gwmac

Hello, I'm reaching out for assistance with my Hot Springs Jetsetter LX hot tub, purchased in April 2021. Fortunately, it's still under the 5-year electrical warranty, although the 2-year lighting warranty has expired. I'm hopeful this issue falls under the electrical category. Issue Description: Initial Symptom: Approximately two weeks ago, I observed that the MotoMassager was inactive. Subsequent Observation: A few days later, the underwater light exhibited limited color functionality, stuck on a few colors and unresponsive to attempts at color changes. Troubleshooting Attempts: I've tried resetting the remote panel and powering off the tub entirely, neither of which resolved the issue. Progression: The lighting issues escalated, affecting both interior and exterior lights. Now, when the power button on the remote is pressed, it inadvertently activates the jets and sets the lights to blue. Attempting to change the light color results in all lights turning off. Remote Control Functionality: The remote includes several controls: a purple icon for jets, a water drop for saltwater settings (adjusting levels and cleaning cycle), and a lightbulb for light settings. Currently, the saltwater settings are unresponsive, the jets control functions correctly, but the light setting fails to change the lights' colors. Dealer Visit: A local dealer inspected the hot tub but was unable to diagnose the issue. Although he did replace and repair the MotoMassage. They've decided to consult Hot Springs tech support for further guidance and I'm waiting to hear back from them. During their visit, a suspected faulty salt cell was replaced without resolving the problem. Notably, when the tub is powered off and then on, the blue lights activate, and saltwater settings are temporarily accessible, but any attempt to adjust the lights immediately negates this functionality. I apologize for the lengthy post but wanted to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation. If anyone has encountered similar issues or has insights into potential fixes, your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!

I have had my Jetsetter LX for a little over 4 months. I wrote a pretty detailed review here if you want to read it and it answers a lot of FAQs. I paid right at $10,000 for mine which included a really generous startup kit and also spa steps. I took delivery in April but bought it about 8 months before that. But $12.5K seems a bit steep over what I paid. I strongly advise you get the saltwater option. I love mine! I wrote all about it in the article above but suffice it to say I barely do anything besides test weekly and the water is as clear and balanced as it can be. My old hot tub was ozinator/bromine and it was a PITA the keep the water balanced. My salt cell cartridge has been working for 18 weeks now and still doesn't need replacing yet. P.S. When i was in the shopping phase I also looked at that Catalina. It is garbage! I recommend you get the Jetsetter. Close seconds are jacuzzi and Bullfrog but stay away from Catalina. They are the guys that have those hot tub sales in the parking lots of shopping malls.

I ended up getting the Jetsetter LX. I posted my 4 month review here and also answered a lot of FAQs. Check it out

My Jetsetter LX with the freshwater system will be delivered next week. After reading this thread is it safe to assume I need to use a cleaner to purge it first? I hadn't heard of ahh some but have heard about the Spa marvel cleaner. Which is better? Also, what should be included with my tub besides the cover and the startup kit? I have read that some people get chemical supplies for a year. How many salt cartridges for example, just the one? I still have time to bargain a bit so I want to make sure I am getting everything I should with the tub.

