Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: KarlXII on March 13, 2007, 05:18:06 pm

Title: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: KarlXII on March 13, 2007, 05:18:06 pm
Greetings from Sweden,

that is just beginning to sense SPRING. (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/slipsen/flinos/cheer.gif)



My Caldera Geneva works flawlessly and is a absolute dream.
However, there some ugly discolorations of the big diverter valves, They've gone from fresh grey to merky brown.

Anyone heard or experienced the same thing?
What could have caused it? It isn´t as if I´ve drenched it with chlorine. ::)

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/slipsen/nob1.jpg)

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/slipsen/nob2.jpg)

Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: MarKee on March 13, 2007, 05:21:51 pm
A lot of older tubs did this and there is now a product called geloy that many plastics manuf. are adding to the plastic mixtures to prevent this.  It is caused by chemicals and ozone i believe.  Maybe Caldera has made some improvements since you bought it
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: Spatech_tuo on March 13, 2007, 05:24:45 pm
Quote
A lot of older tubs did this and there is now a product called geloy that many plastics manuf. are adding to the plastic mixtures to prevent this.  It is caused by chemicals and ozone i believe.  Maybe Caldera has made some improvements since you bought it

I see an air control between those diverters that looks fine. Maybe a bad run of plastic? I imagine your dealer will help you, very easy swap out.
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: KarlXII on March 13, 2007, 05:25:13 pm
Thanks. But believe it or not, this is a 2006 model.  :o
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: WMCrep on March 14, 2007, 11:44:43 am
Good Morning - We do hear of this discoloration occasionally.  Contact your authorized Caldera dealer and they will provide new levers at no charge to you as this service is warrantable.  If you have difficulties in getting the new levers, please use the toll-free number in the back of your owner's manual to contact us at the manufacturing plant.  pww
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: Micah on March 14, 2007, 11:53:13 am
Since this is a reoccuring problem not just with caldera but with a few other manufactures I would be curious as to if you have an ozone if so what size and if it came from caldera.  Also what is your chemical routine.  This looks like chemical discoloration to me.  Chemical or ozone.
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: hottubdan on March 14, 2007, 12:11:55 pm
Quote
Good Morning - We do hear of this discoloration occasionally.  Contact your authorized Caldera dealer and they will provide new levers at no charge to you as this service is warrantable.  If you have difficulties in getting the new levers, please use the toll-free number in the back of your owner's manual to contact us at the manufacturing plant.  pww

He is in Sweden.  How do International folks contact the factory?
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: Spatech_tuo on March 14, 2007, 12:14:23 pm
Quote
Since this is a reoccuring problem not just with caldera but with a few other manufactures I would be curious as to if you have an ozone if so what size and if it came from caldera.  Also what is your chemical routine.  This looks like chemical discoloration to me.  Chemical or ozone.

Certainly the ozone/chems brought out the issue but seeing the air valve in between and the jet facings all looking fine tells me the plastic on those diverters did not hold up as well.
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: Micah on March 14, 2007, 09:29:16 pm
Quote

Certainly the ozone/chems brought out the issue but seeing the air valve in between and the jet facings all looking fine tells me the plastic on those diverters did not hold up as well.

As i'm sure you are aware, the diverter valve is produced from one vender while the air valve is made by another.  The diverter valve is made of a stiffer stronger plastic to prevent it from breaking when the valve  becomes harder to turn.  It is very common that one type of plastic will change colors while another looks perfect.  I would really like to know what chemicals are being used in the tub.
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: KarlXII on March 15, 2007, 08:54:46 am
Quote
Good Morning - We do hear of this discoloration occasionally.  Contact your authorized Caldera dealer and they will provide new levers at no charge to you as this service is warrantable.  If you have difficulties in getting the new levers, please use the toll-free number in the back of your owner's manual to contact us at the manufacturing plant.  pww

Yep, will do. I'll give him a call today. Thanks!

Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: KarlXII on March 15, 2007, 09:02:22 am
Quote

As i'm sure you are aware, the diverter valve is produced from one vender while the air valve is made by another.  The diverter valve is made of a stiffer stronger plastic to prevent it from breaking when the valve  becomes harder to turn.  It is very common that one type of plastic will change colors while another looks perfect.  I would really like to know what chemicals are being used in the tub.

I don't think you would know the brand, but it is chlorine for spas from one of the largest manufacturers around here.
That's about it. Occasionally I use a product called No Scale to prevent iron stains.
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: drewstar on March 15, 2007, 09:30:06 am
As a soon to be Geneva owner, I hope they fix the problem.   Everytine I look at the first picture:


 (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/slipsen/nob1.jpg)
I think of this:
 
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j61/GodlikeMoron/dogpoop.jpg)

 :P
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: hottubdan on March 15, 2007, 09:46:30 am
We have sold Caldera.  Never seen this problem.  Chas?  Bueller?  Anyone?
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: Im-A-Duck on March 27, 2007, 05:34:00 am
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY DIVERTER VALVE ON MY CALDERA MARTINIQUE. THIS STARTED WITHIN A MONTH OR TWO AFTER I BOUGHT MY TUB. I USE CHLORINE FOR MY SANITIZER AND I DO HAVE OZONE. I DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH ABOUT IT AS LONG AS THE PLASTIC IS NOT GETTING BRITTLE.
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: hottubdan on March 27, 2007, 10:04:51 am
Have either of you gotten new diverter valve handles?  Shouldn't be a big deal.
Title: Re: Caldera Geneva Valve discoloration
Post by: KarlXII on March 28, 2007, 06:27:30 pm
I've talked to the Swedish reseller, and he´s managing he problem.
I expect to get them switched out anytime soon. I told him there was no hurry and that he could do it if he was in the neighbourhood.

Still wonder what´s causing it though - I don't want it to happen again... :-/