Just got an 05 Hotspring Prodigy - No heat?

[2_8]

So I picked up a 2005 HotSpring Prodigy.  It was working fine when I tested it at the guys house.  The upper control panel quit working a short time before I tested it and was being fixed under warranty.  It was fixed today before I picked the spa up.  The spa is now hooked up at my house and it doesn't seem to be heating.

The heater does not feel warm and it does not feel like heat is being pushed out the floor heat vent.  

we've had it running for a good 2-3 hours.  The jets have been run 2-3 times and we are now running the 10 minute cleaning cycle.  We have unplugged the spa and plugged back in.  

this thing is running on 110 right now, but we do plan on running 220 once we get it wired up.  

the control panel works fine and doesn't have any errors or flashing.

am I missing something or is the heater not working?  Could it have been screwed up from the technician installing the panel?  

troubleshooting tips welcome.

 

[Brookenstein]

I'm no expert, but I'm not sure if you could really feel it this quick.... especially with 110.  I'd let the thing heat overnight, stop opening it up and see what temp it is in 12+ hours.  Mine only heats up about 4-5 degrees an hour and thats on 220, I would think you could be at only 2-3, so you might not notice much to the touch at this rate.  Just be patient.

 

[2_8]

wouldn't the heater at least be warm?  I am talking about touching the actual heater.

 

[Spatech_tuo]

wouldn't the heater at least be warm?  I am talking about touching the actual heater.

I know it seems odd to think its running but at 110V it'll take 24 hrs and the heater really won't feel warm. The heat coming off the lement is quickly pulled away by teh water flow from the circ pump and doesn't really get a chance to get the heater warmer than the body of water. I'm not saying its heating for sure but yours is a VERY typcal concern of an owner of a 110v spa until they go out the next morning and see the temp.

 

[Bonibelle]

I think I also remember that in the 110 tubs, you can't run the pumps and heater at the same time..Isn't that right? so turning the pumps on would only slow down the heating process (I think) :-/

 

[Brookenstein]

I think you may be on to something Bonni... at least when the pumps are on high.

 

[Steve]

The heater will work with the pump circulating but you're right, not on high speed with a 110V system.

Is there not a red light on that indicates that it's heating?

I agree with the crew...leave it for a day or 2. Or just wire your spa properly on 240V.

 

[2_8]

You guys were right it is heating slowly but surely.

 

[2_8]

we are going to wire it for 220, but since it is already wired for 110 we are going with that for a couple weeks.  

I did take the cover off and the heater light was on on the board.  

I am used to this old hot springs spa I was working on a few months ago.. 1986 model.  And that heater pumped some mega heat out, but I am sure it was very inefficient

 

[Steve]

we are going to wire it for 220, but since it is already wired for 110 we are going with that for a couple weeks.  

I did take the cover off and the heater light was on on the board.  

I am used to this old hot springs spa I was working on a few months ago.. 1986 model.  And that heater pumped some mega heat out, but I am sure it was very inefficient

Awesome!

FYI, 220V is far more efficient than 110V...

Hopefully it heats up to temperature before spring!

 

[Alan]

I think I also remember that in the 110 tubs, you can't run the pumps and heater at the same time..Isn't that right? so turning the pumps on would only slow down the heating process (I think) :-/

Give her a title and all of a sudden she is a spatech

Good thinking.

 

[Bonibelle]

 

[2_8]

I was going to make a thread with pictures of the spa and a little review, but I guess I can just do it here.  I'll take some pics later today and a review after using it.

so far its been great.  A little bit of a pain to move... luckily I have friends.  

anyway, got the spa for $2750 with a nice cover, cedar steps, chemicals, and original manual.  Good deal?

 

[The_Pa._Lady]

very, very good deal!!

Our Prodigy is a 2006 and we paid circa $6,500 including the misc. items you have.

But, we are not sorry because so far it has been a great spa for us.  I'm sure you will enjoy your tub even more come winter.  Good luck.

P.S.  did you get any kind of warranty?

 

[2_8]

No warranty.  I bought it from a private seller and the warranty is non-transferable.   I figured I have 5 grand of room to pay in repairs vs buying a new one.  This guy said he paid 7500 for it new.

 

[hottubdan]

I presume you are on a 110v 20 amp dedicated circuit.

If so, use it and enjoy.  You will most likely find no need to convert to 220v.  Cost of operation is the same.

If you are in the spa for 45 minutes or so at a time you should be fine...depending on where you are.  what is your winter like?

 

[WannaSoakNow]

Congrats on the new spa!!!! Enjoy and show some photo's of the new spa...!!!  

 

[giraffeattheoasis]

On 110 the water will only heat about 1.5 degrees per hour.  Just give it time, and make sure the filters are nice and clean.

If you ever have any problems with it, just give us a call here.  365-8609.

 

[2_8]

Its up and running great.  Yes, it is on a dedicated 20 amp breaker.  I haven't had any issues with it on 110.. so really no reason to switch to 220?  Our winters can be pretty harsh, but considering it is about 90F right now on October 6th I have a feeling it isn't going to be extremely harsh this year.

 

[2_8]

Here are some pics.  I really like the spa. Jets are nice, it runs quite, colors are nice.  

and the old cracked concrete pad that was there before I built the deck and added the tub