If you haven't noticed, lots of folks are buying spas these days. According to a recent study by the National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI), there are now some 3.3 million residential spas in place. Less costly to install and operate than their in-ground counterparts, portable spas which are completely self contained and require no plumbing, represent about 85 percent of all spas sold.
As with any major purchase, careful shopping and research can help ensure you make the best buying decision to meet your needs.
We recommend people do their shopping very carefully, comparing materials utilized in construction, the warranties offered by manufacturers on various models, the cost to operate on a monthly basis, customer referrals, and the manufacturer's history.
Key Questions to Ask Before Buying a Hot Tub
1. What is the manufacturer's track record and reputation?
Ask your spa salesman questions about the manufacturer. How long have they been in business? How many dealers do they have? How many states do they sell their product in? Are there any claims filed against them (call your Better Business Bureau)? It's important to get a good feel for the company and its history, and how long they'll be around in the future.
Owner satisfaction is built into every Hot Spring® hot tub. Hot Spring® hot tubs are the world's number one brand of portable hot tubs. They have been the market leader since 1977. Hot Spring® hot tubs are made by Watkins Manufacturing, of the Masco Corporation family of companies whose products like Delta® faucets, Behr® paints, and CraftMaid ® cabinets, are well known for quality and value.
You can own and enjoy a Hot Spring® hot tub no matter where you live. They are available in all 50 states, Canada and over 50 countries. With their global network of over 950 dealers and service centers, a hot tub professional is always there for you, before, during and after the sale.
2. How long has the dealer been in business and carried this spa line?
The longer a dealer has been in business, the better their track record is likely to be. And the longer they've carried that particular brand of spa, the higher your comfort level will be. It's very important to both seek out a manufacturer with a strong company history and to select a dealer who is committed to that manufacturer's product line.
PoolCo has served southern Illinois since 1979. We provide the best ownership experience, because we keep our promises. PoolCo has carried and serviced hot tubs since 2000. We have sold Hot Spring® hot tubs since 2005. We are a low pressure reputable dealer who can answer all of your buying questions.
During your hot tub ownership, PoolCo is proud to honor you with our outstanding customer service. Our experienced staff receives specialized training.
We are ready to answer your questions, help with follow up calls, and trouble shoot any concerns, because we do want our customers happy.
3. What is the warranty on this brand of spa?
Ask for a copy of the warranty to take home with you for any spa you look at (some dealers are reluctant to give you a copy of the warranty to take home and this should be a "red flag" to you as to what the fine print may say).
Have the dealer clearly explain what is covered and what isn't. Get any and all promises in writing.
A reputable manufacturer will cover not only the spa shell, but the plumbing, jets, and all major components for up to five years. A good rule of thumb is to buy a spa that the has been made by a manufacturer who has been in business longer than the warranty they offer.
Hot Spring® hot tubs established the industry standard of 5 years back in 1989. It's withstood the test of time, and their
warranty remains comprehensive and straightforward.
Hot Spring® hot tubs are proud to disclose its full detail because there is no fine print to hide.
Hot Spring® hot tubs pledge of quality to you:
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| Sterling Marble Shell |
- 5 Year NO-Fault® Heater Warranty NO BLAME GAME, because the heater is not affected by pH fluctuations like most other hot tubs.
- 7 Year Shell Surface Warranty Watkins warrants the acrylic surface material of the Hot Spring portable spa to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for seven years. Additionally, the acrylic surface material is structurally warranted not to leak for seven years. The acrylic surface material is nonpermeable and will not absorb odors, bacteria or pollutants.
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| Moto-Massage Jet |
- 5 Year No Leak Plumbing Warranty Watkins warrants the Hot Spring spa against leaks caused by defects in manufacturing and workmanship for five years. This warranty specifically covers leaks from the wall fittings, jet fittings, internal plumbing, internal glue joints, drains, hoses, and all bonded parts.
- 5 Year Parts Warranty Watkins warrants the electrical components, pump(s), Moto-Massage jets, air valves, levers, bezels and other Hot Spring spa components against defects in materials and workmanship for five years
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| Everwood Cabinetry |
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- 5 Year Everwood Cabinetry Warranty Watkins warrants the Everwood cabinet material to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for five years.
PROMISES PROMISES PROMISES...
