Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Lori on March 07, 2005, 08:28:19 pm
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but alas, I have a leak!
I'll have to call the dealer tomorrow! :'( I can't believe it!
Anyway, just had to let everyone know, I wasn't hallucinating! There really was water coming out from under the skirting!
I'll keep you guys posted!
*SIGH* And I thought my bad luck had moved on! Guess not!!!
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but alas, I have a leak!
I'll have to call the dealer tomorrow! :'( I can't believe it!
Anyway, just had to let everyone know, I wasn't hallucinating! There really was water coming out from under the skirting!
I'll keep you guys posted!
*SIGH* And I thought my bad luck had moved on! Guess not!!!
Just for a good measure why don't you PM Chas with your serial # to see if he has seen any common issues with that model....
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Oooh, good idea!
I was a little hesitant, I've bugged him so much with my minor issues!
I'll do that when I get home, since I don't have the serial # here at work!!!
I'll still put a call in, although, seeing as they are in Norman, it will take a couple of days for them to get to me (or at least that has been the pattern)!!!
Thanks Stu!
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Pop open a corner and take a look, When that happen to me I found that the leak only occurred when pump #2 was on, so I avoided using pump 2 till the tech could get there. Saved a lot of water.
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Pop open a corner and take a look, When that happen to me I found that the leak only occurred when pump #2 was on, so I avoided using pump 2 till the tech could get there. Saved a lot of water.
You don't "pop open a corner" on a HotSpring. Your only real access as a customer is the control panel. Besides, the cabinet siding is stapled on and would require some major work to take off.
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lori,
Welcome to the real world. ;) Regardless of the quality of the brand spa that is owned, you never know when service is required. That is why, to me, service is the MOST important aspect of the dealer.
It happens to the best of us. I'm sure it is nothing major.
Good luck in your repair... ;D
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Starting in 2001 most models had removable side panels, but the job is best left to somebody who has done it before. Easy once you know the technique, but learn on somebody else's spa....
I would wait for the tech.
Also, to eliminate the possibility that it's nothing but condensation dripping off the cover, go out early morning and run your hand along the underside of the cover skirt in the area of the puddle. If there are drips of water waiting to fall off, you are just seeing condesation.
Put a pot on the ground near each side of the tub by the cover fold/hinge area to see if there is condensation later in the morning, after you go to work or whatever.
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I would wait for the tech.
In my case, I like at least knowing what to expect. Had mine been out of warranty, and the tech tried to tell me that the pump or other major item needed replacing, I would have known better. Also, having known my previous service history there was no way they were going to tell me it was improper usage or neglect.
I had a Ford dealer try to tell me that I needed a new starter when I had already proven to myself beyond any doubt that it was a bad cable. But there was no easy way for me to get to that cable so I let the service shop do it.
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Oh, I forgot to mention in my email, Chas, it is on the back side of the spa (opposite of the front compartment)! It is behind the moto-massage seat beside the soothing seven seat. (how's that for a description!) ;)
I'll try your tricks, but the reason I'm pretty convinced that it isn't condensation is that my water level has dropped considerably (not the normal amount). I opened the cover, and didn't notice any water waiting to drip, but I will double check that, too, when I get home! Also, under the skirt is a black base, which has a v shaped pattern of water, which is then moistening the concrete. That is where the liquid is coming from.
I hope I'm just panicking, and that I'm just being paranoid! I'll have to take a picture and let you guys see it (duh, don't know why I didn't think about that before now)!
BTW, Hottubber, thanks! My dealer has been great, even though they stopped selling hottubs a year ago, they always take great care of me! I have no complaints, they are great guys! ;D
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You don't "pop open a corner" on a HotSpring. Your only real access as a customer is the control panel. Besides, the cabinet siding is stapled on and would require some major work to take off.
Without comment for or against, that is certainly something I never considered before purchasing.
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Get that Hot Springs a diaper!
(http://mccallw.tripod.com/leak.jpg)
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Well, I knew they had to finally have one that leaked. Just sorry it happened to the lovely and gracious Lori.
