Inflatable Hot Tub Heating Hack
Vložit
- čas přidán 19. 05. 2021
- This is the hack to repair your Aleko Hot Tub (or any inflatable hot tub) that won't heat because the heating element burns out in 2-3 months.
When your hot tub stops heating Aleko customer service will send you this video and a new control box. It is a ton of stuff when all that is needed is a new heating element. BUT- they don't sell the heating element on its own. Here is the video that lasts only 7min but will take you 2 hours with draining and refilling.
• How to Repair/Replace ...
Then there is this video that shows how to replace just the heating element, BUT the heating element is 900W and impossible to find a replacement that will fit in the control box, which also requires video above to remove control box.
• How to repair your inf...
So now this leaves you with the hack which is to use a bucket heater with a temperature control. No need to take out the control box, faster heating, WAY more reliable. Here is the element on Amazon. Note that I placed the heater on a glass tray so it doesn't melt the plastic, however the element has a protective outer sleeve and I think it would be fine without.
www.amazon.com/dp/B07SYP8X8Q/...
Enjoy your hot tub !!!!!!
Followup video here with updates:
• Inflatable hot tub hea...
Now this is why I watch CZcams videos. Thanks so much for the information I've ordered my element and I'll be very happy to use it very soon. Also something I found when you click on your link the element is about $160. If you do a search for the exact same heating element another Amazon listing sells it for $140. Bam. Not only did I get the information to fix my hot tub but I saved myself 20 bucks I feel like a hero thanks to you.
You may want to rethink that strategy because if there is a link it usually means there is affiliate relationship and she gets a tiny bit of money which only seems fair to me because that advice was a live saver and it takes time to make these videos and answer everybody....
@@amywakingwolf She probably also gets an affiliate sale on ANYTHING you buy on Amazon after clicking her link in the bio. So she made a commission on that sale as well.
I am so happy you posted this video. Thats a perfect bucket heater setup for my Aleko hot tub, we have the exact same one. My heater has not died yet so I am gonna just use it while in the tub and then when out of the tub use your ingenious hack. Your awesome, just sayin.
How is this working - while you are in the hot tube? What do you have the heating element resting on ?
Great concise video with a great solution.
I’m considering making my own hot tub spa.
The bucket heater is a great idea!
Thank you Robin, just in time. Ours went out sometime last week. I just drained the system and was trying to figure out how to get the heater element out, but it just looked way too difficult. I went to Amazon and the heater your included was sold out, so I bought the 1500 W heater, which is also approved for Hot Tubs. "Immersion Water Heater, 1500W Bucket Heater with Stainless-Steel Guard, Smart Timing, Safe, Portable, Water Trough Heater for Hot Tub Inflatable Pool Bathtub, Heats 5 Gallons Water in Minutes (Black)". The reviews I read indicated that the instructions are almost useless, but once they figured out how to work the timer, it is enough to heat a small pool. There may be a better option, but my back hurts and I want to soak.
With 23,000 views, I am not surprised that the heater you spec'd is out of stock. I will get back to you in a week or so. Glen
Good luck! Keep checking cause it has gone out and back in stock a few times. Mine still works over a year later.
Been on YT searching for outdoor water heating tub hack without all the water pipes, crimping and electrical. Woot😃
Thank you for the information God bless you always
Very good. Good to mention also that you cannot get in the tub when the heater is in there and operating. You can turn it off when you're in there but you shouldn't be in there with it on. I use one of these in a separate 5 gallon bucket and then add that water to the hot tub, but I should add that my hot tub still works as far as 104 degrees.
Brilliant! I’ve used bucket heaters for my horses forever. Never occurred to me.
Worked well for filling up our pool. Water does run slower but works good as long as the sun is out.
that's what I was looking for! bucket heater...genius
Thank you for the great tip! I’m dealing with the bad heating element now….
