Hey future Spa owner,
Before you go ahead and purchase your dream spa, there are a few tips you need to know about the spa buying/installation process that will help you avoid a spa disaster.
My name is Steve Dempsey and I’ve been involved in the spa industry for over 30 years.
In my time as a spa reseller, I’ve seen firsthand some pretty devastating disasters.
I’ve seen…
- A couple bought a spa from a start-up spa retailer because it was dirt cheap. After four weeks of use, it stopped working. The company they bought it from went into liquidation, so they had to pay out of their pocket to have it fixed.
- A family who after months of enjoying their spa, received a rude shock in the mail from their council, who fined them big dollars for not having the correct approvals. They had to fork out thousands more to have the spa re-installed correctly, so it passed council regs.
- An elderly couple purchased a spa as a way to enjoy their retirement, only to find their spa subsided because the foundations on which the spa was installed weren’t inspected properly.
So, before you go ahead and drop that dream spa into your backyard, give this article a quick read, as I share some simple tips that will help you avoid the pain, cost, and heartache that others have suffered when purchasing a spa.
1. Review The Spa Company You’re Dealing With
One of the best ways you can avoid the pain of a spa disaster is by reviewing the credibility of the spa company you’re dealing with. Here are some simple things you can look out for when you’re surfing their website or speaking to them over the phone.
Are they hunting for the sale? – Spa companies that are sales-driven, are often not as driven in other parts of the process such as installation, support, maintenance, etc.
Do they have videos or images of previous installs on their website? – A credible spa company should have testimonials from customers who they’ve helped in the past.
Have they been recommended by others? – A great place to check for recommendations is within the reviews the business receives on Google. See what others have to say about their experience with that company.
How long have they been in business? – If the spa company offers a warranty longer than they’ve been in business, alarm bells should start to go off. Spa companies that have been in business for less than 5 years should be approached with caution.
2. Make Sure You Get Council Approval
Another thing you’ll need to consider when purchasing a spa is whether you need council approval. If you fail to comply, you could be up for a hefty fine. Here are a few simple ways you can avoid this from happening to you.
Learn the council regulations that apply to you – Simply give your local council a call to find out what the regulations are within your state. You can find them here
Ask the salesperson – Mentioning council permits to your spa salesperson can be a great way for you to prompt them to disclose any information. If the salesperson brushes over this topic, it’s safe to assume they’re not familiar with the regulations.
3. Prepare Your Backyard Correctly!
The final thing that you need to consider is completing the right prep work to ensure your spa runs smoothly. Without the right prep work, you are unlikely to be covered under warranty if something were to break.
Here’s what you need to consider when preparing your backyard for your spa:
What foundation do I want my spa to sit on? – To prevent voiding your warranty, make sure the foundation you choose to sit your spa on is level. If the foundation subsides, the spa will not be covered. The most common foundations for spas include concrete slabs, timber decking, Ez pads.
Have electrical work carried out by a professional – The electrical supply to your spa needs to be carried out by a qualified electrician so you can comply with all regulations and standards. If your electrical work is completed by a non-qualified tradesperson, your warranty will be voided.
If you’re wanting further information on how to prepare your backyard correctly, our ultimate spa buyers guide shares 30 years worth industry tips and tricks, which you can access here.
As you can see, what I’ve shared with you is nothing out of the ordinary.
These are simple measures that apply to anyone who is in the market to purchase a spa, and should be put in place to help you avoid a painstaking disaster.
I hope this information was helpful.
Have a wonderful day.
Steve Dempsey.
