Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: richopian on December 16, 2006, 11:25:06 am
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Hi all,
well we got the electrician to set up the new Jacuzzi j-365 tub yesterday (tub delivered the day before). Yesterday my fiance and I kept on running out to check the temperature, and finally at 10pm it was at 102.
Fantastic. We got in and had a great first time in our tub, checking all the jets etc. Then as I was feeling for jet locations in one of the seats, I ran my fingeragainst something sharp. Initially though it was something stuck to the tub surface, but its a crack. Our pleasure turned to pain. Aall the waiting, setup, etc and now its installed on the first day, we find a crack. Its not a hairline crack, but a jagged, half inch protruding crack.
Were going down to the dealers this morning - has anyone seen this on a Jacuzzi tub before. I assume we'll just get a new tub ordered, but I'm wondering if we can hld on to this one until the other arrives or what.
feeling a bit bummed, especially as we look out the window this morning and there's 1/2 foot of snow. The tub looks perfect, but I know its not
cheers
Rich
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Whenever we've had to replace a spa
(which, thankfully, hasn't happened much)
we have let the old one stay until the
new one was delivered if that's what
the customer wanted.
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Sorry to hear that Rich. I'm sure Jaccuzzi will make good. Since the shell is not a replaceable part they'll have to exchange the tub. Inquire as to whether or not they will re-imburse you for the electricians time to disconnect and reconnect. The sales people here could inform you better on that point.
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I've personally never heard of this, but if I had to guess, it may be from the delivery. Of course with it being a brand new spa, you should get it replaced. If is not leaking, you may be able to use it until a new one arrives.
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The only thing I was a bit worried about is the tub sits on an old concrete patio. Its not perfectly flat or level. I had a guy come out for a pre-delivery inspection from the dealer. He said there would be no problem and put the tub on the deck when I was at work earlier this week.
I'm sure it won't be an issue but I'm stil concerned nevertheless.
The tub looks beautiful sitting in the snow this morning. We don't get huge amounts of snow here in Vancouver, so its pretty special.
cheers
Rich
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I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune, that really stinks. :(
The dealer should leave the spa for you until they get your new one in. They should also compensate you for the electrician.
Good luck and don't worry, I'm sure they'll take good care of you. :)
Terminator
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They should also compensate you for the electrician.
Terminator
OK, more confusion for me. Don't you just unplug the old spa and plug in the new one? What does the electrician do?
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The electrician is mainly involved to setup the wiring at you house for the hot tub (GFCI compliant breaker etc) - this can be $1000 or more so make sure you budget for it. The wiring itself is very thick. Probably 1/5" in diameter, and you have to have this wired into your control panel in your tub (does not just plug in).
cheers
Rich
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I just assumed it was a 220v spa. It may very well be a 110v. There hasn't been a Jacuzzi dealer around here in years so I'm not very familiar with their spas.
I'm sorry for the confusion.
Terminator
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OK, more confusion for me. Don't you just unplug the old spa and plug in the new one? What does the electrician do?
an electrician will simply dis-connect the three or four wires you have running to your spa from your breaker... ez to do actually , just make sure you have the breaker off on your main panel as well as your GFCI breaker to the spa....
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If it was a HS model, I am sure the dealer could simply disconnect the wires and change out the tub easily enough. I don't know what would make a jacuzzi more difficult that would require the electrician's attention and that the dealer could not handle.
Worring about the electrician is just added worry that adds to the stress of having a different brand than a HS. The electrician has already done his job. Let the dealer do theirs. Seems simple to me.
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This is not a brand issue, and I don't think the dealer will need to have an electrician involved. They will simply disconnect the old tub, reconnect the new one and be on their way. As long as the tub isn't leaking profusely, keep using it until the replacement arrives. Just be careful not to scratch yourself.
Dealers, do you ever repair shells under warranty and leave the tub in place, or do you always swap it out?
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once the wire is installed, it is just two wires to hook up in the tub. you shouldnt need an electrician for that. I am sorry to hear that you are so bumed out. That really sucks
but atleast you dont have noodle bacteria in your tub like my buddy.