You are amazing at answering comments THANK YOU FOR THAT!!! I would like to suggest that you add the part about the microwave tray in the description because i would not have thought of that on my own and I am so glad i read the comments...but most times i would not....thankyou again for such great advice....Aloha!
good point! i am not a CZcamsr, but will see if there is a way to edit my description. I keep meaning to update the video with a part 2 that summarizes all the questions and comments and shows the hot tub still hot 1 year later with out typical use about 5 days per week :-)
czcams.com/video/-3suHhxhLM8/video.html --> follow up video
3rd inflatable hot tub I bought - had Coleman - Intex now ALEKO all crap heaters that give out (6 months tops) pray this hack proves easy sustainable, need the tub for medical conditions !! Pissed I wasted money I couldn’t afford to lose !! Love the OP !
This hack has worked for over a year and we use the hot tub probably 5 days per week.
@@robinlee8605
Love you - got same model - short learning curve,
I’M hoping .. so far 110f is doing it for me !
Have a blessed day and life !
Thanks Rob, you sold me! I love simple solutions.
I like the idea so you can heat it up quicker as well.
I just ordered the bucket heater and if this works out you are a life saver! Thank you. I might possibly make some kind of a cover for it, or come up with a way to attach it to the circulation outlet in the tub so that it can be semi permanent but still easily removable. I'll know better when I get the heater
I have ben putting the heater on the bottom near the filter pump so that the water circulates and seems to heat up really well. The heater does come with a little hook that you can place the dial knob and attach to the side of the hot tub, I just haven't done that yet. Curious to see what you come up with and glad that this helps!
@@robinlee8605 the bucket heater has been working great. Now the control panel just flashes and any button on it starts the bubbles. Lol. So is still working but I don't feel confident that it will be for long. Aleko doesn't seem to have parts either
Send the link to the bucket heater, not in her link
Thanks!!
Thank you I need this for my wife witch has been fighting stage 4 cancer for 6 years.
I hope your wife doing well.
God bless her.
FYI, you can find Watts, Volts, or Amps, as long as you know 2 out of the 3 values. The formula is Volts x Amps = Watts. I have the 4 person tub and it's around 11 amps for the heater, per the sticker on it, so that's roughly 1300 Watts on 120v power.
Your a genius
I used a $9 dollar 120v 1500watt 4 1/2" inch screw in element. Used appropriate size pvc threaded end screwed element in pvc used two part epoxy to seal threaded pvc piece to element housing. Presto now if my element goes out again its threaded. I also blocked air hole jets in tub near intake filters so no air enters while bubbling Its double the watts but cuts off before it reaches set heat degree. I have been using mine for months.
Do you have a link to the heating element you have? Maybe a photo of what you did?
So did you wire the new element like the old one was wired?
Thank you great idea since my heater doesn’t work
Curious if your tub is still working. Ours has been having lots of problems. I used your heater hack and it worked awesome. Still working great.
Filter and bubbles still work on the control unit, but not the heater. But my hack with the bucket heater is 100%, and i use the top tub ALL the time. :-)
nice my moms gonna like this
great!
Cheers for the video.
I'm facing to the same issue with another manufacturer and exactly a month later the heating is not working.
Did you have any error code once you had the same issue? Mine has no code at all.
Well to find the power or watts you would have to use current(Amps) times the Voltage
Mine took a shit 2 days ago Ive had my hot tub for 68 days ..Thank You for excellent idea ! Ordering mine now
hello! we have the exact same jacuzzi. how do you maintain it???
I have seen a lot of people go to the propane showers to heat the tub, i guess electric heaters can be way expensive assuming you have a cold weather climate
Thank you for this . This is my second aleko HT . They will last only 6 months . They make the worst HT. They sent me a replacement heater , ( took 3 months to get it ) i didnt even bother to replace it , i was about to throw it away.. until i came across your video . I do have another water heater from amazon for about $ 45 ..i wonder if it will work the same ? It has no temp control though
The heater in the hot tub really is the worst. But the rest of the hot tub is great and has held up well. Any heater will work BUT you will have to watch and monitor it or else hot tub will get too hot. That is what is so nice with the temp control. You might need to put on some sort of timer, or there are temp power strips that will turn the heater off when a certain temperature is reached.
