Why Brick-and-Mortar Shops Are the Smart Choice
We know that online shopping can be convenient. But at Buds we still believe that hot tubs, swim spas and pools, not to mention their parts and supplies, are best shopped for in person.
So while you might start your shopping journey online, we hope that you’ll take the chance to visit us in store before finally making your purchase.
There are many reasons why we think brick-and-mortar stores like Buds are the smart choice for customers.
Check out our top reasons and let us know if you agree!
More personalized customer service
Artificial intelligence may have come a long way, but we still haven’t met a chatbot who can match the knowledge and personability of our expert sales team. When you visit us in store, we’ll be able to provide you with a much higher level of service than you’ll ever be able to get online or over the phone.
That’s because we’ll take the time to really understand your questions, concerns and budget and guide you to the solutions that are best for your specific needs.
It’s a shopping experience that simply can’t be replicated online, no matter what Chat-GPT thinks!
Get tailored advice for all your equipment & chemicals
There is a lot that goes into keeping a hot tub, swim spa, or pool in good running order.
Maybe you’re selecting the right replacement pool pump, and you need to know which unit will work best for your pool size and budget.
Or perhaps your hot tub chemistry is out of whack. Our experts can guide you through purchasing the exact right chemicals based on your location, current weather conditions, and the specifics of your tub’s equipment.
Try big-ticket items before you buy
When you are buying a hot tub, swim spa or pool, the details really matter. At Buds, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of products in each of these categories. What really sets each model apart are the distinctive features and design choices that you need to see in person to fully understand.
Consider a hot tub water-massage chair. You won’t really understand which model is right for you until you’ve sat in all the different versions, and found the one that fits you just right.
The same can be said for so many different features on all of our products!
In fact, at Buds you can even bring your bathing suit and actually sit in one of our hot tubs or swim spas before you purchase. Visit us in-store to learn more!
Easier returns & superior warranty protection
If you’ve ever tried to return or get support for a product you’ve bought online, you know what a hassle it can be. This is especially true for big ticket items. After-all, it’s not exactly an option to send your malfunctioning hot-tub filter in the mail. When you shop in-person, that means you’ll have a nearby point-of-contact if it's ever needed. At Buds, we’ll make on-site visits to assist with any warranty covered issues. You can also visit us in store for friendly advice on care and maintenance.
But it's not just about the ease of coverage, Buds' warranties also tend to be better than what’s available from online-only retailers. We’re proud to offer expert line products, most of which have a 3 year warranty.
Competitive pricing & quality products
Many shoppers are drawn to buying online because they think they’ll get a better deal. At Buds, we work hard to provide pricing that is the same or cheaper than online retailers, while also offering superior quality products.
Every product in our showroom has been thoughtfully selected for its proven performance track record. So you can stop guessing with questionable online reviews, and enjoy expertly chosen products you know you can count on.
Support local businesses
Another big issue with shopping online is that you’re often giving money to a company that has no connection to your own community. When you shop at Buds, you’re shopping at a business that has been a part of Hamitlon since 1967. We’re an award-winning local business that employs numerous people at our Ancaster and Dundas retail store locations.
Almost everything we sell is also manufactured in either Canada or North America, which means you’re supporting our local economy in more ways than one!
So if you want to support local businesses in the greater Hamilton region, it doesn’t get any more local than Buds!
Build relationships for future service
Our last great reason to shop in-person for all your hot tub, pool and swim spa needs is that you’ll be building relationships with a trusted team for any future service. Whether you’re taking advantage of our free water testing, cleaning and maintenance, or repair services, there’s nothing like the confidence that comes from working with the same team year-after-year.
Visit us in-person to see the difference for yourself!
Hopefully by now, we’ve convinced you that it's at least giving in-person shopping a try! We hope you’ll come see us at either of our two locations to get the shopping and service experience you truly deserve from Buds.
RELATED ARTICLES
Treating Biofilm in a Swim Spa
How to Treat Biofilm in your Swim Spa What is Biofilm? Biofilm in hot tubs refers to a complex community of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and form a slimy, protective layer. Biofilm can develop on various surfaces within a hot tub, such as the walls, pipes, and filters. IMPACT Reduced effectiveness of sanitizers: The…
Swim spa winterization guide
how to prepare your swim spa for the winter Winterizing your swim spa properly is extremely important to ensure that all the lines and equipment do not freeze and crack over the winter. Drain spa as per normal procedure. Remove pillows, the skimmer basket and the filter(s) from the canister. Chemically clean your filter(s) with…
Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles
Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles When it comes to pool liner wrinkles, it’s crucial to distinguish between those caused by installation issues and those arising from other factors. If a wrinkle appears due to a poor fit or incorrect measurements during installation, it will be evident as soon as the pool is filled. Wrinkles…
What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners?
