Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: wmccall on January 15, 2007, 07:59:40 am

Title: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 15, 2007, 07:59:40 am
Thursday the Spatech came out to verify what our pump was so they would be sure to order what was needed. My daughter talked to him so I didn't hear the story.   Hopefully it will be arriving today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, the pump finally gave out.  We got our last soak for awhile tonight.  I'll probably add daily chlorine and run pump #2 for 20 minutes at a time to keep the water from going south.  Of couse, WHYNOT's ice storm is headed our way.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: Chas on January 15, 2007, 10:59:46 am
Bummer.

What did you do to ruin that perfectly good pump Bill?

 8-)
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: hottubdan on January 15, 2007, 11:24:19 am
Any charges? :-?
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 15, 2007, 11:26:33 am
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Bummer.

What did you do to ruin that perfectly good pump Bill?

 8-)


I assume the bearings are on the dry end?   How long do they typically last?  At this point, with the cold weather coming in, I'm getting a little nervous. Trying to follow up with the servicing company and Dynasty, they both tell me they are contacting each other verifying what I have.  Its been one week since my first contact.  I'm heading into not happy.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: Gary on January 15, 2007, 11:55:27 am
Typically the pump seal fails which allows water to get to the front bearing. All pump seals will wear out but bad water chemistry will make them wear faster. Make sure whatever pump you get has Viton pump seals in it, they are much more chemical resistant.


This is those things better spa manufactures will have standard in their pumps.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 15, 2007, 12:03:17 pm
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Any charges? :-?


Yea, its going to be $75.   Since I have no dealer within 100 miles, I'll pay it happily as long as I get a working tub.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: autoplay on January 15, 2007, 04:07:57 pm
What I wanna know Bill is,what does your wife think about a defective pump? Is she beyond the age to care if it works or not?  ;)
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 15, 2007, 07:09:41 pm
Its down to 95.  I helped my daughter move into a new, upstairs apartment Saturday, so my back is killing me today.  
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: Brewman on January 16, 2007, 08:05:50 am
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 I'll probably add daily chlorine and run pump #12 for 20 minutes at a time to keep the water from going south.  Of couse, WHYNOT's ice storm is headed our way.


 You have a pump #12?  WOW.  That's some hot rod spa you've got there! ;)

How did you make out with the storm?  We up in Minneapolis got a half foot or so of snow- finally looks like winter here.  But thankfully, no ice.  Those ice storms are nasty.  Hope your power stays on.  

The cooler your spa water gets the slower it'll loose heat, so hang in there.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 16, 2007, 09:33:05 am
Quote


 You have a pump #12?  WOW.  That's some hot rod spa you've got there! ;)

How did you make out with the storm?  We up in Minneapolis got a half foot or so of snow- finally looks like winter here.  But thankfully, no ice.  Those ice storms are nasty.  Hope your power stays on.  

The cooler your spa water gets the slower it'll loose heat, so hang in there.

Pump #2 - Slap-slap.    Looks like the worst missed us, just a light ice coating here and there (the ground and roads are still warm from last week's 60's.  It is supposed to get in the teens tonight, perfect soaking weather  >:(
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: mjb on January 16, 2007, 05:00:06 pm
Bill,
Looks like a good time to try out some
of our Sundance and Jacuzzi Spas and
trade that spa of yours in ;D
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 16, 2007, 08:24:41 pm
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Bill,
Looks like a good time to try out some
of our Sundance and Jacuzzi Spas and
trade that spa of yours in ;D


There sure was a lot of nice looking ones when I was in there today picking up a new filter.  If I have to dump after this, I'll have two new filters for my Dynasty, thanks to my Jacuzzi/Sundance dealer!   Boy, you sure have it easy, showing up for work at 2!  ;)

Trade in, do you take the balance in labor?    I need one of those, will work for spa signs.  My current job will probably come to an end soon, then back to being a tax burden again

PS., down to 88!
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 17, 2007, 07:49:10 am
12F this morning, I didn't open the cover.  Last night would have made a great soaking night.  I'll call the Spatech-CMH  this afternoon.

I seem to remember filling out a contest thing for Caldera where I can to come up with 30 reasons to own a hot tub or something.

[glow]Caldera, this would be a great time to let everyone know I won the contest.[/glow]
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: hottubdan on January 17, 2007, 11:24:25 am
Quote
12F this morning, I didn't open the cover.  Last night would have made a great soaking night.  I'll call the Spatech-CMH  this afternoon.

I seem to remember filling out a contest thing for Caldera where I can to come up with 30 reasons to own a hot tub or something.

