A TV or radio advertisement plugs a blowout hot tub sale with tons of models of top hot tub brands. The deals sound wildly exaggerated: saving thousands of dollars or up to 70% off "retail price." How can you be sure that this is legitimate? Here are a few things you need to know about hot tub expos (and why you'll never see Buds there!).
How hot tub expos operate ⚠️
First, we're referring to travelling hot tub shows, not local companies hosting a sales event. These travelling expos rent a hall or exhibition centre and fill the place with their hot tubs and forceful salespeople, not a variety of brands and models as promised.
The event attracts hundreds of hopeful hot tub buyers eager for a deal, and many of them fall for high-pressure sales tactics and prices that seem too good to be true. After nabbing deposits on hot tubs, the company skips town the next day and moves on to the next show on the tour circuit.
So, what's wrong with buying from a hot tub expo? Beyond the questionable setup, let's review some specific red flags.
Do you recognize the brands they carry? ⚠️
Review the 'brands' and models the hot tub show carries. Have you ever even heard of them? Are they local or affiliated with any local hot tub stores? Do they have a physical store you can walk into if there is any issue before, during, or after delivery? If the answer is no, then steer clear.
If the company or representative claims to have a third-party company handle all the customer support and deliveries, that's not a great sign. These outsourced companies are generally inferior and offer poor service.
What are the deposit terms? ⚠️
First, how much of a deposit is required? A hefty deposit should raise your eyebrows. Most local dealers require a small percentage of the purchase price as a deposit.
Next, is the deposit refundable? A reputable company would ensure that all deposits are refundable within a certain period. If the hot tub company claims the deposit is refundable, it's wise to get it in writing. Ask for the refundable period stipulated in the contract. A good company will happily cooperate!
What kind of post-purchase support and service do they provide? 
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
This one's a biggie and essential to maintaining and repairing your hot tub. Even leading brands and models require maintenance and service, so you'll want responsive, courteous, and knowledgeable support from trusted professionals who know the hot tub brand.
Buds' repair techs go above and beyond maintenance and repair to share valuable strategies that will add life to your equipment and prevent a return visit down the road. A Buds customer is an educated customer.
WARRANTY AND PARTS
What is their warranty like? Is there even one? If they use third-party services to uphold the warranty, raise a red flag. Anyone providing technical service and warranty repair should be certified and trained on the specific brand.
Don’t forget about replacement parts. If you’re in a situation where your hot tub requires a replacement part, what do you do? A trusted dealer like Buds would be fully stocked with the highest quality universal parts and usual suspects for common manufacturer-specific repairs.
Buds' repair techs are formally trained in the complexities of hot tubs and swim spas. They're superior diagnosticians who can call on solid relationships with manufacturers when a challenging repair requires a team approach.
DELIVERY
Last but not least, what is the delivery experience like? A quality provider will make all necessary arrangements to ensure the delivery goes smoothly. They've considered measurements, obstacles, electrical hook-up, additional payments, and an on-site hot tub orientation.
Horror stories from hot tub expos of the past detail unfortunate delivery experiences, with hot tubs delivered long after the promised delivery date without notice. And many of them deliver curbside. Yikes!
Buds sends its customers a helpful downloadable guide with all the above information in practical, bitesize pieces.
The moral of the story is don't get scammed at one of these travelling hot tub shows or expos. If the deals sound too good to be true, they are. If you're in the market for a new hot tub or an upgrade, shop with your local dealer or retailer. Buds will never let you down!
WHICH HOT TUB IS BEST FOR YOU?
Take our quick quiz to find out and unlock a towards your purchase.
RELATED ARTICLES
Plunge Pool vs. Traditional Swimming Pool: Which One Is Right for You?
Plunge Pool vs. Traditional Swimming Pool: Which One Is Right for You? When designing your dream backyard oasis, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between a plunge pool and a traditional swimming pool. While both offer the joys of relaxation and recreation, they differ significantly in size, maintenance, cost, and suitability for various lifestyles…
What is a plunge pool, and should I get one?
What is a plunge pool, and should I get one? If you’ve been researching pools at all this year, you may have noticed that plunge pools are seriously trending. While you probably have some idea of what a plunge pool is all about, you might be wondering about the specifics that make these pools different…
![Photo: Hydropool [swim spa]](https://budsspas.com/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/swimming-pool-small-yard-9-square-57235efa5c8b11df53a00ee0c9a24018-.jpg "swimming-pool-small-yard-9")
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…