What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners? Owning a pool is a luxury that brings fun, relaxation, and a perfect gathering spot for family and friends. However, with this luxury comes the responsibility of maintaining and managing your pool to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable space.…
Benefits of In-Person Shopping for Hot Tubs, Pools & Swim Spas
We know that online shopping can be convenient. But at Buds we still believe that hot tubs, swim spas and pools, not to mention their parts and supplies, are best shopped for in person.
So while you might start your shopping journey online, we hope that you’ll take the chance to visit us in store before finally making your purchase.
There are many reasons why we think brick-and-mortar stores like Buds are the smart choice for customers.
Check out our top reasons and let us know if you agree!
How to Treat and Prevent Metals and Staining
How to treat and prevent metals and staining Metals and Staining in a Pool Metals can be introduced to the water through foreign object or equipment such as: Copper piping and fittings, Heat exchanger, Using Copper Sulphate and other copper-based algaecides, Source water. Metals in pool water may cause staining to the liner, fiberglass, or…
Should I finance my pool purchase?
In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.
Above Ground Pool Closing Instructions
How to close your above ground pool Pool Closing Steps 1 One week prior to closing, bring a pool water sample to the store so your pool can be properly balanced. It is natural for sitting water to become acidic on its own, so balancing the water is very important prior to closing your pool.…
The Benefits of Borate to Treat Your Pool
Why Your Should Use Borate In Your Pool What is Borate? Borate prevents pH drifting, which results in calcium scaling, metal stains, cloudy water, algae, and hard pool water. When you use borate, the water will remain clear for a long period since chloramine (or combined chlorine) does not form quickly as compared to a…
How to Reduce Phosphates in Your Pool
How to Reduce Pool Phosphates What are phosphates? Phosphates are food for algae. Although they are present in all water, once they reach a certain level they can cause issues in your pool. Phosphates can consume chlorine causing a consistently low level in your pool. When you have an extremely low chlorine reading, your pool…
Spring Set-up for Pool UV Systems
How To Open Your Pool’s UV System SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS When spring arrives, it’s time to pull out your UV system and get it ready for the summer pool season. Below is a checklist that will help in getting the most out of your system. If your UV system is still installed on your pool equipment,…
How to Treat Pool Algae
How to Treat and Prevent Algae How to Treat and Prevent Algae during Spring Opening Warning: when following these steps, DO NOT use your automatic vacuum as there is no option of vacuuming on waste/drain. Bring a pool water sample into Buds for water balance assistance. Remove large organic debris from the bottom of the…
How to Change & Clean the Filter Media
How to Clean & Change a sand filter How to Change the Filter Media Sand should be changed in the filter every 3-5 years. However, if the sand is not cleaned once per season the sand may need to be changed much more often than that. 1 Turn off the pump. 2 Take the drain…
How to Clean a Pool Salt Cell
How to Clean a Salt Cell It is important to maintain a clean salt cell so chlorine can be continuously produced. Salt cells that have a lot of scale or calcium build up cannot effectively produce sanitizer and often create flow issues within the pool system. You should check your salt cell weekly to ensure…
How to Treat and Prevent Cloudy or Foggy Pool Water
How to Treat Extremely Cloudy or Foggy Water How to Treat Extremely Cloudy or Foggy Water Bring a pool water sample into Buds Spas and Pools for water balance analysis. Adjust pH and/or chlorine levels as recommended by the water lab. Follow Option A, B or C depending on the level of clarity in the…
Pool Filter Cartridge Cleaning Instructions
How To Clean A Pool Filter Cartridge When should a cartridge element be cleaned? For hot tubs and swim spas, establish a routine cartridge cleaning schedule based on the amount of spa usage. This should include rinsing the cartridge weekly (or more frequently with heavy use), as well as using Rapid Action Filter Cleanse every…
Maintenance for Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pool maintenance Helpful Tips to Maintain Your Pool New pool or new liner customers: Please bring in a water sample to Bud’s Spas and Pools before adding any chemicals and/or before entering your pool for the first time. Filtration To maintain proper filtration the pump should be operating 24/7. If your pump is on…
Maintenance for Non-Saltwater Pools
Non-saltwater pool maintenance HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAINTAINING YOUR POOL NEW POOL OR NEW LINER CUSTOMERS:PLEASE BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE (IN THE SAMPLE BOTTLE PROVIDED) TO BUDS SPAS AND POOLS BEFORE ADDING ANY CHEMICALS AND/OR BEFORE ENTERING YOUR POOL FOR THE FIRST TIME. Filtration To maintain proper filtration the pump should…
Inground Pool Closing Instructions
Pool Closing Instructions Follow these steps to properly close your pool this year 1. One week prior to closing, bring a water sample to the store so your pool can be properly balanced. 2. 48 hours before closing, clean your sand filter with Filter Cleaner. If you have a cartridge filter, it can be cleaned…
Pool Opening Instructions
Pool Opening Instructions Pool Opening Instructions 1. Remove any leaves or debris from the top of your winter cover (this should not go in the pool). 2. Remove the water off your pool cover using a submersible pump. When using a submersible pump, please ensure that the pump is not sitting directly on the pool…