[glow]Caldera, this would be a great time to let everyone know I won the contest.[/glow]

They are in the process of judging the entries now.  I think they will be announcing the winner in Feb.  Lobby with Judge Chad. ::) ;D :D ;) :)
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: LtDan on January 17, 2007, 11:28:55 am
Quote


There sure was a lot of nice looking ones when I was in there today picking up a new filter.  If I have to dump after this, I'll have two new filters for my Dynasty, thanks to my Jacuzzi/Sundance dealer!   Boy, you sure have it easy, showing up for work at 2!  ;)

Trade in, do you take the balance in labor?    I need one of those, will work for spa signs.  My current job will probably come to an end soon, then back to being a tax burden again

PS., down to 88!


C'mon over to Gahanna, mines set at 102.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: Chas on January 17, 2007, 11:48:02 am
Quote
I seem to remember filling out a contest thing for Caldera where I can to come up with 30 reasons to own a hot tub or something.

[glow]Caldera, this would be a great time to let everyone know I won the contest.[/glow]

I have been asked to help with the judging. Actually, every one of the Caldera dealers worlwide has been asked, but it sounds so much more important if I put it the way I did, don't you think?

Anyway, the mothership - actually that refers to the HS side of things, so I guess Daughtership would be more appropriate for the Caldera team...

Whoever - they have done most of the judging and reduced the field to just a few. I'll go over to the dealer website and give my input later today. If I know them, I will not be able to see the names or locations, so I doubt I will be able to 'fix' it for you. Sorry.

 8-)
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: Spatech_tuo on January 17, 2007, 12:01:31 pm
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I seem to remember filling out a contest thing for Caldera where I can to come up with 30 reasons to own a hot tub or something.


Bill's entry should be easy to spot. It's the one where it says "because I am the omniscient moderator on one of the most visited spa forums in the known universe!" and "because I need to unwind after a brutal night of Curling!"
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: hottubdan on January 17, 2007, 12:18:01 pm
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Bill's entry should be easy to spot. It's the one where it says "because I am the omniscient moderator on one of the most visited spa forums in the known universe!" and "because I need to unwind after a brutal night of Curling!"

And my current spa, which is not Caldera, is out of commission! ;)
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 17, 2007, 12:49:28 pm
Quote

Bill's entry should be easy to spot. It's the one where it says "because I am the omniscient moderator on one of the most visited spa forums in the known universe!" and "because I need to unwind after a brutal night of Curling!"


He just wrote reason #31 for me, I'm in the lead now.

I don't remember if the contest was for a particular tub, or your choice, I'll head over to the website and pick it out.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: drewstar on January 17, 2007, 12:59:34 pm
Quote

Bill's entry should be easy to spot. It's the one where it says "because I am the omniscient moderator on one of the most visited spa forums in the known universe!" and "because I need to unwind after a brutal night of Curling!"


Any news on this contest? When the winner will be annouced? Or if you can read the entries?
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 17, 2007, 01:02:10 pm
Quote


Any news on this contest? When the winner will be annouced? Or if you can read the entries?


I hope not, at least 10 of mine had to be pretty stupid, I was running out of ideas.  You know at least one person took it seriously and came up with 30 good ones.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: drewstar on January 17, 2007, 01:03:32 pm
actually I found the cached page:

It's for the Geneva:

(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j61/GodlikeMoron/showroom_geneva_utopia.jpg)

One Caldera Geneva® Utopia series spa with an approximate retail value of $10,100 will be awarded to the final winning entrant. The remaining finalists are not eligible for any prize(s).

Contest entries will be judged by Watkins and/or its advertising or public relations agency, on or about January 30, 2007.

Personally I like the Niagra, wich is basically the same tub, but doesn't have the lounger.  :)
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 17, 2007, 06:32:51 pm
My tub is down to 82, no pump here yet.

Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 18, 2007, 07:45:30 am
I'm slipping into angry now.   It's been 10 days since I reported the problem on the 8th.  That was a Monday.  Again, for those who missed the first part of the thread, there is no longer a Dynasty dealer in my town, and they contract with another long time local spa dealer to do their warranty work. I am under warranty.  At the time the problem was reported as metalic noise from pump #1 that everyone agreed is bearings going bad.  Back at this time, it was not hurting the operation of th tub, but I reduced the heat and filtration time to minimal to keep the pump from running any more than neccessary. On the 9th I called Dynasty and found out who was going to do the repairs.  I called them to make sure they were in contact with Dynasty.   It was 4 days late on the 12th that a tech came out to verify what parts (pump) were in my tub, despite my telling them exactly what was there.   Sunday night the pump failed totally and while soaking the temp dropped to 102. At this point, I had no heat or filtration and it becomes more of a serious problem.  On Monday I called Dynasty to make sure they got the info and would ship the part out ASAP.  They told me they were still waiting to hear from the local service guy (who as out Friday) as to what parts were needed. I told them exactly what pump I had and asked if it would ship out that day. He danced around the answer and I think he said yes. I assumed it would go out air.  I will call Dynasty back today and ask for how it shipped and a tracking number so I can know for sure when it  comes into Columbus.   Monday our weather turned cold.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 18, 2007, 02:22:22 pm
What's worse that dealing with a dealer and manufactuer to get warranty service on  your tub?   Dealing with a different dealer and Manufacturer.  I can't tell who is telling the truth and who is CYA.  (not cyranic acid)  As far as the dealer is concerned this wasn't emergency service when I placed the call 10 days ago. However, it did become emergency service on Sunday the 14th and the dealer didn't order the pump until Monday the 15th, even though he visited and verified what I need on Friday the 12th.  Finally today, Dynasty acknowledged they shipped the pump via .UPS  Ground!!!!!!!  But they won't tell me the date and tracking number because it wasn't shipped to me.  It may be their policy to ship ground, but I would have paid for overnight.  Idiots.  I'm just trying to take a trust but verify stance, as I know this call isn't terribly important to the mfg or the dealer, just to me.  I consider keeping this thing going 10 days as enough on my part. If more damage is caused by this thing freezing, I'm going to expect Dynasty to cover all damage.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: drewstar on January 18, 2007, 02:26:20 pm
 Wm., I agree with you and find it  amazing how Dynasty and the dealer dropped the ball on this.

