Why to avoid home and garden spas

The true cost of a traveling expo hot tub

Consumer Alert: What’s the scariest place to buy a hot tub or swim spa?
Answer: A traveling hot tub or swim spa expo.

Hot tubs for sale in home and garden shows

Home and garden shows can be a fun place to visit and get ideas for your dream backyard. Often you’ll see hot tubs displayed at these shows. You might also hear that you’ll get the best pricing on hot tubs when you purchase during the event.

Whether it’s a home and garden show or the fair, there are plenty of reasons why you should take some precautions before buying a hot tub at one of these venues. We will explain why.

What are hot tub expos or road shows?

Hot tub and swim spa expos are typically advertised as “national events” that are in town for the weekend and insinuate that all major manufactures are present. However, this is far from the truth. In reality, these expo events are set up quickly and run by high-pressure sales staff who leave town and disappear as soon as the event is over never to be seen again. You will also hear many claims on pricing.

Don't get left high and dry with a bad hot tub

A hot tub can be a major purchase for your home that will last you years. It’s important to purchase a hot tub that you know meets and exceeds your expectations and will complement your lifestyle, backyard and relaxation and entertainment needs. 

You’ll also want to take your time when making a decision to ensure that you are getting the highest quality hot tub, the best features that you’ll actually enjoy and ensure that the hot tub is the right fit for your home. Getting pressured into making a quick decision because the road show leaving town is no way to make an informed purchasing decision. Take it from us. We’ve been in the business for a long time and know how many considerations need to be made to customize a hot tub that is the right fit for you.

We also recommend taking a test soak in a hot tub before you purchase or getting an in-home consultation with an expert to help you with site preparation, delivery needs, design ideas and any additional considerations to ensure that you have a smooth experience. Once you have it dialed in just right, you’ll have a spa that is perfect for you.

Buy local and save

You’ll want to buy from a reputable local dealer that will be there for you after the sale to guide you through the experience, provide assistance with any questions and service your hot tub should you need it. Also, you can always pop into the local store to pick up any chemicals or accessories without much fuss and ask any questions. Your local dealer is your warranty repair center as well, making it a painless experience if you need it.

Sometimes you’ll see local dealers at home and garden shows but sometimes not. It’s important to ask the dealer questions about their physical location, support and who handles customer service, repairs and accessories if you need them later. Travelling road shows usually don’t feature local dealers and the sellers may have not been in business for long or plan to be in business for long either.

When it comes to pricing, often what is claimed to be the sale price is actually the real price. These road shows are expensive and sellers look at trying to reclaim these costs. What ends up becoming more expensive is getting left with a hot tub that you can’t enjoy, service or maintain. 

When you buy from us, we offer competitive pricing on quality hot tubs that will last. You’ll also get the support you need to enjoy your hot tub year after year.

 

Questions to ask when you buy a hot tub

When you are shopping for hot tubs, here are a list of questions you should ask:

  1. Do you have brick and mortar showroom in my local area where I can test soak the models I’m interested in?
  2. How long have you been in business? How long has the manufacturer been in business?
  3. Can you provide reference and reviews about your hot tubs and swim spas?
  4. Do you have energy costs for a 4-6 person hot tub used in our area four to five times a week for 30 minutes at a time (the average use period) that has been certified by an independent testing lab?
  5. What options do you have for water care that’s chlorine and bromine free?
  6. What about delivery? Is it driveway drop-off or full service to the exact spot where I want it?
  7. Do you provide your own service or it via a third party?
  8. Can you give me a copy of the warranty for this hot tub or swim spa?
  9. What’s your cancellation policy? Can I get a refund of my deposit if I change my mind?