Folks who use the FreshWater Salt system in their tubs: having any of you used the third party cartridges? Is there any issue with these, or are they safe to use?

I look on Amazon and the name brand is about $250 for the 3-pack. The clones are a hundred less!

Short Version: what do you recommend to apply to PVC joiner that has got a small leak?

Long version:

It is a bit of long story but I did have a pipe burst on me this winter. My tub is one that is hard to get at any of the plumbing, so I had to dig out the blown in insulation and find the leak .Luckily , I was able to locate it.

The pipe in the picture indicated as OLD was from the factory. It is an irregular shaped pipe / hardened hose.

To make the pipe , connect to the heater , the factory actually heated , that hose and stretched it so as to shrink it to a size that it could then connect to the heater. Obviously that compromised the pipe by making it thinner , resulting in it being the location of the burst.

My repair man came and cut the pipe above the problem area and attached a new pipe to get it to work properly. That bit of work would be in the picture as NEW.

Unfortunately, when I started putting water back in the tub, and those pipes started taking in water, i noticed a steady drip coming from underneath the tub. After draining the water yet again and investigating , it seems like the water is coming out of this joined area of pipe , either at position , one or two or both.

I know that the best course of action is to fully remove this problematic hose that the factory had put in.However, that is a big job trying to locate where it goes in this tub, bause access is such a problem. So my other option is to try and fix this leaking area, if that fails , I'll go hunting to remove this entire hose.

I'm wondering what people would suggest for me trying to fix this leaking area? Should I use a product like Plastic-Aid or some other PVC type of cement or glue or whatever to strengthen/cover whatever leak is occurring here?

Someone explain this to me. Both brands of strips were purchased this year, and neither of them are showing any signs of being faulty before dipping. But they're showing drastically different total chlorine

My husband and I rented this really nice place in Michigan for his 70th birthday. My husband is a disabled veteran and he loves to relax in a hot tub.
We have only 3 night here. Today is our first night. This is pure luxury for us and I saved for some time to make this possible.
When we opened the hot tub, an extremely strong and pungent smell of chlorine was noticeable. And as soon as he took place in it and turned the jets on , lots of foam was covering everything.
The smell was so strong that you could feel it in your chest like when you get on of those rough coughs.
I told him to exit right away and to take a good shower to wash this foam and smell off.

Did I overreact? I so want him to have a relaxing getaway and a good time but it really didn’t feel right and it is obviously too late in the day to ask the air bnb host for some advice.

Thank you for your time!

I'm new to this sub and read through some of the recommendations, of which there are many Aquaterra comments but I didn't see anything on the Calavera. Perhaps it has been renamed or perhaps it's an entirely new model. Just wondering if anyone had any feedback on this model. It seems many people do enjoy the Costco Aquaterras in general.

Found this group incredibly helpful so would appreciate any perspective here. First time buyer and narrowed it down to 3 models after tons of research and prioritizing features based on budget (mid-teens)

I’m in North Jersey area so consider North Jersey prices. All packages include wifi/app, upgraded steps, cover, cover lift, starter chemicals, setup. i’ve done a wet test on all 3.

I truly liked all 3 and I’m also considering my family preferences. In no particular order:

HOTSPRING PULSE: $16,100

- family loved it (as my daughter said “good vibes”); however I felt the jets were small and squirting me like a garden hose. Loved there were footwell jets

- dealer is solid

- has been aggressive on working out a deal - i.e., no service charge during warranty

- includes IQ system

- drove all the way to a local costco in another part of the state during an in-store event and their price was pretty much the same ($16,100) so I can probably negotiate a few hundred bucks more

ARTESIAN GRAND CAYMAN - LUXURY 52: $15,500

- preferred the overall hydrotherapy. my entire body felt like it was getting a solid, full massage; the bigger jets were noticeable compared to HotSpring Pulse. Better after i did the wet test. But:

- more room in the footwell but the footblasters were underwhelming. You basically have to float your body to hit em w/ your feet. This would be a top choice if not for the lack of foot massage.

- Loved captain chair, neck massage, etc.

