Costco Oc 850l Delivered

[pdampier]

So we received our Costco OC 850L today! Tomorrow I need to call the electrician - I hope to have it filled and going by Saturday night....

Unfortunately after delivery I unpacked the cover and found a small tear in the vinyl - We called up the local Costco (since there is no way we could take it back in the car ;-) ) and to my amazement they are arranging to drop off a replacement cover and pick up the torn one tomorrow.... I was expecting to have to deal with OC (CalSpa) for that....

I ordered a chemical starter kit which I'm hoping to receive before the weekend or I'll have to drop by a local Pool/Spa place and get the chemicals... Wish us luck. I now need to go and read the Water Chemistry forum!

[Hillbilly Hot Tub]

So we received our Costco OC 850L today! Tomorrow I need to call the electrician - I hope to have it filled and going by Saturday night....

Unfortunately after delivery I unpacked the cover and found a small tear in the vinyl - We called up the local Costco (since there is no way we could take it back in the car ;-) ) and to my amazement they are arranging to drop off a replacement cover and pick up the torn one tomorrow.... I was expecting to have to deal with OC (CalSpa) for that....

I ordered a chemical starter kit which I'm hoping to receive before the weekend or I'll have to drop by a local Pool/Spa place and get the chemicals... Wish us luck. I now need to go and read the Water Chemistry forum!

Don't leave the tub uncovered in the sun without water in it, even for a day. It can cause the tub to blister. Put a tarp or piece of cardboard over it untill you get the cover on it.

[pdampier]

So we received our Costco OC 850L today! Tomorrow I need to call the electrician - I hope to have it filled and going by Saturday night....

Unfortunately after delivery I unpacked the cover and found a small tear in the vinyl - We called up the local Costco (since there is no way we could take it back in the car ;-) ) and to my amazement they are arranging to drop off a replacement cover and pick up the torn one tomorrow.... I was expecting to have to deal with OC (CalSpa) for that....

I ordered a chemical starter kit which I'm hoping to receive before the weekend or I'll have to drop by a local Pool/Spa place and get the chemicals... Wish us luck. I now need to go and read the Water Chemistry forum!

Don't leave the tub uncovered in the sun without water in it, even for a day. It can cause the tub to blister. Put a tarp or piece of cardboard over it untill you get the cover on it.

Yes the cover was put back on after the photo - Thanks for the post though... I hope to get the new cover delivered by Costco today, consult with electrician and hook it all up/fill it on Friday night.....

[asharerin]

Nice tub thanks for the pic! Hey if you ever need to return the tub to Costco call up custy service. You will pay upfront to freight it back but Costco will reimburse you for that cost once they receive it. Yes.....Costco rocks. That is all.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

You will pay upfront to freight it back but Costco will reimburse you for that cost once they receive it.

Is that part true? We need Soakerman or one of his fellow Costco employees on this one.

My bad, I thought this was in reference to returning a spa. I see you mean returning a damaged cover upon delivery.

[pdampier]

You will pay upfront to freight it back but Costco will reimburse you for that cost once they receive it.

Is that part true? We need Soakerman or one of his fellow Costco employees on this one.

I should clarify that we bought it from the local Costco warehouse and not online via Costco.com. Hence we paid for a Spa delivery company to pick it up from the warehouse and deliver the Spa. It was only after they left that I unpacked the cover package and found that the vinyl had a small rip in it. Since the cover was way to big to drive back to Costco and the delivery company had left I thought I was in for a problem since OC (CalSpa's I think) would have to ship a replacement out. However we called the local Costco warehouse back and they went above and beyond (actually looked into it and called as back as they said they would) and are dropping off a new cover to us today.... Very happy.

[pdampier]

Electrician hooked it all up today and its busy heating.... (49f to 73f so far in approx 4 hours)... I think I've got the water chemistrty down. I knew our water is extremely soft so added 8oz of CH booster, restested an hour later and added another 4 oz... right now test strips show on the border line of 200ppm so looks about right to me. Added 1oz of ph UP (Sodium Bicarb) to bring TA up from 50 to 80 and PH seems to be in the strip range of 7.2 to 7.8 now (on first reading it was borderline with 6.8)....

Just added the Sodium Bromide and now to go get the bromine float.... Hopefully all set to go by tomorrow AM....

[pdampier]

Just an update to say everything is going great so far with this tub - We;re loving it. The jets are each indvidually adjustable so you can really fine tune each seat and even turn on/off entire seats for even extra massage in other seats. The stereo also works really well which I was surprised by as we questioned the need for it when we originally were going to buy the Sun Peak. Even the lounger works pretty well for me and I'm 6'4" - Its a deep tub (39") which I've really enjoyed. The other reason we went for this over the Sun Peak is the 5 year warranty on everything (10 year shell) including labor - While with Costco its easy to return the whole thing if we really had a lemon that would be a real pain so hoping the warranty adds some value if we need it.

