Well, water is hot, and the pump is pumping away - so far, so good with the jet. I'm going to let it run for a couple hours and then again in the evening.
Anyway - hot water bubbling away... I coudn't resist. You know.
My first experience in the tub was great. There's still so much work to do, but it makes it all worth while.
I work from home, so I could take the lunch moment off.
One side note: I think I pulled something in my arm with a careless maneuver while putting the cover on. DOH!
My last hot tub was an in ground job, so I used to just drag that cover away. I guess I'll have to figure out something better with this.
Drewster - the project summary thus far:
Sept 1: craigslist ad -- FREE spa, needs repair, free for the hauling
I responded, got pics and learned that it was a 1986 Hot Springs Sovereign (from people on this site).
I checked it out, got the straight scoop - it worked, the shell was good, but the pump leaked, and so did a jet area. The guy wasn't interested in fixing it because it came with the house he bought. (also we were in the midst of VERY hot weather in L.A., so he was thinking about a pool.
I got a uhaul truck four strong friends and a couple furniture dollies, and moved it to our place. A lot of planning, and some grunting made for an incredibly smooth move.
It sat for a while on the concrete slab behind my garage while I enlisted another friend (an electrician) to help me pull wire, and add a dedicated circuit, GFI, etc. Though we're not getting it inspected
, I did want everything to be legit.
I didn't want to fill it with water till I had a proper cover, and in scouring craigslist and recycler, found the right size (actually for a Sundance) brand new, never used for $100.00.
Filled it up, and started it up in late October.
It worked, but it leaked - just like the previous owner told me it would.
ripped into the area the leak seemed to be coming from. Not there.
Found the leak on the opposite side.
Emptied the tub and moved it away from the wall that the leaking side is against (figures) - I did this myself by putting a 1/2 inch dowel under the tub, and rolling it away. cool trick.
Massive crack in the jet. I'm currently hoping that my epoxy job will work.
Rebuilt the pump. Still have to replace a gasket on a PVC coupler fitting.
I plan to refinish the skirt, and replace whatever needs replacing.
cost:
uhaul and mileage 140.00
electric 100.00
cover 100.00
pump rebuild 25.00
jet fix 20.00
Great stuff foam 6.00
Total thus far $391.00
Additionals yet to come:
moto massage 75.00
wood 50.00
filter 40.00
chemicals 25.00
Time: scouring Internet and these forums
many hours of fun.
Digging foam, moving hot tub, rebuilding pump - 4 hours ( a guess)
Pondering my insanity - (10 hours)
Not bad I think thus far.