Hot Tub Buying Guide: 8 Reasons to Take a Test Soak Before You Buy

May 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Try the Moto-Massage jet that sweeps up and down your back-an Olympic Hot Tub Hot Spring Spa exclusive!

Try the Moto-Massage jet that sweeps up and down your back-an Olympic Hot Tub Hot Spring Spa exclusive!

Shopping for  your first hot tub? You’re  probably looking for a little help the shopping waters.  The best advice we give to new buyers is 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.  Be sure to  “Try before you Buy” a hot tub!   So, if you’re cruising hot tub stores this week looking for a hot tub, decide what you like.  But before you put a deposit down, test soak.

Get Wet!!

We’ve had hot tubs ready for test dips since our first day in business 36 years ago.  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 the best in relaxation and health benefits.

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.  Bring the kids with you-everyone in your family who will be using the hot tub at the same time. 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 & snuggy on cold, rainy nights.

3. Don’t neglect your feet.

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

4. Select the best seats in the house.

Multi-level seating should accommodate both adults and children.  A ‘cool down” seat for adults should be elevated enough that it’s comfortable for small children. Make sure there are seats that fit everyone in your family.  It’s important to 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. See our post on Hot Tub Seating: Lounge or No Lounge.

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 silence.

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 and 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.

Note how your skin feels 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.

MORE…

Hot Tub Seating: Lounge or No Lounge?

Buying a Hot Tub? Don’t Get Soaked! 7 Tips to Help You Buy the RIGHT One the First Time

How to Buy The Best Hot Tub? Secret Shopping Tips From The Pros

 

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10 Reasons to Up Grade to A New Hot Spring Spa Now!

April 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Hot Spring-Highlife-2013-Aria-Lifestyle-Pearl-Espresso-011. Salt Water Care

Enjoy cleaner water with no hassles.  Using a diamond electrode that breaks salt into powerful sanitizers, Hot Spring’s exclusive ACE Salt Sanitizing System® is the first fully integrated salt-water care system.  One glance tells you it’s working.  Less work for you and better for the environment than harsh chemicals that other hot tubs use.  Great for kids and everyone with sensitive skin!

2. Home Entertainment: Sound Waves

Your tub sessions can sound as good as they feel with Hot Spring’s optional  integrated wireless entertainment systems.  Nearly all the Hot Spring models are entertainment-ready with four integrated and illuminated speakers.

Add a Wireless TV. Add Wireless Sound with Bluetooth Technology paired with a Wireless In-Home Dock. Add Wireless Sound with Bluetooth Technology.  Whether you’re setting the mood for a splashy party or a romantic interlude for two, only Hot Spring offers sound investments that guarantee a noteworthy entertainment experience for the whole family.

 3. Environmentally Friendly and Energy Efficient.

Today’s Hot Spring Spas use less power than just a few years ago.  Exclusive Hot Spring benefits like full-foam insulation, heat capture systems, LED lights, corona discharge ozone systems, custom fit insulated covers and synthetic wood cabinets that will not warp or let cold air in are built-in for maximum efficiency.  Typically the average new Hot Spring costs between $15-$35 month to operate versus as much as $75.00 a month to operate older tubs (not Hot Spring Spas) or most new hot tubs with little or no insulation.

4. Clean, Clear Water the Simple and Natural Way.

The revolutionary new SilkBalance® natural water care system eliminates testing, mixing and adding a host of chemicals to keep the water pure and clean.  With the help of the corona discharge ozone system that’s standard on all Hot Spring Spas, SilkBalance needs only 3-4 ounces once a week and the addition of small amounts of sanitizer or shock after you soak. That’s all. Olympic provides SilkBalance with all Hot Spring Spas for your health, and peace of mind.  So, if you don’t select the ACE system, SilkBalance is the next best thing.

5.  Easiest Hot Tub To Use

Hot Spring Spas topside control panel is so advanced, there’s no guesswork.  Everything from temperature to jet settings is clearly displayed.  Go for simplicity. Hot Spring Spas’ control panel is easy to operate and requires no programming! The ready light lets you see from inside your home that all systems are on and ready for use.