I ordered my new Jetsetter LX 8 months ago and it has finally arrived. Yay! It is largely due to advice here that I went with a Hot Springs from a local dealer vs. a factory direct online. I also know many of you are against saltwater but my dealer is really pushing me towards that and promises he would swap to ozone anytime within 6 months for free if I am not happy. I also realize he knows I will have to buy those salt cartridges only from him so that is a big incentive, But I really want to give saltwater a chance for a few other reasons of my own. Anyway, they will be delivering it soon after I can get an electrician to swap out my old GFCI. This is not my first hot tub but it is my first by Hot Springs with saltwater so I have a few questions. 1) Are those silver cartridges that need replacing every 4 months worth it? Do they really add anything of value to water purity? 2) Any tips or tricks to get the salt cartridges to last more than 4 months through cleaning or anything else? I think I read somewhere about cleaning them once a month when you clean filters can help. I know that good water chemistry is essential to even reach 4 months. 3) What is your weekly or monthly routine for adding chlorine, shock, or anything else. 4) Since it is a brand new tub should I fill it and use a cleaner like the one from Spa Marvel to remove crud that might have gathered at factory? Would my dealer do that before delivery or is that unheard of? Or should I just fill it up and start using it? 5) I was also curious about using ionRX which is copper based instead of the silver cartridge which would be much cheaper. I also used to use a copper solution (different brand) with my last hot tub along with chlorine and it worked well. I wrote the company and here is their reply. "many clients use ionrx in conjunction with salt systems. You just need to make sure your salt system can keep the chlorine level low enough...around 1 ppm. Regarding the silver...it will work in conjunction with ionrx but not necessary. Our original formula used silver with copper but we realized it didn't add much in regards to performance and added a great deal to the cost." Does a chlorine level around 1ppm with copper sound like a good idea? Any other tips or suggestions from you Hot Spring saltwater veterans is appreciated. Most of the guides on here are for ozone based systems so I would love to hear from another Hot Spring owner with a saltwater system for any advice they can offer.

Thank you. That is exactly the answer I needed.

After around 8 months of waiting for delivery it looks like my Jetsetter LX should arrive within around a month. I currently have a GFCI box I had installed for my previous spa which is a 240/60 box. I can provide picts or more details if requested. I noticed on the Hot Spring specs for my new spa that it requires a G.F.C.I. Protected sub-panel at 230v/50amp, 60Hz. Luckily the new tub includes a new GFCI sub-panel but I wanted to ask if my current one is compatible. Sorry if this is a stupid question but I have no idea. 2nd question: If it needs to be replaced with the new one, how much should I expect to pay for an electrician to do that? I realize that varies greatly from region to region, but I would love a ballpark figure so I can at least know what to expect and also try to avoid getting screwed. Also, if it needs to be replaced is it a better idea to have an electrician swap out the new GFCI box at the same time he comes out to wire my new tub? Or to go ahead and swap it now? The reason I ask is the dealer said he could provide me with a new box now if I wanted to go ahead and install it before the tub arrives. But that would mean 2 trips for an electrician instead of one which would probably be more expensive. I am just not sure how long something like this takes so I thought I would ask the experts here.

I am thinking of getting a Jetsetter LX with the Freshwater Salt system. Thanks for this post. Would any of you who have had the system consider posting a step by step of do's and don't for setting up and maintaining this system along with any other tips you might have? We need a stickie to help other Freshwater salt owners to avoid those types of mistakes. I know those salt cartridges are supposed to be replaced every 4 months but I have heard they can last 5 or even 6 months. Is that true? At $100 each that can add up. But I also know that ozonatators might need to be replaced after around 3 years and they can cost close to $300. I also like the fact that water only needs refilling once a year vs. 2 or 3 in traditional spas. Are you also using those silver cartridges? Any info and tips appreciated because I keep going back and forth trying to decide between salt or fresh water systems.

OK thanks. Once all the local dealers actually get some in stock that I can go look at again I will be better able to make a choice. Hopefully I can at least do a dry test if not wet one. I don't think it matters what I choose because it looks like I will be waiting a long time to get anything and also without any manufacturer rebates or sales. I wish I had bought last year and not waited. But hindsight ...20/20 yada yada.... Final question, I've heard some people recommended putting a piece of polycarbonate panel or other types of mats under the base between the bottom of the tub and and cement patio for added protection. My patio is elevated above ground by 6 inches so most rain will just drain off but I do worry about small amounts that can lead to wood rot on the bottom. Any truth to that? Or just sit it directly on the concrete. My old tub rotted at the base so that is a concern.

I will be the only one using it 98% of the time and the other 2% would only be 1 other person. I will never have more than 2 people in at a time. Also limited space even if I wanted a bigger tub due to where my patio sits. Unfortunately neither wet nor even dry testing is an option at the moment because of no stock at local dealers and also because of Covid they have stopped allowing that (At least temporarily) I am not in a huge rush and I will insist on at least a dry test before I buy locally at least. Powerful jets are a big factor for me though because I want deep tissue like massage not just a relaxing soak. I have never sat in a Hot tub by any brand where I thought the jets were too strong.