Thank you! Just bought the heating device, how high can I take it up to on the dial? My heater lasted 2 weeks before it broke and this seems like a great alternative.
you can get the tub VERY hot, i got ours up to 118 by accident. i still use the temp gage on the hot tub and aim for about 104 on the dial, slightly higher. the dial on the Amazon heating element is not very accurate, so if you can, check your hot tub temp frequently to see where you need the dial to be at
I have a quick question to add to that, mind did the same thing. Will the bucket heater burn your leg when you get in or get hot enough to melt anything. And how long does it take to heat up the water
What about the plastic tub I see you have the element on the floor of the spa is it safe enough not to burn the pvc? Great hack
Question.. do you like the inflatable lid? Ours came with the soft lid that utilizes the straps sewn onto the tub. However it collects rain water pretty bad. Does the inflatable keep out rain/bugs, keep in heat?
Also thanks for posting this. We have the same unit. Our heater has gone out 3 times in less than a year. I just ordered the bucket heater for ours.
I am not a huge fan of the inflatable lid mainly because it doesn't fit that well. However, it certainly keeps in the heat better! But it inflates up and bows out, creating a little mountain in the middle of the cover that came with the unit so that water just puddles around the edges. I don't think the inflatable lid is worth what they sell it for, as it is literally just an inflatable mat like you can get for say $5 at target. If you can find something similar to insulate I would recommend cause the hot tub loses a lot of heat without it.
im a new owner to a hot tub and i am not sure where to put the the filters int the video you showed i did not see them installed. how long does it take for it to reach it the highest temp?
How much quicker would you say that this heats up the tub? Also definitely seems like a good idea for keeping in the tub to maintain heat during winter and take some strain off the original pump.
The original pump built in heats roughly 1-2 degrees per hour, the bucket heater hack is a solid 4 degrees per hour. Now the caveat is that I live in California :-) However, I think it is at least 2 times as fast. I have taken apart the built in heating element and it is about 1/4 the size of a bucket heater. Plus, the built in heater requires the filter pump to be running so that is another strain on electricity and the unit. The bucket heater does not require use of the filter pump.
Tnank you -- now I know which hottub not to get 👍
Could not agree more! However, this one was given to us for free, so the hack is actually way cheaper than buying a new hot tub.
Camping gas heater and a shower pump, use the drain point into the pump, then through the heater, then back to the tub. You can use flexible or plastic tube, not emus to be high temp suitable approx 100 Deg C
Hi Robin, love your hack...I bought this one but can't find where to buy the filters...where do you get yours from and what size. thanks for the hack tip. I bought the bucket heater to have on hand...Thanks Angela
www.walmart.com/ip/ALEKO-Water-Filter-Cartridge-for-Inflatable-Hot-Tub-Spa-Blue-Lot-of-6/318055169?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1148&&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9032109&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112562587&wl11=online&wl12=318055169&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjw2rmWBhB4EiwAiJ0mtR-_sm0psp7oU_W4it-lylqNtyxQd_HFfWxqE_e4GIw2qafffl_THhoCM34QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
@@robinlee8605 Thank you Robin
Hi, do you need to put the heating element in a bucket or anything? Wondering if the bucket heater would melt the plastic liner of the blow up tub???
I place it on a microwave glass plate. The heater has an outside wall so i believe you might be able to put directly on the bottom, but I would suggest something glass for protecting the plastic tub. I do not use a bucket, it is placed directly in the hot tub, and i remove when we get in. There are some people that say they leave it on while in the tub, but I like to keep it safe and unplug or take it out
Brilliant!
