DK117

Congrats walleye. DK117

101 in the winter, 100 in the summer. Perfect for my taste. DK117

I have a Strong Spa that sits in a corner on my 700 sq ft paver patio. This is just one data point, and for only two years, but so far so good. I will say that 1) The paver patio was professionally installed. I have hard clay naturally in my yard, with a few inches of compacted gravel and then a few inches of compacted sand, the base has to be done right prior to paver installation. Not saying you can't do it DIY, but prep of the base is most important. 2) I'm still really happy with the cabinet on the Strong Spa. It looks exactly like it did when it arrived two years ago. I think you'll hear from others with more experience, but the cabinet is a selling point and it's bullet proof. It's uniquely suited for a non concrete pad installation. DK117

I dialed Phone number: 1.800.787.6649 and got no answer, no machine. Odd really. Then I remembered ... here are Chad's last two facebook posts, sorry Chad, but I think this is a worthy of a response: yesterday No power or water for 2 days today Still no electricity or water. Water not expected back on for at least 8 days. I'm in telecommunications, every business should have a disaster recovery policy. However, I do understand the situation, assuming the hurricane/flood is the culprit. I for one can't condemn them for this oversight. DK117

It's not just about checking part numbers. DK117

So after several other threads and two years of debating the Costco spa distribution model, I'm going to offer my opinion. The conclusion of my opinion is that going the Costco route requires a certain amount of DIY. Whether that's the electrical, chemicals, or 4 year old heaters, eventually you're going to have to mess with the tub and touch it. I mean that with utmost respect, I suggest you pay for the repair and enjoy your tub for another 4 years. Good luck. DK117

The OP says the return policy is either unreliable or unclear. Can I get a dealer or independent tech to respond to that? Again, the point being that Costco has a much broader interpretation of what merit's a return vs a dealer. Under what conditions would a dealer accept a returned spa? So of course Costco has a much, much, much higher % return rate. They actually accept returns in many situations. Full disclosure as I think you guys already know, Spatech, my "vast experience" is some really creepy local dealers (Arctic, Hot Springs, and a traveling spa show) and a few friends who have tubs, one returned a tub to Costco and now owns an Arctic Cub. I've never pretended to be anything other than a jaded consumer. DK117

I figured that would ruffle some feathers. Oh well ... how many independent techs are represented on this site? Costco Calls Strong, Strong either has a local independent tech or finds one. Sounds like a slow process, but how many instances of delayed service from dealers have we seen on this site? For a non urgent defect like a stereo, yeah, there are many dealers that don't respond in a timely manner. While that comment in my post was kind of a low blow and meant partially in jest (It's been a long time since I've had the opportunity to fuel the Costco vs dealer flames the main point still stands, a Costo customer, with multiple documented repair instances, can easily make a full return. That is a fact. Open to interpretation are the following: 1) Response time of repairs. 2) Lenth of time full returns are accepted (I'd say closer to 18 months vs 4 years, coming up on 24 months for me and I've gotten enough out of it to know that I'm not due a full refund if something happens.) DK117

This is an interesting point, and the crux of the issue. I'll need to ask for feedback from all the dealers around, but here's the scenario. One customer purchases a tub from Costco, another from a dealer. At 6 months both have a failed heater, a production defect, both Costco and the dealer replace no questions asked. At 9 months the radio goes bad, Costco fixes, the dealer gets to it when they can, it's not that big of a deal, it's just the radio. Both customers are still happy. 13 months, the lights go out ... this is a "value line" spa, with a one year warranty. Dealer has customer pay for the fix. Costco, with a record of now three issues, acccepts the return as a lemon. Hey, it's all a theory and my opinion, but we've seen these scenarios happen. DK117 PS I know it's not Costco doing the actual repairs, but it works for this thread.

Here is the warranty on the current Costco offereing, Evolution Spas: Warranty: LIFETIME WARRANTY on cabinet system 5 years against cracking, blistering, fading, and delaminating of shell 2 years for all mechanical and solid state components 2 years on authorized labor 1 year on cover Now prior to the Evolution there was some brand (can't remember) of spa that a friend had, and she did successfully return the spa after a year of ownership. However she did have a "record of contact regarding repairs of defects in the spa." My interpretation of the Costco return policy is to protect against lemons. Again my personal opinion would be three strikes your out. A potential heater problem at 4 years wouldn't personally warrant a return. Have you had a tech out to evaluate the problem? Hopefully you can get it fixed for a few hundred and go back to enjoying your spa! DK117

LOL, thanks, I gave up trying to count. If there is anything we as users can do to help, please let us know. I miss the knowledge and banter this site used to provide. DK117

mod's, the first 30 or so topics are spam. Either let us help you delete the spam, or this forum dies. DK117

sadly, I don't visit much anymore, this forum has been destroyed by spam. It's been that way for a few months now and seems to be getting worse. Last time I commented in a thread like this, it was deleted. Several of us have volunteered to be moderators, I can delete spam with the best of them, but those permissions are held tightly by a small few. DK117

This looks pretty cool, not sure about the $200, but I'll put it on my list. DK117 Arf, I'm in Vancouver Washington. Weather is mild like Seattle, no problems for me on wild fluctuations or shocking energy bills.

I have bleach, dichlor, MPS, and clarifier in my steps. While the steps are certainly not waterproof, the containers themselves are. Also we don't typically get extreme weather either way. DK117

My Strong Magnum 90 sits two feet away from my master bedroom wall (with two windows) on a concrete/rock patio. It is set to filter at 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. and I never hear it. The low speed is very low. I am extremely pleased with the spa and its functions! My CSXi80 sits two feet from my house and a window (a litter closer than code recommends BTW ... and yes I do think code are recommendations LOL.) I did hear it for the first few days. I no longer do. It doesn't mean that it got quieter, it's just something you get used to. While I'm sure the decibel level could be measured, it's really the impact of that decibel level that is your concern, which is ultimately subjective. And just for another opinion, I get into work just after 6 and I'm on standard, but my filtration cycle starts at 11:00. At this time I'm at the office, or asleep. Reading hot_water's feedback I may have to rethink this as this puts me tubing a few hours before filtration cycles. Early morning on weekends, and early evening on the weekdays. But since I'm using standard, I guess the argument is filtration when not in use, and heating when needed. Just another scenario to consider. DK117

Here is my take: 1) Costco has a VERY poor history with the hot tubs they have sold. Their emphasis has been on price, not quality and brand after brand has been junk. The only thing that saved past owners was teh return policy and they were returned all right. 2) Strong is a recent offering from Costco. There simply is not enough history to really decide if they are more of the same from Costco or if they're an upgrade from the past offerings. Those who support them say they are a good spa but more time is needed. Others will say "if you don't learn from history you're bound to repeat it". Time will tell. 3) There is no 3-4k savings on these spas. They wouldn't sell for that much more if sold by a dealer. 4) These spas are for real DIYers IMO. If all goes well then great but when issues arise you need to be able to troubleshoot them yourself. If not having a dealer isn't a big issue for you and they really are better than Costco's previous mistakes and your budget is limited then maybe it'll be a decent option for you. Spatech. You're a voice of reason, and these are honest questions/feeedback. 2) recent offering. It's been two years now. How long does one have to own a Strong Spa for it to not be a "recent" purchase? I think you'll answer 5 years, but I might be ready for a new tub at 5. My 20 months trouble free has to be worth something, or not? 3) tough one. at bare minimum it's half that. Some dealers the OP is right on. that would be true for any product purchased factory direct. Difference here, which is said by many dealers, is that pricing is different per region. It's totally consistent in the lower 48 for Costco/Strong. DK117

Thanks, I'll try that - tub was purchased in NJ and business is in PA. I will check it out Michele Can I ask what brand? I assume we already know ...

