Hot Tub Things | Supplies, Parts, Accessories

Monday, January 10, 2011

SPAS

For 8 years I delivered and service Hotspring Spas, Tiger River Spas, Hot Spot Spas and in the last year I did service on Apollo Spas, Arctic Spas and Coyote Spas. Now just to let you know that my opinions will lead towards one spa manufacturer. I say that because of what I came across with in the last year. It gave me time to compare and evaluate in my opinion what spa was better than one or the other. So you will get the pros and the cons of each spa and you can be the judge of it.

I'll get down to the spa models in familiar with,
Hotsprings :
Grandee
Vangaurd
Sovereign
Vista
Aria
Envoy
Prodigy
Jetsetter
Classic Series

Tiger River Spas
Siberian
Sumatran
Bengal

Limelight
Pulse
Flair
Glow

Solona
SX=Square
TX=Triangle

Hot SpotTempo
Relay
Sprint
Dash
Mallorca

Artic Spas and Apollo Spas
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109 comments:

  1. MacGyverMay 28, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Is it possible to replace the bearing in a Wavemaster 7000 jet pump ver 1.0? My pump started making a crazy loud metalic noise, and I'm hoping I won't have to replace the whole thing. It's a 1hp with the metal band on the water side.

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  2. SpAqua DocMay 29, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    MacGyver..Finding bearings for the wavemaster 7000 will be difficult. Now a these days everyone is just replacing the motor or complete jet pump. If your pump is making grinding noises, I'm sorry to tell you the bad news but you already know what it is. The grinding noise will only get louder to a point that the motor will completely stop working.
    Here's a link to a parts page online, that you might have or might not have http://www.backyardplus.com/pumps-wavemaster-7000-version-1-36070-parts.php Hope this will lead you to the right direction to getting a cheaper motor..Any more questions please let me know..

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  3. JdubJune 16, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Hi spaqua Doc, I am trying to repair some leaks on a 98 tiger river Bengal. I have fixed the leaks in the compartment and now I will have to move on to the plumbing. In your experience, what is the best way to do this and is there a plumbing diagram available so I am not digging around blindly?

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  4. SpAqua DocJune 16, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    JDub...From what I've been thru in fixing leaks on Hotspring and Tiger River Spas. This is what we call an "IN FOAM LEAKS". In Foam Leaks are very hard to repair if you don't know what you are doing. So here's my suggestion on fixing this. I'm guessing your tub is completely drained if not please do so. Next step is to lift the spa on air atleast 2ft above ground so you can work underneath it if the leak is found underneath the spa. What I mean by that is putting 4 by 6 timbers in a U-shape underneath the spa. Leaving the opening part of the U-shape towards the Equipment door. Might I mention you might need 2 more guys with you to do this lift.
    Once you have the spa up in air. You're going to need to fill it up. Let the tub run for a day and check to see where water is leaking from. Now remember water finds its own way out. Look for water dripping from the foam, wood slats, underneath the spa. Start from where you see the water dripping from. (Again this will not be an easy task for anyone even for the PROs.)You gotta dig thru the foam. If the water is hot than the hot water will lead you back to the leak. If the water is cold before it reaches the dripping point, dig the foam and follow the discolored foam. Discolored foam is the darkish orange foam. That means the spas been leaking for a little while. Follow the hot water of discolored foam and it should lead to a loose fitting to a T or the back of the jet or. But if the spa has been sitting for a long while with water in it in the WINTER time than it might have freeze damage. That means lots of plumbing and fitting repairs...I hope this helps..Just let me know how it goes...

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  5. JitsterJuly 1, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    Hi spaqua Doc, i'm in the same boat as JDub. I have a 2004 Bengal Model M which is leaking. The water level settled just below the hydro massage jet opposite the control panel. Is there any way to replace the jet without digging through the foam? I'm just going by process of elimination and looking for the easiest fixes first. Also, have you tried fix-a-leak? Thanks for any inputs.

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  6. SpAqua DocJuly 1, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Jitster,
    There's no easy way to fix a leak on a Tiger River or a Hot Spring Spa. Especially the in foam leaks. Fix a leak is ok for "PIN HOLE LEAKS". Not great for any thing bigger than that. Jitster...as I recall that year Hot Spring and Tiger River Spas just came out with removable side panels to install stereo speakers for the SPAUDIO stereo system. To see if it is a removable side panel...Look underneath the spa for 3 stainless steel wood screws on the black kick plate. They are painted black to match the black kick plate on the bottom. If you find the screws remove them....feel underneath the wood siding for handle grooves. (It's an indentation for your hands to pull panel off). Once you remove the panel off your better off finding the leak alot faster than digging the foam from underneath or actually removing one wood slat at a time to get to the leak. I hope this helps out in getting to the leak alot faster...let me know how it goes..Thanks, Pep

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  7. KgradyJuly 20, 2011 at 5:33 AM

    Hello Mr SpAqua Doc,
    Well - this must be a common occurrence! I to have a Hot Springs Sovereign (2001 edition). It was given to me and is in perfect shape. Everything works with the exception of the heater - and a new one is on the way. I do have a leak however that is appearing from underneath in the approximate location of the main drain and light. I'm loosing maybe a gallon every day or 2. The spa has been leveled out which gives me a wonderful opportunity to pear underneath. I drained the spa and noticed that the leak resided and then stopped after the water level fell below the light, the moto-massage, and the 10 jet chair. I'm pretty sure the light is not suspect as I have inspected it and found no issues. I snaked a garden hose into the moto-massage unit and filled the cavity partially with water and I 'think' the leak reappeared - so this might be the source of the problem. Further testing will confirm this assumption - however - my question to you sir - what would be the procedure to remove the siding (in the general area of the moto-massage) if I wanted to attack the leak from this respective? I'm pretty sure the model of my spa does not account for removable sides but I was hoping that maybe you have tackled this before. Otherwise I have enjoyed reading your comments and I thank you for your pending response.