Do you think this is superior to using a propane water heater? My biggest issue is the water getting Luke warm after about 10 minutes during winter since I'm using it in a unheated 3 seasons room. Do you think this is the route to go if I want to maintain hot temps while in the tub or the propane would be better for that?
I don't have any experience with propane so I don't have the comparison. I can say that we usually get in the hot tub at around 107 and it does go down to say 104 after 10 minutes, but it still feels fine. We are outside, with temps in the 40s. One thing to try is to contact the vendor of the heating element because there is nothing that states you can't be in the hot tub with the heating element on, I just have never wanted to test that theory, but I believe there is a review on Amazon where someone uses if for bath tub and is in the bath with the heating element on.
If you plug the heater in a gfi, any short will cut power and you will be safe@@robinlee8605
Awesome hack. I was using a bucket heater with a brewer temp controller. But heaters only lasts for a month.
Is this heater still working?
You betcha! You can see the set up almost a year later on this video czcams.com/video/-3suHhxhLM8/video.html
Hi, thank you for this video! We purchased a Intek 4 person inflatable tub and it doesn’t keep the heat like it should. Takes forever to recover and get back to the original temperature. I have just purchased this bucket heater you have suggested. In your video it looks like it’s just laying flat on the bottom? Will this burn/melt the pvc or do I need to incase the heater into a 5 gallon bucket or something to separate the heater from touching the actual tub? Any help will be greatly appreciated!! Thank you so much.
Great question! I am actually laying the heating element on an old microwave glass tray to separate from the PVC liner. You don't need a bucket. Any heat safe plate or pyrex would probably suffice. I made a Part 2 video that answers a lot of the things that I missed in the first video czcams.com/video/-3suHhxhLM8/video.html
@@robinlee8605 I have ordered the heater from Amazon and should be here Sunday. I will give this a try. Thank you very much!!!
So I did purchase a heating element thanks for the tip so my question is how hot can I get it since it is a rubber just afraid I might’ve area gotten too hot it might puncture? Also once it’s in there or do I have to place on something so it doesn’t melt plastic tub or does it? And can I be in the tub with this submerged?
I have mine on a glass microwave tray, I would recommend something glass to protect the tub as there are a few times that my tub has gotten slightly too hot because the controls are very sensitive. I switch mine off when i get in the tub and lose say 2-3 degrees if i am in the tub for 20-30 min. Make sure to have heater plugged into GFI outlet. All questions are answered in this follow up video czcams.com/video/-3suHhxhLM8/video.html
Does using the bucket heater effect your electric bill more, less, or the same in your opinion vs when your heating element used to work in your hot tub itself? ( i hope i worded that correctly)
I have thought about this alot! But sadly, I don't have a way to isolate the electricity from hot tub over say dryer and house heater. However, i will say that our electicity bill did not increase. I would venture to say that it is more efficient because the hot tub heater that comes with the Aleko states that you should turn off every 48 hours which means that you are not efficiently using your heater because then it has to get the water back up from cold. This heater also gets the water hot faster. So while I don't have data to support it- I think it is less electricity to use bucket heater over the built in heater.
Is it safe to used heater hack when in the hot tub? Can you use the submersible heater when using the hot tub at same time?
I believe so, however, I have a 6-year old, so I don't test that theory. The reviews on amazon, someone is using for bath tub and they have the submersible on while in the tub. I unplug or turn the temp dial low while in cause i am not gonna test the theory out. But I can usually stay in for 20 minutes and the temp stays nice.
How long does it normally take your to heat the tub? This video convinced me to buy one but it’s taking it doesn’t seem like it’s making much progress getting hot as of now
with the bucket heater that I have a link to in the video description, it heats 4 degrees per hour. So it takes roughly half a day to go from say 60 degrees up to the 104 that I like to have the tub at.
@@robinlee8605 oh dam I was thinking like an hour I kept coming and checking like every ten minute 🤦🏽♂️😂
How many gallons is your hot tub? Curious to see if it could heat around 200-250 gallons?
