Hi everyone,
I've got a 2001 Hot Spring Vanguard that I bought used about 7 years ago. It was an ordeal getting it out of it's original backyard (huge crane) then getting it into my backyard but has been great for the family over the years. It's developed leaks in the plumbing during the past couple years. The shell remains pristine and in excellent condition. I've dug into it twice in two different locations and fixed slow drips were the flex PVC attaches to the jets. This definitely wasn't for the feint of heart as I had to remove the cabinet, dig out foam and mine for the leaky spot. But leaks continue to develop to the point where it's time to go all in or take it to the dump. I'm thinking of flipping it over, gutting the whole thing down to the shell, replumbing the entire thing, and rebuilding the frame and cabinet. I'm fully aware of the labor involved here, but it's either I put in my time and we get our hot tub back or we take it to the dump and don't get a new one. Our budget would allow for the replacement parts needed (just plumbing and a few jets) but buying a new hot tub is out of the question. I have all the skills needed for this type of thing, have build my own home, built solar water and PV systems, run my own custom cabinet shop, restore cars, etc. What I need to know is how many of you think this is insane and 100% futile? I was ready to construct my own scratch build concrete/tile hot tub but I'm staring at this complete unit out there that is perfectly good, except for those pesky leaks. opinions? I've been informed that Hot Spring uses the foam for structural support which could be an issue for me. I could certainly re-foam it, but I'd prefer to use loose insulation and build the cabinet with removable panels so I can access all the plumbing for future repairs. Maybe my biggest concern is that, despite the might of the entire internet, I can't seem to find anyone else who has stripped down their tub as much as I want to, leading me to believe that what I'm proposing is ill advised. I think I've tackled crazier projects, but maybe not...
I've got a 2001 Hot Spring Vanguard that I bought used about 7 years ago. It was an ordeal getting it out of it's original backyard (huge crane) then getting it into my backyard but has been great for the family over the years. It's developed leaks in the plumbing during the past couple years. The shell remains pristine and in excellent condition. I've dug into it twice in two different locations and fixed slow drips were the flex PVC attaches to the jets. This definitely wasn't for the feint of heart as I had to remove the cabinet, dig out foam and mine for the leaky spot. But leaks continue to develop to the point where it's time to go all in or take it to the dump. I'm thinking of flipping it over, gutting the whole thing down to the shell, replumbing the entire thing, and rebuilding the frame and cabinet. I'm fully aware of the labor involved here, but it's either I put in my time and we get our hot tub back or we take it to the dump and don't get a new one. Our budget would allow for the replacement parts needed (just plumbing and a few jets) but buying a new hot tub is out of the question. I have all the skills needed for this type of thing, have build my own home, built solar water and PV systems, run my own custom cabinet shop, restore cars, etc. What I need to know is how many of you think this is insane and 100% futile? I was ready to construct my own scratch build concrete/tile hot tub but I'm staring at this complete unit out there that is perfectly good, except for those pesky leaks. opinions? I've been informed that Hot Spring uses the foam for structural support which could be an issue for me. I could certainly re-foam it, but I'd prefer to use loose insulation and build the cabinet with removable panels so I can access all the plumbing for future repairs. Maybe my biggest concern is that, despite the might of the entire internet, I can't seem to find anyone else who has stripped down their tub as much as I want to, leading me to believe that what I'm proposing is ill advised. I think I've tackled crazier projects, but maybe not...
Last edited by a moderator: