Hot Tub Buyers Guide: Don’t Get Soaked! 7 Tips to Help you Buy the RIGHT One the First Time

August 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Buying a hot tub?  How exciting!  Please do your homework before setting out on your shopping trip.  You want the shopping experience to go smoothly AND you want the pleasure of soaking in the best hot tub for you and your family. Check out these tips to help you buy the right one the first time

1. “BUY THE DEALER” BEFORE YOU BUY THE HOT TUB. Do business only with a dealer who will give you service as good after the sale as before your purchase.  Choosing a hot tub dealer is the most important choice you have to make in the buying process.  Pick a business that is trustworthy and can offer the service and water care advice that will make owing your hot tub a joy not a hassle.

 BUYING TIP: Think you can pick a trustworthy business at a fair or carnival? High-pressure sales tactics should be your first clue that the business is not as trustworthy as you’d like.  Most of the sellers at fairs do not have a local business presence. Think you’ll ever get service?

2. REFERENCES? A MUST. A reputable dealer will put you in touch with customers in your neighborhood so you can ask them about the brand of hot tub and the customer service provided by the dealer.  A major part of a top quality dealer’s business is based on referrals from satisfied customers.  At Olympic Hot Tub Company our referral rate is 43%: that is 43% of our sales are from satisfied customers who refer their friends. And, we have a zip code book with names of all purchasers. We know you’ll find someone you know who owns a hot tub from Olympic.

BUYING TIP: Your chance of getting references from an online hot tub seller or a big box store is slim to none.

3. WARNING: “ADD-ONS” ADD UP. Beware of “add-ons” not included in the purchase price like an insulating cover, delivery to your prepared site, leveling, water care products, and on-site instruction and operation – all of which are vital and should not incur additional charges.  Avoid purchasing from a company that plans to drop the hot tub off in your driveway for you and your neighbors to wrestle in place and attempt to level.  The day your hot tub is delivered should be one of the happiest days of your life.  Olympic Hot Tub Company’s full service delivery is legendary. Don’t risk injuring yourself or friends.  Professional spa installers should be sent to do the job.

 BUYING TIP: Online sellers aren’t the only offenders as far as add-ons or driveway drop-offs. That’s a typical practice for hot tubs sellers at fairs & carnivals.

4. WORST PLACES TO BUY A HOT TUB: FAIRS, CARNIVALS & PARKING LOT SALES. Most hot tub exhibitors at carnivals, fairs and parking lots do not have a local showroom or local service.  They set up, use high-pressure sales tactics on you (!), and pack up the tent once the fair has ended. Many unwary hot tub buyers lose cash deposits and never receive their hot tub after succumbing to a slick salesperson at a fair especially the Puyallup Fair.  If you do shop at a fair, look but do not buy even if you are threatened with losing the “deal.”  A reputable dealer will hold the offer so take time to think it over.  You won’t find Olympic Hot Tub Company or Hot Spring Spas at the Puyallup Fair. We decided many years ago that the Fair was not the right atmosphere for selling hot tubs.

 BUYING TIP: Washington State has a 3-day right of refusal period for items bought at a fair. If you did purchase on impulse, act quickly to get your money back or suffer real buyers’ remorse. Make sure there is a local showroom where you can try the hot tub wet and be assured of ongoing service and a personal connection with a salesperson who works for the company – not one hired just for the days of the fair.

5. LOOK-DON’T BUY ONLINE. Researching your major purchase on the Internet is a good way to get the education you need to make a wise buying decision.  Do not consider buying a hot tub from an out of state seller or one out of your local area.  Beware of companies that do “in-home sales” exclusively.  You’ll have no opportunity to see the product, evaluate its quality, take a test soak, or check references.

6. HOT TUBS & FROZEN CHICKEN WINGS. “Big box” retailers typically carry off- brands or stripped down versions of brands by larger manufacturers.  Most of these hot tubs have limited insulation and most likely very noisy pumps. If you’re buying on line you have no way of evaluating the fit, noise level or ease of maintenance. Choices are limited and the wait for service can be very long.  The low price you think you’re paying initially will cost you far more down the road.

BUYER’S TIP: Evaluate the total cost including energy costs, deliveries and all extras like water care products, covers & lifters for the time you expect to own your hot tub. You will pay more in the end when you purchase online, guaranteed.