:-[
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Thanks for posting the picture, wmcall!
Thanks Chas!
The tech said he would be out in 3-4 days, when they were on my side of town.
Dang, so I wasn't panicking or being paranoid? I guess there is a first time for everything, Chas, even a HotSpring that leaks!
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Lori,
Please keep us posted about what caused the leak and how it is repaired.
Thanks again for all the good advice that you gave me. It was very much appreciated.
Kathy
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Thanks for posting the picture, wmcall!
Thanks Chas!
The tech said he would be out in 3-4 days, when they were on my side of town.
Dang, so I wasn't panicking or being paranoid? I guess there is a first time for everything, Chas, even a HotSpring that leaks!
Your welcome Lori, I just wanted to help people see what you were dealing with, I get no pleasure trying to berate HS, other than ribbing Chas a bit.
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I get no pleasure trying to berate HS, other than ribbing Chas a bit.
I thought you liked wings - not ribs?
;)
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I thought you liked wings - not ribs?
;)
I love ribs, I just claim the expertise on wings.
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Lori,
Please keep us posted about what caused the leak and how it is repaired.
Thanks again for all the good advice that you gave me. It was very much appreciated.
Kathy
I will, Kathy!
Glad I could help!
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If possible, can you snap a picture or two when the tech is digging? We hear so much about the "Horrors of Full Foam Maintenance" that having an idea of how long it took to fix and (perhaps) a picture that doesn't show a foam wasteland, would be good to see.
-Ed
:)
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I'll see what I can do, Ed.
I'm hoping they will let me know when they are going to be in my area, but they don't always!
You are right, though, it would be nice to see someone actually digging, since it is brought up as an issue with full foam.
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Bummer. :(
Curious. ???
How many miles is the tub from the dealer/service center?
When was the tub put into service?
Is the water pooling on the drainage/lower side of the patio?
How much water is lost (inches) in a day, in a week?
How many people use the spa regularly?
Was the spa overfilled by mistake after the water loss was first noticed?
Has a visual inspection of the equipment bay been made?
If adjustable, are all the jets open?
If equipped with venturi air controls, are the air controls open or closed?
Are there any spa controls on the spa shell rim just above the pooling water?
:-[ Don't be offended by this one: If the spa has been in use for over a year, is there any evidence of small mammal activity?
Finally, did the service center ask all of these questions?
Good luck and don't panic. A good tech should complete repairs in one visit.
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Just how long has your tub been leaking? Looking at the picture, there appears to be quite a bit of residue (mineral buildup?) on the lower part of the frame (the black part under the skirt.) Just curious.
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Good luck and don't panic. A good tech should complete repairs in one visit.
If the leak is coming from the motor compartment and running under the tub, yes.
But if the leak is in the foam, several visits will be in order:
Troubleshoot and locate the leak by doing a bit of Foam digging.
Next drain the tub, or come back when it's empty and do the reapir. It is best to let pvc plumbing repairs set overnight to cure.
Next fill the tub and water test. If good, refoam and get a signature on the Warranty Service Claim.
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Bummer. :(
Curious. ???
How many miles is the tub from the dealer/service center?
When was the tub put into service?
Is the water pooling on the drainage/lower side of the patio?
How much water is lost (inches) in a day, in a week?
How many people use the spa regularly?
Was the spa overfilled by mistake after the water loss was first noticed?
Has a visual inspection of the equipment bay been made?
If adjustable, are all the jets open?
If equipped with venturi air controls, are the air controls open or closed?
Are there any spa controls on the spa shell rim just above the pooling water?
:-[ Don't be offended by this one: If the spa has been in use for over a year, is there any evidence of small mammal activity?
Finally, did the service center ask all of these questions?
Good luck and don't panic. A good tech should complete repairs in one visit.
Approx. 32 miles from the dealer to my house (but across a major city)
The tub was put into service in September of 2003.
It is pooling at the point of the leak (see picture), but yes, it is on the lower (drainage) side of the patio.
Not sure about inches of water lost, I would say a couple of inches since I first noticed the leak.