6. The Best Massage.

Hot Spring Spas provide more jet therapy than ever before. Jets now provide a variety of actions; everything from pressure point jets to pulsing massage spinners. More jet variety means that you can enjoy a full body massage before getting out of the tub.  Jets provide you with a complete relaxation session as well as aiding in invigorating your body when you’re tired.  Massaging action from your neck to your toes will remove the kinks and knots earned from a stressful day.

7. Long Lasting Beauty.

Hot Spring’s Everwood® cabinets retain their good looks for years.  Gone are the old wood cabinets, which soon turned black and mossy in our northwest weather.  Today’s Everwood cabinets are made of synthetic materials recycled for the good of the environment.  You’ll never have to sand, stain and seal a hot tub cabinet again. A huge time saver.

 8. Magical Lighting and Bubbling Fountains for Soothing Sound

With the introduction of LED lighting, the Hot Spring Spa experience is now more romantic and dramatic than ever. There are lights that encircle the tub, mood lighting to color the water on a rotating basis and lights that light your way to the tub. And these LED lights cost far less to operate and last longer than conventional lighting.

New fountains that are backlit with LED lighting will be the centerpieces of your backyard escape.  Bubbling fountains add a tranquil aspect to tubbing.  Many scientific studies show that sitting by a fountain or waterfall is very soothing.  Hot Spring Spas give you more relaxation at home with their many water features.

9. Euro-Styling and Beautiful Colors

Hot Spring has modernized the look of the backyard hot tub with new Euro-styling that remakes the boxy look of older spas and replaces it with sleek styling.  New colors that are more vibrant add depth to the water especially at night.  Seating now is multi-level so that every member of the family has a place.  Cabinets come in the most popular wood colors from faux redwood, African wenge and cape cod gray.  Some Hot Spring models can be customized with faux stone to match many landscaping projects.

10. Silent Operation.

Hot Spring is the only spa you dare put outside your bedroom window or on a deck! The #2 reason most people hate their existing hot tub? Hot Tub noise!  Hot Spring Spas are absolutely silent when filtering, heating and cleaning.  Silent operation is a must for your peace of mind and your neighbors’.

Olympic Hot Tub Company offers FREE test soaks.  Call for your private test soak time.  Come experience the Hot Spring Spa difference today.

Have an older Hot Spring Spa or another brand not from Olympic Hot Tub Company?  10 reasons add up to getting a new hot tub!  Act now during our April trade-in event until the 21st.  The down payment for your new hot tub is sitting in your backyard.

RES EST SERVAS VOLUPTAS. Pleasure is serious business.

More:

Hot Tub Water Care:  Salt Water is the #1 Choice of New Hot Tub Buyers

Sound Investments: Hot Spring Spas Add Bluetooth Technology to Integrated Wireless Music Systems & TVs

What’s the #2 Reason Most People Hate Their Hot Tubs?

 

 

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How to Buy The Best Hot Tub? Secret Shopping Tips From Hot Tub Sales Pros

February 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The best hot tub is the one that's perfect for you. that'sHow to buy the best hot tub?

It starts with you say hot tub sales pros.

Here’s a short guide written with the help of  hot tub sales pros that outlines what you can do to get great service and the best hot tub for you & your family.

Sales pros can help you best if you help them!

The way to get what you really want is to share your expectations dreams, desires, likes and dislikes with your salesperson and be fully present in the buying process.

1. Telegraph that you’re serious.

Not the old “I’m just browsing”.  Most hot tub stores are destinations. The salesperson knows you didn’t just wander in by accident.  Say what you’re looking for: “I’m looking for a backyard hot tub to seat 4.”  Explaining why you are purchasing a hot tub (such as entertainment, therapy, home retreat) will be especially helpful for your sales pro in presenting your best options.

2. Prepare in advance.

Take photos of your outdoor space as well as preliminary measurements. Bring them with you to share with your sales pro.

3. Anticipate a Test Dip.

Call the store in advance to set up a time. Bring suits and towels. At Olympic Hot Tub we provide fresh suits and clean towels. We WANT you to take a test dip.  We ENCOURAGE you to take a test dip. You wouldn’t buy a car without taking a test drive so why even consider a hot tub without trying it?  Taking a test dip in the models you’re interested in will be the ultimate test of what’s best for you.  Simply schedule a time at one of our stores.

