New spa owner, troubleshooting

[x2rider]

So my wife found a 1991 sun dance Marin spa system 600 for $100 (hopefully not regretting this). The current homeowner said the previous owner said it was running but it needed a $50 part, as it wasn't heating up.

I'm new to these things, but I am electronically enclosed and somewhat mechanically inclined, so I'm going over the wiring to get familiar with it. I just tested the switches on top and they all work except for std/Econ and I'm not sure if the heat on/off switch is working. All knobs seem to turn ok.

Now for the questions.

Does it have to be full of water to test if the unit will power up and do a quick test to see if the pump will spin?

I am familiar with Bbb, do I run chlorine or bromine? I am not familiar with bromine.

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[x2rider]

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Not sure what this pinched hose is for
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[x2rider]

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[x2rider]

Is this a flow switch?
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[x2rider]

Found out that's a pressure switch, and could be the reason the heater doesn't turn on.

 

[x2rider]

Ok, the switches all seem to work, the pump runs, but it's leaking on the pump motor shaft, so a seal would be in order, but the motor is loud, so it's probably going to need a new one.

The C clip came off of the valve on the input to the pump, so that'll have to be replaced. We got it open enough to get some jets going.

The controls all seem to do "something" as in, only 1 main jet, and the small corner jets (if you can call them jets) will change when adjusting about any control dial on the tub. I'm guessing there's a blockage somewhere in the system?

When the unit is off, there seems to be some random "clicking" of relays inside, but no noise is made from the motor or anything else.

The underwater light works

 

[x2rider]

Got it working, replaced the motor, pump seal, pressure switch, over temp breaker and heating element.

Still need to replace the heater relay as only one side is kicking in so I moved the wire on the side not working until I get a replacement.

I had the blower working for a short while bit it needs replaced too. Will have less than $600 in the whole thing so I guess that's not too bad.

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[Bama Rambler]

That seems like a pretty good deal.

As for the chlorine/bromime thing. People do it both ways and either seem to work pretty well. Some people don't like the odor of bromine but some don't even notice it. I think it's more expensive than chlorine, but in spa quantities it's not enough to worry about.

 

[x2rider]

Added it all up and total is $520