Only 1 person uses the spa (me), at least 3-5 times a week.
No, I haven't topped it off since I noticed the leak, so there wasn't an overfill. I needed to do a water change, anyway.
No, I haven't visually inspected the equipment bay. I am waiting for a qualified tech to come and do that for me! (As it is still under warranty)
All the jets are open, and the diverter is set in the middle.
I don't think I have Venturi air controls, it is a HotSpring Vanguard, so Chas can answer that better.
Yes, the secondary spa controller is directly above where the water is pooling.
No evidence of small mammal activity.
No, the service center did not ask any of these questions. They know that I am not going to touch things until I know they have looked at it. Being that it is still under warranty, I am not going to mess it up!
My techs seem to come out and survey the situation, get there stuff together (or ordered or whatever) then they completely surprise me by coming by and fixing things without me knowing!
I'm not panicking, I'm waiting to hear what they have to say. I drained the tub last night, and will refill today when I get home from work. (the temps are very mild.)
Thanks!
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If the leak is coming from the motor compartment and running under the tub, yes.
But if the leak is in the foam, several visits will be in order:
Troubleshoot and locate the leak by doing a bit of Foam digging.
Next drain the tub, or come back when it's empty and do the reapir. It is best to let pvc plumbing repairs set overnight to cure.
Next fill the tub and water test. If good, refoam and get a signature on the Warranty Service Claim.
I'm not touching anything until I hear from the service techs! (At least under the skirt!)
I'm not worried if it will take a few days or not, I just want to make sure and get everything done right!
I may need to go visit Spahappy and take her up on the wet tests of the Coleman's, though! It would start this at one of the busiest times of the year for me! 3M price increase! Ouch!!!
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Just how long has your tub been leaking? Looking at the picture, there appears to be quite a bit of residue (mineral buildup?) on the lower part of the frame (the black part under the skirt.) Just curious.
I'm not exactly sure how long it has been leaking. I first noticed it last weekend (Hubby says last Friday for him). I thought it was condensation, but it wasn't. By the time I took the picture, it was at least 3-4 days. What I noticed on the frame was the water trickling down. I don't know, maybe it is mineral buildup.
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I think there's just one more question we need to ask -
do you floss regularly?
That about covers things here....
;)
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Sorry to hear about your spa leaking Lori. Next time around maybe you should buy a REAL spa.
Just bustin Chas' chops. ;)
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;)
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Sorry to hear about your spa leaking Lori. Next time around maybe you should buy a REAL spa.
Just bustin Chas' chops. ;)
Thanks, you devil you!!!
;)
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I think there's just one more question we need to ask -
do you floss regularly?
That about covers things here....
;)
LOL! I'm afraid to answer on the grounds that you will come up with another question for me!!!
;) ;D
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Just for a good measure why don't you PM Chas with your serial # to see if he has seen any common issues with that model....
If it is a Hot Spring look for cracks in the shell.
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If it is a Hot Spring look for cracks in the shell.
No cracks in the shell.
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If it is a Hot Spring look for cracks in the shell.
Do you say that because it's common or because they outsell you? ???
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Do you say that because it's common or because they outsell you? ???
Over 60% of the leaks in the older HS were from cracks in the shell on the step and around the light lens area. Since they started reinforcing this area with fiberglass I don't think it has really been a problem.
As far as I know, Gary spent most of his spa career as an independent service tech and has never been in sales. The fact that he probably doesn't deal with the new HS product would make his statement very viable. It was tough to locate leaks in the past with a crack in the shell because they were typically hairline and you couldn’t see them. The 30 lb foam on the shell caused the water to travel along the shell and come out in a location other than where the leak usually was.
Knowing Gary for a few years I doubt he was taking a jab….
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Do you say that because it's common or because they outsell you? ???
I do not sell only fix. My comment was only to be helpful.
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Sorry boys..sounded like a "shot" and I asked for clarification. I guess I got it! ;D Thanks.