Mine is 150 gallons, it is the 2-preson from Aleko. I would imagine it will work for 200-250 it will just take longer to heat up. I have gotten ours VERY hot by accident, over 110 degrees. I get about 4 degrees per hour heating so with more volume it might be slightly less. I am by no means maxing out the heating element capacity.
Is the bucket heater like a stinger? Do you have to take the heater out before you get in to avoid being shocked?
It is a submersible heating element with a temp control. I am not familiar with "stinger." I unplug the heating element before getting in, however, there is an Amazon reviewer who states they use in their bath tub and can be in the tub with it on.
Just fill it with hot water lmao 😂 😂😂😭
Just go to lowes or Home Depot and grab a &15 dollar water heater element and that should replace the on in the tub. They have a few different wattages but most people don’t know that those are 220v wattages. The most the will go on 120v is about 1500 watts.
That is the second video link in the description that I sent. The heating element has a VERY limited space inside the control unit and it not readily available. There is only one that I could find online and bought it, but the control box is complex and a very tight fit. You have to do some custom PVC fittings just to get a regular heating element to fit, and I think the length is 4inches. It is super small and very inefficient, so the bucket heater made more sense to me.
Hi, I noticed you have the heating element laying on its side at the bottom of the hot tub, is it off in the video, or will it not burn through the plastic ?? I've been looking for a hack myself to heat a small pool for my son, so I'm going to give this a try, but wanted to know if I had to hang it so that it's suspended in the water, or if it can safely rest on it's side at the bottom of the plastic pool. let me know, thanks.
Great question - sorry it is not obvious, but there is a glass microwave plate below the heater which prevents the melting. However, the heater does have a sheath on it, I am not sure it would melt, but just to be sure. I did a follow up video since this was asked several times.... czcams.com/video/-3suHhxhLM8/video.html
i will do this! i use the 5 gallon bucket method now. invariably the hot tub will fail But possibly the heating part of it might work still in other words the tub leaks. What I want to know is can I take that heating unit and use it to heat another tub in addition to the one that's there. Two lines into the tub one to suck the water out and the other to put the water back in from the extra heating unit
you could just use hot tub heater and the bucket heater in the hot tub to heat the water faster.
You can find out the watts by calculating the amps x volts =watts
Does the immersion bucket heater thermostat switch off when water in the hot water tank reaches the temperature?
Also how often you turn the thing off completely? (for safety and lifespan of the product) or you just leave it on 24/7? (esp during winter)
I turn the heater off when we get into the hot tub. THen i dial the temp down for travel, but otherwise, it is on 24/7 - lasted 2 years now
@@robinlee86052 years already with no issues? I gotta get one for my lay-z-spa
Is this what the HL message means? also, my filter function doesn't work, while you mention you can still use yours. am wondering if this is the wrong problem?
I have only had FL warning which means you need to replace filter. Every 72 hours of run time on the filter requires you to replace the filter. You literally can just remove, rinse and then put same filter back. But yes, my filter is working, just not the heater.
Was wondering how much you saved on your electric bill?
This is probably a silly question but do you need to remove the heater before you get in and will it melt the bottom?
Not silly - you don't need to remove the heater, but recommended to unplug it. Also should be plugged into a GFI outlet. At the bottom I have a glass tray that the heater sits on so it won't melt the plastic, but I honestly don't think it would. But not going to risk it. More questions answered in second video here: czcams.com/video/-3suHhxhLM8/video.html
How long did it take to heat up ?
Does about 4 degrees per hour, way faster than the heater that came with it. Depends on starting temp but less than a day to get hot.
Robin can you send me a link where you got the new heating core element from and the video on how to replace the old one?
I first got the whole unit from Aleko, in which this video is used : czcams.com/video/9h7AoeQdUmY/video.html. Then I tried getting a heating element from hardware store and just replacing the heating element using this video czcams.com/video/hDvZ7GCifvc/video.html. I could not get the second video to work and the first video requires buying the whole unit for $200 - hence why i have switched to the bucket heater which has worked for 2 years now with no problems and 105 water temp.
