About 10 years ago, I bought a Riptide Spa (now out of business) from Colorado (I think) and had it transported to Kauai. It started leaking a few months ago. The first leaks we found were easy to fix. They were right where the white plastic pipes went into and out of the heater. However, the leaking is worse now. Even with the spa turned off, the water level falls down 6 inches overnight, exposing the top jets. The spa, unfortunately, had to be built into an enclosed deck (part of a screened lanai). Worst way ever to install a spa, but local regulations forbid changing the footprint of the original house and on this island, vacation rentals in non-conforming use areas (non-visitor designated areas) are denied the privilege of ever being granted a building permit. The spa originally sat on a concrete pad next to the house, but due to a new Planning Commission ordinance, had to be moved to inside the lanai or we would not be granted the new permit required of vacation rentals. So now, it sits on a concrete pad which is under the floor of the lanai. The only access door is the one where the heater is. I don't know where the pump is located. The plumber came to look at it, and said the sides of the spa are up against the floor joists of the lanai. He can't repair it without tearing open the walls of the lanai and pulling the spa out of the lanai. So, if I opt to have the leaks repaired, it is going to involve a contractor, plumber and carpenters. I should also mention the jet nozzles are falling off and there is no way to put them back on. On Kauai, spas are really expensive. The spa alone is going to cost $12K plus tax, plus installation costs. However, my vacation rental books so much better since I got the spa. I am looking at a Hot Spring Aria. Should I invest in fixing my old spa, or just bite the bullet and buy new?
