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when trying to start the pump to circulate water a flat loud sound blew one of the fuses. should i try to start again after replacing the fuse Hard to find 250 v 30 a. or should i try something first? dstoyano@yahoo.com

Hello and thank you in advance for your help. We are purchasing a new hot tub - not our first, but the first time we've purchased ourselves. We are trying to stay under $7000. Powerful jets are my number one concern because I use the tub for serious therapy. I've been looking so far at Caldera - the Vacanza Series, Vanto ($6500 quote), fits our budget but I'm a bit concerned about power and its warranty. The Bullfrog is intriguing - I realize I'll never buy new jetpacks, but it is nice to start with a customized tub (I have a $7500 quote on the R6) I'm hoping to go look at the Dimension One tubs tomorrow but I have no idea if any are in my price range. I had thought the Costco Evolution and/or Divine series tubs looked good, but after reading some posts here I'm not so sure. One local company sells Riviera Spas - haven't been there yet. Also, we need to have at least one side at 84" or less due to space restrictions. Being a small-sized family (all under 5'4") a lounger is probably useless for us - I know our last Caldera spa lounger went unused. Any suggestions/ comments are much appreciated.

Hello! We are buying our first hot tub and are considering three models: the Marquis Reward, the Artesian Antigua and the Jacuzzi 355. So far we've wet tested the Artesian, and my 5'2 self could not stay put in the lounge. The salesman suggested I turn off some of the leg jets to fix it, which seems to defeat the purpose. Price is around $8,100 out the door with steps and a cover lift. The Jacuzzi dealer doesn't have a lounge model filled to wet test (the two they have filled have regular seats), but the salesman doesn't think I'll have a problem in the lounger because of how deep the butt sits compared to how high the legs go. Price is around $8,200 out the door with steps and a cover lift. The Reward is one of the dealer's last two Marquis models left. We haven't been to the dealer yet to see it (so not sure if we can wet test yet), but it's around $8,600 out the door with steps, no cover lift. I'm worried about buying something with a lounge that we can't wet test in case I can't stay put in it. Anyone have these that can speak to this? Also open to other models that address this concern. Any thoughts on the pricing? Thanks for your help!

Hi Folks, First time hot tub buyer in Ottawa Canada, and my wife and I are driving each others nuts with the various selection and information overload. We have narrowed our choice down to two (we think), the Jacuzzi 365 and the Elite Maax 5400, ironically both from Club Piscince. We love the fact that Jacuzzi has been around forever BUT are scared by the shift to Mexico and the much more limited warranty they seem to offer. Why only ten years on structure when everyone else seems to offer a lifetime? Really liked the Elite Maax but in reading a lot of forums and looking at some ratings site they do not seem very reliable in spite of the great warranty. We want something that stands up to the harsh winters, is affordable and we will not have to worry about breaking down or a lot of servicing and obviously offers a great soak. All advice and recommendations are appreciated, even if it is to suggest another brand. We do have to stay under $10k all in. We did look at Arctic Spa and liked how rugged they are but just could not get what we wanted in our price range. Also looked at Artesian but did not see real value for money there compared to the two tubs listed above. Thank you.

All - I got my first tub last year with a lot of help from all of you! I searched and didn't see anything around this so thought I'd post it. I just bought my replacment Clearray UV bulb last week and came across this coupon. I pain $60.47 out the door at Ace Swin and Leisure in Rochester, NY. They say you need to drain the tub or pull the two lines and put a wine cork in the lines. I'm going to wait another month and do my final change before winter. Bleach / DiChlor is a great method. Once you get the hang of it and balancing it the first time, it make tub maintenance so easy. Here are the links: http://www.jacuzzihottubs.com/clearray-print.html?s_cid=4&utm_source=promo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=F13_clearray_bulb http://www.jacuzzihottubs.com/hot-tub-blog/2012-spa-model-owners/ Hope it helps! Scott

Got it! Problem solved.

