Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: st18901 on October 21, 2005, 01:19:22 am
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Hi,
I just became the owner of a Hot Springs Spa, basically for the cost of picking it up.
I'm trying to ID (model and year) since it came with no manuals and I'll be darned if I can find any hints.
It's going to need some work (pump seal replacement, some leaking, some cosmetic stuff), but I have high hopes. Since it cost me nothing - yet - I'm ready to dig in.
Anyway, I've included a picture.
Additionally - it's 110v, measures about 6'2x7'4x29''
Any info would be GREATLY appreciated. Yes, I know I can call Watkins, but thought maybe you guys would be faster and have more anecdotal info.
Thanks.
(http://stefanavalos.com/other/hottub.jpg)
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1987 Sovereign, or close to it.
110 volt 20 Amp
Wood for the door is still available, so are the brass T nuts and SS screws to hold it closed properly. Move the T nuts and holes over an inch if the holes in the door have oversized.
Filter is the same one used on the new Tiger River spas.
You have a broken air control valve - they only come as a complete assembly: 30724
If you need the PVC elbow(s) they are part number 71014
Very important: DO NOT leave this spa sitting in the sun uncovered and empty. DO NOT throw a sheet of plastic over it to cover it. I only say this because there is no cover in your photo, and a this tub has a lot of life left in it - but the sun can damage the shell material if left in the sun without water or a cover.
It's a nice spa to come home to - put in back online and enjoy!
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wow!
Great, thanks.
Yes, I covered it immediately to protect it from the sun. I'll be resealing the wood very soon.
Any other thoughts would be of great help.
Thanks again.
(I'm also in SOCAL, so I may be getting to know you quite well) :)
You mentioned that I have a broken air valve... how do you know? Are you seeing something in the pic?
Thanks again.
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Actually I have a 1989 Sovereign and that aint it. I would guess a yr or 2 older.
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Looking at the HotSpring Detechtive software, it is either a 1986 or 1987 Sovereign. Fix that puppy up and enjoy!
Terminator
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Most spas have a serial number inside the equipment compartment that can be used to verify it's exact manufacture year. Post it here if you can find it and one of these HS gents can verify.
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My best guess is a 1986 Sovereign.....Look real hard around the step and light area for hairline cracks.
If the light len has not been changed you might also look to see if it has cracks. They had an issue with bromine on the plastic len's in those days.
Where are you located?
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It's an 86'-87' Indoor-Outdoor Sov. Just about when we started carrying the product. And I have never seen a repair needed on cool down bench or a light lens that far back. The spas that had those issues were 91-95 in particular models. ;)
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I was not mistaken in asking about the hot tub here. That's for sure. :)
The only serial numbers that I've readily found are on the Pump and motor. Where should I look?
It's quite a bit older than I thought. Hopefully that's okay.
Besides potential hairline cracks, what else should I be thinking about?
Are parts easy to come by?
Also, has anyone here tried solar heating in addition or instead of standard electric heating methods?
Just curious.
As I live in Los Angeles, it seems such a waste not to put the sun to use.
(Maybe I should break that solar heat question into another thread)
Thanks again.
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There should be a label in the filter compartment along the inside wall.
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It looks like the top part of an air valve sitting on the spa next to the sponge. I could be wrong...
As far as solar heating - there would be no point. That thing shouldn't cost you more than $15 a month to keep hot and bubbling. To fit it with solar heating could cost more just to power a larger circ pump, and since there would be no savings, there would never be a payoff point.
I have some customers down in Malibu who have solar for domestic hot water, and a pretty huge hot water storage tank. They fill the tub from that when they do water changes, but they have learned the hard way to keep a close eye on the temperature of the water as they fill.
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I see what you're talking about and... I have no idea what that was, maybe some paper towel remnant.
The air controller is fine (at least visually speaking)
Thanks for all the info on the tub and the solar thang, as well as the estimated costs for running it. The missus will be easier on me now, I think. Our last place had a hot tub with a gas heater, and it heated fairly quickly (a couple hours), even so, we'd see it on the bills.
Chas, how far is your shop from Los Angeles?
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We are in Ventura, CA
Actually we have one store in Ventura, and one in Montalvo, but even people who live in Montalvo don't know where Montalvo is.
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Hey, I gave my bro in law a tub like that 4 years ago and he's still using it! I tease him but thats what brother in laws are for. he had some problem with it over heating but I think he fixed that. ENJOY IT!!