Decision made - finally - Nordic Encore LS (2020 model) - electrical question please

[GCS]

Hudson Bay XP29
It is 4 years old 6 person tub with 29 jets can be seen on HD/Lowes etc. It is a 110V model but can be converted to 220 (no idea how to do that or the cost but it can be done). We are ok with it either way as we will be running a new electrical line anyway.

We have recently enclosed our deck to a screened porch. We did reinforce the deck in an 8 foot by 8 foot area in hopes we could one day add a tub. There are concrete supports and 4x4 posts every 30" or so as I recall. Decking is composite material.

The tub does have an issue in that it will turn on run/prime etc and then after a few mins it will turn off. I would need to hire a moving company to get it and bring to me and then higher a tech to repair whatever is wrong. I am semi-handy but wouldn't even know where to begin.

We would love to have something nice like a sundance, marquis, hot springs etc but 10-13k is just not something we can afford. As long as there is nothing major wrong i.e. cracked shell, rotten framing etc I figure even after moving and repairing/replacing things I might have 2k in it total (guessing of course).

I know this an entry level tub and 110V which everyone frowns on but I am just thinking this would be a way better option than buying and inflatable tub and being unhappy. I am not being a cheapa$$ either I just don't have 10-12k for one of the others and that is what I am finding in my area. I have found a tech with good reviews who lives in my area so I think I can hire him for the work. I have reached out to him to see if I could hire him to go evaluate the tub for me (and I pay him for that time of course) but the deal could disappear before that can happen (its a friend of friend family member who needs it gone asap as they are moving and cannot take it with them etc).

Anyway feel free to share any advice you would like. And yes I am aware of needing to take good care of it and the water chemistry.

TIA

**SEE POST 128 for update and question - Thanks!**

 

[JoyfulNoise]

@RDspaguy can give you good advice.

As a side note - you want to covert it to 220V. 120V hot tubs are whimpy don’t heat up as quickly.

 

[GCS]

@RDspaguy can give you good advice.

As a side note - you want to covert it to 220V. 120V hot tubs are whimpy don’t heat up as quickly.

Thx we probably would do this based on what I have read and since we are running a new line out there it wouldn't be a big deal to do this anyway.

 

[Newdude]

It is a 110V model but can be converted to 220 (no idea how to do that or the cost but it can be done)

The two hot legs are usually jumped together at the main board so one leg powers both. You pull the jumper and insert both legs. Then there is a dip switch to flip so the tub knows the difference.

My issue with the interchangeable tubs is that they are not over built in case you go 220v. They simply become still wimpy tubs that can heat and run the jets at the same time. But the jets are nothing like their only 220v counterparts.

Great for a bubbly soak compared to nothing ? Absolutely. But nowhere near the luxurious spa experience everybody hopes for.

 

[GCS]

The two hot legs are usually jumped together at the main board so one leg powers both. You pull the jumper and insert both legs. Then there is a dip switch to flip so the tub knows the difference.

My issue with the interchangeable tubs is that they are not over built in case you go 220v. They simply become still wimpy tubs that can heat and run the jets at the same time. But the jets are nothing like their only 220v counterparts.

Great for a bubbly soak compared to nothing ? Absolutely. But nowhere near the luxurious spa experience everybody hopes for.

well that would kinda stink. Guess my fear is getting something that all I do is fix and not get to use. I do wish it was working as that would make the decision a lot easier. They had called out a tech to get it repaired when they found it wasn't working when they listed their house FS. The house sold before they could get the tech out and the new buyer didn't want the tub (condition of the sale is the tub has to be gone) hence there is a good deal there if it can be fixed. Of course it being entry level (clearly) is a tad worrysome.

 

[Newdude]

I got my 110/220 tub (dream maker) as an experiment after already blowing the pool budget by a mile. I proved that I’d use it all the time but still didn’t want to spend $12k+ on a ‘real’ tub years later. When the novelty wore off that it just couldn’t keep up in the cold winters when I wanted to use it the most, I winterized it and it sat for 5 years until I sold it.

Guess my fear is getting something that all I do is fix and not get to use

Upon selling mine I looked into what it would cost to rebuild to alleviate the fears of potential buyers and there wasn’t much to it. A $500 CPU, a $200 pump and a $300 heating element. Even if all 3 failed soon after purchase, it was far cheaper to fix than buy new if someone was handy. A particular models rare or expensive parts may change that equation but mine used standard balboa parts that were readily available and reasonably priced.

I will agree with @RDspaguy’s thoughts here, either yay or nay

 

[GCS]

I got my 110/220 tub (dream maker) as an experiment after already blowing the pool budget by a mile. I proved that I’d use it all the time but still didn’t want to spend $12k+ on a ‘real’ tub years later. When the novelty wore off that it just couldn’t keep up in the cold winters when I wanted to use it the most, I winterized it and it sat for 5 years until I sold it.

Upon selling mine I looked into what it would cost to rebuild to alleviate the fears of potential buyers and there wasn’t much to it. A $500 CPU, a $200 pump and a $300 heating element. Even if all 3 failed soon after purchase, it was far cheaper to fix than buy new if someone was handy. A particular models rare or expensive parts may change that equation but mine used standard balboa parts that were readily available and reasonably priced.

I will agree with @RDspaguy’s thoughts here, either yay or nay

Thx I will wait for him to chime in (I wish he was local to me as I would have already reached out to him to buy a reconditioned tub as I know that would be a good way for us to get a better/higher end tub more in our budget range - which is not 2k we can do a little more than that just not 10-12k, lol). Appreciate the info I find here as always.

Naturally I would take the advice I have read here and on reddit hot tubs and give a it a good cleaning via ahhsome before using since that seems to be highly recommended.

 

[Newdude]

Also worth noting, if you’re buying new, @RDspaguy will recommend buying the more expensive ‘relationship’ with the local dealer as opposed to no relationship or any help with the cheaper Costco or online tubs. My tub was $4500 + tax from the PB and was a good price at the time compared to the fancy ones. 9 years later they are available from many sources with free shipping which would have cost me tons at the time. When i was researching what to sell my tub for, I found many just like it, either brand new or new/leftover for $1500-$2000. Although I’d be on my own with any problems, I would personally have rolled the dice to save big.

If my choices were similarly priced between used and online from a bulk supplier, I’d go new/online because either way I’d have no support from the original dealer.

Also FWIW, your personal preferences can make a world of difference with the starter tub. If you aren’t looking to be using it in the snow, it will work awesome to its ability when it’s 60+ degrees out. Some massage beats no massage any day of the week. My wife who wussed out at cool temps instead of cold, thought it was great. I was terribly disappointed in the cold.

My main reasons for going with the starter tub were cost and the experiment because 50% of tubs sit unused once the newness wears off. But the other big reason I went 110 was figuring it would save a lot on my ridiculous electric bill. It really didn’t and most months were $80 to $100 to run it, pretty much what a 220v tub would have cost. So when it didn’t save and it didn’t produce like a bigger tub, I definitely had buyers remorse.

But again, YMMV. You may feel it’s a good experience and the savings you kept might make you warm and fuzzy instead, when the tub won’t.

 

[GCS]

Also worth noting, if you’re buying new, @RDspaguy will recommend buying the more expensive ‘relationship’ with the local dealer as opposed to no relationship or any help with the cheaper Costco or online tubs. My tub was $4500 + tax from the PB and was a good price at the time compared to the fancy ones. 9 years later they are available from many sources with free shipping which would have cost me tons at the time. When i was researching what to sell my tub for, I found many just like it, either brand new or new/leftover for $1500-$2000. Although I’d be on my own with any problems, I would personally have rolled the dice to save big.

If my choices were similarly priced between used and online from a bulk supplier, I’d go new/online because either way I’d have no support from the original dealer.

Also FWIW, your personal preferences can make a world of difference with the starter tub. If you aren’t looking to be using it in the snow, it will work awesome to its ability when it’s 60+ degrees out. Some massage beats no massage any day of the week. My wife who wussed out at cool temps instead of cold, thought it was great. I was terribly disappointed in the cold.

My main reasons for going with the starter tub were cost and the experiment because 50% of tubs sit unused once the newness wears off. But the other big reason I went 110 was figuring it would save a lot on my ridiculous electric bill. It really didn’t and most months were $80 to $100 to run it, pretty much what a 220v tub would have cost. So when it didn’t save and it didn’t produce like a bigger tub, I definitely had buyers remorse.

But again, YMMV. You may feel it’s a good experience and the savings you kept might make you warm and fuzzy instead, when the tub won’t.

LOL at the warm and fuzzy!

For us it would be for relaxation and some hydrotherapy yes. I have a bad back and multiple surgeries on a bad knee. As I have gotten older things just don't work like they used to and the aches and pains have certainly gone up (only 50 but sometimes feel 80 - who doesn't though). The tub would be on a screened porch all of 16 feet from our door and protected from the weather. We would put up curtains/screen in that area for privacy and are looking to hang out and relax and just soak. Would we have guests over and in it from time to time sure but not partying like its 1999 or anything. Mainly just family.

Cold weather usage - in the 60s yeah I know it would get used still, 50s questionable but I would say yes. Below that no I am sure the wife would wuss out as well - me I would still use it.

