Hot Tub Forum
Brand Specific Forums => Hot Spring Spas => Topic started by: Isaac-1 on January 26, 2014, 11:12:50 pm
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As you may know I am buying a used Hot Spring Classic Jetsetter J, I will be picking it up next weekend (it is about 150 miles away), it is about 7-10 years old and has been in dry storage for some time. I don't have a lot of details about it other than seller claims it was working when stored. Now I am just trying to get everything ready here before I pick it up, I already have experience maintaining swimming pools, so I assume hot tubs should be fairly similar. So far I have downloaded the owners manual and read most of it, watched a number of youtube videos showing people doing maintenance on Hot Spring spas (Heater, control panel, ozonator, pump, etc. replacement, etc.).
Now down to the quesitons:
I plan to replace the filters, does anyone know which exact filters I need for this tub, part number?
I don't know if this tub was set up for 120V or 240V, I plan to initially use it in 120V mode, now for the problem. The owners manual only shows how to convert from 120V to 240V, not the other way around. Most of it is easy enough reverse, however the jumper configuraiton for the control board simply says, make look like this for 240V mode, and does not show the 120V configuration. So in case I need it does anyone have the correct jumper configuration for 120V mode?
Do you have any advice on initial start up other than common sense looking for leaks, initial flush out?
On a Hot Spring specific topic, this tub is equiped with FreshWater II Ozone system, is there any way to confirm this Ozonator is functioning properly? I think it is a CD unit like the current FreshWater III unit is, but I am not sure, and can't find much documentation on it.
Anything else I should consider?
thanks Ike
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Well I have been doing some more research based on the seller's photos, and it looks like this tub is older than advertised, as it has an IQ-2000 controller not an IQ-2020, which appears to make it 1997-2000 vintage :(
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It will use part number 71825 (filters x3.)
In regards to converting it back and forth, you can do it... it's pretty easy. You'll need to look at the schematic on the inside of the IQ box to position the jumpers correctly.
More importantly though... you'll need the right connection. If it is 220V, Watkins has their own electrical box. You'll want to take that with you. If you are converting it to 110, make sure you recieve the standard 15' GFCI cord. If they don't have that, you'll need that too.
If you can grab the S/N, we can tell you all you want about that hot tub!
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I am working on getting that form the seller now, it seems he has paperwork on the tub that says it is a 2009 model, but in his photos it clearly shows an IQ-2000 and a Freshwater II ozonator, at first I assumed the Ozonator was just old stock dealer installed option, but it is hard to think that of the IQ-2000, I missed this up until this point as the control panels look the same as on the IQ-2020 and it has the new 2003+ style head rest pillow.
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I wouldn't drive 150 miles without having the seller take a pic of the S/N of the tub, and checking date of manufacture. Particularly when you already see what looks like conflicting information in the pics.
My son and I looked at a number of dirt bikes on craigslist in the last year. Every single bike being sold by an individual was being misrepresented as to the year of manufacture. We were looking at stuff supposedly one to two years old. Dirt bikes in my state are not titled, but the serial number codes for yamaha and honda are easy to read the year of manufacture. Most serial numbers indicated the motorcycle was 3 to 5 years old. Without fail, the year model was mistated by a year or two if the bike was in great shape. Not one person gave the correct year of manufacture, and not a single person told us the bike was older than it actually was. We looked at _lot_ of bikes. Finally, we got to where we wouldn't bother going to look if they wouldn't send a pic of the S/N.
I don't think the world is full of liars, I think that people convince themselves they are telling the truth and it just so happens they remember it in such a way as to make it easier to make the sale.
Check the SN before you go.
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In this case it seems the seller is an electrician that removed it for a home owner, I don't know the circumstances, but get the general impression it may have been in exchange for doing some other work and the home owner told him it was a 2009, and seem to have showed paperwork form a dealer saying the same thing. Perhaps the home owner bought it from a dealer in 2009 as a refurbished unit, etc. I will try to learn more before going to pick up this weekend, weather permitting.
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I don't know the circumstances, but get the general impression it may have been in exchange for doing some other work and the home owner told him
This may work out well for you. But, as someone who has done some buying on Craigslist and whose sons buys and sells so much on craigslist that many people would consider a full-blown hobby, this sale is throwing up what I would consider to be multiple red flags.
Date of Manufacture inconsistent with equipment in pics. Big red flag.
Seller wasn't original owner. Another red flag.
Seller took in trade for labor done, another red flag.
Been in dry storage for some time, another red flag.
150 miles away -
It could be a great unit and a great thing for you to buy.
However, the way this is shaping up, proceed with great caution, particularly if you came up with this on craigslist or similar.
If the person selling this is a good friend of your brother-in-law, who is a pretty sharp guy and knows the seller well or similar, that is one thing.
If the seller is in no way know to you, be very skeptical.
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I agree that there are some red flags here, this was an ebay listing, and a rather poorl listed one at that from a seller with few feedback ratings, but one that has been registered for a couple of years.
On the positive points:
This will be a cash purchase
Seller is meeting me in a public place for the exchange, sliding it off his trainer and onto mine (shaving 50 miles off my trip)
Seller has been reasonably responsive to answering questions
Gut feeling is the guy cleaning out his shed and does not really know or care much about what he has
Seller is not in a rush, we have tentatively picked noon saturday as a time to meet when both our schedules are open.
On an economic side at $1,000 as long as it holds water I feel I will still be ahead even if I have to replace a heater, pump or similar.
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Here's hoping that it works out nicely for you!
Regards
Ken
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I will post an update in a few days when I know more, and let you know how it looks
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at 1000 it will be a good value if it works correctly. without having seen it run its a gamble I wouldn't take. at the very least inspect the motor compartment and subframe for anything amiss.
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Here are the photos I had to go by before deciding to buy it, seller says he has the covers also including soft top cover. Do you see any big issues I missed?
(http://www.smfoodservice.com/compressor/tub1.JPG)
(http://www.smfoodservice.com/compressor/tub2.JPG)
(http://www.smfoodservice.com/compressor/tub3.JPG)
(http://www.smfoodservice.com/compressor/tub4.JPG)
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I'd still go with this..and it's on sale...http://www.costco.com/Aquaterra™-Spas-Toscano--17-jet%2c-3-person-Spa.product.11757949.html
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http://www.costco.com/Aquaterra™-Spas-Toscano--17-jet%2c-3-person-Spa.product.11757949.html
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That base is not factory. Entire support has been removed and replaced. Makes me wonder if it had/has leaks.
I know it is long distant, but I would see it running before I bought it.
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Looks like the base and skirting are in good shape. And, it does look like the base was replaced (nice job, by the way).
I would want to see it running before I laid out 1K. Where I live, people are giving away old hot tubs.
Let's say you drop the 1K and then find out you need a new pump. Then you have leaks to repair. Combine the initial cost with the cost of parts and the time involved and you would find your self considerably deeper into your wallet. If you buy a cheap COSCO tub, you can be enjoying it right away. If you are a Do it yourself guy, you have the free time and you enjoy projects like this, than go for it! But, I would make the guy an offer. Just my opinion.
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I too have found cheap "give away" tubs in my area, but most are clearly in BAD condition, and they are usually much larger than I need, and often cheap tubs to begin with. Operating cost is part of the reason I am leaning towards the jetsetter as it will be just me in the tub the vast majority of the time (my wife has a medical condition where she has to avoid being over heated). I am a DIY type, not sure about amount of free time, but I am not too concerend about replacing a pump or heater, as those should be quick jobs, leaks under foam may be different. On a side note if I get the jetsetter, should I do anything to seal the rebuilt bottom? (I was scheduled to get it today, but the weather did not cooperate, and then the seller called yesterday saying he had to go out of town for a funeral, so things are delayed another 2-3 days.
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I think I would apply a few coats of Thompson's water seal to the bottom if it were me.
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I would use Sikkens
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even paint would work ok on the bottom. it looks like the new base was attached to the original base. I doubt they would have done that for structural reasons, except to raise or level it. the spa appears to be a 98-99. the motor compartment looks to be in good shape. that heater is not original issue. it has been replaced and is a big upgrade over the factory issue.
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Thanks, for the replies, it looks like I will potentially be going to get it this weekend, most likely Sunday morning as that is the next day the seller and I are both going to be available (with luck). Just wondering how do you tell it is 98 - 99 and not 97? As I understand it 97 is a one off year on the IQ2000 board.
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the black oval control panel came into use in 1998. a big improvement over previous controls, and used for 10 years before it was retired.
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Here is an update for those of you that may read this thread in the future,
I bought the Jetsetter, it is home and hooked up, everything is mostly good, condition is as good as it appeared in the photos (also came with hot spring brand cover and lifter in good shape), probably was indoors its whole life, just a few small dings to the wood. The seller broke the drain valve fitting loading it on to his trailer, so I have to fix that, and it appears the circulation pump does not work, otherwise everything looks good. Heater gets warm, jet pump operates, I am also replacing the Freshwater II ozonator under the assumption it no longer works, (installing a much smaller Del APG-U). I have ordered an E5 pump to replace the Original Silentflo 500, I may try some more to get the Silentflo to operate while waiting the the E5, if I get it going I will have a spare. It was also connected 240V so I had to reconfigure the jumpers and add cord and GFCI.