Thanks for that link. I figured he was tied to the makers he recommended in some form. But he did make one point that seems valid. Balboa has a very good reputation and I worry about being locked in to proprietary parts from Jacuzzi or Hot Springs that may be of lower quality than Balboa and also more expensive. Once you buy a brand with proprietary you are locked with parts for that brand for life. Of course I am talking about after the warranty expires. Do you think I should add the criteria of a well-built spa that includes easily available and replaceable OEM parts? I took a look at all the brands he recommended at the only one I liked was the PDC Carmel. It seems to be well built with a hand rolled shells that support their own weight and use all balboa inside. Insulation isn't a big deal for me since I live in Georgia and we rarely get cold weather. It is not as flashy as my other top choices but it is at a much lower price point so it is very tempting. Stellar Spas seem to be selling this same tub under an off market brand. Exact same specs at a much lower cost. Not being able to wet or even dry test any tub because of no stock and Covid makes choosing a lot more difficult. But I am not going to impulse buy barring some big sale which doesn't look likely. The PDC is just curbside delivery but I could have that delivered to a local moving company and they quoted me $160 to deliver it to my patio. But then I would not have a local dealer support for any issues.

I just got my patio finished today. Hooray! So I am ready to buy. As I said earlier I chose those particular 3 brands because they have dealers near me. But I also learned that Marquis also has a dealer that serves my area and I have heard you guys say good things about that brand. I am starting to take another look at that Bullfrog X5L model which is the cheapest by far at $6,285. This jet packs don't really impress me on the R and A series models and I don't really see much difference with the R5L which cost $2,100 more. By the way, any thoughts about Chris Wheatley at the Hot Tub U website? He doesn't think much of any of the brands I have to choose from. His top choices are "Artesian, Twilight, Garden spas, getaway spas, elite, Master, Healthy Living, Clarity, PDC, Coast (pending factory inspection), and then a bunch of fringe guys like Bullfrog, Beachcomber, Nordic, Marquis (undergoing factory revamp and having issues right now)" None of those are options for me besides Bullfrog and Marquis because no other dealers near But he put both Hot Spring and Jacuzzi in the worst category. Just wondering if you guys think much of his opinion.

I was mainly worried about rain and it puddling up on the patio but it is going to be 6 inches deep and well above the ground so no worries. Excess water should just fall off, I am also going to put a roof over the patio to give more protection from the elements for my hot tub.

Thanks. That helps a lot. I want the strongest jets possible which is a major factor in my decision. Going by specs alone the Jacuzzi seems to have less power. Unfortunately I will not be able to wet test any of the 3 brands which is why I need all the help I can get to decide. The one plus for the Jacuzzi is the parts after the warranty goes out. I have heard Hot Springs is more proprietary in their parts and therefore harder and more expensive to repair after the warranty runs out.

OK thanks. I was just worried about water drainage since it will be level without any slope.

Hi, I am getting estimates for my new patio for my 3 seater hot tub. It's going to be about 10x8 feet. The hot tub will measure around 7x5.5 so I think that it big enough. Besides the patio being level and at least 4 inches thick or more is there anything else I need to request? I was concerned about water drainage so he gave me two options. Here is his quote if I pay cash. $1095 Concrete pad only $1215 including Cut lines $1450 with 2 drain and pipes

I have 220 box already installed from my last Hot Tub. The Hot Spring dealer though told me it comes with it's own box and would need to replace the one I have. So that might factor into the final cost because Jacuzzi dealer told me they can use the one I already have. Even though the new box is included I will need to have an electrician install it. But I am leaning towards the Jetsetter LX though I haven't seen the Jacuzzi in person since they are out of stock.

