Veronica

BIG HUGGS to you!!!!! AND THE MRS. for good measure..... Clay, I'm interested if you've made a decision or ruled any out in your spa purchase? I'm still deciding, but want desperately to get back in a tub, any observations in the last spa search days? Wet tests? etc...

Wow! From a "newbie" viewpoint, THIS is what I'm looking for! I feel thoroughly "schooled". This information is invaluable! It totally takes away any anxiety that comes from having at least "the occaisional jet pop out", and offers EVERY way possible to rectify the problem. It also steers us in the right direction for more answers or resolutions. It looks to me like this, along with some of the other great information here, could be "cut and paste" into our own personal manuel to use any time, over the years. ( At least with respect to the manufacturer above, I have to say there is, not a whole heck of al ot of "troubleshooting" information listed. The manuel is listed on the web site in full.) Maybe, if we were armed with more information like this above in the first place, it would deter us consumers from our first reaction to make an nervous onslaught of calls requesting answers, trying all recommendations listed, and then making calls for help as a last resort....

I'm a newbie here with a similar past experience, so I can totally understand your frustration. I have learned a lot in the last couple of days, about the Dealer's responsibilty too. I'm actually thinking about buying another Hydro Spa, believe it or not, through a better dealer who promises to address these problems personally. Have you had any luck with the company you bought it from?

LOL!!!! Something TOLD me this was a fun loving crowd, please tell your wife, I meant NO disrespect WHATSOEVER, and could NEVER hope to compete! She's gorgeous!.....You better watch out SpaMan, I think some of the other guys here might fight ya for her!

Come on Spa Man...the more the merrier and he doesn't have a costume or cape so what are you worried about?

Spa Man: You (and Amanda) are WAY too cute! I'm prepared to hug ANY TIME he is , (I'll even break out into a nice mushy tune, like....."What the (spa world) needs now is love sweet love"....or, "What's so funny 'bout Spas, Love and Understanding?".......any requests?

DR....I didn't take issue specifically with your Artic Spas stats, another member did under two different topics. I didn't suggest that you would confirm the stats you got from your secondary source, you did. If you simply go to the BBB.org site versus the local sites you offered, and do a company check it lists all possible matches for anything that comes close to the name you type in, in their entire NATIONAL network and then you may have to dig a little deeper as I have to verify and confirm history, no need even jump around to the local office sites because thay are networked. ....and I did not file a complaint with BBB for a refund, they actually give you an option of what you want or need. I specifically stated it was FOR THEIR INFORMATION only. I have finally been promised a refund and I'm happy to be put in their "resolved" stats now that they have removed the tub. Again, my only intention was to accurately inform new would-be consumers. You listed every major brand and stats purporting to be from the BBB, but failed to mention that out of every brand listed, they are ALL in good standing and Hydro Spa is listed as NOT in good standing. This is an irreffutable fact given at least my reading of the primary source, but hey what do I know about reading statistics?

No Spa Man, I no longer believe Dr Spa to be connected to them in any way, given the information you gave me under the BBB topic listing, and I appologized and I would also direct people to him for advice given his reputation. Also, I agree...talking to existing spa customers (i.e. I was and plan to be one) and local dealers is much better than any information. Ironically, in a way, I can serve to protect DRSPA's reputation, as he has at least been willing to concede he got his BBB numbers from a secondary source (the "Wet test"....that I also LOVED and found very useful)...the part that scares me is his suggestion that the top brands all had multiple complaints and Hydro Spa only had three out of 100,000 so the information could be construed as them being good to their customers. That just ain't the facts folks.....THEY are they only one out of the brands DRSPA listed and called into question that are in a NEGATIVE standing with the BBB, which I have to suggest might mean: not only do they not bother to resond to their consumers, but they don't even care to offer the BBB, at least a nationally recognized agency regarding business practices, a response. (plus other complaints on other sites, plus evidence of a class action suit against a company they seem to be connected to, plus the fact that they manufacture under other brands but are still responsible for customer service as the manufacturer). Besides just going and buying my new spa, I can't help but want to protect and empower others from the same type of experience I had, by my OWN mistakes. BUT I absolutely, sincerely, whole-heartedly appologize for my less than restrained language towards DRSPA and await some confirmation that the facts he posted as true, have been checked, corrected or verified, as he suggested he would be happy to do.

[Whew!!!....OK....I gotta admit, the hug thing felt pretty good!!!,.... Wow! feeling better (I was beginning to think this forum was a branch of the Bush Administration!)....and your are so right Spa Man, if you guys attacked Amanda, who seems to me, to have the purest heart of gold on this forum, I think I WOULD defend her 'til cyber-death' here. By the way, she makes an excellent point about looking dealers in the eyes when we make a major investment into their product (for my bank account...at least....anything over a $100 dollars would be considered rather "major"). I DO believe another big mistake I made was buying online when the price WAS too good to be true. ....Again, You have ALL been an enormous help in meeting my needs here! I was directed here by a local dealer, who wanted to demonstrate to me she had nothing to hide less than a week ago. I have learned TONS about the industry and the brands and how to deal with less-than-what-should-be-even-minimally-required-by-way-of-customer-service. I believe, unless and until "banned", I now intend on remaining a member of this "Spa Society" as well as others because: 1.) I haven't purchased spa #2 yet (which I pray I will own, maintain, and enjoy for a looong time to come due in part, to the assistance of this forum's information). 2.) I learn more and more about spas here every day and they are clearly something that adds such value to my personal life, that despite being a confessed "newbie", I have become QUITE passionate about them! 3.)As a person who has gravitated towards advocating for the "Under Dog" my whole life, I believe that I can add something here by way of empowering other newbie consumers and holding dealers and manufacturers to industry standards for service, integrity & accountability. With that said, in reviewing some of my aggressive language to the Doc, (not understanding he was apparently quoting someone else's apparent innacurate stats OR his "impecable" reputation as an information provider here), I now understand it was NOT appropriate and I apologize, as I was misdirecting to him, the anger I felt towards my antagonist-manufacturer (now also subsiding somewhat, due to the haul away on Sunday ). In response to another member's confirmation that his Artic Spas stats were off, DRSPA has at least, cleared some of his questionable assertions up under another topic "...6,500..." by acknowledging the stats he posted were NOT from the BBB, but from the personal "Wet Test" commentary on another site (which I also enjoyed thoroughly and found VERY helpful), and offered to check them out. (has he?) If I recall, the beginning of this "joust" correctly, the most offensive part was that Doc suggested that Hydro Spa sold over 100,000 spas over the last 36 months and only received 3 complaints to the BBB, while the industry leaders suffered from many more complaints, and then he listed his stats that did not add up, upon my quick reference check to the primary source (the BBB). I believe he actually asserted that the stats could be interpreted to suggest that Hydro Spa is great company to buy a spa from given a review of their record with the BBB.....while my ongoing research seems to suggest, not only are they absolutely NOT, but 1.) it would appear that they are connected to a class-action suit that began yesterday for some of the same type of stuff I experienced (i.e. SunDaze Spas???), 2.) that they are not easily identifiable because they manufacture for other names (i.e. Costco Elite), and 3.) that out of all major brands listed, they are the ONLY manufacturer that ACTUALLY has a NEGATIVE (meaning to me, "be careful, this company didn't even care to give US the curteously of a response!!!!") from the BBB. Given DRSPA's impeccable reputation on this forum, as a sort of industry-expert that we consumers rely on for important information, I believe he may have a heightened responsibility to clear this assertion up. I only merely suggest that, because, honestly, if I did not know any better, like "Robin" who is soliciting information about buying a spa, just like I am, .....I would have weighed his comments into my decision to buy a spa, and for example, in trusting his information as valid may very well have ran off and bought a Hydro Spa over all the other major brands IN GOOD STANDING with the BBB he listed, not understanding Hydro Spa's REAL and NEGATIVE BBB history. In short, to answer your very kind and sincere response SPAMAN, the way you guys can all help us "newbies" and give us what we all need as "newbie consumers", I would suggest, is the same thing here, we all need every where ....TRUST in the INTEGRITY of your WORD, this makes us ALL, happy, hot, soaking spa customers...!!!! Thanks for listening!