 4. Overshare.

The more details you share, the more likely you’ll succeed in finding what’s the best hot tub for you. The sales pro wants to meet your expectations and fulfill your dreams, but can do that only if you share what they are. This is not time to make like a clam. Don’t expect him or her to guess what’s on your mind. When you do share, expect the salesperson to listen fully to what you’re saying!

5.  Declare your don’ts.

Treat your  sales person is your personal resource.  By sharing what you hate in terms of colors, shapes, seating as your tour the hot tub showroom, the sales associate can help you narrow your choices in the search for perfection.

6. Be budget blunt.

Being coy about how much you plan to spend leads the sales associate to offer models that you have no intention of purchasing. If you’re unsure of how much you need to spend to get what you want, give a range.  Check out financing options to ease your budget concerns.

7. Expect recommendations

You don’t have to do it all yourself.  The best hot tub sales professionals have trusted connections for electricians and contractors to help with decking, landscaping that they can recommend.

8. Ask for an in-home consultation.

Don’t be afraid to ask your sales pro to come out to your home and check out your space.   At Olympic Hot Tub we’re happy to set-up a FREE in-home consultation for you.  All you have to do is ask! Having an Olympic hot tub expert out to your home will:  a) Help you choose the right model for your needs and lifestyle;  b) Help you identify the right location and place to install your hot tub;  c) Help you choose the right hot tub to suit your budget;  d) Make sure your FREE home delivery and set up will go smoothly by looking over your site.

An in-home consultation ensures that you’ll be able to  relax for life!

RES EST SERVAS VOLUPTAS. Latin for Pleasure is Serious Business.

MORE…

“Buying a hot tub? Smart Shoppers Try Before They Buy”

“Buying a Hot Tub? Don’t Get Soaked. 7 Tips To Help You Buy The Right One the First Time.”

“Buying a Hot Tub? You Won’t Get it Right Without a Backyard Consultation”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hot Tub Buyers Guide: The Scariest Place to Buy A Hot Tub? A Home Show. Here’s Why!

February 15, 2013 By 2 Comments
Look but don't buy at a home show.

Look, but don’t buy at a home show.

Thinking of buying a hot tub? Consumer Alert: Look but don’t buy at a home show or parking lot sale!

The Home Show is a great place to see the Vita Mix blenders, ginzu knives and peruse the seemingly hundreds of kitchen and bath remodeling booths.

But hold on to your wallet. Don’t get taken for a ride at the hot tub sales booths.

You won’t find the world’s No. 1 selling hot tub – Hot Spring Spas – or Olympic Hot Tub amid the fireplace inserts and storm windows because we think you deserve a better shopping and buying experience than you’ll get at a home show-any home show.

For one thing, the endless aisles are no place to make an informed decision about a relaxation investment of thousands of dollars to last for years to come. You need to make your decision in peace, and at Olympic we suggest you even schedule a consultation in your own back yard before you take delivery.

That’s not an offer you’ll hear from the hired guns at the hot tub booths.

The invitation to try out the tubs at the home show is going to mean a dry run – not that you’d want to strip down to swimsuits there anyway – when what you really need is a “wet test” before you buy. You need to feel the jets and make sure the water depth fits your height and the seating fits your body.

Sales reps at a home show will put on the pressure and close deals as fast as they can to earn their commission and keep your deposit. The claims and counterclaims for their products will boggle your mind. You are likely to hear that if you’re not going to buy today, they can’t help you because they work commission. (SO?!) They’ll try to sell you what’s on hand, and if your order something like a custom color it could take months for delivery, that is if you receive it at all!

Don’t fall for the “This price is only good right now!”  When the “home show” price says 50 percent off, chances are that’s their regular price you’re looking at. Frequently the home show price is even higher than the “regular price” . The sellers have to recoup the high cost of the booth and expenses….from you!

Even worse, the traveling show leaves with the show, and probably without a local showroom or anyone to answer questions, much less provide service after the sale.