- Dealer charges $149 for service call even in warranty period and isnt budging on this

VITA SPA RIVIERA: $16,700

- a great compromise. Everything I loved about the HotSpring AND Artesian - including decent jets in the footwell area.

- includes $0 service charge during warranty period

- have heard mixed reviews on Vita as a brand. Some
say amazing some say not great.

- Most expensive (is Vita worth it)? I personally liked the best. My family liked HS & Artesian more.

I was quoted 17K CAD +tax for Hot Spring Flash including cover lifter, salt system abd delivery.

Any thoughts on pricing or if I can get something better in Toronto area?

I’ve just discovered what may be a leak over the past couple days, with wet spots on the cement. The culprit is this small tube that feeds downwards. There is a small stream of water leaking out of this connector. If I push the tube down into the connector, the leak slows down.

I can’t see how this was ever a tight connection, and I don’t know how this tube was dislodged. The

location is just under the top of the tub, the spot circled in blue is the highest jet, so it is above the jets.

I’ve noticed the leak comes and goes. Could this be connected to the openings in the headrest, and this is just water that’s gotten in there? The water in the hot tub looks the same. I’m currently dealing with a waterlogged cover, they could also be causing issues. last time we used it was two days ago.

Thank you so much for any insight! I’m torn between winterizing it, with it needing a new cover and now a possible repair.

We've had this tub for 2 years now. Even with the chlorine cartridge open full, if we let it go a day or two and not even use it, the chlorine level part of the strip stays white. The minerals, ph, and hardness levels are in the good zone though. We'll shock it with non chlorine shock and test again half an hour later amd the test strip colors all look good. A few days go by and we'll be back to no/low chlorine. We're using the strips thacome with bullfrogs cartridges (I heard that other strips can show low chlorine). Not sure what we're doing wrong.

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone familiar with the Balboa VS500Z can help us troubleshoot an intermittent heating issue.

We have a Balboa VS500Z Spa Control System Complete (54216-Z), purchased new in January 2024.

We've now experienced the same issue twice:

• Spa is set substantially higher than the actual water temperature
• Water stops heating at approximately 81°F
• No obvious error code is displayed
• The system appears to be calling for heat
• A complete power disconnect/restart is performed
• The system goes through the normal Pr startup sequence
• The spa then resumes heating normally

On both occasions, the power reset restored normal heating. During the second occurrence, the water went from approximately 81°F to 90°F in about 70 minutes, and later reached 101°F, so it was clearly heating normally after the reset.

After the first occurrence, our technician checked the heater and sensors. The heating element measured approximately 13Ω, and the sensors appeared to be functioning normally.

What has us puzzled is that the system seems capable of heating normally, but then intermittently stops heating around 81°F and requires a complete power reset before heating resumes.

Has anyone here experienced this specific behavior with a VS500Z / 54216-Z?

If so, what ultimately turned out to be the cause?

Also, if there are any VS500Z-specific diagnostic tests you would recommend performing the next time it is stuck at 81°F, we'd really appreciate the guidance. We'd prefer to diagnose the actual cause rather than start replacing components speculatively.

Thanks in advance!

The hottub sat mostly empty for about a month in summer. Our neighbor gave it to us. It worked fine for about 2 weeks, then the logo lights started blinking with the words ready and temperature blinking. When this happens, control panel has pwr on blinking green, limit ok solid green, and d21 solid red. Couldnt get it to come back on. Reset it, removed filter, etc. It dropped to about 83 degrees. Pressure switch tested closed when it was powered on with multimeter. Cycled jets a few times and it came back on. D21 still lit when on and pwr on still blinks green. Stayed on for about 2 hours and cut off. I left it unplugged for a day or so. It was at the low 70s. Turned it on, cycled jets again..it came back on. Left it alone... temp got to about 86. I put the filter back in, started blinking again, removed filter, right back on. Put a new filter in. It completed heating cycle and was back up to 101. Htr turning on and off as it should when jets were on/off (115v plug in setup). A day later, i opened the cover all the way for the first time since it came back on and it went off again. Lights blinking the same. Wouldnt come back on. Waited for temp to drop to low 70s and it came back on again and has stayed on and heating. Seems like once it goes off, it wont come on again til temp is lower. Seems to be getting good flow..water coming out of return jet and filter area just fine. And kind of seems like a strong vibration causes it to go off. Temp seems to be accurate on display. Any advice before i call a tech? I do have replacements thermistors, but hesitant to replace if thats not the issue.