Costcos history shows the return policy is where Costco shines, they've never shined in the quality department on thier hot tub offferings, just the opposite. The jury is still out on their latest offering so it would be unfair to assume its more of the same though its also unwise to assume its not, time will tell. The best option under $4k is a well maintained used tub IMO. If you do go the Costco route just go in with the understanding that if things turn sour you plan to return it, not an easy chore for some though you can always hire someone to do that for you if that becomes the situation. Also, Walleye is asking for $4k including wiring. I'm not sure the scope of the wiring, I think he said his breaker box was full. That could be $700 plus easily. Now you're in the $3K budget area, and that's certainly a used spa. Strong Spa's, electrical, movers, you're $5K plus. DK117

definitely on the phone prior to delivery. Then again I suppose it depends on how hard it is to get to the back yard. I paid $300 (looking back that seems high.) But it was a difficult move. The main consideration in my mind is that there's typically just one driver. The fee I paid included having 4 guys come over the day after delivery to move to my back yard. DK117

I see those posts above???? i think we are way losing the point of the original post. I nor anybody else was slamming on costco at all. period, take the post what ever way makes you feel good. I too see all the posts. And it's all in fun. A ) You've cautioned the consumer, thanks. B ) I don't think anyone would have read your post if it was titled "Image/Icon Returned Spas." DK117

Ran 200ft of 6 gauge from house panel to my dock with new box, GFCI etc so I know exactly what's involved with that. It's just my first tub and that end is the big unknown. The frying of the tub or me is what has me worried. Just some sticker shock. I'm compelled to respond, but let me say I'm a DIY not an electrician and I don't know what I'm talking about. Be safe. Now that being said, the hook up to the tub was relatively easy. When I had my house built I asked for a run to where I planned to have the hot tub. 8 years later, I went to my local plumbing/electrical supply place and they sold me the 12 ft run and hot tub disconnect/GFI. I flipped the switch and it worked. Sounds to me you have the hard part done connecting to the house. take a look here Wiring a Hot Tub Good luck. DK117

I'm trying to get my head around this. So ok, manufacturers do not refurb spas, local dealers do. Got it. So don't buy refurb tubs from Mr G's Liquidation Center Route 12 North Walpole, NH 03609 603-445-2412? I think that and a caution towards professional liscensed electrical installation is your main message. I do however have to ask, since many of them were from Costco, where were the not so many from, and what make and model and year? I think you're trying to do a public service here and again I appreciate that. I don't know why you, at the same time, try to make it something bigger than it is. This one guy had a bad 8 year old "Costco" hot tub nearly nuke the neighborhood, therefore all Costco tubs today are inferior. It's not said but implied. DK117

I'm a little lost on this one too, you know Costco doesn't make spas right? If a Strong, or other Costco spa supplier received a return from the customer via Costco, the manufacturer would certainly try to refurbish and resell the spa (I can't think of any Spa manufacturer or local dealer that wouldn't do the same.) I think you're trying to caution people on proper electrical set up, I applaud you for that. All of my local dealers sub out their electrical. So this has nothing to do with Costco, but maybe a lot to do with incompetent electricians? Possibly an error in the refurbish process? Your message ultimately confuses me. DK117 PS the beta version of this site seems to have the login issue we had a few months ago, I just removed beta in the URL and was able to get back in.

While neither of those are top teir or even middle teir spas, so their energy effeciency is suspect in cold climate. They are both inexpensive options to what would be considered high effeciency, high quality, long lasting hot tubs. Which will cost considerably more. Are they full foam? partial? Looks like an interesting choice. I didn't fully appreciate that Strong's Canada offerings via Costco are totally different than here in the US. Strong is not full foam, they are perimeter, think Arctic. No problems down here with mild winters, I can't speak for temps much below the mid 20's, normally 30's. For your specific spa, do you want a lounger? While I don't think those 110 jets are necessary (I think my 80 are overkill) I do think you'll enjoy the two pumps plus air pump. I would suggest taking a look at the 16 page Strong thread. How's Your Evolution Spa (strong Spa) Working It's mostly about the CSXi80, but you'll get impressions on Costco and Strong in general. One thing that I am not understanding is your belief that this specific spa has an inferior warranty. In the US we are backed by the Costco return policy. In effect it provides the best warranty available in my opinion. Good luck with your decision. DK117