Hey everyone, So I've been doing a good deal of research on a new spa purchase. I know I want a larger tub, that is preferably deeper(I'm a larger fella, tall and heavy, but not huge). A big plus for me in a tub is easy maintenance, with lower to no odor, and minimal skin irritation. I'd like something my girlfriend and myself can stretch out in, but also that will accommodate several people for when we have parties. I intend to build a Sauna in close-ish vicinity to the tub, not that this is all that relevant, but I'm assuming you guys and gals have more experience with this, so who knows, perhaps it's a point to be made. Anyhow, build quality and energy consumption are huge selling points for me, as I'd like a tub that is low maintenance, durable in southern Michigan winters, won't cost me a ton to maintain in both price and time, and will cause me less hassle in the long run. I know that a good relationship with a dealer is extremely important, so that aside, assuming they all give equal service, what are your thought on Models, and brands I should be looking at, methods for getting the best price, and filtration and sanitization methods and add-ons for these models, to make maintenance as easy and cost effective as possible. Also, are there any brands that simply just blow the competition out of the water in terms of any of these specifics? Thanks for your input, and try not to make this a soap box for disdain.

About a month ago my wife and I purchased a new Jacuzzi J-345. In the past month I have had a crash course in spa water chemistry. It was a little overwhelming at first, but I have learned a great deal, thanks in no small part to this forum, especially Nitro's post. The spa is equipped with the ClearRay UV sanitation system and came with a “starter kit” consisting of a bottle of Silk Balance, pH increaser and decreaser, chlorine powder (dichlor), non-chlorine shock (MPS), and some 4-in-one test strips. According to the Silk Balance brochure, all I had to do after filling the spa was add a tablespoon of chlorine powder, adjust pH to 7.2 – 8.2 and total alkalinity to 80 – 120 ppm (using the test strips), and the next day add 4 oz of Silk Balance. Then, add one tablespoon per person of MPS shock after each use of the pool, and once a week add a tablespoon of chlorine and 4 oz of Silk Balance. That's it - no testing and monitoring necessary. This scares me to death. The first thing I bought was a Taylor K-2006 drop test kit (based on recommendations in this forum). I determined that within a couple of days after adding the chlorine I had no detectable FC, and pH tended to creep up to above 8.0 over the course of the week. So, now I add a half teaspoon or so of dichlor every night or two, just enough to keep FC above 1 ppm, and a teaspoon or so of pH decreaser to maintain pH at 7.4 – 7.6. I continue to add the MPS after each use. Fridays after we use the spa I also add a teaspoon of dichlor, and Saturday mornings I add the Silk Balance. Here are my readings this morning: pH – 7.4, FC – 5.4, CC – none, TA – 100 ppm, CH – 140, CYA – less than 30 ppm. I have questions: Am I doing this right? Comments and suggestions greatly appreciated. The Silk Balance came with the spa, and my wife and I have both noticed how nice it makes our skin feel. However, it is priced about the same as Dom Perignon. Are there other (less pricey) additives with similar results? Nitro mentioned something called Gentle Spa.

