All of the information you need to select, buy and care for the perfect hot tub for you and your lifestyle!
Critical Questions to Ask the RetailerHere are some other things to consider when finding the right retailer: 1. How long have they been in business? Obviously, the longer a retailer has been in business, the more security you have in regard to them staying in business. This means a better chance for warranty support when and if something goes wrong. Also, be sure to investigate how often the retailer has changed suppliers in the past. You will not be able to count on a dealer who has changed their manufacturer affiliation several times over the past few years. The dealer should be able to prove a long and stable relationship with the manufacturer so that you may be assured that your warranty will be supported. 2. Are they open year round to provide service? Some specialty stores sell pools, sunrooms, and other products as their primary product, and sell spas as a secondary product. As a result of their "seasonal" primary business, some of these stores close for the winter months - the time most people use their hot tub the most. A quality retailer will be open year round. Why? Because the spa industry is a year round business. 3. What are their hours of operation? Look for retailers that are open when it's convenient for you to get the things you need - like chemicals, technical service, or even maintenance advice on your hot tub. 4. Do they have a customer support program? Any reputable retailer will not only stand behind their product, they will want to educate you so you can get the most from your hot tub. Look for a retailer that will answer your questions and provide support when you need it. Customer support programs provide an invaluable service for consumers that have purchased hot tubs by allowing them to ask important, but commonly asked, questions regarding maintenance, care, and chemicals. 5. Do they stock parts for servicing your spa? Look for retailers that stock all parts for hot tub models they carry and see if they will be available when you need them. You might need to do a little research to see which retailers do carry all parts for their spa line, but it will be well worth it in the long run if and when your spa needs servicing. 6. Do they perform their own deliveries? A hot tub is not a simple "drop it off and leave" kind of item. Your delivery team should be well trained in inspecting the spa site as well as explaining hot tub operation to you and to those who will use it. Click over to What Constitutes a Good Delivery & Installation section for more information. 7. Are they selling pre-manufactured products or do they assemble their own? You need to understand that there are many different kinds of people selling hot tubs to the general public, so buying your spa from a legitimate and recognized spa manufacturer is very important. Avoid local dealers that buy component parts from different suppliers and assemble the spa themselves. Many of these spas are not UL listed, which could lead to major, potential problems down the road. Make sure your spa is UL (Underwriter's Laboratories) listed. This means that if anything happens, like a major leak or electrical fire, you will be covered under your homeowner's insurance policy. Look for manufacturers that meet or exceed all UL requirements and are approved by the Energy Testing Laboratory. Manufacturers that assemble their own parts, generally, have a UL listing. This ensures that your spa is built properly so you can have years of enjoyment with family and friends. Many of these manufacturers are also members of the APSP, the leading authority on spas and pools. Finally, a good quality spa manufacturer will stand behind their product with a strong warranty, but also have a third party endorsement, like the Better Business Bureau's CARE Program. 8. Do they provide a free home inspection before you buy? First and foremost, ask to make sure the person they send to do the site inspection is not a sales rep, but a trained technician. One that understands proper care and maintenance, service, and technical questions. They can address any and all safety issues, as well as building codes. A good technician will ideally need to go through a checklist to ensure a smooth delivery and installation. Don't be concerned that there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed. What might be considered complex to the average person is actually quite simple to the trained eye! A Proper Site Inspection for more information. 9. Do they come out to your home to check your spa AFTER it is installed and operational? Ask to see if the retailer will come back a few weeks after installation to make sure everything is running smoothly. They should also answer any operating and maintenance questions you might have. You may have to request this post purchase inspection, if your retailer does not automatically offer one. 10. Are they are a member of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals? The APSP is the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals representing the pool, spa, and the hot tub industry. They are world's largest international trade association representing the swimming pool, spa, hot tub and recreational water industries with a mission to enhance the business success of members. APSP members adhere to strict codes of business ethics. You can contact the APSP at (703)838-0083 to find out if your retailer is a APSP member in good standing. You can also visit them at the APSP's web site: www.theapsp.org for more information. Ideally, look for retailers that stand behind their product. Having it said to you is one thing, having it in writing is another. 11. Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau's CARE Program? The BBB CARE Program, a customer assistance program sponsored by the Better Business Bureau, act as third party liaisons when and if something ever goes wrong with your hot tub. Under this BBB Care agreement, members that subscribe to this program agree to any face to face mediation and/or mutually binding arbitration. The determination of the arbitrator is final, absolute, and binding on the Seller, not the Buyer! |
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