Can you get scammed buying a hot tub? Yes, unfortunately, hot tub scams are definitely out there. Like any large purchase, the hot tub industry can attract unscrupulous individuals and businesses looking to take advantage of excited, but uniformed, buyers. Book a hot tub or swim spa consultation and get unbiased, professional advice to avoid these pitfalls, save time, and money!
Here are some common hot tub scams and deceptive practices to watch out for:
- “Too Good to Be True” Deals, Especially Online:
- Fake Sales and Inflated Discounts: Scammers often advertise massive discounts (e.g., “70% off MSRP!”) from an artificially inflated original price. The “sale” price might actually be higher than what a reputable dealer charges for a better quality tub. We’ve seen this time and time again especially with traveling road shows mentioned below.
- Hot Tub Showrooms or Hot Tub Events Without Prices: Dealers or promoters will advertise sale with no prices on the actual tubs and the sales people come up with artificially raised prices and then slash them to create value but you’re really not getting a deal.
- Cheap Imports and Low-Quality Tubs: These are cheaply manufactured hot tubs, often from unidentifiable sources, that look good in photos but are made with poor-quality components that quickly fail. Parts may be impossible to replace, leaving you with a worthless product and expensive removal costs.
- Non-existent or Misrepresented Products: This is rare and uncommon, but you might pay for a hot tub that never arrives, or the one that does is completely different or damaged.
- High-Pressure “Traveling Road Shows” and “Expos“:
- Misleading Advertising: These events often advertise “many brands” or “factory direct pricing,” when in reality, they might only feature one or two manufacturers, often with inflated prices that are then “discounted.”
- Aggressive Sales Tactics: Salespeople at these events are often on 100% commission and trained to pressure you into an immediate purchase with “today-only” deals. They don’t want you to leave and research.
- No Local Support: Once the show leaves town, so does your access to local service, warranty support, or ongoing advice. You could be left with a problem tub and no one to turn to.
- Deceptive Contracts: Be wary of signing anything that locks you in, especially for a large deposit, without thoroughly reviewing the terms and conditions.
- Warranty and Service Deception:
- Non-existent or Voided Warranties: Some companies will sell tubs with “warranties” that are virtually impossible to claim because the company goes out of business, changes names, or the warranty terms are highly restrictive or apply to a different (often overseas) manufacturer.
- “Parts are Interchangeable” Lies: Salespeople might claim that all components (jets, heaters, pumps, etc.) are universal and easily replaceable. This is often false, and getting specific parts for brands that have proprietary parts can be very expensive and sometimes hard to find.
- Fake Service Departments: They might promise local service, but then you find out they outsource to independent contractors who charge exorbitant fees or are unreliable, or worse, there’s no service available at all.
- Deposit and Delivery Scams:
- Requiring Full Upfront Payment: Reputable dealers usually only require a deposit. Be very suspicious if a company demands full payment in advance, especially by non-traceable methods like cash or bank transfer. This is a common tactic in “take your money and run” schemes.
- Endless Delays or No Delivery: You pay a deposit or full price, and the delivery date keeps getting pushed back, or the hot tub simply never arrives. This is also rare but can happen.
- Misleading Product Specifications:
- Shallow Tubs: Some manufacturers save money by making tubs shallower, which can be uncomfortable, especially in colder climates where your shoulders might be exposed.
- “Marketing Horsepower”: Pump horsepower ratings can be deceptive. A tub might claim high horsepower, but it could be “marketing horsepower” which is an inflated number, or it might have multiple small pumps that don’t add up to the power of a single larger, quality pump.
- “Chemical-Free” Claims: No hot tub is truly chemical-free. While some systems reduce the need for certain chemicals, all hot tubs require some form of sanitation and water balancing.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Research, Research, Research: Look up brands, read independent reviews (not just testimonials on the company’s website), and check with consumer protection agencies.
- Visit a Reputable Local Dealer: See the hot tubs in person. Wet test if possible. This allows you to assess quality, comfort, and meet the staff who will provide service.
- Verify Company Credentials: Check how long the company has been in business, their physical address, and look for Better Business Bureau ratings.
- Get Everything in Writing: Any promises, warranty details, included accessories, and delivery terms must be on the written contract.
- Pay with a Credit Card: For purchases over a certain amount (like £100-£30,000 in the UK under Section 75, and similar protections exist in the US with chargebacks), paying with a credit card offers consumer protection if something goes wrong and the goods are faulty or not delivered. Avoid cash or bank transfers for large sums.
- Don’t Rush Your Decision: High-pressure sales tactics are a red flag. A legitimate deal will still be there tomorrow or next week.
By being aware of these common scams and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim and ensure you get a hot tub that brings you years of enjoyment.