That’s no way to buy a hot tub.

Take your time when buying a hot tub. Shop slowly and take along these 9 questions to get you started:

1.      Do you have a brick & 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 references and reviews about your hot tubs?

4.      Do you have energy costs for a 4-6-person hot tub used in our area four-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 do your own service or is it via a third party?

8.      Can give a copy of  the warranty for this hot tub?

9.      What’s your cancellation policy? Can I get a refund of my deposit if I change mind?

If you want more questions, we have more for you to download in the Ask Alice section on our website before you go enjoy some hot dogs and bad coffee at the home show.

Then come to an Olympic Hot Tub showroom for a free test soak, free backyard consultation, and pressure-free information about Hot Spring Spas, the world’s #1 selling hot tub. You won’t find that at any home show. See you soon!

Relax for Life™

MORE…

Hot Tub Myth Busters: Savvy Shoppers Don’t Believe These Whoppers

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Where to Put Your Hot Tub? 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Spot

December 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Location, Location, Relaxation

You in the hot tub, the hot tub in the perfect spot= true bliss.

Yes, I know it’s winter.

After winter comes spring. Many people are starting to dream of spring projects.

Take advantage of the cold weather when you don’t do much outside but dream of warmer days & plan the perfect spot for your hot tub.

Placing your hot tub in the right spot can enhance your enjoyment for years.  Many factors can make a difference – access to changing rooms, effect on nearby carpet, privacy, landscaping, and the view from the tub. Here are some issues to consider, including some tips from the Association of Spa and Pool Professionals, especially for outdoor hot tubs.

CLOSE FOR COMFORT

You want the hot tub as close to the back door as possible so you’re steps away from a warm soak.  Think it might look better at the back of your yard? Maybe. But on cold, rainy nights you’ll be glad your hot tub is near the nearest door. You’ll also want it convenient to a bathroom for drying and changing. You’ll also need a spigot within reach and a hose bib for filling.

PLAN YOUR PLAY

If you expect to use the tub mostly for adult relaxation, you might choose a more secluded spot in the back yard. If it’s for family gatherings, put it closer to the gathering spot.

LOOKING GOOD

Consider the scene from the hot tub as well as the aesthetic enhancement the tub brings to your yard. Make sure you’re not under any tree limbs. If you’re running electricity from your house, consider adding some outdoor lighting and music. Add landscaping, such as trees, shrubs, flowers, arbors, planters, potted plants, hanging baskets, and water features such as waterfalls and fountains can elevate the relaxing ambiance.

BUILT TO LAST

Put your tub on a firm foundation, whether a deck or patio with a cement pad, concrete pavers, brick or a new SmartDeck pre-fab alternative. If you’re building a new deck or patio, pick the spa first so you can integrate it with the design. The tub can be mounted freestanding (with no hole in the decking), flush with the deck surface, or partly exposed.

PRIVACY, PLEASE

Patio coverings can enhance privacy with post-and-lattice designs in a wide choice of woods, sealants, stains or paints, perhaps with flowering or fragrant vines growing on the lattice. For an even cozier getaway, consider a decorative gazebo, maybe with sliding windows, pitched roofs or combination roofs like the ones made by Sequoia Spa Shelters-an Olympic Hot Tub exclusive.

Pick the most pleasant spot you can find to fulfill your dreams for your hot tub. Then relax.

RES EST SERVA VOLUPTAS.  Pleasure is serious business.

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Hot Tub Buyers Guide: Health Benefits of Salt Water Hot Tubs

November 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Freshwater hot tubs are great for recreation and restoration, as people have known for centuries. For a new wave of relaxation, easy care and therapeutic benefits, salt-water care is the new must have for hot tubs. And, the ACE Salt Water Sanitizing System exclusive to Hot Spring Spas is the #1 choice of all savvy buyers now.

 CLEAN? NATURALLY.

The Ace salt system uses salt + water and some jazzy technology to make natural cleaners to sanitize the water. The result? Chemical use is greatly reduced. Your skin and eyes face fewer chemicals. Salt water is healthier for you to bathe in than a vat of harsh chemicals.

