slick-rides

Installed the new system today. Only problem I ran into was not having enough room to install a valve before the heater/pack, so I didn't use any valves. Hoping to fill the tub tomorrow and test it out. 😀

It's 1.5" plumbing. Thanks for mentioning the valves, good idea. I'll update as I do the swap.

I ordered the new controller/heater and pump. Will hook up as 110v for now, but at least I have the option to switch to 220v in the future.

Thanks for taking the time to respond/help. Looks like I can install a new pump and heater spa pack for $650 after taxes and some fittings. I believe I have the room to install it on the suction side. This tub has molded in steps which provides space underneath (see photos). I only paid $500 for this tub which was purchased new May 2020 for $3000. So a total investment of $1150 wouldn't be too bad. This particular spa controller uses the exact same top panel I already have, so I wouldn't have to swap that out (would end up with new spare). The replacement pump will be a 2 speed, heat only on low speed. My question... Would this be a smart investment? It still is only a 110v setup with the limitations of only heating on low speed with 1.4kw heat. I would still have the same temp drop during use. I do like that the pump can run at a lower speed while heating, because the spa is in our attached garage (less noise). Think there would be any energy consumption difference? We used an inflatable spa last year, so we're used to heat limitations. I'd be lying if I said we weren't hoping for a little better performance out of this plug-n-play model though. Links to the parts I'm referencing to (if not allowed let me know)... https://www.spadepot.com/1-HP-Spa-Pump-15-inout-Center-Discharge-48-Frame-120V-P9401C690.aspx?zmam=55673001&zmas=1&zmac=1&zmap=BX4101-C1 https://www.spaguts.com/Products/spaguts-brand-vs300fc5-single-pump-spa-controller-kit-with-topside-54855-01-6961.aspx#ConfigSelection

After doing more research, I'm reading that the heat is just generated from friction. I'm going to look into adding a heater. Any suggestions? Think it can be done for $500?

I just got a used "plug-n-play" tub. It uses Balboa components. I do not see a heater anywhere and the board does not have an output for one. I assume the pump doubles as a heater, but looking at it I don't understand how it works? The impeller housing is either plastic or fiberglass, no evidence of wires leading to a heating element. The motor itself gets pretty warm. Does it just transfer heat though the shaft and impeller? That doesn't seem like it would work good or be efficient. I filled it up today and just ran it for 2 hours to run some cleaner through the tubing, then drained. During that time it showed a 2 degree Fahrenheit increase. 😕 Here's a link to the pump I have, and attached a few actual photos. https://www.spapumpsandmore.com/1014305_Center_Discharge_Pump_115V_13A_p/1014305.htm