he may not realize that. Agreed

Hey someone from a Chinese manufacturer. Question for you Are your Hot Tubs UL listed? A yes or no answer will be enough.

As long as it is about the same size and configuration. Check HP and amps. Make sure inlet and outlet are the same.

There is a way but, you will likely have to cut off the current unions to create some room for a 3 to 2.5 reducer. And then install 3" unions. But with that you won't know if the 2.5 inch line can supply enough water to the 3 inch pump until it's hooked up and running. If you experience cavitation it means the current plumbing can't supply enough water.

It's weird how one supposed independent tech who services tubs would look at a Master and think it's a well built tub and another tech, me, would look at them and see a tub that is kinda shoddily built and a huge energy hog in Northern Minnesota.

Spatopia

There is no flow. Nothing is running. Just OHH flashing. I did remove the filters early in the trouble shooting process with no change. The next step I would of taken would of been to disconnect the heater, isolate the wires, and see if the pump runs.

Sounds like your on the path to finding the leak/leaks.

Do you have good flow through the heater in standard filter mode?

I think the marquis also.

You need to follow the lines and find the leak. It's likely leaking down and running the compressor even when your not using the air.

I have seen the modern ones and I have no disdain for Bullfrog. When the words from a sales manual are typed into a post no matter what the brand I respond. Everything you said can be refuted but there is really no point. I can see the amp draw on the pumps and heater and I have seen the insulation scheme. I can conclude that like 10 or so other brands about how much it will cost to operate and unless you tell me and show me the data where you metered one in Northern Minnesota. Then I guarantee you 30 bucks a month average is about right. I have professional relationships with independent and non independent techs all across this state. Do you think we don't share information? A good tech has to be a good salesman also. Or he's not a good tech. And we need to learn as much as we can about our product. And guess what? All brands are our product. And you keep assuming I haven't seen one. If your in Minnesota MPLS/STP area then I may have visited your store or talked to your tech/techs. Once again, a properly designed hot tub and diverter is in most cases a positive thing on a tub. There may be those that don't agree but you don't have to, there are those that do. If you center a diverter and there is to much power still to be comfortable and you have to adjust jets or motor speed to get it right then is a diverter bad? With it installed on a properly designed hot tub you have more adjustment possibility's than those without. That's simple you don't have to be an engineer to figure that out. Ive seen plenty of leaks in the foam also. About 1 out of every 30-40 repairs. And even in the foam leaks are easy for a seasoned tech. I have been messin with this stuff for over 25 years. I have also disposed of many many wood framed tubs. Some 4-6 year old economy tubs, 8-10 year old middle of the road tubs to 25-30 year old high end tubs. The wood frame is never the cause of the tubs disposal. Old and not cost effective to repair is. It needs a pump and control box and the jets and plumbing are brittle, oh and there is some rot in the corner. I can fix it for 1500-2500 bucks or you can upgrade to a better, newer, more energy efficient modern tub. If your Bullfrog lasts 20 years it will need disposal plastic, metal or wood. Never seen one more than a few years old so....... Oh and low end and some middle of the road manufacturers don't treat the wood. High end does or seals it in the cabinet and designs it to last the life of the tub. Unless you park your tub in a slew. I could go on and on with each point you made but sigh............. Here, Bullfrog makes a fine tub. Not my first choice (or second or third or fourth, 5, 6, maybe closer to 7-8) But not my first choice. Feel better? By the way I just replaced some wood framing on a 2005 Cal Spa that sits in my garage purring like a kitten. Took me an hour or so to cut 4 new frame pieces and fit them in. I got the tub for free. I put 2 new pumps in it instead of the double that was in it. I had retrofitted a new control about 4 years ago. So the pumps hooked up easy. I hate Cal Spa

A majority of the plumbing but just a little? From what I have seen there is less plumbing but not much and a properly engineered tub will have more than enough power at every jet to create a more than great feel at the jets. All of the brands I have seen and tested can be run with the diverter one way, the other way or in the middle to create an infinite number of possibility's. Diverters are good. More insulation and less leaks. Around here they run about the same if not more to operate than every other tub. They cost more in cold weather and less in hot weather. And if they cost 30 bucks a month average than they are within a few bucks of about 30 brands. Here we go with the leaks again. 98% of the leaks I fix are in the equipment bay. And most high end tubs never leak in the plumbing. The structural integrity of the shell and frame of all the high end tubs has been engineered to death to never fail for the life of the tub. Bullfrog is only equaling the middle of the road competition. Because you sell them I expect nothing less from you than to voice your opinion. But don't go over the top and try and sell them as the best. There are other opinions out there and some of those opinions may be more viable than yours. And telling owners to do there own warranty work is not such a good idea.

Your entitled to your opinion. I have seen a new one. I have also seen almost all of the high end manufacturers new tubs. I find Bullfrog gimmicky and their reputation in my area makes them middle of the road in my opinion.

That's to much money for a tub that's not from one of the high end manufacturers.

I'm on my third metal grill on the same wooden deck. Your deck does not get heated up to 500 degrees and have grease and juice drip all over it No but it is in the hot sun, rain, snow, wind and elements all day every day of the year while being trampled. I cover my grill and only use it 25 times a year.

Yea I don't think Maxx is in the same league as Marquis either.

I'm on my third metal grill on the same wooden deck.

For 300 dollars i'd take the 7 years and buy a new pillow and cover. It will end up 700