I so did not mean to offend! If I had a Costco nearby, I would high tail it over there and check out the spa's given all the positive things written here! The thing that promted my response at all, was reading that some people are being directed to Hydro Spa's customer service line, and to "Alan" et. al. which suggests that they might be at least the manufacturer of some of these spas. If that is the case, I feel obliged at the very least to encourage and empower folks on here, ONLY IF they have problems and furthermore would be happy to personally share my experience with them if the going gets tough. This site helped me get some satisfaction, and if I could help, in any way someone else who might fall victim to the rare instance of less- than dilligent accountability by any spa manufacturer, like I wish I had had, you can bet I have been motivated to try and return the favor and be there for them. That's not wrong is it? But what I really hope and wish, is that these people have no problems whatsoever and totally enjoy their spa's, because as I have stated before, the similar product I purchased as my first spa (with similar specs you have listed above Nightryder) when it worked, was FANTASTIC and made me a new spa owner FOR LIFE! The experience of the seats, pressure of the jets, ease of water care, etc....were all fine, it was the service, the very same number and person listed above, that broke down too often when things went wrong that compelled to me to write. Again, I appologize if the two are unrelated, but I read these comments to understand that Hydro Spa is the manufacturer of at least some portion of these spas while Costco is the vendor. Just trying to keep them honest.

Wow, you guys are hard core! I think even DRSPA would be willing to, or HAS actually conceded that he did not confirm the stats against the major brands he listed as being accurate as he took them from a secondary source, he offered to contact that source to confirm the stats, will I get "banned" if I ask if that was done? It's just as easy to do so by going to the BBB.org site. DRSPA'S and others' point about the weight to give BBB stats is well taken, but anybody see mine about being able to rely on what has been printed as true??? If it's not true, than isn't this pretty misleading to consumers who come here to gather useful information before making a purchase?....and then instead of taking two minutes of your own time just to look and perhaps clarify something, you would rather NOT look, and gang up the consumer until you feel righteous enough for a group hug? What is wrong with holding dealers and people in the spa business to the notion of professional integrity? I don't get it? You're the experts....if someone is posting statistics about consumer complaints logged in and recorded by an entity that hold's themselves out as a guardian of professional integrity (i.e. the BBB), shouldn't they be accurate? ESPECIALLY, given the small size of your market? No one has bothered to just look and see that they are not accurate except Conan about Artic Spas complaints? I don't get it.....?

CHAS, (or anyone who cares to simply check the stats re: complaints filed against companies with the BBB for the major brands listed above, or any brand....versus what was printed on the "Wet Test site" and copied onto this forum as having come from the Better Business Bureau, can go to BBB.org and check on any company, including spa companies). Again, I do agree with my own critics, who suggest that using the BBB as an end all, be all to judging the integrity of a company would not be prudent given their own agendas, but for what it's worth the information about HOW the company addressed it's customer's complaints and WHAT the complaints were about as well as whether the issues ultimately got resolved does give information that could be useful to any consumer facing a problem. AND Having just filed my complaint with them, and exoecting nothing in return but just to warn and alert consumers, I can say from personal experience that the BBB does have to confirm the validity of the complaint. They ask for serial #, order #, my address, phone, dealer and manufacturer and they contact these parties to get their side of the story before any of these stats are posted. Out of all the companies listed as haveing a lot of complaints by DRSPA, if you look you will see NONE of them have a "NEGATIVE" rating for bad corporate response, they are all in "GOOD STANDING" while Hydro Spa, (and I'm sure some limited others) actually does have a BAD BBB RATING!!!! If I had only known that much before my purchase, it would have changed things for me.

