Look for hot tub manufacturers that have been in
business for a while and have a proven record of
reliability. The Internet is a great place
to start. Check out the company’s
website and do a quick search
for independent reviews of
their products.
You can also ask friends or
family members with hot tubs
about their experiences with
particular models. You should
also take into consideration
where the manufacturer is located
(e.g. in or outside of your province,
in or outside of Canada) this makes
getting parts and service a lot easier
if for what ever reason the retailer stops
carrying the hot tub brand that you
purchased and ensure they are supported
by a reputable retailer and distributor.
Also, investigate whether the products they
offer are covered by a reasonable warranty. Look
for companies that don’t charge extra for Trip fees
when doing a warranty call also be careful of the small
print a lot of warranties are pro-rated in the industry. A good
warranty would consist of a 10 year structural warranty, 5 year
acrylic surface and 3 year parts and labour warranty. When it comes
to hot tub retailers, many of the same criteria apply. Investigate how long
the store has been in business and whether it is a member of any professional
associations. Research the company online to determine its reputation,
including a search for customer reviews, referrals or complaints.
Of course, visiting the store on a fact-finding mission can also be helpful. Speak with a
salesperson to see if they take the time to determine what hot tubs would best suit your
particular needs, or just push products on you without asking questions. Check to see if the store
has an onsite water testing lab and either an in-house or outsourced service department for
ongoing maintenance support. Also inquire about the store’s warranty policies—always look for a
written warranty and be sure to ask whether the retailer charges an extra fee on every warranty
service call. If you decide to buy from a sales representative at a home show, parking lot sale or
other type of one-off event, be sure to ask whether the seller has a bricks-and-mortar retailer that
can support you with a warranty and service department. |