Hi All, (sorry for the long post ) My wife and I are about to get our first hot tub. We are located in Edmonton, Canada. I am quite diligent in doing my research and have been reading up a lot in this forum; you guys have been a TON of help! First off, we have wet tested an Arctic Spa Norwegian (stroke that one off the list VERY quickly, real bad experience, tub was over chlorinated and stung our eyes, too many motors, retarded volcano foot jet), a Beachcomber 580 (stroke that one off after testing the Jacuzzi and Sundance, didn't feel as good..... great sales guy, but too pricey for not as good of a tub IMO), a Jacuzzi J-365 , and a Sundance Optima (these two we will be discussing). **WET TEST IS EVERYTHING!!** Note that there is a Hot Springs seller in Edmonton, but they aren't a dedicated hot tub place... their core business is Plumbing and Lighting and they change hot tub brands like I change my socks; so we didn't even look. Polar Spas was a joke (ozone and don't need any chemicals at all... WTF? ?), and we didn't get around to KoKo Beach (Coast spas). Catalina had a great sales guy, but felt the tubs weren't as good quality as the Jacuzzi and Sundance (but they were quite a bit cheaper). I will assume if you are reading this, you know the difference between a Jacuzzi J-365 and a Sundance Optima, so I will condense what I have determined are the key differences, and key similarities that I find important. Note that what is important to me is i) good for -40C Canadian winters (-45 in Newfoundland ), ii) construction & quality, iii) insulation, iv) efficiency, v) bang for your buck (don't need no fancy stereo and lights and TVs and waterfalls), vi) hydrotherapy / relaxation / hot water / strong jets SUNDANCE OPTIMA (dealers "Floor Model Special", grey colour) has 15 more jets (different type of jets when compared to the jacuzzi... i think?) has stereo (don't even want it, it'll probably just break anyway) better filtration with the MicroClean Ultra Filter (is it better?? is it really necessary?) better waterfall (but who cares, would be ok if it didn't have one) bigger foot dome /w more jets ISO 9001 certified company (but doesn't Jacuzzi own Sundance, and aren't Jacuzzi tubs made in Sundance manufacturing facility?) Status Indicator Light (i kinda like this... don't want to have to go out and open the Jacuzzi tub to see if there is a problem at -40C. Slipstream Floating Skimmer (is this better then what the Jacuzzi J-365 has???) SilentAir Injection System (SunScents Aromatherapy Delivery system) i-touch controls (better then Jacuzzi?) 30% deposit ($3900), and only until noon Aug 7th to decide $3500 more than the Jacuzzi JACUZZI (dealers "Truckload Sale") is the shell color we prefer more (white) $500 deposit, have until Aug 17th to decide. $3500 less than Sundance BOTH same UV Clear Ray system same size and # of motors both tubs have one circ pump about the same size of tub same warranty same cover both good company's (maybe Sundance a bit better) both titanium heating element, energy efficient full foam insulation wet-tested both, liked both (maybe Sundance a bit better) Jacuzzi has the "Tri-Fusion System Shell" while Sundance has the "Rigid Bond System Shell". After reading up on both of these I have determined that these are the exact same (same manufacturing facility?) PRICE BREAKDOWN (in CDN $, Edmonton, Canada location) Jacuzzi J-365 9999, regular 13,599.00 ("truckload event") Cover Lifter 199, regular 299 Stainless Steel Jets 0, regular 519 Chlorine / Spa Foundation 0, regular 249 Two extra filters 0, regular 150 Clear Ray 0, regular 899 SUBTOTAL 10198.00 TAX (5%) 509.90 GRAND TOTAL 10707.90 $ Less then Sundance 3,504.90 Sundance Optima 12,998.00 ("floor model") Covermate III 385, regular 500 Extra MicroClean Ultra Filter set 153.00 SUBTOTAL 13,536.00 TAX (5%) 676.80 GRAND TOTAL 14,212.80 $ More then Jacuzzi 3,504.90 SO, what do you think? Any comments from any of you? How does Jacuzzi compare with Sundance for quality of tubs? Is the Sundance really worth the extra $3500? Will these survive the -40C winters? Can anyone comment on if these prices are overpriced? Any negotiating tips? The Jacuzzi dealer through in two extra filters, and gave the lifter for a discount. My initial price negotiation with the Sundance dealer failed; was quite firm not to reduce.... I may have not been very convincing thou. Spa foundation will be 6" - 8" of compacted crush rock with a pressure treated wood frame (see link, This good for the tub?) ).Would apprechiate your input. Sorry for the essay