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  8. SpAqua DocJuly 20, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    Kgrady,
    Check this out...I think you have the siding that is like TREX DECKING but it's orange with really rigged exterior. Now to remove these panels you will have to do it one by one. There will be staples on the bottom end of the (we'll call it the wood slat for now) wood slat and at the very top where the wood slat goes underneath the spa shell is also stapled in. A chisel, small screw driver, or what ever tool you have in hand that is flat to peel from the bottom end of the wood slat..If need be use a needle nose plyer to help with removing the staples. Now just a warning..The top end of the wood slat will not come out easy as the bottom end of the wood slat. Reason be is that the top end of the slat is stapled right at the top of the spa shell where it curves down. If you are very careful you can basically wiggle the top end of the wood slat without breaking the slat itself. Now if you notice that it is hard to peel off the slat from the side of the spa...use a heat gun to warm up the slat. Do not heat the slat toooooooo hot, just hot enough to soften up the caulking they use to seal up the slats together. Use the heat gun atleast 8-12 inches away from the slat...too close will melt the slat...that will not be good...Just remember slow and steady and you will accomplish this job in no time...let me know how it goes..

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  9. UnknownJuly 25, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Hi SpAqua Doc...
    We have a Sumatran N Tiger River Spa. The panel for the heater was just replaced. Now we are getting good heat and functioning - but only when the jets are running in the 9 o'clock position. If the comfort system is moved the Ready and Power lights begin blinking and heating stops (circ pump keeps running). Once returned to the 9 o'clock position all rights itself and the heater begins again.

    We drained the spa and refilled directly through the filter line to push any air out of the lines but that didn't seem to fix the issue. Have run it without the filter, with the filter, and with a new filter.

    The only thing that we can see visibly is that two of the jets on the far left do not appear to be blowing at the same intensity as the others. There is some flow but not as much at the third jet.

    Any ideas of what our issue may be or what to do next?

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  10. SpAqua DocJuly 25, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Tara,
    I might know what you are going thru. Bad news is something is clogging up your plumbing also your 2 jets that are getting low pressure to them. Sumatran Spa uses only one filter which is capped down by a gray cap that screws the fitler down on to a gray stand pipe. The gray stand pipe has what i call air vents along side it. Now, do you use the SILVER ION CARTRIIDGE?? If so, the cartridge if left in the gray stand pipe for toooooooo long can break apart and let the gray beads get sucked in the plumbing lines. It is also creating blockage to your 2 jets, but if it's not the beads blocking the line it might be the simple thing like HAIR...Enough hair in the lines will definitely create the same problem...AND one last thing If the wrong filter was used to filter the spa water anything could have gotten in the plumbing lines...let me know what you find out...definitely something is stuck in the lines...

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  11. UnknownJuly 26, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    Thanks SpAqua Doc. Do you recommend a jet line cleaner to flush the lines or something more intense?

    We don't use the Silver Ion Cartridge - should we? The spa came with the house...so we are certainly novices.

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  12. SpAqua DocJuly 28, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    Tara,
    It's going to take something more intense..I only say that because we do not know what is clogging the lines or where in the lines it is being blocked at. As for the Silver Ion...In my opinion it's a great addition to your spa and spa water care, but if regular chlorine is working for you then I'm not going to make you change how you take care of your spa....

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  13. Bradc4August 23, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Hello,
    I found this thread and am very curious about something, I have a 2000 Tiger River Bengal Spa and its leaking from one of the pipes or jets/intakes from the bottom footwell, if I only fill the bottom foot well with water it leaks right away, i dont believe its the bottom drain as it stops leaking after it passes the 2 jets and inlet on the same plain. It leaks out under the tub and thats what makes me believe that its a pipe, Im not sure the history on this tub as I just picked it up(for free!) My question is that I read that the bottom kick plate may unscrew and then have access to the bottom of the tub, did I read this correctly?with my tub on its side the bottom looks like a bunch of 2x4's and then foam filled between, are you suggesting this whole panel unscrews somehow so I dont have to dig through that foam? if so can you guide me to where to look for the screws? Let me know if you need more info to answer my question! Thank you in advance!

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  14. SpAqua DocAugust 24, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Bradc4,
    Hey the 2000 Tiger River Bengal does not have a removable panel anywhere on the spa itself. So you say the leak stops at a certain spot just under the 2 jets that spay onto your calves. I'm thinking real hard, Those 2 jets i think are about the same height as the LIGHT LENSE. If they are then you might take a look at the light lense before deciding to do anything outrages like lifting the spa to dig foam..Open the EQ DOOR...that's where all the jet pump and things are. Look on the inside of the compartment wall for the light lense. Look carefully for the WHITE RESIDUE aka Calcium build up that will normally tell you that there's a leak...Lets start from there around the light lense...let me know what you find....

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  15. Ginny & DevanOctober 10, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    hello Doc

    I am looking at a used 2002 tiger Siberian everything looks great on it no leaks everthing works. I would like to get your oponion if this is a good tub.

    Thank you for your time.

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  16. SpAqua DocOctober 12, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    Ginny & Devan,
    Yes, It is a very good spa. Sounds like whom ever you are going to get the spa from had it up and running for you to see. That's always good. If you have anymore questions please let me know.