REDUCE SWELLING? NATURALLY.

Warm salt water is a great way to ease swelling, says the National Strength and Conditioning Association, which recommends it for recovery from overexertion and exercise. The heat opens the pores and the salt draws fluid from the skin.

RELIEVE PAIN? NATURALLY.

The Arthritis Foundation says hot tubs provide joint pain relief two ways: the application of warmth and the buoyancy of the water that relieves stress and pressure on the joints. Salt water adds to the buoyancy effect.

RELAX? NATURALLY.

Salt-water hot tubs help loosen tight muscles, even more effectively when you use Hot Spring Spas’ great jets. You’ll feel better inside and out.

SOFT SKIN? NATURALLY.

Chlorine and harsh chemicals needed to sanitize plain water hot tubs can leave your skin dry, cracked and itchy. Salt is such a skin softener that it’s used in many skin products. Even people who are allergic to chlorine and those with sensitive skin can enjoy the softening soak without irritation.

ADD UP THE BENEFITS. SALT IS THE WAY TO GO.

Besides providing greater therapeutic benefits and soft, smooth skin, having an ACE Salt Water Care System on your Hot Spring Spa means

-Water is sparkling clean. Not just to look at, but sanitized for your health.

-You’ll have fewer bottled products to buy, measure, pour and worry about.

-You’ll save time because it’s more hands free.

-You’ll own a water care system that’s the ONLY easy system on the market today.  It’s automated and more hands-free.  One glance tells you it’s working! It’s the only salt system that’s full integrated into the control panel.

-You’ll eliminate dry skin, irritated eyes and chlorine odors. A huge bonus for children and those with sensitive skin (just about everyone these days!).

Hands down ACE makes hot tub water care easy, safe, cost-effective, environmentally responsible, natural, and, just plain, more enjoyable. In other words, everything you want for your hot tub care!!

More than 70 percent of the Earth is covered with salt water. Maybe it’s time you let it cover you.

 Buying a hot tub? If it doesn’t have an ACE Salt Water Care System, you’re going to be working too hard on hot tub care. Worst of all, you won’t be getting clean water and you’ll be sentencing your skin to early aging by bathing in a vat of harsh chemicals.

Check out the ACE Salt Water Care System today. It’s radically different, easy to use and results guaranteed. Take a FREE test soak to judge how your skin will feel after a salt water hot tub.  You’ll be surprised at how wonderful your skin feels.

SANUM PER AQUA Latin for health through water.

MORE…

Hot Tub Myth Busters..Savvy Shoppers Don’t Believe These Whoppers

Hot Tub Water Care:  Salt Water Care is Top Choice of New Hot Tub Buyers

Buying a Hot Tub? Smart Shoppers Try Before They Buy

 

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Hot Tub Buying Guide: Buying a Hot Tub on Craigslist. Great deal or Big Fat, Costly Headache?

October 5, 2012 By 2 Comments

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble. October’s the month for ghost stories and haunted houses. There’s nothing scarier than buying a Craigslist hot tub with questionable histories and hidden problems.

Yes, Craigslist hot tubs hide history, mask problems. Many of the postings simply lie. You have no way of telling which is truthful which is not.

Maybe you’ve advertised some unwanted household item on Craigslist, figuring you’ll make some money and somebody else will take it off your hands. That’s why people try to sell their abandoned hot tubs online – it’s easier than hauling away the heavy tub themselves. You don’t want to be the one to carry somebody else’s castoff.

We polled our staff and compiled their thoughts and cautions on buying a used hot tub on Craigslist. They’ve heard all the stories. It’s enough to make you fighting mad. Thanks to Trevor, Karen, Linda, Val & Laura.

Here goes.

Chances are the tub is 8 to 10 years old and hasn’t been well maintained for years. Lack of care shortens the life of components, and long-empty tubs can be damaged from freezing, shrinking-swelling of plumbing lines, and varmints that take up residence. Even if they fixed the tub somewhere along the line, they probably didn’t use dealer-approved parts.

