I just brought home a Jacuzzi Vectra model #8790000 circa 1991. I purchased it from a family that was moving for $100. The husband said that the tub had not been used for a few years but it had been covered. The cover is shot, waterlogged, torn and moss growth. The inside of the tub looks very clean. The underside looks clean but is obvious that someone has worked on it over the years, due to the wireties and other "non-factory" looking things. The redwood skirt is rough, but I plan on installing it in my deck so it won't show.

Now for some questions:
1. He told me that the on/off switch was bad and that it had been replaced at one point since he had bought the tub. I assume he meant the switch for the jets. He was not home but his wife was passing on info so she was not sure. Is there an on off switch? I downloaded the parts catalog and did not see one. It does not have a gfci on the plug so that is not it.

2. What should I do before I get this thing set and mounted? What types of checks, tests and preparations?

3. Do I need to worry about replacing the skirting? It is there but very rough. I wasn't going to bother since it will be hidden, but not sure about its insulation properties.

4. Where can I get a "low cost" but decent cover? Are the $299 covers worth it?

If I were you I would have a local dealer come out and give it a once over. It may cost some money but unless you know what your are doing it could be dangerous for both yourself and others that may be getting into the tub.

That said, if you are dead set on a DYI fix and you have knowledge of working with electrical - google "spa pak". There are several companies that specialize in replacement spa parts, controls and complete paks (which you may be better off investing in if you intend to keep the tub for some time). The problem is you do not have any idea at this time if you will need to replace the pump/s as well. You had better like this tub because with all the replacement parts, including a new cover you could very well be in the $2K range to get it completely up and running again so be prepared.

If you are ok with the looks of the cabinet there should not be anything required except cleaning it and sealing it to prevent any further wood decay. You can check out RHTubs for a cover. I have not personnally purchased one from them but others that have are very happy with them. I would not skimp on the cover if you are in a cold climate and want to maintain as much of the heat as possible.

Best of luck with the tub and I hope everything works out. Keep us informed.

Regards,

JD

Update:

I got the tub plugged in and found that the on/off switch was just a tube had come off, trimmed the tube a little got a tight seal and the switch worked. After that the pump would hum when trying to turn on and then shut down. I took the pump loose checking for an air lock. That was not the problem. I took it off completely and attempted to turn the impeller and it was locked up tight. I wanted to explore if the pump shaft was seized or if the impeller was bad so I started to take the impeller off. While doing that what appeared to be dirt fell out of the impeller. On farther investigation I realized that a mud dauber had built a nest in the impeller. Once I dislodged that the pump and the impeller spun freely. I put the pump back on and it worked like a champ. I let it circulate for about 5 hours and the water was warm and flowing.

I do have two minor leaks, one around the light, the other at the tube connecting the filter box, that I will need to fix, but other than that it seems that for once the gods were on my side and I have a great tub for $100, a new cover, some chemicals, a filter and some sweat! (I'm sure I missed some things, but I still got a cheap tub. I think and that is all that truly matters.)

Thanks for the advice.