@@robinlee8605 thank you
Hi Robyn heater just went out , lasted pretty much 3 months what is the exact bucket heater you purchased
The link is in the description above, and here www.amazon.com/dp/B07SYP8X8Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_1K82ZT54YWVH05YC8SYM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1. This is now over a year old and still working great! But there could be other options out there. But this one is still keeping our tub at 104 consistently.
does that red light on the controller go on when the heating element is on and heating up?
yes. so if your hot tub is lower than the desired temp on the dial, the red light will come on. if you temp is reached, the red light goes off as well as the heating element
ever thought about adding epsom salts to the tub with this heating element?
nope, i would if this was used in say a bath tub, but in the hot tub scenario, i am using chlorine and chemicals as a hot tub, so not wanting to introduce anything else
Im sure it gets a lot colder also by the heater not working while u are in there.
That is true, we discussed trying to leave the heater on while in there but decided not worth the risk. Just having the lid off makes the hot tub cool down fast, and the built in heater that comes with the hot tub is so weak that you lose water temp with the heater on anyways. So we usually get in at 105, soak for say 10-15 minutes and then it is down to 102, which is fine. The bubbles make it lose heat very quickly so we don't use them.
You said you take out the bucket heater when you get in, but how long does it stay warm when you get in? Do you have to get out and put the heating element back in for a while?
I actually just unplug the heater and leave it in water. Usually I get in at around 104-105 and stay for 15-20min and it doesn't drop below 102.
@@robinlee8605 Hi Robin,
May I know how long does it take to heat up to 104? Mine has run more for 3 hours and it only get up to 86. It is very slow, my buckle heater stated do not used more than 4 hours.
@@eddietan2521 The bucket heater that I have linked to in my description stays on constantly, I have had it on for a year now. It heats up about 4 degrees per hour in the 150 gallon hot tub. My water temp out of the host is about 60 degrees, so it takes 11 hours to go from cold to 104 degrees. Then I leave it on constantly, except for when in the hot tub. If you bucket heater states 4 hours, then I would recommend a different heater. You won't get to 104 on any heater in 4 hours.
@@robinlee8605 Thanks for your replied. I just recently bought my hot tub on line but only used a few times. During summer time, it take approx 3-4 hours to reach approx 95F, and then we can use the hot tub, but now is winter, we turn on the spa heater together with the buckle heater, after closed to 4 hours, it only goes up to 86F, which I can't really use it , it is still too cold. So i was very confuse, do you actually run it for 11 hours as you mention in order to get it from cold to 104F degree before you able to use it. Is this normal to take 11 hours so long to heat up the hot tub before I can use it? Isn't this will be very expensive to pay for the electricity.
ROBIN can u send the link to your bucket heater? Thx!
It is in the video description, but also here - alendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/r#main_7
Is this safe, electrically wise to put electrik current in zone 0?
i turn the heating element off while inside the water.
How about a waterbed heater under the inflatable spa? Anyone ever gave this a try?
I just got a a hot tub and did notice how slow it takes to heat up. I considered something like this, but was nervous that the submersible heater would somehow get too hot if I laid it on the inflatable bottom and the material. I know it’s not supposed to, but I guess I was still nervous. You’ve been doing this for a while and it’s been working great for you right?
Yes- there is a follow up video to this one and the link is in the description. I have placed the heating element on a glass tray so that it is not in contact with the hot tub. However, the heating element is in a sheath, so it is probably ok, but I didn't want to risk it. Still using!
Awesome thank you so much
How often do you use it before it goes out?
You mean the original heating element that came with the hot tub? That lasted 2 months. The bucket heater is now 1 year hold and still going strong. Got hot tub up to 111 yesterday by setting a little too high. :-) Just used bubbles to cool down before getting in
are the jets good for massage?
not really, they just make bubbles but they are by no mean jets that would massage.
