Smart Shopping Habits...for anything you plan to buy!

Intelligent shoppers know that a little detective work before buying will actually save them money! 

Researching your purchases could wind up saving you a small fortune in either purchase price or repair savings. Through the combination of company websites, company research tools, and product review sites, you can narrow down your intended purchase to the product that makes the most sense - for you.


Smart Shopping Habits: 


Decide how much you can and should spend to get the best value. Remember that the cheapest buy is not always the smartest buy. Quality goes a long way.

How do you see yourself using this product?  Will this product live up to your expectations? 


Develop a checklist of what features will be the most important to you. List them from most to least important. Next to each feature, briefly explain why that feature it is important to you.

Look for a good, authentic sale. Is the item really on sale? Don't buy something just because it's on sale. Purchase because it's a great value for you.

Ask friends, family members and co-workers for product and store referrals.

Check Consumer Reports and product-rating magazines for more information. 

Visit several online message boards to view positive and negative comments about the product. If there were problems, how well was the situation resolved? 

Inspect products carefully before buying. Check for quality and durability. When in doubt, stick to reliable brand names.

Check warranties carefully. Make sure you understand the company's policies.

Ask if there will be any extra charges - for example, for delivery or warranty work.



Now, with this basic plan in place you are ready to shop specific hot tub features.

How to Choose a Reputable Pool and Spa Builder (and not get ripped off! )

Make sure the builder has a place of business

Reputable companies have a showroom with working displays of the pools, spas and equipment they sell and install. Unfortunately anyone can say they build pools. Hiring someone who will do the job for less could be very risky. If they don't show up to do or complete the job, how will you find them?


Will they do backyard consultations?

They will come to you. A reputable builder will take the time to understand what you want in a pool. They ask a lot of questions. They make sure you understand the process. They guarantee their work. Most of all they are NOT high pressure salesmen.


What is their reputation like?

Can you get references? Have they been in business for a long time? Do they service what they sell or do they subcontract the labor? Installing the pool or spa is just the first step in a long term relationship with a reputable pool and spa builder.


Are they insured?
Do you want someone working in your backyard that has NO insurance?


Good builders have nothing to hide.

How to Choose a Reputable Builder