A warranty is a promise from the manufacturer. Simply put, they promise to fix any mistakes (defects) that originated at their factory. What makes a warranty a great warranty is how well they KEEP THAT PROMISE.
- Is the warranty unconditional or do they blame you for the cause of the problem, to get themselves off the hook?
- Does the dealer have their own service department or do they subcontract the work out?
- How quickly does the dealer respond to your request for service?
- Do they require you pay a fee before warranty work is performed?
- Do they have a professional, courteous staff to help you know your hot tub and its operation?
- After any service work is performed do they contact you to make sure you are happy?
Here's how PoolCo keeps that promise:
PoolCo never charges diagnostic or trip fees to perform warranty work. We never have. We never will. Our competition, however, charges you a fee BEFORE they will perform warranty work. Why would they charge for something you would expect to be free?
Because our competition does not have their own service team. They must refer you to someone else for your hot tub's service needs. PoolCo firmly believes that you should be able to call us for all your needs. Isn't that easy for you?
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| James Halstead |
PoolCo has an advanced technology allows dealers to provide the finest in customer care. Authorized Hot Spring spa dealers use
DeTECHtive, a sophisticated software tool that provides step-by-step diagnostic instructions, detailed parts lists and electrical schematics for all Hot Spring spa parts.
James Halstead, our hot tub technician, is factory trained. He has served the southern Illinois area for over 5 years. He is an expert on Hot Spring hot tubs, as well as most other brands.
4. Do I feel comfortable in this brand of portable spa?
The most important feature is how you feel sitting in your spa. What good is it to save a few dollars or fall in love with the look of a certain model, if it is not comfortable to sit in?
We advise consumers to take a "test soak" in the dealer showroom to see how their seat fits into the spa seats, and how the jet placement feels. It's also important to get a feel for how a particular model feels wet, and to do that you have to climb in when there's water in it.
Spas feel very different wet than they do dry, as many spas are displayed. You wouldn't consider buying a car without a test drive, and you shouldn't consider a brand of spa without a test soak.
5. What are the features of this spa and what do they do for me?
Sometimes the "bells and whistles" that spa manufacturers tout can mean headaches to you. In most cases, simplicity is the rule. Make sure you understand how to operate the spa, and strive to eliminate unnecessary features that are there just for show. Ask yourself, "Do I really need this? Does this add therapeutic value to my spa?" Remember, the most important thing is to obtain a relaxing, swirling hot therapy soak.
You want a spa that is ready to use, and that works every time you want to get in it. No troubles, no hassles. Look at where the jets are placed. Check the pressure of the jets and make sure they provide relaxation and not punishment. Hot Spring spas feature revolutionary "moto-massage" jets that move up and down the length of your back at a speed you control, providing an experience much like a manual massage.
6. Can I have customer references?
A reputable dealer can put you in touch with a number of customers to ask questions and get referrals about that dealer. Remember, quality manufacturers have many satisfied customers.
7. What size spa will best suit my needs?
Do you entertain a lot? Do you have a big family? Before you shop, try to determine how often you are likely to use your spa and how many people you'll need to fit in it along with you.
8. How was this spa constructed? Is it easy to use and maintain?
The quality of the construction and materials used will determine not only how long your portable spa will last, but the actual long-term cost to you as well. Make sure the shell is made from a durable material that has been tested over time. Is the cabinet made with an alternative wood material that is easy to virtually maintenance free? The components that run your spa should be field tested and backed strongly by the manufacturer's warranty.
Hot Spring uses only the best materials, and their fully-insulated spas are designed to last longer and cost you less to keep up and operate on a daily basis for years to come. Hot Spring products, for example, come with two durable pumps in every spa, one for the water jets and one for the heater.
Ask your dealer for a product brochure explaining in detail how each spa is made and the parts and materials used in construction.
9. What will this model cost me to operate monthly, is it energy-efficient?
Manufacturers or dealers should be able to provide you with documented information on the estimated costs of operation. Inquire if the manufacturer has conducted a third-party study on the energy efficiency of their spas.
Often, spas with low initial purchase prices can cost two to three times a month more to heat than higher priced models, which in the long run may actually make them more expensive.
Don't take a salesman's word for it, ask for the estimated costs in writing and ask your referrals what their experience has been.
These key questions along with a few of your own (i.e. What financing options do I have? What is included in the price of this spa?) can help serve you as a great guide.
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