Who is the dealer that doesn't give 2 poops if your tub dies? I understand that dealers and manufactures have changed, but still  they agreed to service and support you. I wouldn't want to do business with eaither.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 18, 2007, 02:49:40 pm
I'll give that second dealer the benefit of the doubt, at least until the pump arrives in Columbus, which the arrival date is currently being held secret. (I'm sure would have told me if it did come.) The tech nows I'm DOA now and promised to install it as soon as it came in (which I trust)   I'm still angry at the idjut at Dynasty who sent it our ground when I clearly told him it has become critical.  On a previous case with a flo control, I offered to pay for AIR shipment.

I was thinking of not even opening the cover until the pump arrives whenever that is, but I have been dropping in a little dichlor and running pump2 to keep the water from going south as who knows when I can refill now that things have turned cold.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: mattNY on January 18, 2007, 07:11:30 pm
That sucks.  Sure seems like they would have to cover any damage incurred by such a large delay, if something does happen.  Keep us updated!
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: Spatech_tuo on January 18, 2007, 07:26:27 pm
Quote
That sucks.  Sure seems like they would have to cover any damage incurred by such a large delay, if something does happen.  Keep us updated!

The problem was that at first it was a noisy pump so there was no sense of urgency but that changed to being ko'd. This is certainly an example of how important it can be to have a local dealer as in this case Bill had one when he bought but unfortunately saw his dealer go under and now has to deal with having his manufacturer contract an independent guy (though he still should be well taken care of). I certainly hope all ends well but if I were in fear of the timing not working out I'd be asking that service guy to give me a loaner pump to get me by until the proper one arrived (who cares if it's the right HP as long as it'll filter/heat).
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 18, 2007, 08:49:05 pm
Quote

I were in fear of the timing not working out I'd be asking that service guy to give me a loaner pump to get me by until the proper one arrived (who cares if it's the right HP as long as it'll filter/heat).

I'll ask him about that tomorrow. Great idea.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: hottubdan on January 18, 2007, 08:52:33 pm
When you have a dealer who sells one brand doing warranty work for another brand, I think you have a conflict of interest. :(

His interest is taking care of his customers first.  His loyalty is to his customers and the brands he sells.

In my opinion, Dynasty should be contacting with an [glow]independent repair company[/glow], someone who makes his money by making sure his repair customers are taken care of.

I wish you luck. :-?
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: stuart on January 18, 2007, 08:58:45 pm
I'm sure someone has already recommended this but did you put a light of some kind in the equipment compartment?

Something with atleast a 40 watt bulb should keep the pumps from freezing...
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 19, 2007, 07:22:31 am
Quote
I'm sure someone has already recommended this but did you put a light of some kind in the equipment compartment?

Something with atleast a 40 watt bulb should keep the pumps from freezing...


If they are unable to come today, I'll try to do that tonight. If I can find my wrench to the cabinet.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: Brewman on January 19, 2007, 07:37:21 am
You need a special wrench to open the cabinet?
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 19, 2007, 09:39:18 am
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You need a special wrench to open the cabinet?
It's a hey key, I think I have one.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: drewstar on January 19, 2007, 09:48:28 am
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It's a hey key, I think I have one.

A Hey key?

As in "HEY! Where's the #$%#% key"?  :)
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: stuart on January 19, 2007, 10:57:36 am
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It's a hey key, I think I have one.
should just be an allen wrench. A flat head scewdriver, with a taper should work in a pinch.
Title: Re: Out of Commission for awhile
Post by: wmccall on January 19, 2007, 11:06:53 am
Quote
should just be an allen wrench. A flat head scewdriver, with a taper should work in a pinch.


I think I keep it with my chemicals, I'll probably take the afternoon off (bad cold) and stick a light in there. I'm confident I'm not soaking before Tuesday.   I wonder if after more than a week, I'll get that same, first soak relaxation.