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I
started researching sources for all of the components of
the Mutha of all Therapeutic Hot tubs last
October. After getting quotes from several on line
Suppliers, I selected a guy named Joe in Pennsylvania.
He listened to my descriptions of the kind of power and
size of jets and pumps and we came up with the
following: We would use two 4 HP pumps, one integrated
control box with 55 watt electric heater, one 50 Amp GFI,
one remote control panel, two in line filters, one
ozonator, one 1 ½ HP blower, one in pool light, and 14
swirling jets.
I
estimated the cost of freight and import taxes to be
more than a flight to Texas to pick all this stuff up so
I had it all shipped to my Sons office in Dallas. I
went to Dallas the first week of February to pack it all
in two carry on bags and one backpack. This was a real
challenge, but finally I got it all in. I passed through
customs here in CR with no problem.
Next,
I had to find a suitable shell. I had found one store
that specializes in pumps, Jacuzzis, and parts. The
price for a shell was over $1,400. I kept looking and
found a fiberglass manufacturer who had an 8 ft diameter
by 3 ft deep shell for $660. This was actually a better
design AND cheaper so I bought it and hired one of our
local rent a trucks to get it to the house.
I
found a place that sells hot tub parts and bought all of
the fittings, valves, and 150 ft of flexible tubing
needed to connect all of the components.
I
spent some time laying out the components to maximize
the flow through the pumps to the jets. It took 3 days
with two young men who have a lot of experience in pool
connections to get all of this connected. Each 4 HP pump
drives into a 2 manifold that spits into two 1 ½
lines. One of these lines feeds 4 jets and the other
feeds 3 jets. There are two parallel 1 ½ lines that
feed the air forced by the 1 ½ HP air blower to 7 jets
each.
I
found 5 leaks in the fiberglass and two at the fittings
when I first filled it with water. The manufacturer
supplied the resin and glass for me to patch it and I
used Epoxy to seal the fittings.
Friday,
after 5 months of dreaming and working, I turned this
puppy on. Everything worked, the water pumps, the air
pump, the light, the heater, the thermocouple control,
so I waited for it to heat up.
When
I finally got in, I was rewarded with the most
therapeutic massage I have ever experienced. This is
truly the Mutha of all Hot tubs. I slept without
taking any Ibuprofen for the back pain I have had for
the last two years.
Now
I am installing the insulation on the tub and tubes and
waiting for the Naugahide cover to be completed by a
small upholstery shop in town.
Next
we will build the Teak shell around the tub and continue
to furnish the bathroom and BBQ area.
I
now look forward to entertaining any of my tour guests
and friends to show them how now even MORE wonderful
life can be here in Acosta.
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