P.S. it turns out to be built 4th quarter 1998
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A couple of more updates, I think I have it going, at least sort of, after flushing more water full blast through the gray fill tube I was able to get the circulation pump to start flowing. At first just enough to barely make the intake on the new Del Ozonator hiss, then after a few minutes it got a little faster, but started making a clack, clack clack sound, I am letting it run over night and see how it is going in the morning. I think flow is still a bit on the low side as no ozone bubbles are making it back to the tub. Another sign this tub probably did not get much use, the old filters had a 1998 date code on them and looked used, but might still have some life... Who knows, the original owners may have stocked up on filters when they bought the tub though.
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Add New filters, New circ pump....No more headaches. Throw them old filters away...far far away! Remember...Low flow on circ pump...low ozone flow and low heat flow= SUCKS >:(
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I intstalled new filters tonight, have new circulation pump on order (the local, 50 mile away hot spring dealer did not have one in stock, so I ordered an E5 pump off ebay). Not really looking forward to switching it out. Oh one more thing, does anyone know of a good / cheap source for replaement spiring style hose clamps, one of mine snapped in half tonight when I bumped it with my thumb, (I put part of a garden hose mending fitting on it to hold for now), the others that I checked seemed ok, but I did not check the ones hidden along the top of the cabinet..
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Sounds like you are making good progress! You will have it running in no time.
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I personally would just use a good Stainless Automotive style hose clamp you could find at any auto parts store...I dislike the spring style personally
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ordered an E5 pump off ebay). Not really looking forward to switching it out.
Really glad your purchase is working out for you. Unless it is a bitch to get to, the pumps I have switched out were easy peasy except for sometimes awkward positions you have to put yourself in to reach things.
Hopefully, will go smooth without any issues on the pump change out. Just make sure you know what wire goes where before you pull the old one out and things may well work out fine.
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Access is my concern on the circulation pump, as it is wedged in behind the heater and things are rather snug, on some good news, the tub is operating and at 101 degrees F this morning. The low last night was right at freezing and the heater was turned on, and the tub covered up at about 9 pm last night and by 9 am this morning it had reached the goal temperature and the ready light was lit. I am somewhat surprised by this since it is connected at 120V and the fill water was around 50 degrees F.
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thats a world record for heating on 110..mine gets at most 4 degrees an hour
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that 4 degrees is when its warm outside..lucky at 3 degrees an hour in freezing temps
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Assuming it had just tripped off moments before it was checked this morning, the time might have been closer to 12.5 hours, and the fill water might have been 52 or 53 degrees (it was 53 on the first fill and flush on Sunday, but the weather was colder Monday, so I was guessing it had dropped by a degree or two), also the tub was filled at around 7 pm and the jets were ran without the heater going for maybe 20-30 minutes in the 2 hours before the heater was reconnected. Also their was a 30,000 btu kerosene heater running next to me while I was working on stuff inside the panel on the tub for a couple of hours last night that may have helped a little.
p.s. I will check it with a meter tonight for resistance on the heater and amps on the line while the heater is running, assuming 9.8 Ohms resistance and 127VAC (ours tends to run a bit high), my calculations get about 1650 watts actual dissipated heat from the 1,500 watt at 120V heater
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The circulation pump stopped making the clacking noise last night, but it also stopped running and I now have flashing lights sometimes red sometimes green if I unplug and replug after a minute.
I have the new E5 circulation pump installed everything seems to be going great now, just have a small water leak around the diverter valve at the end of the tub when the jets are running, it looks like it just needs a new o-ring, but I don't see them listed separately from the valve assembly.
Ike
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p.s. here is a photo of it up and running tonight
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t-eV_4ySR8M/Uv2C3Clc-xI/AAAAAAAAABw/qtN50S0HmG8/w892-h502-no/2014-02-13)
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nice..enjoy!
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Isaac,
Great to hear that you got your new tub up and running.
It looks good!
Did it come with a cover, or did you just take if off for the picture?
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Glad to see all is well!
Did it come with a cover, or did you take it off for the picture?
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Yes, it came with the cover, you can see the gray bottom of it on the lifter at the end of the tub, the top edge is just ouf of the frame so it does not show up well. Overall the cover is in as good of condition as the rest of the tub, it is a Hot Springs brand (embosed in the vinyl) cover, I don't know if it is original or not, has a couple of small scuff marks, no tears, though. and a few places on the skirt are a little faded, my guess is they were tucked under and exposed to more chlorine at some point.