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Hot Tubs Mods and Fixes: To Do or Not to Do...
Once you've got your installed, the work doesn't stop there. Like any other device ever made by the hand of man, hot tubs can and will eventually break down after some time. Or, assuming that the is extremely well made and never really has any special need for repairs, there is still the possibility that you or someone in your house will get it into their heads to upgrade the tub, redecorate the room, or some other idea that will require your tinkering with the tub all over again. Depending on the cases, knowing your limits as a Do It Yourselfer is important, and knowing when to call the cavalry is likewise important. Here are some of the most common scenarios:
Repairing Shell Leaks
This is pretty easy IF you're not too finicky about the appearance of your tub. Leaks can be caused by anything, from faulty seams in wooden boards that make up a Jacuzzi to cracks in the cement, to loose pipe seams at the point where they connect to the tub. Usually, water-proof sealants are enough to handle the most common problems of this nature. Just make sure that the sealant you get is meant for bonding to the type of material of your tub shell. Using "generic" sealants is rarely a good idea; buy something meant to adhere specifically to whatever your tub's made of and you'll be fine. If the leak in the shell is larger than what can be fixed with a little bit of putty and sealant though, call the experts...
Replacing Pipes
Unless you're pretty good with plumbing, this is never a good idea to DIY. You require an intimate knowledge of the piping in your house to replace pipes successfully. If you don't have much experience with plumbing beyond fixing a stuck toilet, call an expert. It's better than trying to explain to the wife how you forgot to turn the water-main off before working on the and wound up flooding the house... On a smaller note, we can assume that if the pipes you're fixing/replacing are directly connected to the tub, this is something most DIY handy men can still manage to fix. If the faulty pipes in question go deeper into the house's main plumbing though... don't. Even. Think. It.
Fixing the Wiring
Again, small problems like replacing switches and power plugs are about the most I'd advocate. With a good set of waterproof electric cords, some splicing gear and wire strippers, and a screwdriver you can replace faulty wiring in the (I'm assuming electric motor run Jacuzzis here). However, again if the problem seems to be more in depth and technical in nature, call a specialist to fix the Jacuzzi's motor, wiring, or whatever.
Busted Pump
This is relatively easy to fix IF you installed the yourself. Whether it's the air or water pump connected to your hot tub, as long as you know how it works and have a little mechanical know how, fix it like you would any other motor; if it's busted beyond salvation, then at least buy a replacement and plunk it in. IF on the other hand you had someone else from the shop do the installation of your it's a better bet to, again, call the cavalry.
Hot Tub Remodeling
This may or may not require calling a specialist in depending on what changes you're out to make. I would advocate DIY'ing any small cosmetic changes like a new paint job or spraying on a protective over-coating. Placing add-ons like adding a shelf attachment or fold-out tub side table is easily within the scope of most people. However, if the changes you want alter the actual shape or size of the shell, do yourself a favor and either buy a bigger tub or hire a pro to do the work for you.
Spa Room Add On Ideas
Lastly, we come to modifications NOT to the tub, but to the actual room that houses the tub. this can include things like additional ventilation, lights, a sound system, or making a mini-bar. The only basic rule of thumb here is: as long as the add ons don't touch anything related to the tub, go for it. if the add ons you want DO affect changes to the tub, pipes, wiring, and pumps however... don't despair, you can still do it yourself. Just follow the general guidelines given in the rest of the scenarios above, and you'll know when you're getting in out of your depth.
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