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I have never seen that in a Jacuzzi spa,I know them and Sundance have very strict quality control but people can always miss something,I would think your dealer will keep the spa there unless its leaking,as far as electrical goes they should just be able to swap it out when your new spa arrives and there tech should be able to handle this.
Like others said be real carefull that you dont get cut, the acrylic can be sharp.
Dont worry I am sure they will take care of it. :)
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The only reason I stated that the electrician would have to re-connect the spa is that our service techs are not licensed electricians and ARE NOT allowed to perform any electrical work, including something as simple as hooking up 4 wires. I'm not sure if it's a state law, if my boss doesn't want to be liable, or if it's a dealer requirement from Watkins. Ya'lls mile may vary.
Terminator
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I gotcher back on this Term. My boss has one of the oldest swiming pool contractors licenses in the state of Nevada. He is not about to risk litigation because an unlicensed service technician incorrectly hooked up a customers hot tub. We professionals all agree, it's a simple procedure, and we can all do it with no problems resulting, however, the second the service tech touches those wires, the company assumes the responsibility and liability for the wiring. A miss wired gfci could potentialy fry a circuit board. Your licensed electricians business insurance will cover that or his out of pocket insurance will. In any case, Rich, if your dealer knows what he's doing, he will know how to handle any repair or replacement that may be needed, so relax, get in your hot water and wait (not too long) for the issue to be resolved.
The only reason I stated that the electrician would have to re-connect the spa is that our service techs are not licensed electricians and ARE NOT allowed to perform any electrical work, including something as simple as hooking up 4 wires. I'm not sure if it's a state law, if my boss doesn't want to be liable, or if it's a dealer requirement from Watkins. Ya'lls mile may vary.
Terminator
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I know here if the tech has taken a specific course cant remember what the class is he or she can work on existing electrical hook ups on spas they just cannot do a new service to the spa.
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The only reason I stated that the electrician would have to re-connect the spa is that our service techs are not licensed electricians and ARE NOT allowed to perform any electrical work, including something as simple as hooking up 4 wires. I'm not sure if it's a state law, if my boss doesn't want to be liable, or if it's a dealer requirement from Watkins. Ya'lls mile may vary.
Terminator
Holy cow, what do you do if you have to switch out a pack? Do you send out an electrician every time to hook up the new pack? Seems like a lot of trouble and $ to me.
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Just an update for everyone.
The dealer came round to take some pictures today (fast and helpful), then they send them off to Sundance, who will review the fault and send out a new tub (they had better do anyway). They also took some pics of the tub on the deck to prove it was stable and well placed.
Looks like we get to keep the tub until we get a response from Sundance (and hopefully until the new tub arrives).
Any ideas on ways to plug the crack. Some sort of putty or something like that that won't affect the water or tub.
Thanks for everyones responses - much appreciated.
cheers
Rich
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Are you losing water? Did they take the panel off on the side of the crack? Are you still using it? I worry about the water building up inside the cabinet.
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I could see no water loss when I came down this morning. Wwhen I talked to Jacuzzi and asked if I could still use it while I wait for a replacement, they said there would be no leak as Jacuzzi use a 3 layer shell concept. Just because the outer shell is cracked, the others will maintain a waterproof seal and there should be no problem.
The dealer did state that sundance (I know its a Jacuzzi but they send faults to sundance, as their factory make both) may offer a discount or replacement - and of course I want a replacement as this is a long term purchase for me.
I'm just draining the tub now to take final pictures of the fault with a camera - takes ages to drain.
cheers
Rich
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Replacing a doard does not require disconnection of the power supply. If theh power supply is turned off the tech can safely remove and replace the circuit board and turn the power to the spa back on once the repair is completed. I know this to be the case with Jacuzzi, Sundance, Caldera and Hot Spring (intentionaly listed last ;) ).
Holy cow, what do you do if you have to switch out a pack? Do you send out an electrician every time to hook up the new pack? Seems like a lot of trouble and $ to me.