7. HOT DEAL ON CRAIG’S LIST? Sure, you could get lucky. You could win the lottery, too. Chances are the reason people are selling their hot tubs on Craig’s list is because they cost the earth to heat AND they’ve never been able to get the water clean and clear.  Don’t let their lemon become your lemon.

Most Olympic Hot Tub owners say that their hot tub purchase was one of the best investments they’ve made.  Follow these tips and avoid headaches.  Choose a credible, qualified, and expert LOCAL hot tub retailer to ensure that you get the right hot tub the first time. You want the ultimate in relaxation, not years of  problems. Be a smart shopper. Do your research before you buy and relax happily ever after.

 RES EST SERVAS VOLUPTAS. Pleasure is Serious Business.

 

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Hot Tub With Your Dog? Sorry… Not A Good Idea!

August 26, 2011 By 8 Comments

Hot tub with your dog? I hope it’s not an everyday thing.  Well, you might make an exception for today-it’s National Dog Day-August 26th.

More people have dogs for pets than any other animal.  Why?  Because they are loving and loyal companions.  They treat us better than we treat each other for the most part.  Here’s one day to recognize and honor them for their love, loyalty and life saving skills.

Fido here looks peaceful.  That’s because he’s in for therapy and this hot tub is kept cooler (in the high 80′s) for his treatments.  There’s even another willing participant waiting to jump in. But having your dog in your own hot tub?  Not a good idea.

Dogs shed short hair which will clog filters.

There’s also the possibility of pet “germs” and their compatibility with human “germs”.  That’s the verdict from your hot tub’s side.

From your pets’ view: dogs have no way to dispel excess body heat except through hard and rapid panting.  An overheated dog is a real possibility if he or she shares your 102 or hotter hot tub. Think, too, about the drying effects that chlorine will cause your dog’s skin & hair (if you’re using a chlorine system).

Make your hot tub a “humans only” zone unless you and your dog agree it’s a good thing!  If your dog does go in the hot tub with you, send us a photo and tell us what you do to keep the water clean and your dog happy. We’d love to hear about it and pass it on!

Sua cuique voluptas – Latin for Everyone has his own pleasures.

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Buying a Hot Tub? Take A Test Soak To Make Sure You’re Buying the RIGHT One

August 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Buying a hot tub? Check out the top 8 reasons to take a test soak before purchasing a hot tub.
There are some things you can only figure out with your shoes off! You wouldn’t buy a car without taking a test drive. So be sure to  “Try before you Buy” a hot tub!   So, if you think you’re going to buy a hot tub at a fair, decide what you like.  But before you put a deposit down, test soak.  Get Wet!!

No test soak available? Don’t even think about buying. You will be so sorry you didn’t as the chances of getting a perfect fit for you and your family are slim to none.

Here’s why:

We’ve had hot tubs ready for test dips since our first day in business. At Olympic Hot Tub Company, we believe that only by trying before you buy will you find the hot tub that best suits you and your family for a everyday relaxation and health.

1. REMEMBER GOLDILOCKS.  You want a hot tub that’s just right. And, the only way to find it is to test it wet. Take a test soak to judge the space. Does the tub you’re considering have enough room for your family? Not too big; not too small! Also, think of your backyard space. You’ll want a hot tub that fits your landscape.

2. SEATING DEPTH MATTERS. Note the torso depth when you’re sitting up comfortably. In the Northwest, you’ll want the water depth to be over your shoulders so you can be warm & snug on cold, rainy nights. Also, watch out for shorter family members & kids. You’ll want a higher seat for them so they’re not in over their heads.  You’ll want deeper seats for the 6-footers in your family.

3. FEET. FEET. FEET. Is there enough foot room in the foot well? Are there jets to massage your tired feet?

4. BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE OR HO HUM? When you sink into the water do you experience true bliss or…? Multi-level seating should accommodate both adults and children, short & tall.  Make sure there are seats that fit everyone in your family so that the shorter ones don’t sink in up to their noses.  Test the lounge seat. Some people love them; others don’t because they float off. Make sure any lounge seats fit you and other family members.

5. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE JETS. Pay attention to jet types and jet placement. Most hot tub users prefer to adjust jet pressure for the hydrotherapy they’re seeking. Too, most people prefer a variety of jets that hit their sore spots-like calf, wrist, shoulder and back jets. Check out the jet placement to see that they are focused on the spots where you need relief.

