Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide (Don’t Get Ripped Off when Buying a New Spa!)
Not too long ago, there were an endless number of hot tub companies offering products for sale. However, with the current economic downturn, spa manufacturers are circling the drain therefore reducing the quality of product offerings available to consumers. That is not necessarily a negative given that most of these companies were providing sub-standard hot tubs and dismal customer service after the sale, thus contributing to their demise. The more established spa manufacturers are still kicking and there are still plenty of good deals to be found…but how does one go about determining the best path to owning a new hot tub?
- Use the internet to gather information about the various brands of hot tubs available in your area. A great resource is whatsthebest-hottub.com. This message board is populated by hot tub owners along with industry professionals representing their products. You can ask questions about spas, water treatment, accessories, and receive a tremendous amount of useful feedback from the members.
WARNING: If anyone attempts to contact you outside of the public forum (via private messaging or e-mail), report them to the administrator. There are several unethical scam artists claiming to be specialists who attempt to sell their inferior products by operating in this fashion. DO NOT BECOME A VICTIM OF ONLINE FRAUD!
Slimy Spa Salesman
- Once you have obtained feedback about the various brands which have attracted your interest, do a thorough investigation into the reputation of the manufacturer. The hot tub industry is driven by a handful of reputable major manufacturers that have a proven track record of success and a large customer base. These are the companies that will provide you with the best long-term ownership experience. The rest of the industry is a contingent of regional assemblers, mass marketers, and internet resellers. Many of these companies sell their hot tubs at roadside events, on “swap-meet” style websites and newspapers, and even through elaborate and misleading “spa shows” in which they advertise an assortment of brands but are actually the only company participating. Avoid these types of marketers as you will be left to fend for yourself should your spa require any type of service….and it will.
- Investigate the local dealer. Check their Better Business Bureau rating at bbb.org to see if there are any red flags regarding the way they conduct business. Talk to your friends that own spas, ask about their experiences and their level of satisfaction with the product and service after the sale. Ask the dealer how long they have sold their particular brand and, most importantly, how long they will CONTINUE to carry their current brand. Ask WHY they changed brands and if they still service the spas they sold. Beware of the dealer that has changed brands many times over the years. If you purchase their “flavor of the month”, you may find yourself without support when they change brands once more.
WARNING: Beware of the “used car salesman” approach when shopping. For example, if the dealer offers to “throw in” a cover or a GFCI subpanel if you buy the spa, be aware that these items are already INCLUDED with the spa…they come from the factory that way.
- ALWAYS look inside the spas’ equipment compartment. Almost all spas look great on the outside. However, when the front panels are removed, you will be surprised at how many of them are poorly designed and have virtually no insulation. If the plumbing is visible or only contains a miniscule amount of insulation, you are looking at a cheaply manufactured spa that will result in not only substantial electric costs, but an increased likelihood of developing leaks on a consistent basis. Do not fall for scare tactics employed by these low-end dealers as they attempt to convince you that a fully insulated and supported spa will be difficult to repair. This is ABSOLUTELY FALSE and is simply an attempt to sell you a lesser quality spa at an inflated profit for them. Virtually every single one of the most successful and highly regarded spa manufacturers in the U.S. utilize FULL FOAM INSULATION in their spas as it has a proven track record unsurpassed by any other method.
- Ask the dealer about their service department. If the dealer does not have an in-house service team or if they sub-contract their repairs through a third-party, find another dealer. If a dealer is not committed to you, the customer, throughout your entire ownership of the spa, then you are unlikely to receive prompt and efficient service when you NEED IT MOST. Ask the dealer if they stock replacement parts, accessories, chemicals, and if they offer free water testing. Ask the dealer if the manufacturer they currently represent carries parts for EVERY spa they have ever produced. There are few things worse than needing a replacement part for your 5-year old hot tub only to find out that the manufacturer does not have it available any longer.
- Wet test the spas that you are considering owning. Sitting in a dry spa in the showroom (or looking at pretty pictures on a website or in a brochure) DOES NOT EQUATE to sitting in the spa with hot water and the jets running. Many hot tub users, particularly women, tend to float in a spa and especially in a lounge seat. Make sure that the dealer has a private area (Mood Room) available for you to try the spa before you buy it. Some dealers do not have space for a mood room, but should be willing to fill any spa on the floor if you ask them. If the dealer is not willing to go the extra mile for you while you are shopping, how likely are they to accommodate you after they have taken your money?
Remember, YOU have the power as a consumer…don’t be bullied or pressured by someone out to make a quick buck!
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