With Stan's retirement and the winds of November on the horizon, yesterday seemed the perfect time to re-activate the hot tub in our backyard. We bought a fine Canadian-made Arctic Spa in 2003, but never really have had the time or inclination to use and enjoy it.We drained it last fall and let it hibernate over winter. This summer we tried to sell it, but nobody wants an empty old tub. So yesterday we started to revive it, cleaning a season's worth of dust and grime before running the garden hose into it.
Alas, after running for about 10 minutes, water started to ooze out the wooden hatches on the side. We removed the covers and another tragedy of 30-below Minnesota winters revealed itself. Apparently the tub was never totally drained, with just enough water remaining to burst a plastic fitting one cold winter night. We were unaware of this unfortunate occurrence until puddles formed under our feet yesterday.
Now Stan's striking a retirement pose, tipping back and earnestly seeking professional help. Plumbing connections have always been above his pay grade. No responses yet to his voice mail pleadings.You'd think Joe Wurzelbacher would be available.
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Breaking news
Scott at Arctic Spas Midwest returned my call. He's a busy boy, it would seem. In the fall, people are like squirrels, gathering and planning for the winter. So the furnace guy gets a lot of calls and so does: Scott the Hot Tub Guy.
Not to worry. Scott will rush me a 2 inch snap nut, catalog no. RPL1-20-208S. I will screw it on and refill. He says it's all within my abilities and --- the $2 part might be warrantied. Easy peasy.
Eat your heart out, Joe.
(Photos by Kathleen, who doesn't do plumbing either.)
