JACKVJR
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Everything posted by JACKVJR
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Just did a couple of searches here and didn't get any hits. Anyone here familiar with this manufacturer and especially the E2 unit? They're especially cagy with their pricing and that's always a warning sign. http://ecospas.com/images/e2-topview.jpg jack vines
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I did a search with no hits on Cal Spa. Are they a real company or just a rebrander of someone else's products? jack vines BTW - I spoke with their local "dealer". This store has four different brands shown on their heading, but in the scrolling photos, none are identified by manufacturer. When asked why, the store person said, "Well, today, they're all the same underneath; same pump, same controls, same heater. The only difference is in the molding of the tub and the trim." jack vines
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Parting out a Caldera Paradise Kauai - need any parts off it?
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Did craigslist with no takers. Won't ever do fakebook; rather throw it in the trash. jack vines -
Parting out a Caldera Paradise Kauai - need any parts off it?
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Well, the tub is gone, but I've saved the hard parts for a couple of weeks more. I know how expensive these are new, so wanted them to go to a good home. jack vines -
Found the leak! Probably factory defect?
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
The lower end of the hose disappears down into the foam insulation. The side is still next to the wall. When removal and demolition begins, I'll follow the tube to the source and take some photos. jack vines -
A leak deteriorated the frame, siding and the skirting, so we're going to buy a new one. If you're interested in any of these working parts as spares, make an offer, plus packing and shipping. Main pump and motor Heater pump and motor Two heaters; one new, one two years old Main electrical control panel jack vines
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We inherited a Caldera Paradise Kauai; a really perfectly-sized three-person spa. However, what we were not told was it came with a slow leak and had have to be topped up every two weeks or so. I asked here and at the dealer about finding and repairing the leak. The general consensus was "Very difficult to find and often difficult to fix; probably not worth it on a used spa. Well, turns out, it was none of the above. When the leak finally deteriorated the skirting to the point the cover lifter fell off, the source of the leak became obvious. On one side, I'm calling it the left, there is a diverter valve and an air flow valve. Just below the air flow valve, I found a 1/2" clear plastic tube which was not (maybe never?) connected to anything. That appears to have been the source of the leak. The foam insulation in that area is gone and the plywood side is completely perished. One guess is the tube was never connected when the tub was built. I guess I'm not clear in how the air flow valves work, where the air pressure comes from-goes to and where water would enter and leak. Is my assumption correct the clear plastic tube should have been connected to the air flow valve? If not, where should it have been connected? Had I known there was leak before the tub was installed and gone looking for it, water damage might have been visible through the plywood siding. After the tub was installed, that left side was 10" from a wall and thus impossible to see and work there chasing a leak. Doubtful we'll ever take a chance on a used unit again, but if one were a gift horse, I'd start out in the open, block it up 2' off the ground, fill it and use it for a couple of weeks before permanently installing it. jack vines
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Are there any HOT tubs spas available today?
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
So how do you advise customers as to when it's cost-effective? As to materials, a member here detailed replacing rotted wood braces with synthetic decking material. Is there anything other than pressure-treated wood which might be used? jack vines -
Are there any HOT tubs spas available today?
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
I'm handy, retired and have the tools. I'll drain it, jack up one end and get a look underneath. Doesn't look to be a fun project, but hauling it to the dump isn't fun either. jack vines -
Are there any HOT tubs spas available today?
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Thanks for the prompt reply and the info. I'd been erroneously told nothing today could legally go above 104. Since you sell Caldera, but since none are available, is it practically possible to re-frame a Kauai? When last I was in the local store, they wanted $12,000 for today's equivalent, so fixing what we've got should be investigated. jack vines -
Our old Caldera Paradise Kauai has probably reached the point of no return. A small leak has rotted out the side of the skirt and major repairs would be necessary and might not even be possible. If there's rot in one area, it may be widespread. The only reason we've hung on to a leaking tub this long is it had the capability of regulating water temperature up to 106 degrees. What are the options for those who want a real hot tub? jack vines
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Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
One more request for the logic/mechanical circuit which senses low temperature and calls for heat, but the heater is not switched on. 1. The condition is definitely affected by outside temperature. Above 40 degrees, the system will sometimes hold temperature. Below 40 degrees, it will never respond to the call for heat. 2. The heater and pressure switch are new. The pressure switch and heater makes heat the first time when the circuit is rebooted. 3. When the water temperature drops, the red heater indicator light comes on, but the heater does not. What's between the light and the heater? The red light being on indicates the low temp sensor has called for heat, the pressure switch is OK, so what's supposed to be switching on the heater, but is not? 5. The red light is on and jumpering the pressure switch terminals does not turn on the heater, so it's not the pressure switch. 6. Verified by a reliable thermometer, the water temp has never gotten above 106. Earlier, a failing high limit switch was suggested. Why would a failing high limit switch be affected by outside temperature? Earlier in this thread, Nic Macy told us, What is this telling us? Could Watkins circuit boards only have a three month life span? jack vines -
Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
One more time, jumped the terminals of the pressure switch on the circuit board pins. It went up to temperature one time an then would not restart. Since the pressure switch signal is constant, there's something else keeping it from holding temperature. jack vines -
Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Weeere back! Same Caldera Kauai, same problem. The replacement heater and pressure switch fix lasted less than two years. The continuing mystery is the OEM heater and pressure switch removed the first go-round still test out and function. The unit is still in the shelf. Maybe it's going back in. jack vines -
duplicate post deleted by member
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Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
It's still a mystery as to why ours was malfunctioning, but replacing the heater/pressure switch unit has been the answer thus far. Since you don't mention the heater as having been replaced, they're relatively inexpensive to try. jack vines -
Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Thanks for the suggestions. During the trouble-shooting, I did all the tests and checks suggested here. All the individual components checked good. Nevertheless, when the heater and pressure switch unit was replaced, it's been perfect for eight months. jack vines -
Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Hi, Jersey, Thanks for the reply and maybe you've hit upon part of the problem. Yes, the problem is definitely related to outdoor temperature. The spa is 230-volt with the 1" trombone-shaped Laing #6595 heater The pressure sensor is between the pump and the heater and the temp sensor has a worm drive clamp holding it to the heater tube. There is a 3" section of thin foam tie-wrapped around the sensor. I'm going to try wrapping the sensor with some real insulation to see if that has any effect on it not holding temperature. However, help me understand what interrelationship is causing the problem in cold weather. If I'd ever seen any evidence of over-temperature, I'd think the sensor being exposed to cold might be causing the heater to stay on long enough to trip the high limit switch. Since the readout is never higher than the set point, what is the sensor being exposed to cold ambient telling the controls? jack vines -
Caldera Kauai, This one just gets curiouser and curiouser! The heater had been unreliable for some time, but rebooting the power usually kicked it on. For the first time, repeated rebooting would not get the heater to begin working. I used a multi-meter and read 120 volts at each of the two heater terminals. OK, got power to it, but feeling the outside with the hand, no heat; feeling the water coming out, no heat. So this means the heater element is faulty, correct?. Order a new heater. While waiting for it to arrive, I removed the heater so as to be ready. Just to try to determine what had failed, I bench-tested it by applying 120 volts to each terminal. Without water in the tube, the heating element got red hot in seconds. What am I missing here? jack vines
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Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
This one just gets curiouser and curiouser! For the first time, repeated rebooting would not get the heater to begin working. I used a multi-meter and read 120 volts at each of the two heater terminals. OK, got power to it, but feeling the outside with the hand, no heat; feeling the water coming out, no heat. So this means the heater element is faulty, correct?. Order a new element. While waiting for it to arrive, I removed the heater so as to be ready. Just to try to determine what had failed, I bench-tested it by applying 120 volts to each terminal. Without water in the tube, the heating element got red hot in seconds. What am I missing here? jack vines -
Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Still trying to understand how a closed loop circulating hot water and monitoring the temperature is affected by outside temperature. As I understand it, the sensors are all internal. jack vines -
buying a used hot tub that needs repair
JACKVJR replied to BDsCycles's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Yes, new hot tubs are among the most overpriced of consumer products. As you suggest, there's really not much there. One advantage new tubs can have is their insulation and covers have improved over time. Yes, we got a great deal on an older used but good quality hot tub. With some help from a neighbor with a trailer and large relatives, moving it went quickly and economically. No, the reason it was so cheap is there's a gremlin in the temperature controls. It will hold 106 for weeks, then won't hold temp for weeks. Rebooted, it usually comes up to temp, but once the heater shuts off, it won't restart, until sometimes, it does. Because the fault is intermittent, it doesn't stay dead and make itself easy to circuit test. I've followed every troubleshooting suggestion here, but found nothing. Replacing the entire heating and control system will take the bargain out of it. Your results may differ. jack vines -
Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Well, I jinxed myself by reporting the problem had gone away. As soon as the outside temperature dropped below freezing, the spa temperature no longer holds steady. What is this telling us? Yes, the heater has to work longer and more often when the outside temperature is lower, but it was reaching 106 and holding steady for months, until yesterday. Nothing changed other than the temperature dropping to 29 degrees over night and not going above 32 during the day. jack vines -
Caldera Kauai does then doesn't hold temperature
JACKVJR replied to JACKVJR's topic in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Just an update; for the past six months, it's decided to hold a steady 106 degrees. Not only that, the leak has slowed and we no longer have to add water very often. A possible explanation is it just took a few months of continuous use and a couple of filter changes,to get all the crud out and the system accustomed to working again. No guarantees on a ten-year-old system. FWIW, our son and DIL had to have control boards replaced on a two-year-old spa. The tech said, "Set it and leave it alone. Whatever you think you're saving by turning the temp up/down/on/off, you'll end up paying in repairs. jack vines