Spa Man, I do not want to offend you in any way. I have found your comments on this forum to be totally accurate and helpful. I have even directed people who have contacted me personally to YOU for advice because I admittedly don't know the first thing about spas. All I am asking is for an explination about the inaccuracy of his comments attacking the integrity of major brands. I am buying my second spa within the next couple of weeks and those stats that he posted would or should be a MAJOR concern for new consumers. I am here for 2 reasons. 1.) to get helpful information and 2) to warn NEW spa consumers like myself from the perils of making uneducated decisions, like the one I made, and thus suffering from the same mistakes. If you go to the BBB site, you will confirm DRSPA statements re: major brands to be innacurate (that his original posting provided no source for). BUT, DRSPA was good enough to reference the SECONDARY site where he got the stats: that I will ALSO SAY is a VERY HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE source regarding the personal experience of wet tests with what would appear are some inaccurate facts concerning BBB stats. I QUOTE DRSPA HERE: Independent Wet Test Report and Spa Review from "another" message board; http://www.members.cox.net/duffman471/Spa_...ng_Analysis.htm I didn't bother to varify the "facts" as the poster/author appears to have a lot of credibility. If you like, I'd be more than happy tyo ask him for the source of his facts. As a side note, ya might like this; http://www.naas.org/dirty.htm or not I find these sources to be equally as helpful as other secondary and personal sources for spa consumer educatiion. The posting here, simply asks for anyone to help clarify the stats issue. If you are not willing to at least look at the primary source (i.e. the actual BBB.org site) to help us all explain the difference than I won't take any offense, but what if the negative and innaccurate stats he posted dealt with spas that should enjoy a better reputation for their service and integrity? That's not too fair I think. I think every newbie consumer here would benefit from questioning peoples motives but I, unlike others will only say I am a total straight shooter. I have nothing to hide, I publically post my identity and contact information and nothing to gain but the two objectives I've listed above. That's it. Won't you at least check the primary source BBB.org and help us all understand where the disparity lies in the two sets of numbers? Here's what I saw on the BBB site to the best of my brief review: Be sure to look at the RESULTS of the BBB complaints filed! According to the BBB.org web site:] Given at least, a more in depth, clearer reading of the site stats: SINCE of MAY OF 2003 - (RE: 36 month history?) ARTIC (Spas, Pools & Stoves of Portland Oregon) - 1 complaint = resolved HOT SPRINGS - ALL LISTINGS (approximately 2-5 complaints in 36 months ALL RESOLVED COLEMAN SPAS (MAAX) - 1 complaint, in good standing RESOLVED MASTER SPAS - of all listings of potential sub cos. between 2 - 7 complaints all resolved or addressed and in good standing. JACUZZI - 32-to 33 complaints total of all sales (that could include tubs in in the bathroom????) - ALL RESOLVED & in GOOD STANDING WITH THE BBB! DYNASTY - 10 complaints - RESOLVED, CLOSED or UNPURSUABLE ------------------------------------------------------------------ COMPARED TO HYDRO SPAs - in Clearwater FL, 10 complaints, 2 UNRESOLVED, THE ONLY BBB UNSATISFACTORY RECORD LISTING out of all DRSPAS suggested service" faux pas" list!!! BUT HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH DRSPA!!! Because of you, upon closer inspection of the BBB site, I finally found what might be a solid lead on the Nexus between a CLASS ACTION SUIT filed against SUNDAZE - a Hydro Spa subsidiary???

Yes, I had a similar model purchased online as a Hydro Spa, (I dealt with "Alan" and Michelle, and Mark, and Hank) as the people above did. My electric bill jumped to near $100 or more even in the summer months (to compensate for a defective heater). I agree with Amanda here. I owned one of these Hydro Spas, what I saved in money, I paid dearly for in AGGREVATION......BUT with a dealer/vendor (Costco) nearby and a good return policy, you folks should have a better time getting a refund if it should become necessary. (I bought one online through Discount Spas Direct and I had to beg, plead, and threaten legal action to get Hydro Spa to refund my defective spa that has been collecting dust in my back yard since last June....they JUST picked it up yesterday!!!!!). ...ALSO, if you purchase this spa, and anything happens, do not necessarily expect reliable customer service from the manufacturer. If you are directed to call Hydro Spa (Alan, Mark, Hank, Michelle.....might try to blame you for problems that arise). I would advise you to write down every time you call, who you speak with, what is discussed and promised within what time frame. ..OR communicate via e-mail so that you can have everything documented. Be careful about the innocent information you offer them that might be spun around in a way for them not to be responsible: For example: The people that just wrote about their difficult ride home on this forum, might have, all but voided their warrenty now, because it was my experience, that Hydro Spa's policy was to BLAME THE CUSTOMER FIRST, or the local repair guy, or the electrician, or the dealer.....if a problem arises now (as I believe some could very well experience in the next 3 months, if you sacrifice too much by way of quality for savings, like I did)....I believe, they will look for ways to blame it on you and they read the postings on this forum so watch out! If something does go wrong, like broken or falling out jets, heater, etc...Don 't give up!!!!!... and don't believe them, check their reputation with the BBB, they have a history of doing this. Understand your rights, and it will give you a clear mind to deal with them! But AGAIN, COSTCO's return policy sounds awesome.