The Craigslist price is just the start of what this tub is going to cost you. You’ll have to get new filters, probably a new cover and lifter, new water care products, and a sub-panel for the wiring if it’s 220V. That can add up to $1,000 before you start paying for repairs on parts you find broken.

Craigslist tubs typically DON’T come with setup and delivery, a job you don’t want to do yourself.  A professional job will cost upwards of $400. Load it on your pick up some ads say. Do not try this!

You’re not dealing with the Better Business Bureau here. Craigslist sellers, especially the ones who say they’re dealers, usually remove the spa’s serial number, and when they say it’s a few years old, that might mean more than a decade. There’s one in particular who routinely causes heartbreak for unsuspecting buyers. If you see a listing for Olympic Hot Tub or Hot Spring Spas from a “dealer” in Seattle, Fremont, Wallingford, Greenlake on Craigslist with a phone number that is not ours. Avoid at all costs. I checked on his postings & the spas he’s selling by illegally using our name are at least 15 years old!

Of course, you’re going to have to pay the full price at once, cash or check, with no financing, no service, no returns, and no warranty, except you’re pretty much guaranteed to be sorry.

If you need a lower-price hot tub, relax in an Olympic Hot Tub refurbished model. It’s a great place to begin your hot tub experience before your ship comes in. We take trade-ins when customers move up to a new model, and our experts test every part, correct every flaw and refresh every feature on a 40-point checklist before we offer them for resale.

A Certified Pre-Owned hot tub or sauna from Olympic Hot Tub is a trade-in, not a castoff, and we back it up with our Olympic Hot Tub Green Limited Warranty. All hot tubs come with a tapered insulated spa cover, water care products to get you started, new filters, and the required 220V sub-panel or water tight electrical receptacle for 110V models, and most come with financing O.A.C. and free local delivery and setup. Our top-rated hot tubs are energy efficient, easy to use, and quiet-running. When you decide you too want to upgrade, you’ll get our Customer Loyalty Discount.

Don’t buy somebody else’s stress. Relax with Olympic Hot Tub Company’s Certified Pre-Owned hot tubs and saunas. Check out our current offering of refurbished hot tubs in the Green Room of our E-store.

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Buying a Hot Tub? Consumer Alert: Buying at the FAIR may not be FAIR to YOU

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Filed Under: Hot Tub Buying Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hot Tub Buyers Guide: Buying at the FAIR May Not Be Fair to You!

September 7, 2012 By 2 Comments

FAIR WARNING: PLAY, DON’T PAY, AT PUYALLUP

Fall event is no place to buy a hot tub.

The Puyallup Fair is a great place to take a fun ride, but don’t get taken for a ride at the hot tub sales booths.

You won’t find the world’s No. 1 selling hot tub – Hot Spring Spas – or Olympic Hot Tub amid the cotton candy, roller coasters and prize heifers because we think you deserve a better shopping and buying experience than you’ll get at a fair-any fair.

For one thing, the midway is no place to make an informed decision about a relaxation investment of thousands of dollars to last for years to come. You need to make your decision in peace, and at Olympic we suggest you even schedule a consultation in your own back yard before you take delivery. That’s not going to happen among the carnival barkers.

The invitation to try out the tubs at the fair is a dry run – not that you’d want to strip down to swimsuits there anyway – when what you really need is a “wet test” before you buy. You need to feel the jets and make sure the water depth fits your height and the seating fits your body.

Sales reps at the fair will put on the pressure and close deals as fast as they can to earn their commission and keep your deposit. They’ll try to sell you what’s on hand, and if your order something like a custom color it could take months for delivery. Also, when the “fair” price says 50 percent off, chances are they’re starting with that much of a markup. Anyway, the traveling show leaves with the fair, and probably without a local showroom or anyone to answer questions, much less provide service after the sale.

That’s no way to buy a hot tub.

Take your time when buying a hot tub. Shop slowly and take along these questions to get you started:

1. Do you have a Showroom in my local area? How long have you been in business? How long has the manufacturer been in business?

2. Who do I call for a service or repair issue? Are they local?

3. What is the warranty for this hot tub?

4. What is your cancellation policy? Can I get a refund of my deposit if I change my mind?

5. Where can I read reviews about your company and your hot tubs?

6. What is the typically energy cost for a 6-person hot tub in our area that’s used four or five times a week for 30 minutes at a time?