You know me though, any chance I have to defend Chas and his product... ;) You're welcome Chas. ;D
Steve
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Sorry boys..sounded like a "shot" and I asked for clarification. I guess I got it! ;D Thanks.
You know me though, any chance I have to defend Chas and his product... ;) You're welcome Chas. ;D
Steve
Gary,
Feel free to take a shot at Hydropool though....I love to see Steve go off on a tyraid! It actually starts such a debate that I learn a lot! ;)
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Tyraid? TYRAID? >:(
I don't do that! >:(
Well...maybe before my morning Tim Hortons...
(http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_11_11.gif)
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Thanks to Gary for trying to be helpful.
I'll double check, but I felt around the step area (the cool down seat) and didn't feel anything that could be a crack. Didn't see any either.
Thanks to Stuart and Steve, too!
For those of you who don't know...I called the repair tech and left a message (he never seems to be in the office)! I haven't heard from him. It rained today, supposed to get snow tomorrow. I doubt they will be out before Thursday or Friday. Of course, with the moisture, you can't see the pooling effect anymore! ::)
Lost at least an inch of water in the last 3 days (since I drained and refilled)!
Ok, so more updates to come...(everything is an adventure for me...can't you tell?)!!!
;) ;D
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You know me though, any chance I have to defend Chas and his product... ;) You're welcome Chas. ;D Steve
;D ;D ;D :D ;)
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Thanks to Gary for trying to be helpful.
I'll double check, but I felt around the step area (the cool down seat) and didn't feel anything that could be a crack. Didn't see any either.
Thanks to Stuart and Steve, too!
For those of you who don't know...I called the repair tech and left a message (he never seems to be in the office)! I haven't heard from him. It rained today, supposed to get snow tomorrow. I doubt they will be out before Thursday or Friday. Of course, with the moisture, you can't see the pooling effect anymore! ::)
Lost at least an inch of water in the last 3 days (since I drained and refilled)!
Ok, so more updates to come...(everything is an adventure for me...can't you tell?)!!!
;) ;D
Lori,
I doubt you have to worry about it....I don't think your spa is in the years before the fiberglass support.
Besides, it would require a snorkel and a manifying glass to check it right and I think your husband might take it wrong if you got in the tub that way.... ;)
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Lori,
I doubt you have to worry about it....I don't think your spa is in the years before the fiberglass support.
Besides, it would require a snorkel and a manifying glass to check it right and I think your husband might take it wrong if you got in the tub that way.... ;)
Oh, but Stuart, hubby rarely joins me in the tub, so he would think I had totally lost it! He might call the men in white coats!
"They are coming to take me away...ha ha...ho ho...hee hee...to the funny farm...where life is beautiful all the time..."
(You get the idea ;))
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Hey everybody!!
Ricky (the service tech) called me this morning. They were supposed to come out yesterday, but the weather hindered things (like I thought).
He asked me how much water I was losing a day (Salesdvl, you were on to something) and he said it may be a check valve. They will bring one with them when they come out on Thursday (or at least, I'm on the schedule for Thursday)!!
I'll keep you updated!!!
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He asked me how much water I was losing a day (Salesdvl, you were on to something) and he said it may be a check valve.
Hopefully it'll be that simple and its good to hear they have a theory as that tells me they have some experience rather than waiting till they get there and then realizing its simple but they don't have the part. I’ll have my webbed toes crossed for you.
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It is probably a check valve. We've had a few act up and it takes about 2 minutes to fix.
I'm sure you'll be back in business in no time! ;D
Terminator
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Thanks T.U.O. and East TX!!
That is my hope, that it is something very simple!
I did notice that when I changed my water, the pooling didn't return until I used it, so it makes sense that it is a check valve!
Or at least to lil' ol' me! ;)
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If the leak is coming from the motor compartment and running under the tub, yes.
But if the leak is in the foam, several visits will be in order:
Troubleshoot and locate the leak by doing a bit of Foam digging.
Next drain the tub, or come back when it's empty and do the reapir. It is best to let pvc plumbing repairs set overnight to cure.