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  17. masterspapartsOctober 31, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    Really nice post,thank you... Spa Plumbing Parts

    ReplyDelete
  18. WesleyGDecember 23, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Hello SpAqua Doc, I have a bit of a silly problem. I have an 03 or 04 arctic spa 7 person tub with 2 pumps. I had some leaking issues so it has been drained a few times lately but they are all fixed now. During one of the drains for repairs one of the diverter valve handles popped off and was floating in the water. I thought nothing of it until I refilled the hot tub and couldn't find it. I then realized that when I was doing some repairs last the water level was right around the intakes (which at the time didn't have there covers on). I fear it may now be in the plumbing somewhere. Almost certain of it actually. Wondering if you can give me the basic plumbing diagram of how the circulation of the tub works and where the handle may have gone so I have some idea of where to start looking. Already stuck a long piece of wire in the intakes to see if it was right there but no luck. Any help would be great.
    Thanks

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  19. AaronJanuary 16, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Hello, I just purchased a used 2004 Apollo Cobalt spa, it was up and running when I purchased it, in good condition as far as I can tell. I got it hot and up and running no problem, the 1st night with just me, everything was great then my and the family went out and got in it and I think it got a little too full of water and after a few minute the motors stopped and the 3 lights on control panel were blinking, so i went to reset the GFI and when I powered the tub back up the control panel doesn't come on. There is power to control box, but I can't get anything to come on. Did the control panel go bad or what might have happened, I don't see any water anywhere near the control box...

    Thanks
    Aaron

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  20. Trey MoranMarch 3, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    I have an 04 Hot Springs Grandee. One of the Wavemaster 7000 pumps (Jet #1) has become twice as loud as the other pump. Not a grinding or anything, just very loud. could this be something simple like a bearing?How can I test the motor to see exactly where the noise is coming from? I have it out of the spa but have not gotten past the impeller. its still wired in but breakers are off.

    Thanks!

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  21. Jamie LivingstonApril 10, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    Hi there,

    Do you know if I can remove the sides of a 1997 Hot Springs Sovereign? Water is dripping from the wood panel on one side.

    There are staples on the bottom of the wood panel. Is it hard to get off? What about putting them back on if I get them off?

    Please let me know.

    Thanks

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    Replies
    1. SpAqua DocApril 10, 2012 at 12:40 PM

      Hey Jamie,

      Yes, you can remove the wood slats off one by one. Staples will be located on the bottom of the slat, i think 2 strong and sturdy staples and 2 more on the very top of the wood slat. The problem with the one on the very top is that it is placed under the lip of plastic curve of the spa. Each slat will be glued on the tongue and grove sides of the slats. Use a heat gun to soften up the glue and a box knife to carefully move up and down the tongue and grove. This will help loosen the sides from one another. Once you get the glue soften up and the slat starts to peel off from the bottom. You can use a long and strong screw driver and work out the staples from the top of the wood slat from the under side.

      Just remember...the wood is old and soft. Be very careful with everything you use to remove the slat. Having broken slats are really not an option unless you have access to a Hotspring Spas dealer with a service center near by so you can stop by and pick up a wood slat to replace the broken one or more..

      As for putting the slat back on. No staple is needed. Hot glue and a caulking called LIQUID NAILS. The hot glue will be used on the tongue and grooves of the backside of the wood slat. The glue will be used to help hold the slap up long enough for the LIQUID NAILS to cure and hold up the slat...

      I hope this helps out.

      Delete
  22. UnknownNovember 9, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    Perhaps you can help me out with an issue I am having. We own a Hotsprings Relay hot tub. After noticing some water on the surrounding patio I pulled off the panel on the opposite side of the control panel. There are clear tube hosing pointing downwards which appear to be the air intakes for the jets. When the heater is going and the pump is running on low one of these hoses drips water out of it. If we turn that jet up on high the suction stops any water from leaking.

    So my question to you is if this is a fitting leak or something else. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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  23. UnknownNovember 19, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    Spa Doc,

    I have a 2000 Tiger River Siberian, I recently had the heater board replaced and now the red light is flashing. I have turned it off repeatedly and it still flashed red. what can i do!

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownNovember 20, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    Hi. I have a 98 hot springs Grandee G model. I acquired a leak in the back left corner if you standing infromt of the pump/electrical compartment. When i tool covering off and foam out I noticed it was leaking from a broken nipple that a 1/4 tube was connected to. It is not affiliated with the snake looking apparatus then attaches into the recessed area. My question is, What is this 1/4 hose for and if for nothing major, may I cap off the hose and plug the hole? Also do you have plumbing schematics for this model?

    Sincerely;
    Chris P.
    guido874@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. klsmith32December 15, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    Hi,

    I have a Hot Spot Mallorca and a little while back it quit heating and the three indicator lights are flashing. Any ideas what is wrong?

    Thanks,
    Kent

    ReplyDelete
  26. UnknownJanuary 22, 2013 at 2:45 AM

    Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to burns because their reaction time to scalding water is slower. Small children don't know how to remove themselves from the threat of scalding water either. Plumbers World

    ReplyDelete
  27. lizzie3bFebruary 4, 2013 at 11:23 PM

    I am thinking of buying a second hand spa, well hot spring 1997 sovereign model (yes 16yrs old). The pump has been replaced, just wondering how long they last? I read your comment about the wood being old and soft. Is it worth $1500?

    ReplyDelete
  28. thebozFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:10 AM

    I have a 2000 +/- Tiger River Bengal M spa that is leaking. Now for the fun part.

    There is a small vinyl tube coming from somewhere inside the shell through a hole into the bottom of the pump compartment. This tube goes to the bottom of the heater assembly. The leak is coming from where the tube comes through the hole in the shell.

    Anyone have any idea where the other end of this small tube attaches inside the shell? I don't want to go digging around in the foam without an idea where to start.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousAugust 17, 2013 at 6:29 AM

      I have the same problem on a 98 Hot Spring Landmark, but small tube from one of the pumps. It is leaking right up through the hole in the white plastic compartment where the tube disappears into the foam. Ever fix this one yet? Please let me know. Coppersilverado@yahoo.com

      Delete
    2. SpAqua DocAugust 17, 2013 at 10:22 AM

      That small tube you are talking about is a bleedline tubing. It helps prevent air from getting trapped in the wet end of the pump. Usually if water is dripping or leaking from it it means that the nipple to one of the jets or a multiport manifold is cracking and starting to fall apart. Seems like it's going thru the compartment area. You might have to cut out the white plastic to see where it leads to.

