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Posted

Tub freezing HELP!!!!!!!!

Its Monday evening here in Michigan 12/19, and I noticed my spa was not running. I think the breaker tripped on Saturday or Sunday. The water in the tub is 49 degrees F, and I usually keep it at 98F. I think the supply lines are frozen. I turned the tub back on via the breaker. The pump motor hums, but there is no circulation. Thus I think the supply lines are frozen.

The tub is a new Cal Spa with a single motor / dually pump. The cabinet is not insulated.

What are my options. The tub faces the south, so I get good sun light. I was think opening the panel in the morning and placing a radiant kerosene heater next to the opening to thaw things out. Would a bullet type forced air heater be better? I would keep it far enough away from the tub, so nothing will melt.

Overnight temp tonight is 13F and Tuesday's high will be 26F. Weather will not get above 32 until Thursday.

Any help would be appreciated. :(

Posted

You could start by placing a 100 watt lightbulb inside the cabinet and closing it up (with the light on of course). This option has been recommended to me by my dealer should anything happen (i have an arctic spa, but my father in law has a full foam spa and was told the same thing). The heat from the bulb should be fairly sufficient at keeping your plumbing from freezing up, keep it close to your pump(s) in particular. I'm sure others on this board can help you out better as i'm a spa newbie myself, but hopefully this advice does help a little until you can get other advice. Good luck.

Posted

I would try the light bulb but i would not do the heater thing. It will melt your piping or your fittings before it melts the ice enough to fix the problem. This will cause leaks!!! Talk to the dealer you bought your spa from and ask what they recomend. They might have anouther solution that is better suited for the spa you own. I would stay away from the space heater or heat gun in any situation. In my opinion it will create more harm than good.

Posted

I would try the light bulb but i would not do the heater thing. It will melt your piping or your fittings before it melts the ice enough to fix the problem. This will cause leaks!!! Talk to the dealer you bought your spa from and ask what they recomend. They might have anouther solution that is better suited for the spa you own. I would stay away from the space heater or heat gun in any situation. In my opinion it will create more harm than good.

In a thaw situation I use a portable Ice fishing house, or a canvas tarp over the tub and propped up on the equipment side with post's and weights. Then a propane forced air heater is directed into the tarp shed with as many panels as possible off the equipment side and as many drain points open as possible. Pump unions are dissconected and the control panel/heater, and pump are completely removed exposing the ice in the lines. This method needs to be monitored 100%, but it is quick. I have also used a small electric heater inside the cabinet sealed up. Again spa pac removed and pump removed. Equipment can thaw inside and need to be inspected for damage anyway. With this method you need to pay special attention to the placement of the heater and verify this placment regularily as to not damage any equipment. A light bulb will also prevent freezing but will be difficult to cure it. Again removal of your equipment will be your best bet.

You will not know if there is any damage until you refill.

I have a service for this and you are not that far away would you like a price? I am in Northern Minnesota, so it may be cheaper to find a local service. But I dout you will find one that specializes in thawing as we do.

Posted

I am thinking of renting a forced air tent heater today and opening the panel / covering the spa with a tarp. The heater comes with 12' of hose so and a thermostat, so I can control the temp to prevent damage from melting components. Plan is to let it slowly thaw out all day.

Also, thanks for the other. However, I am in the Detroit area, so N. MN is a little too far.

Posted

I am thinking of renting a forced air tent heater today and opening the panel / covering the spa with a tarp. The heater comes with 12' of hose so and a thermostat, so I can control the temp to prevent damage from melting components. Plan is to let it slowly thaw out all day.

Also, thanks for the other. However, I am in the Detroit area, so N. MN is a little too far.

Go to your local hardware store and pick up a ceramic heater about 7" tall. Put the heater in the cabinet of spa on high (80 f ) then put the front back on.

Posted

I rented the tent heater and it worked. The only problem was the split ring connected to the heater broke. Once the water was collect the fix was easy. The tent heater worked great and fast. $100 to rent for 80,000 btus.

Posted

I rented the tent heater and it worked. The only problem was the split ring connected to the heater broke. Once the water was collect the fix was easy. The tent heater worked great and fast. $100 to rent for 80,000 btus.

It's usualy about 200-400 for me to do it. And all parts needed, if any, are extra. Sounds like you only had one part break, good deal. Piece of cake.

I can thaw and repair 4-6 a day. To bad that many don't break down and freeze everyday.

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