It will be interesting to see the eletric bill for next month. Our bill cycle just ended as the tub was powered up so the initial heating is lost in the bill I just received (shows a drop versus last year but we were gone some of the bill cycle) - Next month I should be able to do a fairly valid comparison year to year. Crossing my fingers that since the tub is full foam insulation with a 5" to 3" cover the running costs will be on the lower end of the scale. Its a Cal Spa cover.

Believe it or not it snowed here this evening in Seattle - I did notice that the snow did not settle on the cover right down the middle where the hinge is - I imagine that is normal in light snow given the heat underneath and how that is the weakest part of the insulation?

Struggling to get the bromine levels right though. The test strips seemed to show the ideal range until I added the shock halfway through the week and now they seem to be at 10ppm on the test strips. I've temp removed the bromine floater to see what happens. Ph, CH etc seem to be right where they should be with only TA being a little low at around 60... Taking some water into the local Aquaquip to get accurately tested tomorrow.

If anyone has any questions on this tub let me know....

[Roger]

Believe it or not it snowed here this evening in Seattle - I did notice that the snow did not settle on the cover right down the middle where the hinge is - I imagine that is normal in light snow given the heat underneath and how that is the weakest part of the insulation?

A good quality cover will have a continuos seal down the middle and will not leak heat at the seam. Soon as the cheapo that came with the tub is junk get a good one. It will make a major improvement in energy effieciency. But it will cost twice as much as the original.

[pdampier]

I've taken some photos of the control/pumps and inside for anyone interested:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dampier/sets/72157604646293421/

Full foam insulation looks good - I peered into one of the side panels (some not great photos showing it in the set above) and its definitely full foam right from the shell out to the side panels all around (except of course in the control pack/pump area.....

[prof_chop]

I have been considering the Infinity Columbia sold through Costco - and following the pictures and positive buying experience described in this thread, I went back to Costco to pull the trigger. It appears that Costco has dropped the Infinity Columbia line, and has a statement saying that the Sun Peak is 'sold out'. Not sure what this means (i.e. did Costco have a bad experience with Infinity?) - but what ever will this Forum do without the Spa Community vs. Costco venting?????

[pdampier]

I have been considering the Infinity Columbia sold through Costco - and following the pictures and positive buying experience described in this thread, I went back to Costco to pull the trigger. It appears that Costco has dropped the Infinity Columbia line, and has a statement saying that the Sun Peak is 'sold out'. Not sure what this means (i.e. did Costco have a bad experience with Infinity?) - but what ever will this Forum do without the Spa Community vs. Costco venting?????

The Infinity spas on Costco.com seem to come and go all the time. The Sun Peak was on sale until 4/20 so I'm sure that expired. The one I got was not from Costco online but direct from the local Costco store - Its a rebadged Cal Spa.

I was very pleased with the local Costco (Kirkland, WA) store - They went way above and beyond by running a replacement cover to us when the original was received damaged. I was expecting to have to deal with Cal Spa or somehow find a truck to bring the cover back myself.

[Roger]

but what ever will this Forum do without the Spa Community vs. Costco venting?????

Don't worry we have seen a hundred or better Costco type spa's come and go here, no worrys we are used to the let down!!

[soakerman]

but what ever will this Forum do without the Spa Community vs. Costco venting?????

Don't worry we have seen a hundred or better Costco type spa's come and go here, no worrys we are used to the let down!!

We are still here, just have a gag order inplace from higher ups at times.

[pdampier]

We just received our first full month electric bill since we got the Spa. I'm extremely pleased. The full foam insulation certainly appears to be working well. Our bill was from April 16th or so to May 17th. We had some very cold (unseasonally cold - even some snow) over that time in Seattle. I had snow sitting on the hot tub cover - didn't expect to see that when I bought it in early April!

http://www.komotv.com/weather/blog/19076694.html

http://www.komotv.com/weather/blog/18456749.html

So I was eager to compare my electric bill with the hot tub in below avg temperatures to the same bill last year.

Taking the slight rate drop into account (but a longer month and colder weather) looks like my electric bill really has gone up only about $8-10 per month. Pretty impressive for a Costco Spa!! We kept it on standard mode for the first 5 days or so and then had it on EC mode most of the month as we found that worked well for us. Temp wise its been on 101 as an average with one weekend set to 104....

Take a look:

[Roger]

We just received our first full month electric bill since we got the Spa. I'm extremely pleased. The full foam insulation certainly appears to be working well. Our bill was from April 16th or so to May 17th. We had some very cold (unseasonally cold - even some snow) over that time in Seattle. I had snow sitting on the hot tub cover - didn't expect to see that when I bought it in early April!

http://www.komotv.com/weather/blog/19076694.html

http://www.komotv.com/weather/blog/18456749.html

So I was eager to compare my electric bill with the hot tub in below avg temperatures to the same bill last year.

