After 24 continuous months of operation, first time drained and left empty for 2 days, heater stopped working. We think tannins caked heaters either deteriorating or encasing when dry for the first time. That was July 2023, couldn’t find a company to service it, electricians can’t help. Snorkel just referred me to the manual. Finally got a company to come out - it’s $1600 for new heaters and the panel (might have been able to just replace heaters for $600, but if something more, I’d need a new panel so I just decided to do it all), As of End-Oct no fix date in sight, part not even ordered, and I just assume another $1,000 and end of the year before it’s fixed. Super disappointing because I used it every day I was at the house and now looks like out of service for 6 months. Before you buy you need to find a local company versed and willing to work on Balboa systems! You’ll be surprised how few are out there, or willing. Local company hung up on me when I told him the pump/heater/panel was just under my deck. While installing it by myself was fun and easy, you’ll be super smart if you get the local hot tub maintenance company to “come by” and consult or “inspect” your work. Snorkel are pros at supporting your DYI start up. Then Yiu are on your own. Getting a local maintenance pro involved from the start will be worth a couple hundred fee when your tub starts having issues later. Red Cedar is nice, old school, and fragrant - really fragrant. Filters must be changed each month or tub stops circulating and shuts itself off. I like the tub, and it was great for a tight space in downtown Seattle. However, I now REALLY like my bomber-dependable jacuzzi at my vacation home with no service, maintenance, cleaning or filter issues.