Next fill the tub and water test. If good, refoam and get a signature on the Warranty Service Claim.
As long as it's not a jet body replacement, why not one trip? Find leak, pump water into bag, fix leak, pump water back into spa, wet test, and refoam. Use the quick-setting clear/blue or heat cure the gray glop. The gray does take awhile to cure, especially if it's cold enough to snow.
Also, what do you mean by, "If good"?
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But if the leak is in the foam, several visits will be in order:
Several trips to fix a leak, I would go broke if I did that. One trip sometimes two.
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I live where the snow don't go. So there is no reason to rush anything.
I like to let the glue set up overnight on spaflex: even though I use 'Red Hot Blue Glue' which is supposed to set quickly.
I have never regretted letting it sit 24 hours. Also, if I have to push and shove on other plumbing to get to the leak, I like to have the folks fill it the night before I come back so I can see if any other joints in the work area were effected, or see if the one big leak may have been hiding a small leak nearby.
I don't get a lot of leaks, and I usually do those repairs personally, by myself, or with a helper. As such, I do not under any circumstances want to have to repeat the repair, so I'm extra careful.
Did I mention that if it's an easy access situation, I may opt to bring the tub into our warehouse so I can work standing up?
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Most leaks I have to fix are non-full foam spas.
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So...they came out yesterday and checked the check valves and diverters. None of them were the problem. No, it can't be easy, this is me we are talking about! :D
They will have to come out and dig foam. It is a plumbing leak! :-/ The head tech said to be patient with him over the next week, since I am out of town for them. I am going to try and coordinate it so I can be at home for the repair! I just hope they don't want to come out next Wednesday, as that is my birthday, and I have plans to see Elton John that night, considering he is coming for my big day! ;D ;)
Maybe they can come next Thursday or Friday. That will give me a good excuse to take the day off and maybe get to sleep in some! ;)
I'll keep you all posted!!!
He did say they see these occasionally. The head tech is going to handle this personally and is working his butt off to take care of me!!
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Did I mention that if it's an easy access situation, I may opt to bring the tub into our warehouse so I can work standing up?
We just did a 2000 soverign that I told the customer he could borrow our spa dolly trailer and bring the spa in if he wanted to save some money. He did just that, it probably saved him $300 in labor by having us work on it at in-shop rates!
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We just did a 2000 soverign that I told the customer he could borrow our spa dolly trailer and bring the spa in if he wanted to save some money. He did just that, it probably saved him $300 in labor by having us work on it at in-shop rates!
I'm glad mine is still under warranty!! ;) ;D
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I got an update from the tub club, or whatever that email thing is called....
But I must have deleted your original post - all I have is several people saying, "glad they found the leak, Lori."
Since I have never heard you speak negatively about hubby, and you never mentioned anything about him being missing, I am assuming they meant the tub??
;D ;D
OH and by the way: HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!
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No, hubby isn't missing! They haven't really "found" the leak, I think some people mis-read! They are supposed to be out this week to do some digging! Fun!!! Yesterday was raining and cold, so I know why they didn't come by then. I'm hoping for tomorrow, I'm trying to get out of work tomorrow (since I know Elton will keep me up late tonight ;)!)
Thanks Chas! It was a fantastic birthday!!!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR PRINCESS (of quite alot!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
(hope your heard the orchestra--they were expensive but worth it for you! ;))
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I know Elton will keep me up late tonight ;)!)
Singing obviously
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Lori,
Myself and my tech are fairly certain that your leak is coming from the bleed nipple on the back of the moto jet housing. My tech claims he could fix that total in 45 minutes with minimal foam hogging. This is not a nightmare repair and if your repair men / women are comprable to mine, then you'll be good in no time.
as for seeing a hotspring shell crack, 94-95 models light lens, cool down bench, and 96 jetsetters same. Almost 10 years ago. Thats it. No other cracked shells, at least since i recall which is 1988.
good luck ;D
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI!!
HAVE A GREAT DAY AND A GREATER NIGHT WITH SIR ELTON.
YOU OWE US A POST TOMARROW TO TELL US ALL ABOUT IT....