Taking the slight rate drop into account (but a longer month and colder weather) looks like my electric bill really has gone up only about $8-10 per month. Pretty impressive for a Costco Spa!! We kept it on standard mode for the first 5 days or so and then had it on EC mode most of the month as we found that worked well for us. Temp wise its been on 101 as an average with one weekend set to 104....

Take a look:

Keep in mind you are simply guessing unless you meter the spa. The ONLY WAY to calculate power consumption on any spa is to meter it.

[pdampier]

Keep in mind you are simply guessing unless you meter the spa. The ONLY WAY to calculate power consumption on any spa is to meter it.

Of course but given same house, same people, same other appliances, colder temperatures, longer month - Its pretty obvious that this tub is well insulated and efficient.

I was expecting a MUCH larger jump in electric bills than $8-$10 - Especially given how much we used it the first month!

The figures seem to compare very favorably to the very highest end tubs with respect to energy.

[pdampier]

We were in Costco last weekend and noticed the price on this tub is now $3999. Killer deal I think for a full foam insulated tub.

We called up Costco and they are going to refund us the $700 extra we paid as we'd had to get two covers replaced (one with a rip, the second had an air bubble trapped in it).

I also just received our second full month electric bill. Slightly colder month than last years figures but tub added approx $13 this month. Not bad!

[Freakin]

We were in Costco last weekend and noticed the price on this tub is now $3999. Killer deal I think for a full foam insulated tub.

We called up Costco and they are going to refund us the $700 extra we paid as we'd had to get two covers replaced (one with a rip, the second had an air bubble trapped in it).

I also just received our second full month electric bill. Slightly colder month than last years figures but tub added approx $13 this month. Not bad!

Well you've convinced me. I've been looking at getting this tub for a few months, and with the lower price and the results that you had w/ your electric bill I'm gonna take the plunge =)

[Deus66]

I have had mine up and running for about a month now. I love the OC 850L. The Costco's nearest to me were almost sold out (this is a limited time product) so I jumped on it based on what I had read in this thread. Thanks for all your information. My first electric bill was right in line with yours too, it seems to be very efficient.

[Freakin]

Picked mine up tonight (they only had one in stock and the floor model too) for $4000. Managed to get it home in my friend's pickup and it's sitting my driveway now.

Gonna frame tomorrow, pour a pad thursday, and hopefully get it moved onto the pad monday or tuesday (is that enough time for a 6-8" pad to dry?)

Also, it's been pretty sunny here lately. Is it bad to leave my tub wrapped in plastic (clearish but can't see though) in the sun? Should I get a tarp to cover it with?

If I'm going to hire someone to move the hot tub about 30-40 feet from my driveway to backyard pad, what would I expect to pay them?

[foothill999]

I am looking for a good spa for my family and came across a clearance spa at my local costco today. It is a OC 850L with radio and cover with life and is prices at 2,500. It look like a floor model with some minor exterior scracthes and such. What I would like to know is if this is a good price? and how is the spa as far as quality. Any information or help would be appreciated. Thank you

So we received our Costco OC 850L today! Tomorrow I need to call the electrician - I hope to have it filled and going by Saturday night....

Unfortunately after delivery I unpacked the cover and found a small tear in the vinyl - We called up the local Costco (since there is no way we could take it back in the car ;-) ) and to my amazement they are arranging to drop off a replacement cover and pick up the torn one tomorrow.... I was expecting to have to deal with OC (CalSpa) for that....

I ordered a chemical starter kit which I'm hoping to receive before the weekend or I'll have to drop by a local Pool/Spa place and get the chemicals... Wish us luck. I now need to go and read the Water Chemistry forum!

[Freakin]

That's a ridiculously good price, IMO.

I just got this tub for $4k and that was a good price too.

It's made by calspa and is the only full foam tub I've seen from costco.

I just got mine installed and set up a few weeks ago and I love it.

I have my projecter set up outside by the tub so I can watch movies while tubbing it up.

The control panel is a little bit elementary, and I think the thermo may be off a little (I've had mine set at 96F and the tub is usually around 103 or so. When I had it set at 102 it was frequently at 108... not sure what is up, but whatev)

[foothill999]

That's a ridiculously good price, IMO.

I just got this tub for $4k and that was a good price too.

It's made by calspa and is the only full foam tub I've seen from costco.

I just got mine installed and set up a few weeks ago and I love it.

I have my projecter set up outside by the tub so I can watch movies while tubbing it up.

The control panel is a little bit elementary, and I think the thermo may be off a little (I've had mine set at 96F and the tub is usually around 103 or so. When I had it set at 102 it was frequently at 108... not sure what is up, but whatev)

Thanks, I may go back tommorrow and see if its still there.

[Roger]

Thanks, I may go back tommorrow and see if its still there.

What does this tell you about Costco's mark up. They are paying less than 2500 bucks for these things from Cal. And starting out selling them for 4 grand. About the same as a dealer mark up.