Yes, I had a similar model purchased online as a Hydro Spa, (I dealt wilt "Alan") as the people above did. My electric bill jumped to near $100 more even in the summer months!

Please don't be de-motivated or discouraged.....I now believe, the extra days spent doing some "hands on" research as is the profoundly sound advice given here above, will be paid back to you ten fold when you can rest assured everyday that you have made an investment that will provide years and years of enjoyment without the potential of customer service problems if anything needs to be addressed. It is clear, that if we care about the quality of the investment that we make in a spa, more time, effort, and service considerations should go into our purchase than a car!..........but once we do the necessary leg work to make the right purchase, I think we can all agree....soaking in a spa will be enjoyed volumes over sitting in traffic!

Thanks for getting back to us on this one Conan! I think both anecdotal input about people's REAL LIFE experiences with their spas here, and ACCURATE STATS from an agency like the Better Business Bureau whose mission statement includes: "The BBB's value to the business community is based on our neutrality. The purpose of the BBB system is not to act as an advocate for businesses or consumers, but to act as a mutually trusted intermediary to resolve disputes, to facilitate communication, and to provide information on ethical business practices. Businesses have supported the BBB for over 80 years because an ethical marketplace is in everyone's best interest." I wonder how desperate a business rep like DRSPA has to be to come on a forum like this and start posting false "stats" about the top major brands AND suggesting they came from the BBB when the BBB's own web site doesn't match what he has posted at all....what motivates a person like this? I guess I don't know enough about this industry to understand why a person would open themselves up to this kind of serious liability and attack to their own integrity on a public forum?

Can everyone please take a look at DRSPAS proposed BBB stats in the "6500"forum and explain to me how he came up with these numbers in good faith? My search indicates totally different results and I'm beginning to think this guy does not belong here if his credibilty is so far from trustworthy???? He rates: ARTIC MASTER SPA JACUZZI COLEMAN DYNASTY etc...as BBB stats...that I cannot confirm.....this is some pretty serious misrepresenting of some pretty serious brand names, please help me understand where this JOKER is getting his numbers? THIS IS DRSPAS POSTING TAKEN FROM ANOTHER TOPIC.....FALSE!!!??? "My intentions here have never been to "defend" anyone, but to simply give some balance. I dount there is a company in existance that doesn't have some kind of complaint against them. Take any company name and search for it followed by the word "complain" and you'll probably find something. As for the BBB, while I do think they help somewhat, please don't be confused by the "non-profit" status. They are NOT a government organization and a LOT of people derive their income working for them. By the way, who monitors the BBB? Since the BBB has been brought up, lets lok at some other major spa companies. Arctic Spas - 10 complaints files in the last 36 months Hot Springs - 19 complaints files in the last 36 months Coleman Spas - 4 complaints files in the last 36 months Master Spas - 10 complaints files in the last 36 months Jacuzzi Spas - 28 complaints files in the last 36 months Dynasty Spas - 9 complaints files in the last 36 months" IF YOU LOOK ON BBB.ORG......I THINK THIS GUY JUST PROVED TO BE A BIG LIAR ABOUT MAJOR BRANDS.....WOW, LOOK OUT FOR HIM!

