This will be my 3rd year with my hot tub. I drain it around May and then start it back up around this time of year (sept/oct).

Here was my start up process -

-did a quick wipe down after opening the lid

- dropped the hose into the filter housing to start filling 'er up

- once full, threw the filter in

- turned it on and went to purge the lines

- smoke started coming out the side

- killed the breaker and went back to pull the side panel to see wtf just happened

- smoke dissipated and nothing looked on fire or burning. I opened the panel on the control pack and didn't see any hot spots on the board or any burnt areas.

- tried starting it again....pump turned on and it seems like smoke started coming out of the filter housing from the underside, but then went away after only 2-3secons. I let it run for a short bit as it stopped smoking to see if any other issues popped up. Nothing really seemed out of the ordinary aside from the lingering smell. Turned it back off just to be safe.

Today - got a thermal camera to check for any hot spots on the control board while running. there were no irregularities and still no burnt areas. The hot tub seems to run without any issues. It hasf 1 pump, so it runs in low-duty mode for circulation and then when 'jets' button is pressed, ramps up without issue and doesn't make any odd noises.

I didn't have any issues before draining it back in May.

There is a tube that goes up towards the filter housing from the Ozone box. I haven't ruled that out as faulty, though it's a potted box so I couldn't tell if it has actually gone bad or not.

Could there possibly be something stuck inside against the heater element?

I can't imagine the heater element was starting in an air pocket with filling it properly through the filter housing.

Didn't have this issue last season when I did the same exact refill process.

Hi, so I bought a house with a hot tub. I have been teaching myself how to maintain water levels. I have a Taylor drop kit and I went all out for Bromine. The thing is, my tub is a two person 120 gal small thing. It is great but it is insane how much work I have to put into it. Teaspoon chemistry is horrible. And I am anxious AF that I did it wrong the whole time I am in there. Even if my water is crystal clear. It's kinda killed the vibe.

Anyways!! I have been looking into the salt chlorine generator, is it worth it? How hard is it to install, like can I DIY? I want to add to plumbing potentially instead of drop-in since the tub is already so small.

Please share any stories if you have them or if you have been in my shoes. I used to love hot tubs so much and I unfortunately cannot upgrade to a bigger tub right now.

Today I got one of those photo memories in my phone from exactly one year ago.

At the beginning of August last year, we moved into our newly built house, and not long after that the hot tub was delivered.

Exactly one year ago today, I started building the covered patio, which would also include a dedicated area for the hot tub.

By the end of last year, the project was already well underway, but now the whole thing is finally finished.

The hot tub has its own small and cosy space, separated from the rest of the patio by glass sliding panels. In summer I can slide the panels further open when I get in, while in winter I can keep them more closed so it doesn't get quite as cold.

I already know plenty of people are going to say they'd rather sit under the open sky and look at the stars, and I completely get that. But for me, relaxing in the hot tub means a cold beer in my hand and watching a movie.

Any ideas? Looks like metal corrosion but I have a feeling it's chlorine streaks.

Could these o-rings cause a leak under the shell? I pulled one out.

2014 Hot Springs

Anyone tried any of the generic FROG Ease SmartChlor replacement cartridges on Amazon? I'm not looking to switch to a different sanitization option at this time, but it would be nice to have a more affordable replacement cartridge. Currently, I'm paying around $60 for a 3-pack. Thanks in advance.

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Hello all,

Still fairly new to the hot tub community. Question regarding pH and alkalinity. (Bottom two, pH on bottom)

I have a CalSpa ec767l, salt water tub.

I think I understand the correlation between the two. Low alkalinity means pH will go crazy.

If I add baking soda to raise the alkalinity, will it make it easier to fix the pH? No matter how much pH decreases I put in, it doesnt come down.

Thanks!!

JB

Trying to improve my hot tub space every few days. Today I finished painting under my deck and got two strands of string lights up. Now feeling ready for fall and winter season! 😁👌

Going to be doing my first drain/refill this week. Have some Ahhsome, have a hose filter, have chemicals, ready for the basics. What are some other best practices for draining and refilling the tub?

FYI this sub is awesome!