Magnum

Hello. I am located in Tampa Bay, FL. I am installing 6 Heliocon HC-40 solar panels (4'x10.6') on a southern side flat roof, so it gives 254 sq ft. My pool is pretty small, its less than 10k gallon and is 22'x10' oval (8 shape) so the total surface area would be around 180 sq ft. With 6 panels the total panel to pool surface area is 140%. Pool is under screen enclosure and located on the western side of the house so it is mostly shaded during the morning. The roof is 8ft high. The "to solar" pipe would be ~30' feet long and "to pool/from solar" pipe would be ~40' long horizontally. I wanted to update my single speed pump so I purchased a Pentair SuperFlo VS (manufactured in 2018) since I would only be able to use 115v connection for now. I also bought Hayward solar system which came as Hayward GVA24 Valve Actuator and Hayward GL-235 AquaSolar Controller. However Pentair customer support told me that the pump will not work properly with the Hayward system so I just ordered a Pentair SunTouch controller, it does not include the valve actuator and 3 way valve so I need to order these separately. Not sure if I should order Pentair Valve Actuator (263045) and Pentair 3-way Valve (263028) or if I can use any brand actuator and valve. Could you recommend any that more pocket friendly? So to sum up my solar system includes: 6 x Heliocon HC-40 solar panels (4'x10.6') Pentair SuperFloVS pump *Hayward GVA24 Valve Actuator and Hayward GL-235 AquaSolar Controller or Pentair SunTouch controller Do you think the Hayward system will work or is it better to use the Pentair system? Would 6 solar panels be enough? Do you think the system will work efficiently enough? Or would it be better to switch the inlet and outlet pipes (picture)? Thank you!

You are right. I got a response from that company and they confirmed that it did come out of their factory in 2013-2014 and that the Balboa unit was replaced in 2016. I am going to look at that hot tub in person and I might buy it. Could you recommend what should I check at what to look at?

I contacted Balboa about the details and they replied that the manufacture date of the control unit was 03/23/2016. That might be possible because the owner bought the house last year so he just estimated that its 6 years old, can be less than that. I am pretty positive that I located the manufacturer as well, I think its Spa Manufacturer Inc, located in Clearwater, FL. It is local to the sellers location and it looks very close to other tubs from this manufacturers factory. This hot tub is up and running, temperature is set to 95-100 F daily and its maintained weekly, the owner states that all jets and controls are running. It sits in a million $ house. I am not sure about the reliability and quality of this factory. It has great reviews on google and other portals, its A+ on BBB and is over 35 years on the local market. I contacted the manufacturer and they use materials dedicated for Florida which helps them keep the prices down compared to bigger manufacturers, that is: - Acrylic shell backed by 7 layers of resin and fiberglass, - Glued piped (not clamped) - Plastic jets with chrome plating, - Cedar wood cabinet (which according to the manufacturer, is enough insulation, so there is no other form of insulation) Just to add, I am a DIY so I should be able to maintain it. I will also add some sort of insulation just in case. I will try to negotiate the owner to sell it for $500. Do you think it will be worth it?

Hi. I am planning to buy a hot tub. I was going to get a new budget spa from Dreammakers or Masters (Getaway line) which is less than $4000. However, I also found a guy nearby who is selling his used hot tub. It is well maintained and he hires a spa company who cleans it and adds chemicals regularly. He does not know who the manufacturer is and how old it is as he bought it with the house. It uses a Balboa control system and has wooden cabinet. He would be willing to sell it for around $1000. I would appreciate if someone could take a look at it. Maybe someone would be able to recognize the manufacturer? Here's a link to few pictures: https://imgur.com/a/ts4knsb Thank you!

Hi. I purchased a house with a pool in central Florida last year. The pool is not heated and I hate water below 86 F and only been in the pool 4x. I would love to chill in a hot tub. I have a second enclosed porch which would be perfect for it. I was expecting to spend around $2k but while reading through several posts, I know that it won't be possible. I am looking for a 3-5 person. - Would you recommend a 110v or 220v? - Would it be possible to buy something up to $4000? - What is your opinion on an Aquarest Spas Premium 600 or Aquarest Spas Elite 600 (on sale at Wayfair)? Its hard to find a running tub in my area, I found a 2012 Hot Springs Vanguard for $4500 but not sure if its worth spending that much on an 8yr hot tub Edit. I found a 3 year old 1006/LX4000 (Not sure about the manufacturer) fot $2500. Its still running, filled with water. I also found a Leisure Bay Xtreme Tech Genius for $500, owner states that its fully working and is willing to hook it up and fill with water upon my arrival. Its been sitting without water for a while.