Nope, not me........ or wasn't me... or isn't me....... do you have a link to it? I'd be interested in reading it. Oh Doc, "done with this" now???? (That's a shame, and the exact same language Mark from Hydro Spa used in his e-mail to me two nights ago! Go figure!....) When things are JUST getting interesting about your intentions and identity and your inability to tell the truth!? When you are made to answer for the BOLD FACED & ACTIONABLE MISREPRESENTATIONS ABOVE??? This is bad for your business reputation and the businesses you have slandered here. (i.e. lied about to the detriment of their reputation)... Dr. Spa! If I read what you posted here now, and then took two mere seconds to check your facts on BBB.org, I would NEVER buy anything associated with you AND if I were one of the big and GREAT guys like Artic, Hot Springs, Jacuzzi...etc....I would shut you down and sue you right now for your self serving misrepresentations!!! (Unless you have some double secret access to a different BBB.org site stats than the rest of us.... FOR SHAME! You should check your stats, against the ACTUAL BBB site or disclaim them NOW/ASAP if you can't confirm them in good faith!: e.g. THE PROOF YOU ARE A LIAR WHO SHOULD BE MORE CAREFUL: RE: The BBB Wow, who would you suggest we trust for consumer protection information Dr. Spa? You? or the BBB? (you know the ACTUAL stats from the web-site, NOT the ones you pulled from some disgusting bacteria-filled swamp of lies you seem to be intent on selling here, while omitting the important stuff, i.e. results of corporate RESPONSE???) ....or is there a more trustworthy source we can turn to, without a proprietary interest in a specialized industry that is still small enough to hold vendors and manufacturers to their word!? As a final note to what Dr. Spa is "done with".... Be sure to look at the RESULTS of the BBB complaints filed! According to the BBB.org web site:] Given at least, a more in depth, clearer reading of the site stats: SINCE of MAY OF 2003 ARTIC (Spas, Pools & Stoves of Portland Oregon) - 1 complaint = resolved HOT SPRINGS - ALL LISTINGS (approximately 2-5 complaints in 36 months ALL RESOLVED COLEMAN SPAS (MAAX) - 1 complaint, in good standing RESOLVED Master Spas - of all listings of potential sub cos. between 2 - 7 complaints all resolved or addressed and in good standing. Jacuzzi - 32-to 33 complaints total of all sales (that could include tubs in in the bathroom????) - ALL RESOLVED & in GOOD STANDING WITH THE BBB! Dynasty - 10 complaints - RESOLVED, CLOSED or UNPURSUABLE ------------------------------------------------------------------ COMPARED TO HYDRO SPAs (your favorite friend DRSPA for some ...increasingly CLEAR reason...that we will get to the bottom to) - in Clearwater FL, 10 complaints, 2 UNRESOLVED, THE ONLY BBB UNSATISFACTORY RECORD LISTING out of all DRSPAS suggested service" faux pas" list... BUT HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH DRSPA!!! Because of you, upon closer inspection of the BBB site, I finally found what might be a solid lead on the Nexus between a CLASS ACTION SUIT filed against SUNDAZE - a Hydro Spa subsidiary??? and the corporate veil they might have been hiding under! Good show! You're on the "sludge list" now Doc, in my book....can't wait to figure out what motivated such actionable misrepresentations on your part, it won't take long, and I think it might effect your bottom line....call me crazy, but I hope it was worth it!!!!! . At this point, besides some insulting, passive, crap about "not meaning to offend"....don't you think you should step up and appologize before things get ugly?....(but you do what you think is best and we'll all stay tuned and watch how things turn out for you Champ!!!) -------------------- If you can't sell it on ebay, it may not even qualify as landfill.

Robin: In your travels so far, could you point out the spas that you believed gave the deepest tissue massage to muscles from the jets? I tested the D1 Chairman II yesterday and intend on testing a Master Spa LS800 next. I'm just looking for quality, low maintainance and powerful jets.

