Cal Spas Traditional (PS4], complete rebuild or rebuy?

[shellsingleton]

I have a hot tub that hasn’t been ran in years. The original home owners said it only needed the heater replaced. I found out the pump was no longer working after I changed the heater and it has sat since then. I filled it a couple years ago to see if it leaked. It did. From around the light fixture, maybe a couple jets.
The finish seems to be in really good shape since it has been stored dry, under an insulated cover.
However, I can see myself having to change all the plumbing, pump, heater, control module, head rest pads, maybe even the jets. The surround/base is completely shot, I‘d have to build a new one.
Trying to weight the cost difference between buying new vs rebuilding this spa. Anyone have a rough idea on costs to replace the components vs buying a new similar size spa? I like projects but if it’s going to cost half the price of new then it may not be worth it.
The control module seems to run on pneumatics? Are the new spas controlled the same way? Seems like there are several areas where I can upgrade/modernize during the rebuild.
Thanks, Shell

 

[RDspaguy]

It will be a fraction of the cost to just fix it. That said, what is your time, sweat, blood, and frustration worth? I do this for a living, and you just described a week of work for me.
You might think about buying used. If you count your time worth anything you can get a much newer running spa for less. You are talking about $1500 or so in materials plus your time. Shop the used market (craigslist, fakebook) first and see what is out there.

 

[shellsingleton]

 

[shellsingleton]

It will be a fraction of the cost to just fix it. That said, what is your time, sweat, blood, and frustration worth? I do this for a living, and you just described a week of work for me.
You might think about buying used. If you count your time worth anything you can get a much newer running spa for less. You are talking about $1500 or so in materials plus your time. Shop the used market (craigslist, fakebook) first and see what is out there.

Thank you! That’s exactly the kind of info I needed. I think I’m going to go for, probably this fall/winter. Sounds like it’s worth my time.

 

[cranbiz]

With the current state of the hot tub market, you just may be better off fixing it, IF you can get the parts. Parts are in short supply too.
If you do decide to look at the used market, you need to be able to move quickly, good used tubs are not there long.
Only look at tubs that are up and running so you can test all the functions and check for leaks. You got one project, you really don't want 2 (unless you can find a really cheap donor tub that can supply the parts you need).

 

[shellsingleton]

 

[shellsingleton]

With the current state of the hot tub market, you just may be better off fixing it, IF you can get the parts. Parts are in short supply too.
If you do decide to look at the used market, you need to be able to move quickly, good used tubs are not there long.
Only look at tubs that are up and running so you can test all the functions and check for leaks. You got one project, you really don't want 2 (unless you can find a really cheap donor tub that can supply the parts you need).

Thank you, good to have multiple people suggest the same. I’ll start doing the research on components and ease into this when I‘m prepared.
Added some pics to make sure no one sees any deal killers. I think the insulation might be a nuisance when I’m swapping jets, replacing hoses etc but I can re-insulate with 2-part foam afterwards.
I had said it was stored dry, and it was, until a storm blew the cover open while I was away from the house. I will get in it and clean it today.

 

[cranbiz]

That doesn't look like a bear to get at the lights and plumbing. It really has minimal insulation to deal with.

Nothing wrong with the old time timer system, much less complex to work on and keep running. Those spa packs are pretty easy to work on over today's electronic based systems that need a specialist to repair or usually, a complete board swap.

 

[shellsingleton]

Nothing wrong with the old time timer system, much less complex to work on and keep running. Those spa packs are pretty easy to work on over today's electronic based systems that need a specialist to repair or usually, a complete board swap.

Thank you for that insight. This may be a simpler project than I expected.

 

[RDspaguy]

I can re-insulate with 2-part foam afterwards.

I wouldn't. Get a few sheets of foam board and cut it to fit between the frame boards behind the skirting. Cheaper, easier, and you can remove it if you need to work on it again.

much less complex to work on and keep running.

Well... If you know how to use a multimeter and understand the basics of 3-wire motor control circuitry it can be very easy to troubleshoot, but most modern tubs are self diagnosing for the most part. Individual components are cheaper than a board, but if you have to buy everything in the pack a board is cheaper, and less likely to have problems. Dial controls are imprecise. Pneumatic buttons operate switches with no time-out, so you can leave the pump on high all night and burn up the pump, overheat the spa, and run up a huge electric bill in the process. Manual reset safety devices can lead to freezing during the winter. And, if you aren't planning on fixing it yourself, you will be hard pressed to find anyone in the industry who still knows how to work on them.
I personally would buy a $450 balboa vs system with heater and control panel before I bought a single part for that old pack.
That is a seriously old tub. I'd say early 90's at the latest. Pressure filters are fun. Expect leaking jet thru-wall gaskets, and buy the tool for the jet flanges. Replacement pillows will be fun to find, if they still make them.
Compared to most modern spas, that tub is seriously underwhelming. Few jets, low hp pump, uncomfortable seats, useless skimmer, and prone to not working (a dirty filter will cause a high limit trip, shutting down the heater and possibly pump until reset).
And what is that rust stain below the handrail? Are there acrylic cracks there?

 

[shellsingleton]

After a few days to think, seems like RDspaguy is speaking truth. I wouldn’t be happy to spend time and money to end up with something inferior.