6. LISTEN FOR THE QUIET. A truly quiet hot tub like a Hot Spring has no audible noise when the water is circulating, heating and filtering. You don’t want any noise when it’s running not only for your own peace of mind, but that of your neighbors. You’re buying a hot tub for relaxation. Don’t add irritating noise that spoils your peace & quiet.

7. TAKE A DEEP BREATH.  SMELL THE WATER! Our Olympic Hot Tub Company showroom hot tubs are set up with SilkBalance natural water care or ACE salt water care for the easiest water care and no smells. There’s no chlorine smell or skin drying chemicals in a Hot Spring Spa with SilkBalance or ACE.  Crystal clean water without effort or hassle should be your #1 concern.

8. FEEL THE WATER. How does your skin feel after soaking?  You’ll notice the difference with SilkBalance natural water care or ACE salt water care. Your skin will feel silky smooth with none of the dryness that results from soaking in chlorine and masses of other chemicals.

Schedule a FREE test soak at any of  Olympic Hot Tub Company’s  5 Puget Sound area showrooms today! You bring the towels & suits. We’ll have the hot tubs hot & ready when you are.

RES EST SERVA VOLUPTAS. Pleasure is serious business.


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Hot Tub To Celebrate National Relaxation Day

August 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Did you know it’s not only fun to soak in your hot tub, but it can be vital to a healthy lifestyle? Life is stressful! Have you seen the news lately? It’s enough to send you right back to bed some mornings.

Too, there are always so many things to do and never enough hours in the day. We prioritize and compartmentalize and organize and we try to squeeze each and every minute of the day to its fullest.

So take a minute. Pause. Stop what you’re doing and consider: Why do we need a National Relaxation Day? Because we’re all doing too much!

Our bodies and minds need time to rest. Without recovery from the day’s events, we can’t feel energized and ready for a new day.

I can just hear the workaholics among us saying, “But it’s slacking off!.”  Ignore their whining! It’s the only way to be more productive.

When you take a reasonable amount of time for rest and relaxation, you can come back with more gusto and verve. When you push yourself too hard, you tempt the “burnout demon”. You lack energy and joy in life.  And, worst of all you won’t be as productive.

So sit back and relax. Take that soak in your Hot Spring Spa and honor National Relaxation Day-August 15th. One suggestion for celebration this day every day: pencil in “Hot Tub Time” in your day planner for every day through the end of the year. A daily soak not only brightens your mood it’ll make you more productive!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health though Water.

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Hot Tub Tonight & Tomorrow Night Under the August Full Moon

August 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hot Tub soaking anytime is a great pleasure.  Coupled with a view of the night sky with the full August Moon, that’s hot tub bliss.

It’s time for Hot tub Astronomy 101. Here’s a bit of history: full Moon names date back to Native Americans tribes of the area of the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon.

The August full moon is called the Full Sturgeon Moon. The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any late day haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.

Whatever you call it, don’t miss tonight’s full moon from your Hot Spring Spa from Olympic Hot Tub. I think it will be visible between the clouds. By the way, if you want to check the weather for hot tub soaking, go to Cliff Mass’ blog. This popular meteorologist is THE expert on weather of the Pacific Northwest. When all other weathermen get it wrong, he gets it right 99.9% of the time.

RES EST SERVA VOLUPTAS. Pleasure is serious business.

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Hot Tubs & Gold Jewelry: Remove Your Gold Before a Dip in Chlorinated Water

August 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I learned the hard way about wearing gold jewelry in the hot tub!

When I got out of the hot tub at a rental condo in Whistler, BC, my gold rings were a dark green! The water chemistry was way off! I knew better. The water felt caustic to the touch. I never wear my gold rings in a swimming pool. The chlorine can turn them an off-color and is probably stripping a layer of gold.

But, I’ve never had an issue with my rings in my own hot tub so wasn’t thinking about improper water chemistry in someone else’s hot tub.  And, now that we use SilkBalance exclusively the water is kind to my skin and my rings don’t suffer either.

In a recent letter to syndicated columnist, Heloise, a reader wrote that she had read somewhere that wearing gold jewelry in a chlorinated hot tub or swimming pool was not a good idea. “Yes, it’s true!” replied Heloise. ” Chlorine has a harmful effect on gold and may, over time, even cause it to become brittle and break.”

Chlorine stress cracking is a chemical reaction between gold jewelry and chlorine. Chlorine dissolves the alloys found in white and yellow gold and can cause vintage as well as new pieces of jewelry to break.

