Replacing a Jandy / Zodiac Spa-Side Remote

Рет қаралды 19,328

8 жыл бұрын

This video is long and detailed because it shows a complete picture, including my realistic thoughts and struggles as a first-timer (the target audience of this video). If you are planning to do this repair yourself for the first time (and you want the switch to last more than a few months), the process is not that hard. But you'll need to watch the entire video soup-to-nuts, take notes, and maybe re-watch critical scenes while working through these steps.
Please review the comments below - especially on the topic of pulling the new wire through the conduit. I used a parachute line, but instead of a rope, the professionals usually cut and attach the old cable to the new cable, and use the old cable to pull the new cable through the conduit. If you watch KZfaq videos about how to replace submerged pool light assemblies, you'll see examples of this typical cable-pulling technique. Also, pros often use conduit grease to smooth the process, so look for that, too.
Lastly, I offer a simple way to protect deck-mounted pool-side switches from sunlight when not in use. Where UV sunlight is the number one reason why these buttons fail after 15 years, my trick may keep you from ever facing this repair again.
Here are Amazon descriptions for items I specifically bought for this repair...
Jandy Spa Side Remote 4 Function 100 ft. White 7441. Sold by: MyPoolYard $189.00 (the entire kit shown in the video).
Dap 00688 Household Waterproof Adhesive Sealant, 100% Silicone, 2.8-Ounce Tube $4.57. Andy decent outdoor calking will work.
[Not used in this video, but a very good idea... 3M Clear Wire Pulling Lubricant]
If you decide to use a rope (an extra step I could have skipped)…
TITAN PARACORD | Authentic Mil-Spec 550 Paracord / Parachute Cord | Safety-Orange (M-550100-SO), 100 Foot Hank - Sold by: TITAN™ Paracord $15.95

Пікірлер: 55

@colinmoore68 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this Ken, mine was playing up and was disconnected at the control box for the last year or so. I think I was quoted several hundred $$$ to replace at that time. Glad I waited and will tackle this soon. Much appreciated!!!!

@encellon 7 жыл бұрын

Glad the video is helping. As I point out in a previous comment, you can skip the parachute cord part and use the old cable to pull the new cable through -- check out videos on how people replace pool lights for ideas. Also, definitely consider whatever grease they recommend.

@encellon 7 жыл бұрын

Also, when feeding the cable, it would help to have someone at each end of the line - one pushing the cable, and one pulling.

@sergealin1629 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. this is the most helpful "do it yourself" video I ever saw. Excellent explanations and no cutting corners. Congrats.

@chrisdagostino7616 5 жыл бұрын

I've done this before but replacing the pool light. Its the same process. I cut the cord at the old light and secured the spliced end of the new wiring harness to where I cut off the old light. Just pulled the new one through at the box using the old wire. Saved a step and the cost of the rope.

@encellon 5 жыл бұрын

Yup - it was a rookie extra step... but at least people are figuring that part out. The key is thinking through each step, and hopefully I'm showing enough here to offer food for thought.

@lg4lg479 2 жыл бұрын

Great video the hard thing now is to find that controller in 2022. As it is the exact controller I have on my spa Amazon no longer sells.

@encellon 2 жыл бұрын

Looks like it may be an out-of-stock (Covid shortage) problem. In view of 3,000 views of this video every year, I suspect that demand for this assembly is high enough to manufacture replacements for years to come.

@michellewarren5808 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Super helpful. Thank you.

@thomass4422 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding. YOU are the man!

@1robin1000 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Ken. I need to do the same thing out here in southern California. I really appreciate your time.

@erice5429 7 күн бұрын

Thank you for the video. I solved my problem..

@scottlandb6579 4 жыл бұрын

Another tip for those concerned about the two wires pulling apart while fishing through conduit. Don’t be afraid. If it pulls apart. Simply remove both wires from both ends of conduit so you have a clear conduit. Use a shop vac on one end and at the other end use grading string from Home Depot usually fluorescent orange or something. Seal off area between shop vac hose and conduit and flip on shop vac have someone else feed string into other end of conduit till it reaches shop vac. Now you got a new line to pull wire. We used to do this when I was an electrician. Sometimes you can tie a little piece of plastic grocery bag to string to help suck string through conduit. Just a tip for your followers.