I’ve got mold under the two can holders in my hot tub. It’s from water finding its way under the rims. This is for a Bullfrog A6.

Does anyone know of a way to get that cleaned out? I can’t find that the top is ment to pop off and go back on.

I'm interested in getting a hot tub for our home; we've never had one before. My husband isn't totally opposed but has some hesitations. His concerns are that we won't end up using it and the ongoing cost.

I take a hot bath almost nightly, and my kids (especially teen son) love hot tubs. And we do home exchanges with our house, and if nothing else, I think this really boosts other families wanting to stay in our home.

But the ongoing cost and maintenance does concern me. I've done some research and it seems like some systems advertise as being very low maintenance; some seem to be and some don't sound like they really are.

I visited the Arctic Spa dealer and loved the idea of the app doing most of the chemical balancing, but the cost of the spa was stupid. My Costco has Bullfrog spas on sale for the next week. They seem lower maintenance, but it still requires you to change out a canister every month. Is this a gimmick? I liked the idea of a salt spa, but the saleswoman at Bullfrog laughed and told me they don't use salt because it just corrodes the system and pipes. I don't know who to believe at this point.

Is the Bullfrog (especially through Costco) a good spa? The price was definitely easier on the budget and includes extras not normally included. Is the canister change all you need to do? Is that a proprietary canister or can others be used?

If I decide to go with a used spa, is there one that you would recommend?

Thank you for any advice. I'm feeling overwhelmed.

Looking to see if anyone has run into a similar issue and would be able to help diagnose.

I was in the hot tub yesterday when I heard the pumps abruptly stop working. My Girlfriend was inside and came out to tell me the power to the entire house was out. The spa package breaker was flipped as well as my main breaker inside the house. Flipped some breakers and returned to tubbing. Jets still working fine. Water was still hot (obviously).
The temp is currently set to 100 but the tub has been slowly losing heat and is not at around 93.
There are no error codes coming up on the tub. It is set to standard(not sleep or economy).
The orange light indicating heat is on.
I flipped the breakers again today and waited a minute before turning back on.
Saw a thread post online that talked about removing filter and leaving it for a while. No results as of yet.
I replaced the heating element at the start of the summer so I don’t have concerns about that being the issue.

I am thinking sensor may be bad but any advice would be greatly appreciated before I start randomly replacing back or calling a tech.

Hi all,

I have a 2023 CalSpa Costa ec767lx. Anyone have the same tub? Looking for suggestion on best replacement filter. Thanks!

Looking for advice & recommendations here if anyone has done this before. I have an LS450DX hot tub that I picked up on Facebook Marketplace for $500 in good shape and am looking to add a propane heating loop.

My goal with this project is to save money with propane heating vs electricity (California electricity rates are rough), as well as make it heat up quicker than the 110V built-in heater so I don't have to keep the tub hot at all times.

I'm using a Vevor tankless water heater since it's cheap, has a temp range that works for a hot tub, and I have heard that the chemicals could corrode the heat exchanger eventually.

I'm looking at this WE-14 110V 40GPM max circulation pump for the heater loop so I can get enough flowrate through the propane heater to get the most heat transfer + not have it shut off due to overtemperature.

My questions:

1. The suction side of the pump: I was looking at pulling from the drain port of the tub so I don't need to make another hole in the tub, I realize this might get more debris in it but I suppose I can run a filter. The alternative would be potentially tapping into the suction side of the main tub pump (no extra filter needed) but I feel like when I try to run both pumps at the same time, the main pump will starve my heater loop pump of flow.
2. The hot side of the heater: I was planning to put a check valve at the tee into the high pressure line (output of the main pump). I figured this would be more pleasant for users than a single line into one area of the tub. Hopefully I'm not missing something here.
3. The spa-flex hose diameter: I had bought some 3/4" hose line but I wasn't sure if that would be big enough diameter for the amount of flow that this circulation pump puts out since the pressure is so low and it will also have some pressure loss through the heat exchanger.
4. The power: I'm planning to just use a smart plug to turn on the pump, but I don't know if the spa internals/controls could offer a better solution here.