On the contrary Doc, you're begining to amuse this Country Girl! By way of background (and the "real story"), I think there's some things we should point out to the good people in "Spa Land" about our brief history together. When I first signed on to this site four days ago, so as not to offend, when I noticed your screen name I e-mailed you privately to inquire about whether you were the same Dr. Spa from Epinions, that I read back in April, before I purchased the Hydro Spa. My intention was to thank you and to seak clarification, or to provide the same Dr Spa with some interseting information. On Epinions, there appeared a very bad review about the customer service and corporate response of a major brand of spas. When I asked the rep who had come to my home to sell me this product about the review, he protested that the epinion from Dr. Spa, and other comments on other sites by the screenname Dr Spa had cost him a lot of business, and that his company has taken every measure to identify the Elusive Dr Spa, only to learn that the incident was made up and used by a competing brand to sabatoge business. I went on to say that it was something about the way the rep may have seemed "to protest too much" that was the only thing that made me hesitate and ultimately not buy his product. Looking back, I'm happy I didn't, because I would have spent twice the money only to end up with the same problems if there was something wrong with my spa because they had no local service center. You responded to me and denied being the same Dr. Spa, and accused me of perhaps being a dealer trying to sabotage Hydro Spa's business. I responded, assuring you I was not (and declaring that their conduct had been so offensive that any suggestion by them that I was, would have probably resulted in them getting struck by lightening right on the spot), then in good faith, I asked you for your opinions as a dealer about what the best spa was. You refused to respond, and sent me a 2nd e-mail suggesting that I was a dealer for a brand that competes for Hydro Spa, and then attacked my credibilty on the forum about a site providing some information about Hydro Spa's record for bad service. THEN! You finally found the site, and without an appology for your false allegations, picked the customer's complaint's apart and suggested that there are only three dissatisfied customers out of the 100,000 spas Hydro Spa sold (where'd ya come up with that stat, by the way Doc????). All while, FAILING to respond to my 2nd reference to the absolutely legitimate, investigated, not-for-profit NATIONAL BBB's negative listing for Hydro Spa, who has demonstrated to the BBB that they fail to resond to their customers in a satisfactory manner! Come on Doc, you're joking right? Don't you worry, I will spend the little free time I don't spend soaking in a fabulous new spa, made and sold by companies with integrity, tracking down the rest of the dis-satisfied Hydro Spa and Discount Spas Direct customers (and other consumers of other similare companies) to ensure their "real stories" get told too. And I whole-heartedly do agree with one point, it takes A LOT, but I am an "angry" customer, and no one could pass the laugh test to suggest I should not be (including you Doctor, you don't make me angry, you make me laugh)... I have every right to be angry with them and I will suggest that they don't have the courage to tell their side of the story here, or to the BBB, or to any other regulating agency because it IS as bad as I have suggested and they WILL be held accountable. As for my "intentions" here, Capital One has recently assured me that because Discount Spas Direct sent me a scrambled e-mail document, purporting to be a proof of refund (that could not yet be confirmed by them), I have no need to force a refund as I am protected against both manufacturer and vendor by them now. (Thanks again to Erik's helpful site and advice!!!!) I ASSURE you, we will hear a lot more about spa owner's mistreatment from profit-pigs that care more about the bottom line then the people, namely their customers, who put the money in their banks in the first place and the ways we can seek and exact the justice we need, long, long after my money is back in the bank! Here's to the consumers who don't let them get away with it despite all the run around and bullying!!!!

You're totally right again, thank you for continuing to ground me from another "impulse buy!"