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Dang, sounds like it's time for me to move to East Texas and open up shop! Y'all have had a free ride in your market long enough! ;D
I just assumed it was a 220v spa. It may very well be a 110v. There hasn't been a Jacuzzi dealer around here in years so I'm not very familiar with their spas.
I'm sorry for the confusion.
Terminator
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Dang, sounds like it's time for me to move to East Texas and open up shop! Y'all have had a free ride in your market long enough! ;D
I was thinking the same thing but dang, I couldnt live in Texass.
Besides he'd probably shoot your eye out with that peashooter he carries. :o
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I could see no water loss when I came down this morning. Wwhen I talked to Jacuzzi and asked if I could still use it while I wait for a replacement, they said there would be no leak as Jacuzzi use a 3 layer shell concept. Just because the outer shell is cracked, the others will maintain a waterproof seal and there should be no problem.
The dealer did state that sundance (I know its a Jacuzzi but they send faults to sundance, as their factory make both) may offer a discount or replacement - and of course I want a replacement as this is a long term purchase for me.
I'm just draining the tub now to take final pictures of the fault with a camera - takes ages to drain.
cheers
Rich
Dont settle for money off,it would probably fine but something like that warrants a new spa. He probably wont bring this up but dont let him tell you you need to pay shipping for the new spa,alot of the fine print you read in warrantees states the owner is suppose to pay shipping to and from factory, with that new of a spa it doesnt apply in my book.
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I- and of course I want a replacement as this is a long term purchase for me.
I'm just draining the tub now to take final pictures of the fault with a camera - takes ages to drain.
cheers
Rich
I certainly understand. Please let us know how this process goes. I'm sure many here will appreciate hearing more.
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Settle for nothing less than the exact spa as a replacement, with no cost to you.
Addressing the wiring issue: Only a homeowner or licensed electrician can make an INITIAL connection to a spa. A technician can unwire the spa and make the connection to the replacement. Techinicians can replace existing outlets, breakers, unwire a spa to do a voltage to ground test, replace burnt wires.......as long as it was existing and not a new outlet or fixture. Check national electric code.
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That's OK, I shoot back (http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/xd-pistol/gap/5in/XD9505.jpg)
I was thinking the same thing but dang, I couldnt live in Texass.
Besides he'd probably shoot your eye out with that peashooter he carries. :o
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I do not recommend messing with the wiring. You even asking about the wiring tells me you know little about it. So Don't touch it.!! :-?
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take pictures with date on the picture
keep a log
exchange e-mail with the dealer for record purposes
because you never know what could happen in the futire
hopefully you'll never need it
but it's very helpful if it becomes an issue down the road
there is no down side to getting ducks in a row....
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Sounds like everything will be okay....but what am I missing? The tub is a Jaccuzi, but the service techs are from Sundance?...... ::)
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I believe all the Jacuzzi and Sundance hot tubs are made at the sundance factory. In essence they are the same company.
cheers
Rich
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Essentially they are not the same company. You can not call the Sundance factory and get answers to Jacuzzi issues and vice versa. You cannot call the sundance order desk and order Jacuzzi Hot Tubs or parts. You cannot as a Jacuzzi dealer attend Sundance sales or service training and vice versa. The only ones that can are those that carry both brands, and they have to attend both seminars. The tech that works for the dealer is neither a Sundance Tech nor a Jacuzzi Tech, he/she is a spa service tech for the company in which they work. If they decided to no longer work for that company they would not be drawing a pay check from Jacuzzi or Sundance.
I believe all the Jacuzzi and Sundance hot tubs are made at the sundance factory. In essence they are the same company.
cheers
Rich
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UPADATE:
well, as I hoped both my dealer and Jacuzzi have done a great job and will be replacing my new cracked j-365 with a brand new 2007 model
Thanks Jacuzzi and thanks crystal View spa and pool in North Vancouver.
cheers
Rich
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I'm glad to hear the good news! :) I too have a Jacuzzi and I hope if I ever have a similar problem they will be just as helpful. :D
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I'm glad to hear the good news! :) I too have a Jacuzzi and I hope if I ever have a similar problem they will be just as helpful. :D
A J345?
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A J345?
I do believe that's the one ;)