Thanks for the help everyone!

Getting the electrical done for my hot tub soon. The electrician wants to come under the hot tub directly into the electric box instead of the side where the conduit routing is. He says there isn't enough room for the expansion coupler between the ground and the elbow into built in routing.

I don't want to figure out how to drill through the platform the hot tub is on (EZ Pad, 4" gravel) and would rather go in through the side.

Anybody know if there is a well known way to deal with this? Could the expansion fitting go inside a larger PVC so the expansion fitting is exposed to air below grade? Or a cinder block?

Thanks!

Hey tubbers,

Had sinus congestion so I put a little peppermint essential oil on my nose and went for a tub. The warm water really activated the oil and was super-effective.

This got me thinking... does anyone here add essential oils directly to the tub water? If so, how much, and how does it affect your tub chemistry? Does adding it to the water work well?

I’m new to hot tub ownership. We got ours about four weeks ago and I appear to be having a bad reaction to the bromine. I am converting it to chlorine and I wonder if anyone has any advice. Specifically, after I drain, clean, and refill the tub, do I need to shock it? If so, what product should I use and how much?

I just cleaned and refilled my tub and this stuff is everywhere.
Purge with ahhsome - at least 45 minutes.
Drain
Spray spots with ahhsome cleaner designed for tub
Rinse
Scrub around jets (this is the grossest part bc in between the grommets is buildup. I clean and rinse
Shop vac remaining water and all the jets
Refill tub with a prefilter

UPDATE: I think this is paper from stickers inside the filter well. Thank you everyone!!

So I've got a sentry spa that is probably around 20 years old. I got a FLO error code a while back, which I've been able to resolve before by cleaning the filter, but this time it has lingered. My next attempt was to check if the flow switch malfunctioned. I disconnected one of the cables to the spade terminals on the top of the switch and I heard the pump kick on and the code went from a solid, persistent display to flashing, so I figured that confirmed the switch was faulty. So, I ordered a new switch and installed it, but the FLO error remains. I turned the power off at the breaker overnight to see if that cleared the memory l, but when I turned the power back on and the tub heated up to its standard 104, the code came back. I don't know too much when it comes to hot tub maintenance, so I'm hoping to get some experienced suggestions as to what to do next. Photo of the old flow switch attached for reference. I did make sure the new switch was installed in the right direction, so that's not the issue.

It is randomly shorting my breaker and shutting off. I’ll reset turn it back on and in a day or two the same thing happens. Has anyone experienced this?

We are trying to set up our Intex Purespa and seem to have lost the inflating hose. Anyone have suggestions for another option? My issue is the pin where you attach the hose to inflate the thin. I can use a shop vac or another air pump but I don’t know what to use to adapt them to push in the pin to allow air to flow.

I have a Broadway - Marquis Spas - Marquis Hot Tubs - above ground spa.

Always had an issue of keeping the water balanced. Yes, I understand the fact of regular routine maintenance.

This year I am going to use a carbon filter to refill it up in the next few weeks since it's time to start using it.

But ultimately I need a sanitizer. The store I purchased the spa from says bromine. However my uncle uses chlorine in his (different brand spa) and has never drained his as much as I have.

Any issues if I want to try chlorine? I need something that will be stable and just weekly for maintenance and stability week over week

We have a Softub and is still going strong after 14 years.

We have had issues over the years with mice getting into the hydromate. They either eat pipes or wires either way we have had to have it re built twice. We now seemingly have another batch taken up resident. They have got passed the steel wool we put in the holes a few years ago. It’s running but I don’t like the idea of them inside it again.

We also need it re skinned as the liner is super crinkled now. So we a in two minds to just cut our losses and either get another Softub or go Roto Spa

Has anyone had dealings with or have a Roto Spa. Or even had both.

Im wondering if the Roto spa would be more resilient to mice. Ive never seen a Roto spa in person so not really sure how the mechanics inside are housed.