      Delete
  29. AnonymousMay 16, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    Spa Doc,
    I have located a leak at the moto-massage on my 1998 HS Sovereign. At the hose clamp where it attaches to the nipple of the MM. Nipple appears to be broken off between shell and MM. Is there a fitting that seals the area between the MM, shell and tubing?
    Thanks, JDOG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SpAqua DocMay 17, 2013 at 10:11 AM

      JDOG,
      The nipple on the moto massage is not replaceable or fixable but the nipple coming from the spa shell is replaceable. When the nipple on the MM is broken it's time to replace the whole MM jet itself. But the nipple in the spa shell can be drilled out and replaced with a new nipple. You will need a plastic repair kit called DEVCON repair kit to adhere the new nipple to the old drilled out nipple...Hope this is of help..

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJuly 21, 2017 at 6:31 PM

      Can you drill and tap the plastic shell in the back of the moto massage the hose broke

      Delete
  30. AnonymousJuly 29, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    Spa Doc,

    I have a 2001 Hot Springs Sovereign that has a very slow leak. I noticed the water dripping around the black plastic tube that attaches to the wavemaster jet pump. The tub has stop draining just below one of the single Hydromassage jets with directional nozzle on the left hand side of the tub. In your opinion do you think that my leak could be behind that jet? Is it possible if it were that the water would travel all the way to the daylight where the hose connecting to the jet pump comes out? I really do not want to have to remove the side panels and dig through the foam not knowing where the leak is. Do you have any suggestions or advise you could give.

    Thank you in advance for your review and feedback.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SpAqua DocAugust 1, 2013 at 2:45 PM

      If water was actually draining from a broken hose or plumbing inside the equipment compartment water would definitely drain out completely. Since it stopped at a level under a jet it might be the jet that you are looking at. But also that it could be coming from plumbing that is also about the same height as it stopped. The only black tubing I know of that's inside of the equipment compartment from the OZONE. Check it out. It's a black rubbery tubing that gets old and brittle after years of use with the ozone. The tubing itself has a ventury loop inside the compartment. The loop has to be looped higher then the IQ 2000 control box...that would be my guess...but if its coming from the jet you suspect you are going to have to do some digging....

      Delete
  31. AnonymousOctober 3, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    I have a 2004 Hotspriings Vanguard. I have dripping comming from the area just behind the kick plate of the left drain cap. There is no water inside the pump/motor compartment. I have found that the leak follows the wood kickplate until it reaches the other right side drain cap, then drips onto the ground. I lowered the water level to the lower foot level and marked the water level inside the skimmer. The water drained down to just below the skimmer intake that holds the silver ion cartridge. The light appears free of defects and looks watertight. The water level in the lower foot area did not go lower. Can I and should I remove the side panel to see if the leak is to drain pipe plumbing? Your suggestions are greatly appreiciated!

    ReplyDelete
  32. BagsOctober 11, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    Spa Doc,

    I have a Grandee model g I drained it without disconnecting the power but turned off the heat. Ever sincere the power on light blinks and heat or pumps don't work. I disconnected the power for an hour and nothing. When I turn one breaker on it blinks when I only turn the other on nothing. Also when I opened the compartment I noticed the small pump was leaking from the housing I tightened the hex nuts and I think it fixed the problem. What can I do to get it back up and running? Please help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SpAqua DocOctober 14, 2013 at 2:10 PM

      Your Grandee spa....has 2 breakers, 20 amp breaker runs the heater and the circulation pump. The 30 amp breaker runs the jet pump. To me it sounds like the circulation pump was left on while the the spa was draining. That can leave the red light blinking when it powers up. Check out the circ pump to see it its getting power. Other Issue can be that the circ pump can be working but the FILTERS are clogged or dirty. The filter can be clean to the human eye but the circ pump is trying to hard to pull water thru the filters. Another issue can be an air bubble in the circulation plumbing line. This normally happens after a refill of the spa. When the tub is completely drained. Plumbing will be empty to. Proper way to fill a Hot Springs Spa is thru the filter area. Filling the spa from there will eliminate the air bubble issue. Filling it thru the filter, what that does...It pushes all the air out of the plumbing lines to have nothing but water inside them...I hope this helps out...and oh yeah....check for small water ripples...That will tell you if you have a working circ pump also...Make sure that the jet pumps are not on to see the small water ripples..The ripples will come out the same spot the heat will normally come out from.

      Delete
  33. AnonymousOctober 13, 2013 at 6:14 PM

    Spa Doc,

    Im looking at a Tiger River Siberian Tub 2004. It has a heating problem. The panel and jets work though no heat. Is there a method to trouble shoot this issue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SpAqua DocOctober 14, 2013 at 2:15 PM

      Your Grandee spa....has 2 breakers, 20 amp breaker runs the heater and the circulation pump. The 30 amp breaker runs the jet pump. To me it sounds like the circulation pump was left on while the the spa was draining. That can leave the red light blinking when it powers up. Check out the circ pump to see it its getting power. Other Issue can be that the circ pump can be working but the FILTERS are clogged or dirty. The filter can be clean to the human eye but the circ pump is trying to hard to pull water thru the filters. Another issue can be an air bubble in the circulation plumbing line. This normally happens after a refill of the spa. When the tub is completely drained. Plumbing will be empty to. Proper way to fill a Hot Springs Spa is thru the filter area. Filling the spa from there will eliminate the air bubble issue. Filling it thru the filter, what that does...It pushes all the air out of the plumbing lines to have nothing but water inside them...I hope this helps out...and oh yeah....check for small water ripples...That will tell you if you have a working circ pump also...Make sure that the jet pumps are not on to see the small water ripples..The ripples will come out the same spot the heat will normally come out from

      Delete
    2. Dan ZNovember 25, 2013 at 10:38 AM

      At the bottom of the heater is a reset button, make sure it is reset also, especially if you have the metal tube heater that makes a complete loop....been there, done that!

