Considering rehabbing this 13-14 year old Hot Springs spa. Though there are only six jets, the tub worked pretty well before the pump failed.

The technician that came out to give me an estimate to replace the pump told me that I could put a spa pack in the tub, but that it would not be as strong as before and there wasn't much room to work with anyway in the equipment bay. I don't know enough about spas to know if he is telling me the truth or not. I believe the pump is a 1 HP (120v).

I was hoping someone out there may have had to rehab an older Hot Springs spa and could tell me if putting in a spa pack is something worth considering. I can buy a spa pack for what just the pump will cost, so I would prefer having all new guts for the same price.

I am attaching a few of pictures of my spa. If no one out there has done a Hot Springs spa, maybe the pictures will help someone out there give me their opinion as to whether putting in a spa pack will yield similar performance to what I had before and be simple enough to do.

Thanks

Pictures of the Hot Springs spa

Why would you want to replace the spa pack? The pack itself appears to be in good condition, and there's not a component in that particular pack that retails for more than $50 dollars to replace....


If the pump is bad, replace the pump only. I wouldn't suggest swapping out the pack....

There's a reason the 14 year old spa-pack you currently have is still functioning and in excellent condition. I'd suggets you look around at a few other 14 and 15 year old packs. My money is on your current spa-pack to outlive the new one you are considering purchasing...

You can buy a new pump for around $300.... complete.

Thanks for the input Swine. The thing is, I really don't know what to do. That is why I have posted here. The technician from the local pool place felt like you do, but I have read elsewhere that some folks recommend replacing the whole spa pack after a tub reaches a certain age. So, I am confused.

You are correct though, the rest of the components of the pack are in good condition - considering the age. I am hesitant to retrofit the tub with aftermarket parts, because (like the technician told me) I might not be happy with the results. I felt like he was being honest with me, but I really wasn't sure. I wanted to get opinion's from other more experienced folks.

Another reason (which I didn't mention) I was considering doing these repairs myself, is that I am not exactly thrilled about doing business with the local spa dealer. It took me forever to get them to give me an estimate on the repairs, then when I got it and told them to go ahead and fix it, they sent me a formal bid to sign (which they have never done before and I have a pool they work on too). After I signed and returned the bid, they then told me that I had to pay for the entire job up front. I have never done business like that. Is that normal for spa places to do that? It really seemed to me that they didn't want to get involved in fixing an older tub - a brand which they still sell. This led me to believe that there is something they are not telling me and that I might be opening up a money pit. So, I wanted to hear what other more experienced people thought before I did anything to the tub.

Thanks again for your reply! I really do appreciate your thoughts.

If you go with a new pack, chances are you'll have to replumb, as new packs *usually* come with heaters....
While re-plumbing, you'll likely use a smaller frame pump, not the massive 56-frame beast that's in there now (only rated at 1hp, but very powerfull, rating don't mean that much...)

So, in en effect, you'll be adding several 90's in the plumbing, and a less powerfull pump.

Do you like your motto jet? Kiss it goodbye. Won't be enough water flow to make it work. The powerfull jetstream jet? Not so powerfull.

Now, with your shiny new pack sitting on the floor of the equip compartment, you've got to drill more holes in the cabient for the topside.... over time, moisture will corrode the new control pack, and it will begin to detoriate.

With the set-up you have now, there *is* no topside control, the button on the outside merely push the buttons mounted on the control box, which sits high and dry.

You'll have far fewer problems with you current 14 yr. old pack than you would a brand new one....
That's not to say you won't have an issue here or there, but in the long run, that old one you have now is considered the best....

If you heater goes bad ( and it will) just replace the lement (about $90) If the circ pump goes bad (and it will) just replace it.

Replacing an entire spa pack is not a good idea in hOt Spring. Everything has been engineered just for this applicattion, with a keen eye on the future in the arena of repairs...

I would definitely recommend following Swine's advice ! Replace the pump if it is shot but leave the spa pack alone . I have an 11 year old hot springs spa and the pack is still up to snuff. Watkins seems to market a reliable and durable product . As swine stated , if you go with aftermarket products expect to do a lot of plumbing modifications and you would certainly see a loss of water volume at the jets.

Thanks Swine! That was exactly the kind of information I was hoping to get. You have convinced me. I was all set to just replace the pump when I ran across information recommending replacing the entire pack when spas get a certain age. Sounds like for my spa, a pack would be a compromise - and not a good one at that.

One thing that I have found over the years is that the Hot Springs spas are apparently a different breed. It has served me well for 12+ years with very few problems. So, as I said before, I was uncomfortable putting stuff in there that wasn't meant to be in there. The tub works great the way it was engineered and I didn't want any drop off in performance. It is also economical to use and I didn't want to screw that up that attribute either. A new pump it is!

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out and explain what would happen if I made such a drastic change.

Thanks for your imput also knightstormz! The fact that the Hot Springs has been so reliable over it's 12+ years of service, is probably why I am not very familiar with spa repair! javascript:emoticon(':idea:')
Idea

Tiki , you are most welcome. I bought my used tiger river which is made by hot springs and had to do a little work to get it going but this thing is pretty nice for the money I paid. I did alot of research before buying and found that watkins products were deemed to be very reliable and efficient.
As Swine mentioned in his post you will have to replace the circ pump eventually. This was the biggest problem I had when I bought my spa and it cost me $155 at my local dealer but it was worth every dime.
Good luck !!