7. What is the maintenance routine?  How long does it take?

8. What are my choices to have chlorine-free or bromine-free water care?

Check out the list of questions we’ve made up for you to take shopping in the Ask Alice section on our website before you go enjoy some elephant ears and midway rides at Puyallup.

Then come to an Olympic Hot Tub showroom for a free test soak, free backyard consultation, and pressure-free information about Hot Spring Spas, the world’s #1 selling hot tub. You won’t find that at the fair. See you soon!

Relax for Life™

MORE…

Hot Tub Myth Busters: Savvy Shoppers Don’t Believe These Whoppers

Buying a Hot Tub? Smart Shoppers Try Before They Buy

Buying a Hot Tub? Don’t Get Soaked. 7 Tips to Help You Buy the Right One the First Time

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Hot Tub Myth Busters: Savvy Shoppers Don’t Believe These Whoppers

August 13, 2012 By 6 Comments

Purchasing a hot tub is a large investment and you want to get it right the first time. After all, if you’re like the majority of buyers, you’re buying one to relax. Why not begin to relax with making the buying process simple and stress-less?

For most people a hot tub is not something they’ve owned or purchased in the past.  So, where do you start to be a savvy shopper and get the perfect, most relaxing hot tub for you?

Here are 5 hot tub myths that we’re busting out!  They’re NOT TRUE!  Savvy shoppers take note. Read this now and AVOID  the headaches you’ll have if you fall for these whoppers.

 • HOT TUB MYTH #1: You can save money by buying a cheap hot tub.

MYTH BUSTER: If you’ve lived on the planet for any length of time, you know you get what you pay for.  A cheap hot tub may cost less upfront, but it will cost you far more over the long term. Cheap hot tubs are less expensive because they have less (or no) insulation, less efficient pumps and heaters, thin covers, and cut other costs during manufacturing that will cost you more money over time. Since cheap hot tubs are less efficient than more (initially) expensive, energy-efficient models, they have higher operating costs. The components tend to breakdown frequently and the warranty will be shorter. You’ll be on the hook for costly repairs when the warranty ends and a high energy bill for every month you own it.

 • HOT TUB MYTH #2:  The more jets a hot tub has, the better.

MYTH BUSTER: The number of jets a hot tub is NOT a predictor of how much you’ll enjoy a hot tub. Jets in today’s hot tubs take many forms.  Some jets massage while others pulsate. Some jets are positioned just perfectly for your body but may not get someone else’s  sore spots. The type, strength, and position of jets are far more important than the overall total number. That’s why it’s vital to test soak in the model you’re considering BEFORE you buy to feel if the jets are right for you.

 • HOT TUB MYTH #3: If you have an ozone system, you won’t need to add chemicals.

MYTH BUSTER: This statement is so false, it’s scary. And, it’s hot tub sales people spread who spread this myth. It’s absolutely not true. Ozone reduces the need for spa chemicals, but doesn’t do the whole job. With ozone you still need chlorine or shock to completely sanitize your hot tub. Read the hot tub manufacturer’s owners’ manual, most are on line for all to read. That’s where you’ll get the straight scoop on what you need.  There is not one hot tub on the market with an owners’ manual that tells you no sanitizers or other chemicals are needed.  A great alternative to ozone systems that uses fewer chemicals overall is  Hot Spring Spa’s ACE Salt Water Sanitizing system. It turns salt & water into active cleaners that have no odors, make your skin soft & eliminate the need for other chemicals. It’s fully integrated into the hot tub itself so it’s hands free & automatic. How’s that for simple, safe & effective?

HOT TUB MYTH#4: Hot tubs need the most powerful pumps possible.

MYTH BUSTER: Powerful pumps require more energy, which means higher operating costs.   Many people complain about the too high jet pressure from hot tubs with powerful pumps. You’re trying to relax not get beaten up! You must try the model you’re considering before you buy to determine if the jet pressure is right for you. You’ll enjoy your hot tub and have lower operating costs when you buy a hot tub with the right sized pump for the number and kind of jets built into it.