@encellon 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome idea! Maybe this is how the pool installers fed the wires through brand new conduit before any preexisting cable was there to pull.

@scottlandb6579 4 жыл бұрын

Ken Ramsley when you have really long runs in conduit possibly. I’m a pool man now been in business for a long time and I still run this trick.

@williamcala8704 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the reply and the great video.

@osulxa 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this Ken! This issue was driving me nuts. Especially, with the lack of information on the internet about this problem topic. You just saved me a lot of money!

@encellon 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to help.

@peterhoward4607 Жыл бұрын

you can put some dish washing liquid an the pull will slide easier. useful video, thanks P

@encellon Жыл бұрын

I like the idea of liquid dish detergent. Unlike the conduit grease recommended by the pros, liquid detergent won't produce an oily sheen or clog up a filter (not likely -- but I am a worry wart).

@budspool 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the help I had the same problem and it worked for me

@michaelryan2508 2 жыл бұрын

Great video

@keithcurtis5185 7 жыл бұрын

Nicely done, Ken. Great detail and very much worth the time it took to watch your video. I'm now ready to take on my own malfunctioning spa switch.

@encellon 7 жыл бұрын

Cool. Glad it helps. Also check out my comments to Colin (if you haven't already).

@gillianbauerson1655 3 жыл бұрын

GREAT video !! Hopefully I can find a switch and then be able to replace my old one. Thanks !

@gailparnell9473 4 жыл бұрын

Thank You for making this video - VERY HELPFUL! My Spa started coming on by its self last week. I will unplug for a while and if that stops the Ghosting , I Be installing a new one soon. BTW My Pool builder told me to go buy a plastic Salsa Cup and keep it over the spa switch to keep the sun from baking it - That was 21 Years Ago!

@garyhood6923 7 жыл бұрын

Ken, you're the greatest. Thank your.

@momoney882007 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. Thank you so much!

@michaelmai8403 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Nice job.

@encellon 7 жыл бұрын

The only part I might have done differently ... instead of a separate cord, I might have cut the old cable and used this this to pull the new cable through. Yet, parachute cord is super tough -- so certainly a workable option.

@chrisdagostino7616 5 жыл бұрын

@@encellon yes that is a good option and the one to use it saves two steps

@encellon 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris -- I keep hoping people notice what you notice in these comments. The original cable with conduit grease should do the job of pulling a new cable through.

@patinsdtube 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ken Very helpful video ! My remote is completely shot and I get those turning ON equipment randomly , just like you explained . Quick question ? Why not using the old wire to pull the new one ?

@encellon 7 жыл бұрын

By all means, pulling with the old cable will work. Check out videos on replacing pool lights for tricks on how to tie the cables together. I simply didn't think about this at the time.

@williamcala8704 4 ай бұрын

Loved your video. I currently have a failure of the same switch. Can’t believe how expensive it is. Would it not have been easier to use the old wire as your pull through the conduit? Had I not seen the video I would have connected the new wire poolside to the old wire and pulled at the control box. What do you think?

@encellon 4 ай бұрын

Somewhere in the comments section I write about using the old cable to pull the new cable through. In fact, this is how the pros do it. I would also advise adding conduit grease, which I also mention in the comments. Besides this, the rest of the video gets it right. Yeah, they are charging way too much for that switch.

@rickrahe1616 16 күн бұрын

You should use some electrical tape and skip the stiff wire and overlap your tape 50%.

@encellon 15 күн бұрын

@@rickrahe1616 In hindsight, wrapping the old and new cables with tape would work, especially if somehow looped together. I was worried enough to add the wire, which probably made it harder to pull.

@navidd1971 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Ken. My pool repair person quoted me $375 with parts and labor. Given the length of time it took you, and agony to fish that wire through, plus the anxiety it caused me watching you do it, I think I'll have my guy do it. All though, I'd love to take on a project of this scope. My wife would think I'm a big stud, since I can't even screw on a light bulb without shorting out something in the house. By the way, my controller is on the wall of my spa on the inside, not on the deck. So I'm not sure if that would make it more difficult. I'll have to ask my pool repairman if he's fishing the line, or cutting the wire, which would be the wrong way of doing it, like you said. Again, thank you for such an informative video. I would be great if you could post links to where to buy the parts you used.