      Delete
  34. Dan ZNovember 25, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    Hello Spa Doc, I just purchased a 2004 Tiger Siberian, it is filled and heated however I just noticed water dripping on the outside in the corner with all the jets, I assume my leak is in that vicinity because when it was moved the mover had it resting on the cart on that side and it was cold out. My guess is a cracked line, should I use some red food coloring or dye to find it? My side panel has stainless screws in it so I assume it is removable, will there be a lot of foam to dig through at that corner? Do you recommend Plast-Aid to repair leaks?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Dan ZNovember 25, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    I forgot to mention, I also have a drip abobe the IQ2020 that was thankfully dripping onto the metal bracket, the area where it is dripping is coated in JB Weld, I assume I won't be able to get that off to find the leak, any suggestions? Maybe use the water tight version of JB Weld over what is already there? It is just a drip every couple seconds.

    ReplyDelete
  36. yoloDecember 7, 2013 at 9:25 AM

    I'm working on a 2004 Hot Springs Vanguard and the control panel is blank and cont get the main pump to work, the spa is heating though. I can unplug the control and plug it back in and it will come on for a few seconds on go off again . I did get it to stay on once and got the pump to work and then I stopped the pump and could not get it to run again. I want to know if it is the main control board or the control panel? Thanks Otto

    ReplyDelete
  37. CoochVTDecember 19, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    I have a Tiger River Bengal that I just got. It's been working very well up until last night. The pump started making noise and when I took off the service panel some of the lines that would normally have water in them don't. Any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  38. Dean C.December 28, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    We have a Tiger River Bengal with a slow leak in the floor drain valve assembly. We believe that it might have a slight crack in the drain valve assembly (located tub-side of the assembly and the valve) from the last time we drained the tub, when we were disconnecting our hose from the drain valve. Question: can the old drain valve assembly be removed, and if so, how? How does the replacement get attached?

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2014 at 8:06 AM

    Hi spa doc. I have a 2004 grandee that is leaking in the equipment compartment. The pumps have a large black fordable hose that hooks to the rear. On the back pump where that hose enters the spa there is a small stream of water coming out. It is worse with jet pump turned on. No water in that hose.

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2014 at 6:23 AM

    The hose on the back of the pump is very "flexible" which was autocorrected to fordable. It is thin and corrugated.

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2014 at 4:10 PM

    I have a 2000 Hot spring sovereign. There's an elbow joint connecting 2 tubes coming off the circulation pump that had a small nipple like attachment with a very small diameter tube/hose coming off it going who knows where. Is this an essential connection? Do I need to replace it? Does anyone know?

    ReplyDelete
  42. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2014 at 4:20 PM

    I have a Grande Spa 1993 Model and have done most repairs myself. I'm having a problem with the small plastic 1/4" tubes that run from the base of each jet pump down below the floor of the service compartment. There is also another tube the same size attached to the heater...it also is routed under the floor. Mice have chewed these plastic tubes and I reconnected them with brass barb splicers at the floor level. One has now worn through the tubing below the floor level so that there is a tiny leak even with the barb splicer fully inserted. I wrongly assumed that these tubes were connected under the floor with a T connector but when I tried compressed air through the tubes there was no airflow, except a trickle from the heater tube. Is there a way to detour these connections above the floor level or is there a component below the floor that I don't know about.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousNovember 18, 2015 at 11:33 AM

      I have the exact same problem. Did you find a solution or a schematic?

      Delete
  43. UnknownFebruary 28, 2014 at 11:36 PM

    Hello SpAqua Doc,
    Lots of great feedback here :)
    I have found your web page as my 2008/09 Hot Springs Tiger River Sumatran sprang a BIG leak inside the last 24 hours. I took off the side panel under the control panel - and saw that the housing of the heater was leaking. I turned the spa off and had a closer look, and the heater inlet housing where the hose attaches to the heater assembly seemed to be cracked and dribbling. I flexed the hose and a lot of water poured out.
    After draining the spa - and flexing the fitting further it came anywhere the hose nipple is fixed to the heater body.
    the tiger river manual says the whole heater unit needs to be replaced - do you agree? I was going to have a crack at epoxying the connection....
    Peculiar that the fitting would crack like that??
    Thanks for any feedback and regards, Allen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousSeptember 13, 2014 at 8:45 PM

      did it work???? We did the exact same thin to our spa tonight. We have a Bengal Tiger river... It worked well. The pump came on and the heater got hot... yeah... but then when we checked it a few hours later,,, it is not heating and the heater is not hot at all..... Everything else looks good though... Did yours work?

      Delete
  44. AnonymousMay 22, 2014 at 9:56 AM

    I have a jetsetter spa and it has a small leak coming out of the vent on the bottom corner of the spa. when we removed the wood slats we can see the 3" diameter fexible tube however we cannot follow the tube because of the insulation. Any suggestions

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousMay 26, 2014 at 10:55 AM

    I have a 2000 Tiger River Sumatron Model N. The control panel was accidentally locked yesterday and we cannot get it unlocked. We have no heat and no jets. We tried pushing the hidden button under the logo and the minus sign but that did not work. Any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
  46. UnknownMay 26, 2014 at 11:51 AM

    I have a Hot Springs Vanguard maybe 2004 or 2005. I've replaced the Heater as it had a prior leak from the end-cap area. A couple of years later, same problem. The heater works, but water is leaking from end-cap area of heater. Is there a way to repair the leak, or do I need to replace the whole heater (~$300).