 • HOT TUB MYTH #5: You don’t have to try a hot tub before you buy.

MYTH BUSTER: This couldn’t be more wrong. The myth has been spread by hot tub retailers who don’t provide wet hot tubs for you to try. If you walk into a hot tub store with no operating hot tubs, walk out. Hot tubs without water are a sure sign that their hot tubs are noisy, hard to care for (the sales people don’t want to do it!), and that they use chemicals you wouldn’t want to bathe in! You must try before you buy to get the best hot tub for you.!

Bottom line: quality counts, cheaper is NOT better, unless you have an integrated salt system like Hot Spring Spas’ ACE system you will need chemicals,jets are only as good as they feel good for you, high powered pumps are not a guarantee of  better jets or relaxation, and, most important TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.

Relax for life™

MORE…

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Buying a Hot Tub: Smart Shoppers Try Before They Buy

Buying a Hot Tub? 7 Tips To Help You Get The Right One the First Time

 

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Hot Tub Buyers Guide: The Scary Truth About Buying Online!

June 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

What’s the scary truth about buying a hot tub online?

Answer:  You have one of two options.

1.  If you want a great hot tub ownership experience, buy from a local dealer with a real store.

OR

2.  If you just want to get soaked, buy online.

Really, we’re not ordering diapers and dog food here. This is a major home improvement investment for your peace of mind, health and well-being. Why buy another headache just because it’s cheap?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but one test soak is worth more than a thousand pictures. You won’t know if it’s comfortable until you’re in it, and if it’s shipped from out of state, it’s too late. If it’s not a good fit, you’re in for a return-policy hassle and starting over on your hot-tub shopping. You don’t want to buy a product you can’t return, even a “clearance” item in a store, and certainly not something from somebody in cyberspace.

Here’s another thing: online orders are probably dropped off at the end of your driveway by some delivery service. We’re talking about 400 to 1,110 pounds to get to the precise spot in your back yard without breaking the tub or your back. If the seller can’t install, the buyer should beware.

Of course, there’s also the question of service after the sale. Maybe the seller online has some subcontractor in your area that can get to it sometime and may or may not be qualified. You want a local certified spa technician trained in your specific brand.

Don’t buy from anybody, online or otherwise, until you get satisfactory answers to these questions:

1.  How long has the manufacturer been in business?  You don’t want a tub from anybody in business less than 30 years with a good reputation.

2.  How do I get service?You need the local number of a factory-trained and certified technician who works for the dealer and makes house calls.

3.  What’s the warranty? If you can’t see the warranty before you buy, that’s a red flag to not buy.  If a warranty is provided, read it! The standard is five years for parts and labor and seven years on the shell, with no disclaimers about water chemistry on the heater. Don’t accepts a warranty that requires you to ship anything out of state for repairs. And don’t believe the old saw about “Lifetime Warranty”.  Lifetime is considered 7 years in Washington state.

4.  What are my energy costs? You need full foam insulation on your unit to save on energy, and don’t buy unless the seller can show you third-party independent test results. One test, for example, showed that it costs less than $20 a month in Puget Sound to keep Hot Spring Spa’s Sovereign model hot 24/7 and use it for a half-hour every day.

5.   What of water care systems are available for my hot tub?  The ACE Salt sanitizing system available for Hot Spring & Limelight Hot Tubs set a new standard for automated, easy, environmentally-safe water care. Natural products like SilkBalance should be available for your unit. Avoid hot tubs that require bromine, chlorine and biguanide for sanitizing the water – they’re a hassle to use and can irritate your skin and eyes.

The scary truth: You’re not going to get those answers from an online seller, so you might as well start with a local company that has quality products and a long-standing relationship with the manufacturer. Buy the right hot tub first! Then you can really relax.

SANUM PER AQUA Latin for Health through Water.

MORE…

Hot Tub Shopping? How to Buy the RIGHT One the First Time

What’s the #2 Reason People Hate Their Hot Tubs?

Buying a Hot Tub? You Won’t Get it Right Without a Backyard Consultation

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