Hello, last weekend I purchased a 2012 Jacuzzi J495 (520 gallons) with Clearray and an Ozonator. I won't get the tub until a few weeks from now but I have started to read as much as I can about how to maintain the water quality. My concern is that if I follow the dealer's advice, I will use a product called Spaguard - SpaSentry ?? which I belive would be a little costly on a monthly base. *Note* My wife want us to use a product that will reduce chance for itchy dry skin and keep the smells down ... and while easy on pocket book... from my brief research Nature 2 with small amount of chlorine will accomplish this. *** Its very important for her *** So I have looked into this Nature 2 stick which supposedly last 4 months for tubs up to 500 gallons. I have found this online for as little as $15 per stick and I can handle that price much better. I realize I would need to have other items in my toolbox to keep a close check on the water. My Questions: 1. Can 1 Nature 2 stick handle the 520 gallons for 4 months? 2. Do I have to use MPS or can I just use chlorine and Nature 2? 3. What other chemicals or tools do I need to have onhand to manage my water? Taylor kit, ph increaser/decrease, alkaline increaser/decreaser, chlorine (what kind), filter cleaner, ??? * I really want to learn my stuff and be as independent as possible from dealer 4. With low chlorine use, do I have to add chlorine every time after I use the tub (daily)? Any advice would be great Thank you,

Anyone have experience with this product? Will it work with Ozone? and Clearray? Thanks.

Hello, I'm close to pulling the trigger on a J495 but I have a few questions that could help me negotiating with the dealer. 1. Can Ozone and Clearray co-exist? Any advantages? (will it reduce my chemicals and the smell associated with them?) 2. Anyone know what the dealer cost of these dealer options: Cover Cover lifter Ozone Smartseal (does it really save 25% electricity and worth the money) Prolites corner cabinetry lighting 3. Is it too much to ask for the dealer to include these in with the spa? (not asking for stereo or steps) Thanks

I have acquired a Jacuzzi spa, and I am experiencing some problems. It is a z145/345, 240000. It has a Balboa board R574 with a 4kw heating element. It was wired for 115v, and I field converted it to 230v system, following instructions labeled on the inside cover of the control unit. I installed it using a 50w GFCI dedicated circuit breaker, with a 60 amp rated disconnect outside. All things are wired correctly. Pump works correctly, topside controls work correctly, and I heat very well. The problem I have is overheating of the water. The high limit sensor worked, because when it hit 112 degrees, power was shut off to the whole unit. I have tested the power output to the heater, and it is always on, even after reaching set point. When the water reaches the set point, the LED light on the topside controller shuts off, I can hear a contactor release, but 240 stays going to the heating element. I tried a new temp sensor, and had no success. I followed recommendations online, disconnected the topside controller after reaching set point, and still no success. I can manually release one contactor, and 240w is eliminated from the heater, but 120w remains. Something is not telling the heater to turn off, and I am wondering what else I can look for. I would appreciate any feedback in this matter.

Hello everyone, I am a fairly new user who has been reading many articles on here for a few years. I am just about to make a purchase on a hot tub and can use some advice. I have been considering a Limelight Pulse and a Jacuzzi J-365. We wet tested the jacuzzi and liked the feel a lot, and liked the appearance moderately. All dealers in our area are unable to let us wet test a Pulse as they either dont have any, or the ones they have are sold and cant be filled. To get the Pulse we would have to order without a wet test. We like the Pulse looks better, but are not sure about the feel. The dealer who we would purchase from has told us Jacuzzi jets have less pressure and therefore for my wife who is sensitive to the feel, would like the Jacuzzi better. Would everyone agree with that? What are everyones thoughts in regards to quality J365 vs Pulse? The deal we have on the J365 is: $9100 + tax, includes: delivery (we are 1.5 hrs away), hook up and filling with water, orientation, spa lifter, steps, and chemicals. Thoughts? Thanks in advance everyone!

I'm looking for a good used hot tub that's not too expensive but not so cheap that it will be a hole in the pocket. I found someone local selling a 2004 Sundance Altimar spa and they listed it for $1500. It comes with a cover and is in good working condition. Is that a good price? Anything to be cautious of?