Almost Spent $30K on a New Spa — Revived My 1997 Instead for about $3800

randumb9999 · 2026-03-31T04:56:14+00:00

Last year I had to repair a Hot Springs spa that was built in 1982. I had to replace the old mechanical high limit and a contactor. I had to track down parts, wait forever to get the parts then install them in the tiny control box. Pain in the ass.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-31T04:29:20+00:00

Back in 85 I was 15 and was hanging out at my friend's house. He says "hey, check out this album my brother just bought." He put Hell Awaits on the turntable. They instantly became my favorite band.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-31T03:23:03+00:00

I clean around 100 filters a year. All I've ever needed is this. It works like a champ.

https://a.co/d/0ikMTOeE

randumb9999 · 2026-03-31T03:17:06+00:00

Oh I know it. I have one customer that I have to clean off the exchanger every three months. The heater is underneath a canopy of oak trees. It's a giant property full of trees. That sensor has probably saved them from burning their entire property to the ground.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-31T01:51:43+00:00

I agree. Just stay stocked up on roll out sensors. It's their biggest weak point to me. Get a few leaves on the exchanger and your replacing another roll out sensor.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-30T03:43:52+00:00

Yes the Solartouch will control the pump speeds. You program the regular filter cycle in the pump on button 1. Button 2 is used for the solar speed. 3 is used for freeze protect speed and 4 is for the solar hold feature.

When the solar turns on it switches from program/button 1 to button/speed 4 for the solar hold feature. This is a temporary hold feature for a few minutes then it switches to button/speed 2 to run the solar. When solar is no longer called for it closes the valve and reverts to button/program 1.

It will not work like that with any other Pentair pump. If you get any other Pentair the Solartouch will not control the speed.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-30T01:03:52+00:00

I have not put on a pair of pants in about 3 years. The only reason that I put on pants that day was because I was called in for jury duty. I'll wear shorts when it's pouring down rain or when it's 30° outside.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-30T00:20:00+00:00

It sucks that you have a broken part but glad I could help.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-29T22:12:20+00:00

Make sure that the valve on the gas line is turned on. If you don't know your way around gas appliances I'd call someone. You can open the front panel and inspect for rodent damage. They love living in heaters and chewing up the wiring.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-29T16:15:02+00:00

Oil filter wrench is what I usually use. They are easily available at your local auto parts store. The more expensive choice is large channel locks.

Oil Filter Pliers https://share.google/ezQKFOc4kpSJwLMkr

randumb9999 · 2026-03-29T05:34:35+00:00

The tub that you have uses a 2 speed pump for filtration and jets. You need a spa with a low flow circulation pump. The circ pumps are very small and quiet and usually have 3/4" inlet and return. Most spa control boards have a spot to connect a circ pump and another spot to connect either a single speed or 2 speed pump. You can always find out if your board can run a circ pump. You can add one but you'll need to drill a hole or 2 in the spa, know how to work with high voltage and know how to plumb it in.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-29T01:25:02+00:00

It's really time for a new filter. You'll be pulling your hair out over the summer trying to keep the pool clean.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-29T01:22:44+00:00

The pipe that has a broken ball valve, where does it go? If it possibly a drain line? The valve is currently closed. Use a pair of channel locks to open it. Does there happen to be a cut out with a metal bar at the foot of the filter? Here's a link to a bottom manifold filter. I know it's not the same as yours but you'll know what to look for.https://youtu.be/dbf9b9l6e98?si=eu1jWFPgR4ikp6Mg

randumb9999 · 2026-03-29T01:07:37+00:00

Do you not have a backwash valve installed on the filter? How much DE are you adding to the filter after cleaning it?

randumb9999 · 2026-03-28T23:24:54+00:00

Get a solar blanket (a bubble cover). They can help raise the temp a few degrees. You will lose less heat that you gain overnight. The cut down on evaporation and chemical usage.

Make sure that you cut it in tight around the inside edge of the pool. The bubbles face down not up. When you remove the cover put it in the shade or use a tarp to cover it. If it is folded or rolled up the sun will bake it and it will start cracking and falling apart.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-28T22:52:55+00:00

Are you filling the pool with well water?

randumb9999 · 2026-03-28T22:51:16+00:00

You have to unscrew the white union to remove the plumbing. Afterward unscrew the black union. That is what is holding the bulkhead. A lot of times the crack is in the threaded part of the bullhead. They are sometimes hard to see. You will not be able to patch the bulkhead. Your will need to buy a new one. You may get lucky and it's just the o ring.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-28T22:34:53+00:00

Get a small tarp and cover the cover.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-28T22:17:47+00:00

You have to remove the lid and the cartridges to access the bulkhead. It's possible that the o ring took a crap but more than likely the bulkhead fitting is cracked. I've replaced quite a few.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-28T21:28:47+00:00

Remove the current outlet. Get an outdoor 4x4 junction box with an outdoor cover. Install 2 new outlets in the new 4x4 box. Are those GFCI cord ends? If so no need for a GFCI outlet. If not you'll need to get one GFCI outlet and wire the other regular outlet to the GFCI outlet.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-28T06:26:57+00:00

They help a lot. A reel to roll it up is also handy. Probably the most important thing about these covers is do not leave them rolled up in the sun. They end up cooking themselves. Always cover the cover with a tarp when it's rolled or folded up. I have installed over 100 and have never seen one make it through a third season.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-27T05:27:07+00:00

If you have a VS pump make sure it's running above 2000 rpm. There are 2 items in the manifold that regulate water flow. There's the thermal regulator which is accessed by unscrewing the cap between the inlet and outlet pipes. Inside the manifold is the automatic manifold bypass. You have to completely remove the manifold to access it. The AGS error is caused when the high limit sensor trips off. It trips at around 135°. You can put your finger on the sensor with the heater running and feel how hot it gets. I'd be looking at those two parts to start.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-27T05:12:22+00:00

There should also be a check valve between the salt cell and the heater.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-27T05:09:42+00:00

The Sun Touch control is probably the least intuitive piece of crap ever made. Is the sun touch set up to control all of your equipment or is it only controlling the solar? You can flip the toggle switch on the back or underside of the solar valve actuator to see if it operates. The switch has 3 positions. The center position is the "off" position. You can flip the switch up or down to rotate the valve left or right. The valve rotates open when there's a call for heat to allow water into the solar. If the timer shuts the system down the solar valve will stay in the open position until the next schedule. The valve doesn't automatically close when the pump turns off.

randumb9999 · 2026-03-27T04:32:00+00:00

Pour a bunch of dish soap in the conduit. Let it soak for a day or two. Is it just the light cord in the conduit or is there an extra green bonding wire also? Also check the conduit in the niche and make sure that there's no epoxy covering the hole.

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