Electrical usage - yeah concerned about that either way. Don't want the bill going up 2-300+ of course but I do expect it to go up some. 110 vs 220 seems to be centered around jet power and being able to heat and run jets at the same time (ie inflatable ones can do one or the other not both and due to no insulation lose heat rapidly).

I am probably ok with spending 5k all in if new or a little more tbh but that is probably about the max I can go since we spent a lot to get our porch done (not quite there yet unfortunately) and I have 2 kids in college so tuition bills are smacking us around. I do agree I want a good support network for repairs etc but I can tell you around here anything new from a dealer is going to cost me 10k minimum even for a small tub.

Feature wise we want a nice tub that is not going to fall apart in 1 year and has good electronics, good pumps and provides nice massage therapy. Want to be able to use it when we want to not have to remember to "plan" to use it i.e. turn it on Monday so we can use it Tues night i.e. inflatable - if that is how its going to be I GUARANTEE we will not use it enough and will have wasted our $$. As far as nice things LEDs would be cool but not necessary don't care about waterfalls or speakers or any of that stuff. If I can afford to drop 10-15k yeah I might make sure I got that kind of stuff but otherwise no not needed.

 

[Newdude]

, good pumps and provides nice massage therapy. Want to be able to use it when we want to not have to remember to "plan" to use it i.e. turn it on Monday so we can use it Tues night i.e. inflatable -

Mine kept itself ready to go great. I cut a small piece of the pool solar cover scrap to help it even further. But as soon as I opened it in the cold, the temps started dropping. I would ‘hack’ it and only open the top halfway and then skootch under the solar cover like a blanket with my head sticking out. I was able to get 20 more minutes this way (40 ? Total but the 2nd half was warmish instead of hot). The Mrs though I looked like a fool and would not join in the cold. I didn’t care how foolish I looked in my own backyard by myself. It helped. Lol.

But. The thought of relaxing all day and the joy of first hopping in usually went away quickly when the jets just didn’t have the ooomph. I work outside in a physical way and forever have aches and pains. The starter tub wasn’t much more than a tease in that regard.

But again, to the Mrs who didn’t want to be blasted away with a deep tissue massage while she read her iPad in moderate weather, It was perfect for the price.

I would have gladly maintained it for the Mrs and teens if they used it, but them hopping in once a month wasn’t worth my efforts. Of course I was a jerk when I stopped maintaining it because I stopped using it all the time. Lol.

Now for entertaining some family members, on the other hand it will be great. Just like a built in spa in a plaster pool, the experience is about enjoying the company and not a full blown massage day. Nobody realizes that they aren’t all that comfy when they are laughing their heads off enjoying the get together. It needs to be relatively warm with some bubbles. That’s it. Good times are had easily here. But the smaller tubs are smaller too, so 4 adults is pushing it for most of them. And y’all’s better be close. Legs will be felt and unintentional games of footsie will be played.

 

[GCS]

Mine kept itself ready to go great. I cut a small piece of the pool solar cover scrap to help it even further. But as soon as I opened it in the cold, the temps started dropping. I would ‘hack’ it and only open the top halfway and then skootch under the solar cover like a blanket with my head sticking out. I was able to get 20 more minutes this way (40 ? Total but the 2nd half was warmish instead of hot). The Mrs though I looked like a fool and would not join in the cold. I didn’t care how foolish I looked in my own backyard by myself. It helped. Lol.

But. The thought of relaxing all day and the joy of first hopping in usually went away quickly when the jets just didn’t have the ooomph. I work outside in a physical way and forever have aches and pains. The starter tub wasn’t much more than a tease in that regard.

But again, to the Mrs who didn’t want to be blasted away with a deep tissue massage while she read her iPad in moderate weather, It was perfect for the price.

I would have gladly maintained it for the Mrs and teens if they used it, but them hopping in once a month wasn’t worth my efforts. Of course I was a jerk when I stopped maintaining it because I stopped using it all the time. Lol.

Now for entertaining some family members, on the other hand it will be great. Just like a built in spa in a plaster pool, the experience is about enjoying the company and not a full blown massage day. Nobody realizes that they aren’t all that comfy when they are laughing their heads off enjoying the get together. It needs to be relatively warm with some bubbles. That’s it. Good times are had easily here. But the smaller tubs are smaller too, so 4 adults is pushing it for most of them. And y’all’s better be close. Legs will be felt and unintentional games of footsie will be played.

well we would get at least a 6 person tub I’m sure.
Are there any “cheap” units worth getting these days.

 

[Newdude]

well we would get at least a 6 person tub I’m sure.

I had a ‘6 seater’. The two in the middle were 1 ft taller and uncomfortable for even children to sit on being so high.

