Original > Hot Tub Forum
Experience with Essential Arbor 20?
emt1581:
I spoke to Strong Spa and this thing definitely seems good to go!!
The inner tubing is NOT covered in foam. They say the exterior shell is filled with foam but there's plenty of space between the tub and outer shell and the foam has no contact with any of the parts.
The pump is pretty easy to convert to 220. Just needs a 220 line with a 40 amp breaker to connect to. No additional parts needed.
It's made about 2hrs away from me so even if I have to drive to the factory, it's not the end of the world (should their customer service suck) but they said it's usually a day or 2 "during slow times" to get a warranty repair and 1-2 weeks "during busy times".
Locally there is a Strong Spa dealer but they don't carry the R12 which would be the closest round version of the hot tub I'm looking at. But at least I can feel the texture, look at the components/construction, etc. So that's good.
I asked a bunch of other questions, but I know there's not much interest on this forum about these hot tubs. I'm just leaving this here for future google searches so people can find something rather than finding nothing.
emt1581:
I did some more reading and then confirmed it with Strong but ALL of the jets are bullet jets that don't rotate at all. And the guy couldn't tell me how easy it would be to buy some directional/better jets and swap them out.
Anyone have any thoughts there??
Thanks
Spatech_tuo:
--- Quote from: emt1581 on July 09, 2018, 02:46:18 pm ---I believe it IS full foam which raises a follow-up question...how do you navigate it without cutting through tubing or doing damage?
I am pretty handy and I do my own home/auto repairs. So I don't have an issue taking a drill or reciprocating saw to it underneath....but I don't want to make matters worse by damaging a part that was previously fully functional.
What do you think?
Thanks!
--- End quote ---
When the spa bodies are made they come out of the machine as 1 piece. They then cut large holes in the bottom and install the plumbing through that bottom and then foam it through those holes. You work through those same holes if you had to do a repair but its not commonly needed. You don't really see round acrylic spas much anymore (not much demand?) but I think most every roto mold spa maker (and there are more than just the 2 mentioned) has a round version that they sell through dealers and on-line (Amazon, Costco, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart ...) probably partially because they've had the molds for a long time so why not keep making them as requested. Just make sure whatever you buy is actually insulated.
Spatech_tuo:
--- Quote from: emt1581 on July 10, 2018, 03:28:43 pm ---I did some more reading and then confirmed it with Strong but ALL of the jets are bullet jets that don't rotate at all. And the guy couldn't tell me how easy it would be to buy some directional/better jets and swap them out.
Anyone have any thoughts there??
Thanks
--- End quote ---
It will NOT be easy unless the jets are designed to be front convertible and from his comments they clearly are not so you should drop that idea altogether.
emt1581:
--- Quote from: Spatech_tuo on July 10, 2018, 05:44:52 pm ---It will NOT be easy unless the jets are designed to be front convertible and from his comments they clearly are not so you should drop that idea altogether.
--- End quote ---
I was just discussing it with my secretaries, one of which has a pretty nice hot tub. They questioned the importance of having jets that are directional. The one that owns one said some of hers are but that when she wants a spot hit she just repositions herself.
Are the lack of directional jets a deal breaker? Something I'm pondering at this point. It would just be so great to have a tub I can come home to and relax in every day!!
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