New to the hot tub club! Ive got a 04-05 Keys La Paz (later know as a Proform Orbit) tub. 220 volt, one 2 speed pump, Balboa ICON 10 pack w/4kw heater element that was just replaced, about 250 gallons.I live in the mid atlantic and its been in the 30 degree range nite and day lately. Im finding that I need to turn off the air and close all the jets for the tub to heat to what I want ie. 101-102, is this normal that I should have to close off everything to accomplish this? I realize tub quality (surround material, insulation etc) play a part in the insulation factor but its a pain. Thanks for the response! Carl M.

Do you have a cover? Are you sure it's 220v, not 20 amp 110v?

Thanks for the response, I should have mentioned it does have a cover, its not exactly the right size, its a bit big 2 inches around but it does seal and yes it is 220v, 50 amp. It does heat to 103-104 but I do need to close the jets off and the air. Thanks for the help

In general it's a good idea to keep air turned off unless the tub is in use. It makes it a lot easier to maintain your water balance. But no, you shouldn't have to turn off all the venturis to heat up to 104. Has this always been the case or just since you had the element replaced?

This is the first real winter ive had the hot tub, so I dont really know if it was a problem in the past. I bought it used this summer. But I know that recently have been testing ph and the like and if I turn on the jets to circulate chemicals the temp will drop. Just the other nite I did this very thing. When I addded chem and turned on the jets it was at 104, closed cover and came out a couple hour later and it was down to like 101. But it has been unusually cold here in the east this winter, and it isnt a top of the line model. it s a aquatemp or thermotemp element. flow thru type, 4kw.

Ive been thinking of getting one of those thermal floating blankets for my tub, they say it helps hold the heat and reduce evaporation, do you think these things work or are worth the money? Thanks for your Help!! Carl

Your standard cover is probably adequate. Is the spa's equipment contained inside the cabinet of the spa itself or is it set off to the side somewhere? And do you happen to know where your thermostat is located?

Three degrees after running the jets for a couple of hours? If the venturis are open and it's 30 degrees outside, I wouldn't be surprised by that.

The temp probe is located in the foot well next to the ozonator jet. The heater pack and the control is inside the hot tub compartment. the shell is made of this maintenance free material ie man made synthetic board, not real cedar or redwood which I understand has better insulating properties. It may be the norm for what i've got, which is ok, I dont know a whole lot as to what to expect, still learning but I am learning so thats cool! Ive got a wealth of info from this site alone, thanks for the help!!

The tub may just be better insulated in the footwell and when the jets mix it all up it goes down by a degree or two. If it can maintain 104 without running nonstop you're probably fine. Just keep an eye on the electric bill. " title="Very Happy" /> If I were at the tub I'd check the amperage on the heater when the pump is on high, just to be sure that it wasn't turning the heater off when the jets come on. Some packs have a jumper that will create that logic for the sake of running on a 20amp, 110v circuit. The likelihood of that being your problem is very low unless the tub has ever been configured for 110v installation, but if you have an amp meter handy and five minutes to kill it would be an easy thing to check.