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ACE System- Yes or No?

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matt1201:
I'm about to pull the trigger on our first hot tub, a Limelight Flair.  Am I crazy not to take advantage of the ACE?  They want $1300 for it.  Lots of bad luck stories with the ACE system but most seem to be from 3-5 years ago.  Has it improved so the system has less problems and lasts longer in 2018?  I don't mind the upfront cost and understand the benefits but I really don't like the idea of replacing the cell every 18 months at $700-800.  Please help!  Grinding on this decision....

sergey:
Arctic Spa replacement is much cheaper :)
I am also looking into Hot Spring  Spa + ACE
https://www.arcticspastore.com/parts/onzen-electrode-salt-cell-cartridge-5-plate-spa-boy-only-arctic-spas/

castletonia:
The ACE cell to my knowledge has the same longevity today as it had 2 years ago, 4 years ago, etc.  Replacement cost is decided by your local retailer, but expect in the $700 - $750 range.  How long the cell lasts depends on a bunch of factors: what you set your output to, how big of spa you have, your usage, whether you also use the AG+ Silver Ion purifier, ozone or no ozone, etc).  I tell my customers to expect 2-3 years.

I have only been a Hot Spring dealer for about a year now, but many of the issues I have seen have been due to water chemistry and misconceptions that were created by the previous retailer.  I make sure all my customers know what the replacement cell cost is, what the warranty is, and what the life expectancy is.  I also discount the cell depending on how old the previous, failed cell is.

Do I like ACE and would I use it personally, yes.  But I do not overly "push" my customers towards it.  I explain the benefits and let them choose.  I currently sell ACE on approximately 50% of the compatible Hot Springs I sell.

Chas:
I'm trying to sell two ACE systems - one was installed and used for two months, then sat in my warehouse for several years. I sold the cell, so I will put it together with a new cell.

The other is new in box, a month old. Never installed or used at all.

If you do buy a HotSpring tub, save a bunch. Let me know if you have any interest. I will take your Freshwater III ozone as a partial trade if you are interested - you don't need both.

 8)

Chas:
Matt,

I just realized that I didn't answer your question. I like the ACE system - it makes much more than just Chlorine as many other systems do. I like the way the water feels. I like being able to push a button to 'boost' or shock the tub. Having said that, I need to say that I did not sell a lot of them while we were dealers. You can buy many lifetimes of chlorine for the price of a system (usually around $1500)

And yes, the cells do have a finite lifetime. If you set the system real high, and "boost" it often, as in a high-use tub, you will get around two years or so. If you go easy on the system by setting it just high enough to do the job, and simply add dichlor for a shock, (I know!!!) usually about once a month, you will easily get three years out of a cell. And they do cost around $700 to $800 each - not tough for DIY installation.

I have a customer on the beach who has just started their fourth year on the same cell. I go out once a month and check it all out, change the water once a year, and the tub doesn't get much use. If any. I have had the cell clog up once, and I cleaned it with a mild solution of Pool Acid and distilled water - I gently cleaned out the passageways (don't tell the factory about that last bit) and it's going strong. That particular customer is a 'money is no object' type, and they simply added the ACE because I told them it was a top-of-the-line system on a top-of-the-line spa.

The choice is up to you: if you like technical bits and systems, this is as good as they get. It integrates with the computer control of the spa well. If you want to avoid chlorine, this system doesn't really do that, though you don't smell or feel the chlorine and other radical oxidizers the system produces. Now, you can achieve a chlorine-free soaking experience by simply adding a small bit of Dichlor after each soak - it will be gone by the next time you go to soak. And, it's almost free by comparison.

HTH - feel free to ask more questions if you have them.

Chas

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