@@robinlee8605 thanks! i cancelled my order in time! and am looking into inflatable tubs with Hydro Jets now
@@hamig306 bestway lazy spa Maldives, has hydrojets. I have one. 💪🏼 heating is crap though. Rapid heating takes 12 hours to heat! this bucket heater looks like the trick though. 😀. Also, Maldives is not WiFi or IoT connected so you can't control it from your phone, e.g. start heating the spa while you're at work or something so when you get home it's hot.
Having hard timing finding links. New to you tube I guess
they are all in the description up top of the video.
How much does the bucket heater cost to run?
I don't have specific $ amount cause our heating bill is driven by a gas house heater. However, since you don't have to run the filter while heating, I think it is much cheaper than the original heating element that comes with the hot tub. It also heat up WAY faster and I think it is just more efficient. So in the end, I think you are running a cheaper electric bill with this over using the hot tub heater.
It’s been over 100 in Texas in the day, I just put a solar floating heating cover in mine. It’s too hot to even get inside.
How long does it take to reheat the tub after letting it get down to 80?
Roughly 6 hours. I went away for vacation and let the tub go down to 68 degrees and turned it on overnight and was ready in the morning.
How long does it take heat up mine is slow 12 to 24 hr
I get about 4 degrees per hour. It heats up way faster than the one that was installed in the hot tub.
Can you share the link to the heater? Thanks!
Sure, it is in the description of the video, but also here www.amazon.com/dp/B07SYP8X8Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_1K82ZT54YWVH05YC8SYM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Enjoy!
Hi might be a silly question can u be in the water at the same time
@@tomrodgers9115 Not silly at all. I do not get in the water with the heater on, i usually just unplug. However, there are reviews on Amazon of people who leave the heater on while they are in the bath tub. So I believe in theory you can leave it on. I just had not had the courage to try that out.....
@@robinlee8605 thanks a lot I’m pissed tho as I have only used it for a few weeks and it seems to be a nice spa as well
Will this melt the liner if left laying on bottom?
I have placed on a glass tray from a microwave and it does not melt. The heating element is in a sheath that does not get as hot, so it might be fine, but to be safe, i would lay the element on something like glass.
Use a clean bucket and put the bucket in the hot tub bottom and then put the heater in the bucket.
How long does it take to hear the Watter ,?
I live in California where the temperature outside is not that cold, the heater gets about 4 degree per hour. The original heater that was built into the hot tub was only 1-2 degrees per hour, so the bucket heater is a huge improvement.
Thank you for the info . That’s one hot tub I won’t be buying.
good move. there are much better brands than Aleko
Will it keep hot when it's 15 degrees outside?
Sadly, I don't have a way to test this in California :-) However, I have gotten the tub up to 111 by accident and that wasn't on full high so there is a good chance the heating element could. You would probably want to look into more ways to insulate the hot tub as the cover is more of a tarp and really doesn't offer any insulation so I could see using some thick blankets to assist with insulation.
Our heating element works but filter pump went out...is there a fix for that...the company will not respond
My understanding is that the heating won't work as.the water won't be circulated through by the pump. Most likely you need the whole new set up that is around $200 and takes forever to replace out. It is one of the video links
Can the heater damage the plastic?
Oops. Sorry. You already answered my question i see
@@biodave yes, i don't think so. i do place the heating element on glass and it has not damaged the plastic yet. i have also gotten the hot tub up to 111 degrees and plastic is still fine :-)
The heating element won't melt the plastic?
The heating element is placed on a glass tray, you can see it better in my second video. But the heating element does have a metal sleeve on that doesn't get as hot and it says for use in plastic buckets. But better to be safe.
I'm just afraid of anything electrical going directly into the water. I suppose it can be removed before you get in, but what if someone else forgets.
I have ours on a switch so it is easy to remember, but you are correct that there is an element of error. With it attached to a GFI I do think it is safe to actually be in the water with the heater on. But I still turn it off. When I have little kids in the hot tub I do take the element out of the water.