Are there any “cheap” units worth getting these days

I haven’t checked in a while. I will see what I can find later. Waiting on a restraunt line at the moment. Lol. Thanks for helping pass the time.

 

[GCS]

I had a ‘6 seater’. The two in the middle were 1 ft taller and uncomfortable for even children to sit on being so high.

I haven’t checked in a while. I will see what I can find later. Waiting on a restraunt line at the moment. Lol. Thanks for helping pass the time.

Lol just finished dinner myself. Got to meet my daughter’s boyfriend tonight. Always an adventure haha

 

[Newdude]

Got to meet my daughter’s boyfriend tonight

Can’t wait myself !!!! Been studying for this most of my life.

 

[Newdude]

@GCS where are you located ? I just need a town to see what’s available nearby.

 

[RDspaguy]

Wow, long thread. I didn't read it all, kinda busy right now, but here's what I've got.
It is almost always cheaper to fix than buy new. The only question is how much $ for the tub?
The pumps are not wimpy on a convertable tub, they are sized by hp according to the manufacturers specs which are based on flow rate and head. It isn't the voltage that makes them wimpy, it's the low end price that does it.
The heater is definitely wimpy at 120v. Plus it has to turn off if the jets are on high, like when you use it.
I do recommend a used spa for your first tub. As @Newdude pointed out, it might lose it's appeal over time. If the price is right, get it. I can walk you through any repairs it might need if the local guy can't make it until March.

 

[RDspaguy]

Can’t wait myself !!!! Been studying for this most of my life. View attachment 360974

I told my daughters first date...
"The only thing you need to remember is that I am NOT afraid to go BACK to prison, so keep your little peter in your pants or I'll feed it to you." I was sharpening a 12" bowie knife at the time, just to be sure I had his attention.
I have never been to prison, but he didn't know that.

 

[GCS]

Wow, long thread. I didn't read it all, kinda busy right now, but here's what I've got.
It is almost always cheaper to fix than buy new. The only question is how much $ for the tub?
The pumps are not wimpy on a convertable tub, they are sized by hp according to the manufacturers specs which are based on flow rate and head. It isn't the voltage that makes them wimpy, it's the low end price that does it.
The heater is definitely wimpy at 120v. Plus it has to turn off if the jets are on high, like when you use it.
I do recommend a used spa for your first tub. As @Newdude pointed out, it might lose it's appeal over time. If the price is right, get it. I can walk you through any repairs it might need if the local guy can't make it until March.

No worries. It would have been $500 but the lady contacted me just now to tell me someone offered her more $$ and came and got it tonight so its gone. I was still researching things about what might be wrong and getting it moved and told her I would let her know this evening but she decided not to wait. Oh well I'll just keep looking.

 

[Newdude]

I do recommend a used spa for your first tub

This is what I’ve been leaning to for the last hour or so with the $5k budget. You can probably find a really good one that sat without being used much and is all but new. Many tub owners have buyers remorse and just don’t use them. I’d hire a local tech to give it a good once over before purchase. An hour or two labor would be priceless for the piece of mind.

with some basic searches there were many sales going on. I did find a 220v in the general budget.

Hudson Bay X-6 Spa | Hot Tub Hub

Hudson Bay X-6 Spa by Hot Tub Hub seats 6, with 81 stainless jets, LED lights, backlit waterfall, and MP3 audio system. Call now or order online to upgrade your spa setup!

hottubhub.com

This was my tub, or one of the many sisters of it.

hot tubs - Google Shopping

www.google.com

 

[GCS]

This is what I’ve been leaning to for the last hour or so with the $5k budget. You can probably find a really good one that sat without being used much and is all but new. Many tub owners have buyers remorse and just don’t use them. I’d hire a local tech to give it a good once over before purchase. An hour or two labor would be priceless for the piece of mind.

with some basic searches there were many sales going on. I did find a 220v in the general budget.

Hudson Bay X-6 Spa | Hot Tub Hub

Hudson Bay X-6 Spa by Hot Tub Hub seats 6, with 81 stainless jets, LED lights, backlit waterfall, and MP3 audio system. Call now or order online to upgrade your spa setup!

hottubhub.com

This was my tub, or one of the many sisters of it.

hot tubs - Google Shopping

www.google.com

Thanks.

Not that reddit is the end all be all of sources of course but read plenty of negative comments about the Dr Wellness stuff but then again I guess I am not really going to get a big time tub with a small budget. And the aqua living ads are everywhere on FB and CL and I just don't know how trustworthy they are (or their tubs of course)

I am seeing a few Sundance tubs within several hours of me (like 3-4). There is what appears to be a nice Bullfrog one around the corner from my house but its only a 3 person and the wife is like nope not doing that, lol.