Anyone drill a hole in their hot tub shell for their salt system?

[Soupy]

I've got a SmarterSpa in my hot tub, currently with the cell hanging over the side. I was thinking about installing a waterproof cable gland somewhere in the top of the shell, above the normal water line. I'm not sure how thick a hot tub shell generally is, but it might be too thick to get the nut installed on the back with good thread engagement. So I might drill and tap the hole so the gland can screw directly into the shell. Not sure how well that will really work though.

Anyone try something like this?

 

[ajw22]

The less holes you have the less leaks you have.

 

[RDspaguy]

I have cut many holes in hot tubs for many reasons. Your shell will be between 1/4" and 3/4" depending on brand and location of the hole.
What brand is it?
I am not familiar with the smarterspa or the fitting you are talking about using.
You do not want to try to tap a thread into fiberglass. Get a nut on the back and run a bead of silicone caulk around both sides of the hole before installation. And use a hole saw, not a big drill bit, and definitely not a paddle bit. Drill from the acrylic side, not the back, and don't push on it or let it wobble or it will take a chunk out of the acrylic.
Your biggest worry is what is on the other side of the shell where you plan to drill. Hit a pipe and you'll regret it.
Are you sure you want to do this?

 

[YippeeSkippy]

My cell for my hot tub is much smaller than that Smarter Spa device.

I can see why you want a hole ....but I personally still wouldn't do it, myself.

Have you considered a spa SWG with smaller cell? Like the Saltron Mini?

Maddie

 

[Soupy]

RD, the SmarterSpa is a salt chlorine generator. Normally the cell just hangs over the side from its cable. I figure I could get a neater installation and keep it out of the way of the cover by running the cable through the equipment area, so I'd be drilling in an area where I can easily see the back. Yippee, size of the cell isn't really an issue, though I guess it could be smaller. Kind of a moot point since I already have this one.

Cable gland: XHF 50 Pcs 3/8" NPT Cable Glands IP68 Nylon Waterproof Cable Glands Connectors Joints Wire Protectors Electrical Bulkhead Fittings Black (RAL9005) - - Amazon.com
Even if the shell is only 1/4" thick up on the sides, I'm not sure the threaded length on the cable glands is long enough. Nylon threads and a nylon nut, so if I want it to be secure, getting only half a nut and a single turn of thread isn't enough.

So yeah, I'm not completely sure I want to do this yet. Thus this discussion.

 

[RDspaguy]

Ok. I get it now. Wasn't quite sure what you were up to.
Just be very careful and steady, and use a sharp hole saw and bit. Go slow, don't push on it hard, and don't let it wobble or tilt once into the acrylic or it will chip. If you just use a drill bit it will chip some around the hole, but the flange on the fitting may cover it.