2011 Hot Spot SX topside...discontinued! BOOOOO Watkins

[CanadianSpaTech]

Any Watkins guys know where to find a discontinued 2011 Hot Spot SX topside. Everything I can find says you have to replace the control pack as well. Thing is not even 10 years old and you have to replace the pack to replace the topside...Epic fail by Watkins in my book. Looks like I will have to rip it all out and throw it in the garbage and replace it with a Gecko or Balboa unit so I can sleep at night when I sell it (Flip tub) BOOOO Watkins u suk. Never an easy fix with any of their products. JMO

[castletonia]

The electronic manufacturer went out of  business.  Wasn't a planned obsolescence or anything (I can still get most parts for hot tubs that are 20 years old).  New control panels are not compatible unfortunately either.  Regretfully, only options are to update to current electronics or go the Gecko/Balboa route. 

[CanadianSpaTech]

Then the replacement pack and topside should be offered at cost or close to it IMHO

[castletonia]

14 hours ago, CanadianSpaTech said:

Then the replacement pack and topside should be offered at cost or close to it IMHO

Not sure how you buy Watkins parts, but whomever you buy from, if you press the issue (politely complain), I'm sure they would do something as an accommodation.  Though even with an accommodation, you might still be able to get a Gecko IN.YJ-2 pack for cheaper.  

[CanadianSpaTech]

It's a flip tub. I get a lot of dump tubs. Will just wait until I get one with a good pack and topside. Only 1 Watkins dealer around me (4 stores) and they give no discount on anything.  

[RDspaguy]

I have always got the same treatment from watkins. No industry discount. And they referred me to their out-of-warranty customers. They didn't want to service the old ones but they still wanted to make full price on the parts for them.