We recently picked up a free 110 volt 1990 Hot Springs Classic (Model # F-101274) we were told that it just stopped working one day and that it was drained shortly after that and then moved .It sat for 3 years with no attempt to repair it.
I managed (with lots of help) to get it onto a borrowed trailer, and backed the trailer into our back yard. Not knowing any better I filled the tub (still on the trailer) about 80% and plugged it into the house back-up generator (the only power source currently available in the back yard) .Nothing happened. I tried using a magnet to bypass the door interlock (I think I heard a click over the roar of the generator) Using a voltage sensor I could determine that there was power coming into the control box and back out to the cable that runs to the door switch. There was no indication of any power to the heater, the light, the circulation pump or the main pump. At this time I noticed that the GFCI test and reset buttons didn’t work. I unplugged the unit and opened up the GFCI plug, only to find that someone had disconnected and disabled the GFI mechanism (my guess is that this is a sign of an improperly addressed previous problem). I then drained the tub, and took it off the trailer. I later managed to partially remove the control box to inspect the insides, nothing seems burnt or fried. Using a cheap continuity tester I found that both resets showed continuity.
I also noted that while the main pump and the heater both had bare grounds connected to the control box there was no grounding lug or bare wire on the circulating pump.
I also noticed that the filter element was very dirty.
I would like to get this running , to place it on a patio that has not yet been built, my questions include ; What steps should I take to trouble shoot this spa? I assume buying a new GFCI plug is first on my list; do I need to buy a particular plug or can I just order from an electrical supply house? How close to level will I need to make the spa during trouble shooting, and later does it need to be dead on when on a patio? Will the power from my generator (the outlet I am using is 20 Amp) be sufficient for troubleshooting until I have the time and money to have a dedicated circuit installed outdoors?
Any help would be appreciated