SPAHAPPY :D
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Well Happy Birthday Lori!
I took my wife to see Billy Joel and Elton John in concert in Vegas 2 years ago at the MGM...got our suite at the venetian as well!
You will love Elton John in concert...he rocked the house down!!!!!
I hope your spa gets fixed too....we enjoy wet testing and are missing testing tonight ....hmmm perhaps we should wet test EVERY night until we get a spa...LOL...
Take care and Happy Birthday!
Regards,
Mike :)
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR PRINCESS (of quite alot!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
(hope your heard the orchestra--they were expensive but worth it for you! ;))
I enjoyed the orchestra immensly! Thanks Windy!!!
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Singing obviously
And playing the piano! ;)
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Lori,
Myself and my tech are fairly certain that your leak is coming from the bleed nipple on the back of the moto jet housing. My tech claims he could fix that total in 45 minutes with minimal foam hogging. This is not a nightmare repair and if your repair men / women are comprable to mine, then you'll be good in no time.
as for seeing a hotspring shell crack, 94-95 models light lens, cool down bench, and 96 jetsetters same. Almost 10 years ago. Thats it. No other cracked shells, at least since i recall which is 1988.
good luck ;D
Thanks! That sounds very simple and easy! I sure hope that is the way it goes!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI!!
HAVE A GREAT DAY AND A GREATER NIGHT WITH SIR ELTON.
YOU OWE US A POST TOMARROW TO TELL US ALL ABOUT IT....
SPAHAPPY :D
Thanks Spahappy!!! It was so great! He makes those baby grands move, let me tell you! It was a great show. He opened with his new stuff from Peachtree Road, then went into the tried and true stuff! It was so great! Hubby went with me (Mom was supposed to, but long story) and some friends. The place was packed (like always)!!! We had great seats and he played from 8 to 11. Him and the band! I just love seeing him perform! He is worth the money!!! This was the third time to see him and it never gets old!!!
How was that for a review? If he is coming to a town near you and you have never seen him perform, go, you won't regret it!
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Well Happy Birthday Lori!
I took my wife to see Billy Joel and Elton John in concert in Vegas 2 years ago at the MGM...got our suite at the venetian as well!
You will love Elton John in concert...he rocked the house down!!!!!
I hope your spa gets fixed too....we enjoy wet testing and are missing testing tonight ....hmmm perhaps we should wet test EVERY night until we get a spa...LOL...
Take care and Happy Birthday!
Regards,
Mike :)
Thanks Mike! The second time I saw Elton in concert, he came with Billy Joel. I gave my Mom and Sister the better seats, since they hadn't seen Elton before, but it was still great! Hey, as long as you can hear the music, it is great! This was our third time, should have been my fourth time, but that is another long story!!! ;)
Wow, though Mike, I didn't get a suite at the Venetian! I'm going to have to talk to my hubby! ;D On second thought, this was the first concert he has gone to since we got married. He used to go with me and my friends all the time when we were dating, but once we were married...ah well!!!
It was great!!!
Thanks again, all, for the birthday wishes!! It was a great day, all in all!!! Now, what to do next year?? ;)
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Happy Birthday Lori!!
I have been so busy I didn't even catch on that you where a year older....I thought the "Horror! I thought I was hallucinating" title was about your tub ;) ;) ;D
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Happy Birthday Lori!!
I have been so busy I didn't even catch on that you where a year older....I thought the "Horror! I thought I was hallucinating" title was about your tub ;) ;) ;D
Thanks Stuart! That too!!! ;) ;D
Just a question, are you busy planning your next beach trip?
LOL! ;) ;D :-*
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Thanks Stuart! That too!!! ;) ;D
Just a question, are you busy planning your next beach trip?
LOL! ;) ;D :-*
Well beach trips are done until the end of the year however, I have a Caribbean cruise in 3 weeks!! ;D ;D ;D
Now aren't you sorry you asked? ;D
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No! That means we can all razz about you in 3 weeks time!
Yep, got it marked on the calendar!! ;D