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousMay 31, 2014 at 6:40 AM

    I have a leaked end-cap also, is there a place where I can get the end cap, per the dealer I have to replace the whole heater which is $500+. Anyone knows anyplace I get get that endcap?

    ReplyDelete
  48. AnonymousMay 31, 2014 at 6:41 AM

    Please email me rrathi9@yahoo.com if there are any sellers out there for the end-cap.

    ReplyDelete
  49. AnonymousJune 24, 2014 at 9:56 AM

    How do you remove the side panel from a 2009 Vangaurd? There are no screws. It has a leak and I cant get past step 1 !

    ReplyDelete
  50. UnknownJune 28, 2014 at 8:51 AM

    I have a 1999 Grandee G everything works on it, but I can not control the pumps, light or temp from the Main Control Panel. I can turn on both jets and light from the Auxiliary Panel. The red and green lights light up on the main panel when it is running and the jet indicator icon shows. The spa will heat to the preset 100 degrees. How can I fix this? Main Control Panel, IQ 2000 Control box, bad wire? The temp reading dose light up when the main breaker is reset, but only for a second.

    ReplyDelete
  51. JohnnyJuly 1, 2014 at 9:51 AM

    Hi SpAqua Doc. I recently purchased a 2008 Hot Springs Envoy. When I began filling the tub through the filter area, the tub sprung a leak in the corner beneath the filter area, once the water level got to about two inches. It seems to happen once the water reaches the height on the standpipes where the slots are. Should I remove the standpipes and put some Teflon tape on them and put them back in? I also thought about removing the corner panels to see if anything is disconnect beneath the filters, but I am unsure how to remove them without damaging them.

    I ran a little test and squirted some water from a water bottle onto each stand pipe and it the leak started again when one specific standpipe was sprayed. I tightened that one a little more and it seemed to work--at first. After the water level got a little higher (about 3-4 inches) it started again. The strange thing is after I shut off the water and waited for the leak to stop it looked like more water leaked out than what I put in. I'm sure that's likely and illusion though because it was a steady but tiny drizzle that just took a while to stop. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

    Johnny

    ReplyDelete
  52. AnonymousJuly 6, 2014 at 12:54 PM

    Hi I have a coyote spa circa 10 years old.

    Pump nr 2 has recently started to leak, I think from the wet end. Is it possible to disconnect this pump from the power source and still use the tub just using nr 1 pump for circulation and heating?

    ReplyDelete
  53. reddog775August 4, 2014 at 2:04 PM

    I have a 2004 hot springs prodigy h model it was a hurricane sandy victim I replaced almost everything on the thing except the circ. pump and heater both were fine but after replacement of the jet pump it would not turn on it would just go on and shut right off almost to a beat on off on off on off ....then it would finally go on and stay on until turned off but now it never shuts off not sure what to do next please help it's wired 110v

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousAugust 29, 2014 at 12:17 PM

    Please help with my heating problem. Tiger River Siberian spa. I can run my spa for a 2 hr cycle with the cover closed and the spa will heat up to 6 -8 degrees warmer. I have recirculation bubbles but no heat in them. I have a no fault Watkins Lang heater ( Horn Style) and the relay is not tripped. The spa will heat with the main pumps running but not with just the recirc pump. The relay board shows the LED on and off when the temp light on the control panel lights for temp satisfying. Is this a heater problem or a thermostat problem? Please advise.

    ReplyDelete
  55. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2014 at 1:33 PM

    I have a 93 hot springs prodigy that is leaking. I know that the lens is leaking but I suspect a second leak. There is water seeping up from between the fiberglass and the drain valve. Is the lens leaking under the fiberglass at the lens and seeping up near the drain valve or do I have another issue?

    ReplyDelete
  56. UnknownSeptember 30, 2014 at 10:09 AM

    Check the hexagon shaped plug near the filters. O ring might be deteriorated, allowing water to seep straight down.

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousOctober 5, 2014 at 12:10 PM

    I have 1993 Hot Springs Grandee with a slow leak. The water level stopped at the top of the light, top of one jet and in the middle of one jet. So how do I know which one is leaking. I took the nozzle out the jet with the water level at its top and some small pieces of a hard white substance came out. is this a broke gasket maybe? But it seems odd the water level is at the top of this jet if that is one that is leaking. any advice is appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  58. AnonymousOctober 8, 2014 at 8:30 PM

    Where did the Spa Doc go? I need him!

    ReplyDelete
  59. AnonymousNovember 5, 2014 at 9:46 AM

    I read that Hot Springs spas should not use "Soft" water. I can't imagine why. Since our house water comes from our softener, what might you recommend?

    ReplyDelete
  60. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2015 at 7:24 PM

    Is it possible to replace a 1997 Jetsetter IQ 2000 with a newer IQ 2020?

    ReplyDelete
  61. anonymousFebruary 11, 2015 at 9:03 AM

    I have a Hot Springs hot tub with a Watkins no fault heater.
    The fittings that connect the hoses to and from the heater have broken and now leak.
    I think they are called hose tail fittings, but the thread is neither 3/4 nor 1 inch, but something in between, perhaps 7/8?
    I am looking for replacements, but can only find 3/4 or 1 inch.
    Do you know where I might find any of the right size, even old ones from a broken heater would be helpful?
    Many thanks

    ReplyDelete
  62. AnonymousApril 3, 2015 at 2:39 PM

    hot springs grandee 2010 . was working great . we were in the tub when the water dropped about 6 inches . water all over the ground . I filled it back up .. wont gush out if not running . where should I look .. electrical compartment is dry ... Joe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousApril 4, 2015 at 10:12 AM

      update !! pump one gushes out on the ground .. somewhere ? I can still use the hot tub no leaks at all on pump 2