Chlorine is found with increasing use in household “non-abrasive” cleaners and of course in laundry detergents and bleach. It is also used in pool and hot tub water. Hot tub water is five times more damaging to gold jewelry due to heat and increased chlorine concentrations, that is if you use chlorine exclusively to sanitize your water.

What can you do to avoid this costly problem? Take off rings while using cleaning products and try to avoid wearing jewelry in the pool or hot tub. Rings set with stones, especially with prongs are most subject to damages.  And, switch to SilkBalance water care for your own hot tub.

If soaking in a vat of chemicals isn’t good for your gold jewelry, imagine what it will do to your skin!

Make your hot tub experience natural. SilkBalance is the only water care system that will give you a natural experience: clean, clear water that feels better, looks better and smells better!

And, it won’t ruin your costly gold jewelry! Learn more about SilkBalance and read the testimonials from hot tubbers who switched to SilkBalance.

RES EST SERVA VOLUPTAS. Pleasure is serious business.

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Hot Tub Buyers Guide: Buying a New Hot Tub the 2nd Time Around? How To Make the Best Choice Without Getting Soaked

August 5, 2011 By 4 Comments

Buying a NEW Hot Tub? How to Avoid Getting Soaked When You Purchase the 2nd Time.

45% of buyers of new hot tubs in the Puget Sound reason have owned a hot tub before. That’s one of the highest percentages of past owners in the country. One reason is that hot tubs have been around since 1977 when we at Olympic Hot Tub introduced them to the region. Another reason is that the weather here is perfect year round for hot tubbing. Puget Sounders love their hot tubs.

And, as hot tubs age, some fall apart while others become so antiquated that maintaining them is becoming costly and difficult. Many people set out to buy a new hot tub because of a move, or family size increasing or decreasing. And, finally, many people want to upgrade because they realize they have a dinosaur hot tub on their hands and want to upgrade to the newest technology like energy saving features and salt-water care.

So for any or all of the reasons above, you’ve made up your mind. A new hot tub is on your shopping list.

Consider these tips BEFORE you jump in the car to shop, compare and buy:

  1. LIST THE PROS. Make a list of ALL of the pros about your existing hot tub. Start your list with jets and seating. “I like the jets.” “I like the lounge.” “I like the depth.” “I like that it seats 4 comfortably.” etc.
  2. LIST THE CONS. Make a list of the cons about your existing hot tub.  Start with a wish list: “I wish it had a floor drain so that I wouldn’t have to bail the last water out of the bottom when draining and cleaning.”  “I wish it weren’t so noisy.” “I wish it didn’t have the timer that I’ve forgotten how to reset.”  “I don’t want to do all of that testing, measuring, etc. to take care of it.  I don’t want the big electric bill-the new hot tub must be energy efficient!
  3. MERGE YOUR TWO LISTS. By merging your two lists you’ll begin to clarify your thoughts about what’s important to you in a hot tub. Put your likes and wants in order of how important they are to your new purchase. Whether or not you had good or bad service from your current hot tub dealer, make service a priority from the dealer of your new hot tub.
  4. WHERE WILL IT GO? Consider your existing space. How much decking, landscaping, electrical will you have to do to install a new hot tub that will compliment your yard. If you’re going smaller, think about filling in the space that your old one took. How will you do that?

NOW SEARCH ON LINE after you’ve made your list or you’ll end up very confused!

  1. USE THE INTERNET. Search on line for 2-3 places locally that have good reputations (Google Reviews are a good place to start) and that carry models incorporating your top priorities. Pick a day to visit all of them. You need to see and try what you’re buying. Take your list with you.