Hi, I posted a few weeks back and got some good replies. At that time I couldn't really buy because I had to get rid of my old Hot Tub and tear down the small wood deck it was on. I have finally done that and now contacting people to pour a concrete patio. As soon as that is done I will be ready to buy. I am not in a big hurry though so if any of these brands tend to run sales in certain months please let me know. I have narrowed my search based on dealers in my area. Here are my choices Jacuzzi J-315 runs at $9160 and that includes a cover, a chemical start up kit, delivery, & set up. Bull frog A5L $10,149 R5L $8,353 X5L $6,285 Hotsprings Jetsetter LX runs around $9500 and the regular Jetsetter is around $8500. Has salt or freshwater options. I need to learn more about the differences between the Bullfrog A5L and R5L, not sure how they differ. I plan to do a wet test on all 3 before I buy but just thought I would ask you guys what you think about these 3 brands in terms of warranty, durability, quality of parts and construction, things I wouldn't know just by looking at specs and do a wet test. Those intangibles. Between those models listed which would you likely buy? Thanks in advance for your help. Edit: I can't do a wet test because all 3 dealers are sold out and also because of Covid. Hot Springs says 26 week lead time and Jacuzzi said around January if I order now. Not sure about Bullfrog. Also looks like all promotions or specials are cancelled due to backlog and high demand. I am wondering if it might not be smart to order now and lock in current prices and get in line rather than risk a price hike next year.

I have since learned that the Jetsetter LX has a choice between ozone and salt. I didn't know that when I posted above. The dealer recommends salt so I have time to think about it since I haven't even got rid or my old spa or torn down the deck and layed a cement slab yet.

Yeah I emailed the dealer and will paste his reply. I also asked him about that dichlor method and he wasn't too keen on that. From Dealer " I was really looking forward to going with saltwater but it looks like due to costs and advice here I will go traditional.

That's good to know. I didn't realize you had the option not to use saltwater in the Jetsetter LX. But I'm guessing the Ozonator is not standard and it is an upgrade. I thought the controller and everything else was set up to only use saltwater. That is good to know and thanks for letting me know what you use. I will email the dealer and see what he thinks. It's not only a cost issue but my worries about corrosion. I wonder how much the Ozonator upgrade cost?

I have narrowed down my search for a new tub to the Hotspring Jetsetter LX which is saltwater and the Bullfrog R5L. But I just got a quote from a the Jacuzzi dealer for the J-215 for $6800 so I will need to go check them out before I decide. I'm waiting for the J-315 quote. I really thought I wanted to try a saltwater system but I read an article and it did give me pause. I also had a bit of sticker shock with those $100 salt cartridges that need to be replaces every 4 months. I have to think going freshwater is a lot cheaper annually for sanitization. I would love to hear from you pros and users who own and use a saltwater system. Are the arguments in this article valid? I realize it was written by a competitor so is jaded. If you own a Hot Spring, Caldera, or other brand with saltwater would you do it over again?

So it looks like I can expect about $400 annually for sanitizing with the Hot Spring. What could I expect to pay annually for the Bullfrog R5L ? I realize that depends on a lot of factors and which chemicals I use. Just a rough estimate to keep the water nice and clean.

Thanks. I was confused because it looked similar and also needed to be changed every 4 months. This must be what you are talking about. Salt Cartridge I noticed that is a 3 pack. So when my dealer said replacements would cost $100 did he mean for a 3 pack? That isn't bad because that is only $100 for treating the water for a year. But if he meant they would cost $100 each or $300 for that 3 pack then that seems excessively expensive.

Thanks. Before I even began my research I was leaning towards salt water and after talking to the dealer today he sold me on that system. (I realize other brands can as well but Hot Springs seems to have the best system) I also like the fact that parts will be very easy to find for years to come which is important. I loved my last HT but the company called Sun Spas went out of business so I was on my own after that. That won't happen (I hope) with Hot Spring. But I am confused about this cartridges not being available online. These seem to be identical (Hotspring freshwater Ag Sanitizer) to the one the showed me today and it says made for Hot Spring Jetsetter. Is this something else from the $100 part the dealer mentioned?