      Delete
  63. AnonymousApril 18, 2015 at 10:34 PM

    We have a 1995 or 96 Sovereign I Model I Serial # I 361013 Hot Spring portable spa that we bought used. It works great but when we first got it and filled it there was a leak we found in the pump/heater compartment which we determined was coming from the lower screw of the light cage. There is an open area behind the light and the wall of the compartment and we found water there. After running the spa for awhile the leak stopped. A few months back we did a full clean and when we filled it the leak started again. This time it is leaking more and hasn't stopped yet. The water is still coming from the same area. We checked the back of the light lens cover and there is no water leaking there. Do you have any idea what could be leaking in that area, how we can determine that and how we go about fixing it? Appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  64. AnonymousApril 27, 2015 at 11:01 AM

    Ready light is blinking on tiger river(Bengal) hottub. removed filter and turned power off for 15 minutes. turned power on.
    ready light stop blinking but now power light blinking. water is cold. turned power rff for 30 minutes. turned back on. power light stop blinking but ready light is blinking.Dont know what to do. Can you help?. jets look good, water is cold. just replaced gfic outlet cord. somehow it shorted out. Hottub purchased in 2005. thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  65. AnonymousApril 29, 2015 at 8:48 PM

    me puede por fabor ayudar compre una tiger river spa usada lla compre el power cord pero no se como conectarla en las terminales me podria ayudar por fabor

    ReplyDelete
  66. AnonymousMay 3, 2015 at 7:21 AM

    I have a 2004 Grandee G. heater turns off when both jet motors are turned on. Tub will heat with either running individually but slowly. Heater was replaced, filters are clean, circ pump is primed and working, heater relay was replaced two years ago and there is no visible damage to the current board. Seems to be in the relay but do not know how trouble shoot this problem. Thx Dave

    ReplyDelete
  67. AnonymousMay 12, 2015 at 6:38 AM

    I drained and refilled my 2000 Tiger River Bengal spa, only to have the circ. pump not respond when plugged back in. The Jets work fine and the heater will run so long as the jets are on, but when I turn those off, there's no circulation and it kicks the heater off. How do I get the pump going again? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  68. UnknownMay 25, 2015 at 3:38 PM

    I have a Hot Springs Hot tub the has a leak on the end cap of the heater. Can I purchase the end cap with out buying a new heater?

    ReplyDelete
  69. BigBayCnyJune 8, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    I have a 2000 TR Siberian. It developed a leak at jet pump2. In the process of fixing the leak I broke the check valve to the circulation pump. I replaced that and now jet pump1 shuts down after 10 seconds or so causing me to reset the breaker. Jet pump2 and the heater work fine. And jet pump 1 worked when the water was cold(just after filling). How can I tell if the check valve is in correctly as I did not confirm the direction of flow and installed it bases on the picture in the owners manual.

    ReplyDelete
  70. AnonymousJuly 10, 2015 at 8:47 PM

    I have a 10 year artic spa..the wood in floor is bad. I would like to replace the floor under the forever floor..how can I do this

    ReplyDelete
  71. SANDRAOctober 12, 2015 at 12:09 PM

    2015 FLAIR WONT READ PUMP 2, WHAT TO DO??

    ReplyDelete
  72. Dwins07October 17, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    I have a 97 sovereign hot tub I have a leak it's coming through the wall into the access compartment.. I was told I needed to go to the bottom of the hot tub to repair the leak is that the only way to fix the problem or is there an easier way to access the plumbing?

    ReplyDelete
  73. Dwins07October 17, 2015 at 10:56 AM

    I have a 97 sovereign hot tub I have a leak it's coming through the wall into the access compartment.. I was told I needed to go to the bottom of the hot tub to repair the leak is that the only way to fix the problem or is there an easier way to access the plumbing?

    ReplyDelete
  74. UnknownNovember 9, 2015 at 6:28 AM

    2010 Hot Springs Grandee with an in foam leak. I believe its coming from the right side closer to the moto massage area. Do you have a plumbing diagram? I don't want to drill through a pipe when I drill up into the foam to see exactly where the water is coming from. No way of fixing it from the inside? Anyone else have an issue like this and have a success story to share?

    ReplyDelete
  75. AnonymousDecember 28, 2015 at 6:50 PM

    Hi. I have a Bengal Tiger River Spa. About 3 yrs ago, we had a leak & it was the light seal. Well the water is leaking again and it stops just below light, so I assume it is the same thing. How can I replace it? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  76. SunfishJanuary 4, 2016 at 1:18 PM

    I have a leak no one thinks possible with a Tiger River Siberian spa.I purchased it new in 2002 and it has had this leak every month or every few years. I drain it with a hose draped over the side from the filter area when it starts to leak. I close the cover let it set a week or two then refill it and use the spa a month or a few months until I t starts to leak and I start the process over. Once a repair man said to let it drain until it stopped to help find where the leak could be, well it stopped just under the side jets after about 200 gallons of water went trough the tiles and under the sun deck.he never showed up! I've started the process over?

    ReplyDelete
  77. AMMFebruary 15, 2016 at 9:46 AM

    Hi, I have a Tiger River Sumatran. It has been running without problems for many years. I just drained, cleaned, and refilled and when I start up, the pump is making a rattling grinding noise like there's something small and hard inside. I removed and tossed the silver ion filter and it was intact so it's not one of those beads. Could it be air in the lines? Is this something I can try to resolve by draining and refilling?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  78. AnonymousMay 31, 2016 at 1:51 PM

    I am looking at purchasing a first hot tub. I want to go with refurbished for budget reasons. I found one at a dealer that is a Tiger River 2002 model for 6 people. They are selling it refurbished for $4300 with new cover, jets, and install (other than pad and power). Does this seem like a reasonable deal? 2002 seems so old but I hear they can last more than 20 years so maybe it is ok? appreciate your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  79. UnknownAugust 13, 2016 at 7:39 PM

    I purchased a used 2000 Hot Springs Sovereign hot tub. Had a licensed electrician hook it up and convert from 110 to 230. Now the Jets will come on for approximately 10 seconds before shutting off and come back on 5 mins later to repeat the process. This goes on for about 30-45 mins. Any suggestions as to the problem?