SHOPPING DAY

  1. PACK YOUR SUITS. Be prepared to test soak. Yes, I know, you’ve had a hot tub before, but all hot tubs are not the same even in the same brand family. Find out if you can test soak your favorite models. If the answer is “no”, it’s a strong indication that the dealer is convinced you wouldn’t like what he’s selling. Go where you can test soak. Take along our guide to test soaking. Consider how your skin feels after trying models that use salt or  SilkBalance.
  2. EXPECT TO BE HEARD. The best hot tub companies hire sales staff for their listening ability and willingness to be problem solvers.  If you meet a yackety yak salesperson who launches off into a sales pitch the minute you step in the door, there’s a good chance he/she will ignore all of your questions and not provide the answers you’re looking for.  Let them yak you right out of their store!
  3. SEE & READ THE WARRANTY. Be prepared to ask for the warranty in writing, upfront before you buy. Regardless of the age of your old hot tub, hot tub warranties are important. If a dealer says, “You’ll get it when the tub is delivered,” that is should send up a red flag in your mind. Shop where you can have the warranty upfront and understand what it says and what you’re getting.
  4. ‘BUY THE DEALER” BEFORE YOU BUY THE HOT TUB. Do business only with a dealer who will give you service as good after the sale as before your purchase.  Choosing a hot tub dealer is the most important choice you have to make in the buying process.  Pick someone who is trustworthy and can offer the foundations to help build and develop a relationship over the years you own your spa.
  5. ASK ABOUT SERVICE. The best hot tub companies do on-site service within a reasonable time from the time you call to report a problem. If the warranty is fulfilled by a 3rd party service company, that’s a red flag. Your chances of getting timely and proper service are low.
  6. ASK FOR REFERENCES. A reputable dealer will put you in touch with customers in your neighborhood so you can ask them about the hot tub and the customer service provided by the dealer.  A major part of a top quality dealer’s business is based typically on referrals from satisfied customers.
  7. “ADD-ONS” ADD UP. Beware of “add ons” not included in the purchase price like an insulating cover, delivery to your prepared site, leveling, water care products, and on-site instruction and operation – all of which are vital and should be included..  Avoid purchasing from a company that plans to drop the spa off in your driveway for you and your neighbors to wrestle in place and attempt to level.  The day your hot tub is delivered should be one of the happiest days of your life.  Don’t risk injuring yourself or friends.  Professional hot tub installers should be sent to do the job. and place the hot tub where you want it!

Good luck with your shopping. Hopefully our tips will help you make the best purchase of your life-a new hot tub that fits your space and lifestyle!

Anything we’ve left out that’s important to the shopping process the 2nd time around? Please let us know in the comments section below.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

 

 

 

 

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Olympic Hot Tub & Sauna Blog “Hot Tub Bliss” Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

August 1, 2011 By 3 Comments

As Hot Tub Bliss celebrated it’s 3rd Anniversary last month, I see 490 posts in the 36 months since July 2008. That’s an accomplishment I never dreamt would happen when I started writing. But the writing as well as researching topics for the blog has turned into a real passion.

Nancy Juetten, my friend & mentor, encouraged me for almost 6 months before I agreed. Her friendly persistence finally wore me down. One day I just started with the idea of the hot tub “epiphany”.  I hoped that readers would go from “Ahh”-the sound one makes when sinking into the hot swirling waters to “AHAH!”-the sound that escapes when a new idea strikes. I’m all about inspiration! I wanted my blog to be an exploration of the hot tub lifestyle as well as a revelation of all of the many health benefits.

So why am I happy that Nancy cajoled me into blogging?

  1. Blog posts are the repository of everything I know about hot tubbing! After 34 years in the hot tub business, I’ve found that I have more expertise on the product, it’s benefits and lifestyle than just about anyone. I have no lack of material and the blog is a perfect platform for writing down what I know.
  2. Blog posts are training tools. When we hire new sales staff, we point them to the blog: “Here’s just about every thing you need to know about hot tubbing.”  The best new sales people really “get” that it’s an important tool which they can learn from and share with customers.
  3. Blog posts have helped me learn more! Searching the Internet on various blog topics and listening to customers’ questions & concerns, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve found new ways to approach topics and found that I might not have the definitive last word.  If there’s a better way to do something, I’m on it!
  4. Blog posts have connected me with hot tub owners all over the country. I’ve received questions from hot tub owners or prospective owners asking my advice on “all things hot tub and sauna”. The back and forth exchange has been invaluable for hearing what’s on people’s minds and lead to new blog posts. One email from a man in New Hampshire about traumatic brain injury led to a whole series on the benefits of hot tubbing for TBI with data from the most respected researcher in the field.
  5. Blog posts are a quick way to update and transmit information. Because blog posts are short and I post three times a week, I can publish new information, health studies, product updates quickly.

Am I a blogging expert? No, I’m still learning every day. But, the fact that I’m not an expert on blogging doesn’t mean I can’t share what I know and inspire others. I’ve found blogging fun, energizing and useful for building our business and a creative outlet I never knew I needed!

Hope you’ve enjoyed Hot Tub Bliss blog. Have any questions about hot tubs or saunas you’d like answered? Ideas for post topics always appreciated.  Send your questions in via the comment box. And, thanks to every one of my readers and all of your who have posted comments on articles.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

 

 

 

 

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