@encellon 5 жыл бұрын

LOL - Sounds like a reasonable plan for that kind of money. The button kit is not cheap. My biggest problem is how we have a short 'pool season' and the few outfits around here that do this sort of work are out straight all summer. I have the 'big light' to replace -- and that's a two-person job. Can I get anyone to show up? Nope. Indeed, the best how-to videos show the struggles -- not just the solutions.

@navidd1971 5 жыл бұрын

Ken Ramsley I can’t even imagine having to replace my old style Sam light with the spinning feature it has in it and where I’d be able to find one of those! I hope I don’t have to ever have to change that or the spa light out. It would probably end up being very costly. Getting new hardware to work with old equipment that it is.

@encellon 5 жыл бұрын

As long as draining water from the spa is no problem, replacing the spa light is not as hard as a main light. Changing lights, someone has to push the wire from the light-socket end, and working in an empty spa, at least this can be done sitting on the floor (instead of floating free in the pool). Basically, I assume that eventually, everything that can be replaced will need to be replaced.

@navidd1971 5 жыл бұрын

Ken Ramsley the spa we have has a spa drain so that’s easy. But for the pool, I can’t imagine how that’s done. Water and electricity don’t mix. My grandpa (mom’s side) died of electrocution when my mom was about 4 or 5. Certainly wouldn’t want to follow in his footsteps. 🤭😳☠️⚡️

@encellon 5 жыл бұрын

That's terrible about your grandfather. Our pool has a junction box behind the deck near the main light -- once power is shut off, Step 1 is unwiring the light on dry land. A repair guy I spoke with says someone always draws a short straw to climb into the pool with a harness that somehow anchors them in place. Can't be fun.

@travisgregory 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Ken, thank you for this video. I have the same remote and it busted as well. Apologies if you addressed this somewhere but why couldn't you just cut the new remotes' cable and splice it onto the existing cable of the old remote? Thanks!

@encellon 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Travis - After two years, no matter how hard you try, moist air will find its way past the splice and condense behind the switch buttons. The daytime heat and nighttime cold act like a vacuum pump -- and other than running one continuous cable back to the controller, there is no way to stop this effect ...wish this were not true, but more than one person has found this out the hard way (read the reviews of those who bought a new assembly -- that is where some describe this mistake).

@travisgregory 4 жыл бұрын

@@encellon Thanks for the fast response! Currently the conduit that my remote sits in is filled with water. At some point the seal between the spa decking and the remote wore out and rain and water mustve got in. Is this a problem or is it ok to leave it in there with a new remote install?

@travisgregory 4 жыл бұрын

Also where did you purchase the new Jandy Spa Side remote and for how much? I can't seem to find one for sale online. Maybe you have to buy it from Jandy directly?

@encellon 4 жыл бұрын

@@travisgregory - Should be okay. I have the same problem with water getting into the conduit pipe. The cable is water tight, so the water is not going to get through. The main failure mode is sunlight UV degrading the rubber buttons -- I put a small metal bowl over the buttons, except when using the spa. Good luck.

@encellon 4 жыл бұрын

@@travisgregory - I bought my kit from MyPoolYard -- look for "Jandy Spa Side Remote 4 Function 100 ft. White 7441"

@gmaltese 4 жыл бұрын

im going to try this mine is about 75-100 run wish me luck brother, oh by the way the switch doesn't work most of the time 5 % of the time it works

@encellon 4 жыл бұрын

I'd recommend conduit grease -- or whatever they call it. It will help the cable slide. Also, watch videos where pros replace pool lights - they use the old cable (not a rope) to pull the new cable through - and they have a solid way to tie the wires together. Take your time -- if things seem stuck -- back up a bit and try again -- also helps if someone is pushing the cable from the spa end while someone else is pulling from the panel end. Good Luck :)

@scottlandb6579 4 жыл бұрын

Instead of rope? Why not cut the switch to the old jandy spa switch and do the same wrap job you did w/ new wire to old wire and snake it the opposite direction where your pulling the old wire w/ the attached new wire to the jandy panel? Just remove steps. You only have to pull the old wire w/ new wire attached once.

@encellon 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, I agree -- I realized this later (and mention this in the comments). I'd also try conduit grease to help things along.

@scottlandb6579 4 жыл бұрын

Ken Ramsley yeah I didn’t read any of the other comments. But good video.