Did you take down the link to the heater?
Still there but sold out, probably cause every hot tub needs one, here is the link www.amazon.com/dp/B07SYP8X8Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_1K82ZT54YWVH05YC8SYM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I will see if there is an alternate supplier
@@robinlee8605 Thank you!!
@@rnedlo9909 It is back in stock at Amazon, link above.
@@robinlee8605 Thank you!!
Please folks do not EVER get in the hot tub with the heating element.
correct- i turn mine off each time i get in :-)
I loved this hot tub for one ! But the reviews were awful ! I cannot understand why a co doesn’t make an oval shape for one like this !
I ended up getting a saluspa on sale for 200$ ( Walmart special offer ) but u still wish I’d found one this size and shape !
That isn't burning the plastic @ the bottom of the tub?
Great question! I don't think it will because the heating element has two metal sleeves... however, I haven't wanted to test this out, so you can see in the video that the heating element sits on an old microwave glass tray. Any glass or heat resilient pad would work. But if you look at the amazon link, the heater is used in plastic 5 gallon buckets without any problems.
LUCKILY FOR ME I HAVE A BATH IN MY HOUSE BUT THIS TYPE OF SPA SOUNDS GOOD TOO BUT I WONDER HOW SOMEONE WOULD GET ON IF THEY PUT THE SPA IN THEIR LOUNGE ROOM AND ONE DAY DECIDED THEY WANTED TO EMPTY IT, I WONDER HOW THEY WOULD DO THAT. I WOULD IMAGINE THEY WOULD HAVE TO GET A BUCKET AND GET THAT WATER OUT THAT WAY. IT WOULD TAKE MANY BUCKETS TO EMPTY ONE OF THOSE SPAS.
Why wasn't it under warranty at the time?
It was the first time and the second time the heating element broke, but not the third time. The heating element that comes built in only works 2-3 months.
@@robinlee8605 I don't think I like the set up where it's built in the tub. It looks nicer but probably a pain to take apart repair anything.
If you take it out when you get in, why would you use the $170 metered heater over the $20 non metered heater with a $4 floaty thermometer... That's what I am trying to figure out.
i leave the heater in the water, i just have a smart switch to turn it off when in the hot tub. If you leave a $20 bucket heater it will get WAY over 104 temp and be dangerous. this one has the dial so you can set the temp and don't boil yourself.
@@robinlee8605Oh wow, ok, I suppose that does make sense... thank you for the reply
Alternatively just buy a Lazyspa, mine has lasted 6 years
This one was gifted to me so didn't want to throw away. If this hack ever fails will certainly buy a better quality. However, for the thousands that bought this piece of crap hot tub, hopefully this saves them from having to pitch a perfectly good inflatable tub that doesn't heat.
Dmsidn Mini Tankless Water Heater Electric for Under Sink, Instant On Demand Hot Water Heater 110V 3000W with Digital Display,
Make sure your connecting to a GFI plug !!!!!!!
Definitely. Video #2 displays the GFI upgrade that we did.
Dont use 220v even if watts match. A 220 element under 110v is only half strength no good
Seems expensive though, surely nearly as cheap to buy another hot tub
New hot tub $400, new heating element for hot tub $200 + 4hr install, bucket heater $170
What is a COVID purchase? Bought it with government cheese?
A purchase you made while stuck at home and something you probably should not have bought.....
Get a Colman
This is not a hack. This is a hillbilly fix and a dangerous one too. Common sense not so common here.
I do list the precautions in the video, and this has worked for over a year now. Inflatable hot tubs have horrible heating systems, this improves them or replaces them.
@@robinlee8605 I could stick a fork in an electric socket and trip the fuse over and over. But eventually it’s gonna kill me. This is your logic. The heater clearly states in bold letters, DO NOT USE WHILE IN WATER. But hey you haven’t died in a year so good luck with that.