We have daily email requests from our readers about the repairs and servicing of hot tubs amongst other things so we have been on the lookout for highly qualified and professional hot tub service engineers to recommend to WhatSpa readers in their moment of need.  We have news….

We have just spoken to Darren Waters who has just launched his new business SpaFix which offers hot tub repairs and hot tub maintenance across the South UK.  Darren has a wealth of experience as a hot tub service engineer and supports all major brands of hot tubs.  With his contacts across the UK he is able to arrange hot tub service calls in most areas so feel free to give him a call on 07912 103636 or visit his new website at www.spafixservices.co.uk

Here is Darren’s press release:

All new for 2007 SpaFix is the refreshing solution to all your Hot Tub and Spa needs. SpaFix are an independant maintenance and services orientated business that strive for excellence in customer service and satisfaction. With over seven years experience we have links and contacts to most major players in the Spa and Hot Tub industry. We can assist you with any query regarding any aspect of your Hot Tub, including maintenance, repair, service, spare parts, relocation, upgrades, sales and accessories. With a one price fits all stratagy for the whole southern region we truly are the south’s local engineer.

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It has come to our attention from a number of our readers that there seems to be a growing number of hot tub traders with an online and/or online auction site presence that are offering deals on hot tubs that seem to be too good to be true.  We would urge caution when looking at these kind of sites as we have emails from a growing number of hot tub buyers who have fallen for the “inflated RRP just to discount back down again” tricksters who are offering substandard and often illegal cheap imports from the far east that do not meet CE standards.

As ever, do your research and ideally insist on wet testing a hot tub before you commit your hard earned savings to it.  Please ensure that you pay at least £100 of either the deposit or final balance by credit card and also thoroughly check the credentials of potential suppliers as you may get stuck with a very expensive water feature if your supplier disappears and you have no access to spare parts.

 To be confident of good and continuous after-sales support, visit your local retailers, wet test their hot tubs and choose from a local supplier who will be a more reliable source of after-sales support. Also look for the WhatSpa? Approved manufacturer and retailer logos before buying with confidence.

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WhatSpa? today announces the exciting launch of Hot Tub Chooser, our brand new website which allows hot tub buyer’s to browse every hot tub model, manufacturer and retailer in the UK hot tub market.

Following requests from our readers to develop a comparison site that has all of the specialist knowledge of WhatSpa but focusses on product information, Hot Tub Chooser is a specialist search engine which is dedicated purely to hot tubs and indexes all of the products currently available by hot tub retailers in the UK.  Whatsmore, hot tub chooser users can browse locally so that they only see the hot tub models which are available in their local retail stores, enabling them to find the perfect hot tub model for their needs with the added peace of mind of local service and after-sales support.

Take a look at www.hottubchooser.co.uk now or for more information email us at info@whatspa.com

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It has just been announced that BISHTA are inviting entries for the best hot tub installation design awards for 2008.  If you think that your hot tub setting is of outstanding merit, design, or interest please contact your hot tub retailer and ask for your hot tub to be entered into the competition.  You will need to provide photos and some other supporting information and your retailer must be a BISHTA member in order to enter the competition.  Competition entries close at the end of October with the awards ceremony in February 2008 so don’t delay if you want to sing the praises of your hot tub design from the rooftops.  The award winning photos may be used in magazines and newspapers in relevant articles so you must be willing for them to be used for these purposes.  If you would also like to enter your hot tub installation in our WhatSpa Design Awards to win a years supply of free hot tub supplies email your entries to info@whatspa.com.  The winning entries will be printed in our Spring 2008 issue of WhatSpa? Magazine and will be uploaded to the www.whatspa.com website to spark the inspiration of like-minded hot tub enthusiasts throughout the UK.

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Q. We are looking at hot tubs with a view to buying in the next few weeks. What questions should we be asking about the hot tub retailers themselves and the support that they can offer? We want to buy from someone who is going to be there to look after us and our hot tub for years to come.

A. As the hot tub market grows in the UK so is the number of retailers selling them. It is difficult to define exactly what makes a good hot tub retailer but here are some things to look out for when shortlisting companies that you are considering handing over your hard-earned cash to. You are essentially looking for professional hot tub companies who provide good service and look like they will be in the hot tub market for the long-term. Hot tubs come with warranty cover which is only as good as the company who sells the spa to you. If they disappear you could potentially be left high and dry with not warranty support. Here are some things to look for:

1) What is the showroom like? Is it well-equipped with a good range of hot tubs on display. Are there facilities for wet-testing spas as this is absolutely essential to choosing the right model for your needs. Is it well merchandised and presented and with a good stock of aftermarket products such as hot tub chemicals and filters? Has some investment gone into the place which would suggest that the company is taking a long-term view? This does not mean that new entrants who are trying to become established should be discounted for lack of facilities but if the company looks new to the market some probing about after-sales support is called for.

2) Track Record. How long has the company been established and trading. Are they specialists in spas or are hot tubs simply a bolt on to another business. How long has the hot tub brand on offer been available in the UK. What is the track record and reputation of the manufacturer like? Are the hot tubs at the very least CE marked as some cheap imports from the far east do not meet European CE Standards.

3) Staff product knowledge and professionalism. Are the sales staff knowledgable about their products and how professional are they. Professional salespeople do not knock their competitors or their competitors products (even if they deserve it!). They will simply talk about the features and benefits of their own hot tubs. They will also listen to your needs and suggest hot tub models that would suit your requirements and budget.

4) After-Sales support. Does the company do all of their own installations and warranty/service work or is it factored out to an outside organisation? How long is the hot tub warranty cover and what is covered? Does the warranty cover parts and labour and is it a pro rata system whereby the owner has to contribute as the hot tub gets older or is it a straight new-for-old replacement with no contribution from the owner. Ask to see a hard copy of the warranty document and read the small print and exclusions.

5) Industry affilations and trade body memberships. Hot Tub retailers should adhere to a strict health & safety practice for maintaining clean and healthy water in showroom hot tubs. In order for companies to become BISHTA (British & Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) members they must first ensure that at least 1 member of staff holds a certificate in Water Hygiene. This is a good sign that that retailer will also be knowledgable about hot tub maintenance. Looking after a garden spa at home is very easy if you are given some guidance by a professional retailer. Ask what support and training they will give you once your hot tub is installed. This is not to say that none BISHTA members do not know about spa maintenance but members definitely should, as attendance on suitable professional courses is a prerequisite for membership. Look out for both BISHTA and/or WhatSpa Approved logos as these both require BISHTA membership. Swimming pool companies may also be SPATA (Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association) members and again this is a good indicator.

This is not an exhaustive list but hopefully is a good place to start. Try to find a good local hot tub supplier as they will be a great source of information and advice for years to come and will also be on hand for picking up chemicals and accessories. Go with your gut instinct…professional salespeople are a breath of fresh air when you meet them and won’t try to nail your cap on as soon as you walk through the door or pester you with phonecalls at all times of day and night….if they do, head for the hills!

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