ummmmmm....Hello Dr.Spa...hope everyone here understands you are in the business, and therefore they should perhaps take your commentary with a HUGE GRAIN of CHLORINE!: Here are the two complaints, found easily upon even a google search that I referenced along with case numbers. Once I make contact with these poor spa-consumer-victims of unethical dealers and manufacturers I will ask that they reach out to you to confirm their existence as well as their LEGITIMATE complaints....how's business Doc? Copied directly from the site and pasted here: HYDROSPA STRIKES AGAIN (SEE BELOW) - (Anna Guidice, Ozone Park, New York) HydroSpa-I bought and received a spa on 11/26/2002 and the Heater does not work. I've been calling HydroSpa and Discount Spas Direct where it was purchased from and they cannot find a service technician in my area (Queens, NY) to replace the heater. I have the new heater that HydroSpa sent me. (case#012403) HYDRO SPA, ALERT! - (Elizabeth Martinez, Monticello, New York) - Hydro Spa 13055, 49th Street, Clearwater, Fla 33762. My sister's Jacuzzi was bought in 2001 and never worked. she has called Hydro Spa for the last two years for someone to fix it. She has had no luck. (case#082302a) PS Today, I also just found over 8 similar complaints against Hydro Spa with the BBB, Clearwater, Florida, and filed my own. Could you enlighten us all on the site that refutes the NATIONAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU'S negative history with these companies? If so, do tell us DR.SPA! RE: "DR.SPA", one might also be cognizant of the fact that I have absolutely nothing to gain here or to hide. My name is Veronica Assalone, I am from Coventry, RI. I was motivated to join this forum to seek assistance on how to protect myself from clearly unethical spa companies and in the hope of protecting other consumers from the same experience. Notice that I don't hesitate to reveal my identity, nor do I hesitate to tell the whole truth here on a public forum, because we all have the right (and in some instances the obligation) to tell the truth without fearing any negative retaliation or ramifications. The things I say include irrefutable facts. If they did not, anyone who has jumped around this forum for more than five minutes knows we would have heard SOME defense from Hydro Spa and Discount Spas Direct by now. They DID send me a private e-mail within 12 hours of the mention of their names here, expressing their frustration, that any of you are welcome to review upon request, but they cannot deny for one moment the accuracy of my assertions. .....Might you, DR.SPA, at least indirectly, be involved in profiting from these Corporate Buffoons? To be motivated to come to their defense? Ironic, I am a civil servant who represents poor people accused of committing crimes and I wouldn't take on the defense of these "white collars" for all the "Jets" in the best massage seat!

RE: "DR.SPA", one might also be cognizant of the fact that I have absolutely nothing to gain here or to hide. My name is Veronica Assalone, I am from Coventry, RI. I was motivated to join this Forum to seek helpful assistance on how to protect myself from clearly unethical spa companies and in the hope of protecting other consumers from my same experience. Notice, that I don't hesitate to reveal my identity, nor do I hesitate to tell the whole truth here on a public forum, because we all have the right (and in some instances the obligation) to tell the truth without fearing any negative retaliation or ramifications. The things I say include irrefutable facts. If they did not, anyone who has jumped around this forum for more than five minutes knows we would have heard SOME defense from Hydro Spa and Discount Spas Direct by now. They DID send me a private e-mail within 12 hours of the mention of their names here, expressing their frustration, but they cannot deny for one moment the accuracy of my assertions. .....Might you, DR.SPA, at least indirectly, be involved in profiting from these Corporate Buffoons? To be motivated to come to their defense? Ironic, I am a civil servant who represents poor people accused of committing crimes and I wouldn't take on the defense of these “white collars” for all the "Jets" in the best massage seat!

ummmmmm....Hello Dr.Spa...hope Robin understands you are in the business, and therefore should perhaps take your commentary with a HUGE GRAIN of CHLORINE: Here are the two complaints, found easily upon even a google search that I referenced along with case numbers. Once I make contact with these poor spa-consumer-victims of unethical dealers and manufacturers I will ask that they reach out to you to confirm their existence as well as their LEGITIMATE complaints....how's business Doc? Taken directly from Rip-off Report.com: HYDROSPA STRIKES AGAIN (SEE BELOW) - (Anna Guidice, Ozone Park, New York) HydroSpa-I bought and received a spa on 11/26/2002 and the Heater does not work. I've been calling HydroSpa and Discount Spas Direct where it was purchased from and they cannot find a service technician in my area (Queens, NY) to replace the heater. I have the new heater that HydroSpa sent me. (case#012403) Hydro Spa, Alert! - (Elizabeth Martinez, Monticello, New York) - Hydro Spa 13055, 49th Street, Clearwater, Fla 33762. My sister's Jacuzzi was bought in 2001 and never worked. she has called Hydro Spa for the last two years for someone to fix it. She has had no luck. (case#082302a) Sounds aweful familiar! Hope you don't justify treating your customers like that! PS: Also found similar complaints, and filed my own with the BBB today. Is there a web site refuting the BBB's negative history with these companies you can enlighten us with Doc??? If so, please do tell!