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We carefully researched the brands we have chosen to stock deciding to aim for quality and value sourced from the UK and USA. There are many hottubs available making for much confusion. Added to this is the practice of selling spas on auction sites etc making wonderful claims that don't always 'hold water'.
If a spa is all singing yet impossibly cheap then it probably is...a marine quality 'waterproof' tv would cost £2,000 on its own so if the spa is advertised at £3,000.....
If the spa is 'American acrylic' the sheeting could be USA manufactured then exported to China where then used in a spa therefore the spa isn't made in USA...Just as Pakistani steel can be marked as made in Germany in Pakistan, so can a hot tub be mis-sold.
Spa manufacturers can also use model names or brand implying a geographical location completely unrelated to the factory location. Calling a company Canadian, American, Australian spas etc does not mean all their stock in manufactured in those countries. The location of a head office again does not guarantee manufacturing is done at that location, state or country!
Beware too companies using 'feel good' psychological names. A domain name and website cost little. Try to visit the company, view the spa range and wet test if possible.
Beware too the offer of 'kerbside delivery only'. Spas are large heavy objects and require professional equipment to instal at its site. If any problems are then found the supplier can very easily blame it on the installation process and not delivery.
An interesting review can be found here
Another cautionary tale here
Youtube video disposing of dangerous hot tub here
A quote from a typical spa removal service
'We do not transport, repair or supply parts for any Chinese import spas, due to the extremely poor build quality we can not be held responsible for them falling apart, also we can not use our equipment to lift them due to them having no floor or superstructure that allows the use of air bag lifts. Please be sure to check who the manufacturer is before buying!!!!'
We cannot stress enough how important it is to check claims made by hot tub sellers. On auction sites we repeatedly find impossibly cheap spas compared with the 'features' they offer. Checking company details, these are new companies often operating from home importing Chinese spas but using a 'virtual office' often in impressive sounding locations. Previous sales and feedback can even be from dummy accounts or family and friends. A small fee can provide an easy false trading history. Warranties are not from the manufacturer, if that can even be obtained, but from the seller themselves who can disappear overnight. CE approval is also required. Is this on the instruction booklet or anywhere on the controls? Along with questionable media electrics in proxity to water and children, does the combined electrical draw risk fusing the house if the washing machine and dishwasher start up? MAIN POINTS TO RESEARCH
Construction....is wood used in the shell which can rot
....is the shell ABS construction completely or just an ABS tray
....is the shell fibreglass (this doesnt bond well to the shell surface and can weaken)
avoid bath quality acrylic
....are the jets stainless steel or plastic or treated to look like metal, chrome is attacked by
spa chemicals
....does the shell have so many jets and piercings that it could be weakened
....are all electrical add-ons truly and documented compliant for a wet steamy environment
....where is the hottub made? where is the factory? where are components made?
.... can you visit the factory where they are made? If you ask to visit the factory as
'you are in the area on holiday and interested in spa manufacture (eg USA)' what is the
dealers reaction
....Is the hottub 'USA/Canada' because they are manufactured there or because the importer
from the Far East has a head office there?
Running ....are the pumps and heater economic
....are the pumps and heater powerful enough for the system
....are there so many high kw/horsepower pumps that the spa would be costly to run
....are the electrics compatible with UK standards
....what is the warranty on cabinets, shells and parts, what happens if there is a problem?
....is the spa advertised as running above 40' C ? high temperatures can pose hyperthermia risks
Checking a supplier via the internet/Google will also reveal any articles or forums expressing concern or praise for products and service providing not posted by the company itself!
HOT TUB LOCATION
Check your access will accommodate a tub delivered on its side, can fencing panels be removed as an option? Tubs can also be craned into rear gardens.
Ensure your tub is placed on a solid surface, remember the weight of the spa, water and people may end up through your decking! We recommend a 4/5" concrete base.
Never build in your spa completely, access is required for controls and water drainage.
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At our showroom we have illustrations of 'what lies beneath' spas to help you decide. |