    ReplyDelete
  80. UnknownAugust 13, 2016 at 8:27 PM

    I purchased a used 2000 Hot Springs Sovereign hot tub. Had a licensed electrician hook it up and convert from 110 to 230. Now the Jets will come on for approximately 10 seconds before shutting off and come back on 5 mins later to repeat the process. This goes on for about 30-45 mins. Any suggestions as to the problem?

    ReplyDelete
  81. AnonymousAugust 14, 2016 at 8:59 AM

    We have a 2011 Hot springs Sovereign spa. Found leak was broken nipple from moto seat housing & clear plastic hose with spring clamp. Local spa dealer said nothing we could do. I was able to remove brocken nipple from clear tube with dental pick. Moto housing was glued in. Hard to get drill in space. Going to try flexable attachment for dremel with grinding cone shaped bit. My question is is that nipple a barbed nipple& which way does the different ribs have to go. The ribs are different on each end. Thanks for any help. Especially because local spa shop wanted to give out no help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownSeptember 29, 2016 at 2:41 PM

      I have the same problem with my moto massage housing in a Vanguard. I have ordered this: http://www.backyardplus.com/proddetail.php?prod=30598 to try and fix the broken off nipple. For $0.97, i'll try. It may be a solution for you too!

      Delete
  82. UnknownAugust 27, 2016 at 11:04 PM

    Your article has piqued a lot of positive interest. I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting.
    Pool Screen Repair

    ReplyDelete
  83. AnonymousSeptember 13, 2016 at 11:39 AM

    I have a 2000 Tiger River Siberian. There is a slow leak coming from what looks like an air intake / vent at the lower corner of the spa to the right of the control cabinet. It only leaks when the jets are not turned on. The leak is intermittent and seems to vary when I turn the smart jet diverter a different direction. Any ideas? Thanks...

    ReplyDelete
  84. AnonymousOctober 3, 2016 at 7:43 PM

    I used fix -a - leak in my tub and it sealed the leak. But after refilling it it shuts off after one minute or after I shut off the jets. Jest work normal , I have new filters too. No bubbles and no heat.
    Could the fix-a-leak done something to the circulator pump or heater?

    ReplyDelete
  85. AnonymousOctober 8, 2016 at 1:19 PM

    Hello.What a great blog. I have a leak on the side of my hot springs tiger river Siberian hot tub. It is a 2001 and I have had it drained and sitting on my deck for at least 5 years. Well I tried to remove the center portion of the skirt after I removed the six screws. I can pull it away from the bottom but it is stuck under the spa lip. it is tight under there as I press a screw driver up under the lip but not much to push up. Any thoughts because it can move the panel in and out but do not want to snap the spa lip. thanks Andy

    ReplyDelete
  86. UnknownOctober 18, 2016 at 9:08 AM

    Hi I have a 1990 hot springs prodigy it reaches 36° but will only go up the last 4° if I run the jets any help on a solution would be appreciated
    Many thanks in advance
    Michael

    ReplyDelete
  87. UnknownOctober 18, 2016 at 4:32 PM

    Hi I have a 1990 hot springs prodigy it reaches 36° but will only go up the last 4° if I run the jets any help on a solution would be appreciated
    Many thanks in advance
    Michael

    ReplyDelete
  88. AnonymousNovember 18, 2016 at 4:51 AM

    I have a 2004 Tiger River Bangel and a relay on the heater relay board melted. Ordered a new board and installed it. everything looks to work ok but no power to the heater. Any thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
  89. Fat2fitmomNovember 18, 2016 at 10:40 AM

    I have a 2006 tiger river Sumatran. I drained the water for the summer and just filled it back up. the circ pump runs but when I turn the jets on it tries to start up but after 15 seconds it kicks out the breaker?

    ReplyDelete
  90. AnonymousJuly 23, 2017 at 9:29 AM

    I have a 1999 hot springs sovereign the moto massage in air tube in the back of the tub broke off. How can I fix it. Can I drill the plastic and tap it

    ReplyDelete
  91. AnonymousOctober 2, 2017 at 5:13 AM

    I have a Tiger River Siberian that worked great until I drained the water and refilled it. Now the water wont heat. Jets work fine. Only thing on LCD display is "POWER" unless I press a button.

    ReplyDelete
  92. NenaOctober 16, 2017 at 8:34 PM

    I have a 2004 sumatra it was find doesn't maybe luke warm now leaking a little when I turn on pumps only near right hand side near filter help

    ReplyDelete
  93. JAMIEJune 14, 2019 at 11:21 AM

    Hi I have year 2001 jetsetter that appears to be leaking from around the intake / skimmer any ideas??

    ReplyDelete
  94. UnknownJuly 13, 2020 at 4:27 PM

    Hi.
    I have a Hot Springs Grande with a leaky elbow nipple,right above the circulation pump. Can I repair this with my tub full? I just drilled the nipple out and replaced it but apparently I missed a needle point size spot or applied the glue to thin and now that it is refilled it is leaking. Hoping their is a way to fix this without wasting another 500 gallons of water & money.
    Kat

    ReplyDelete
  95. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2024 at 11:37 AM

    I have a tiger river Siberian spa from 2003. Not sure which standpipe to put the ionizer into as I believe the gray and white caps got mixed up and both standpipes are white. Am I correct that when adding chemicals that they go into the other filter area?

    ReplyDelete
  96. AnonymousOctober 15, 2024 at 8:20 AM

    Thank You and I have a neat give: Whole House Renovation house repair near me

    ReplyDelete

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