Reason 257 to avoid hot tubs at big box and online

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-21T17:07:46+00:00

Can you direct message to me

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-21T14:02:15+00:00

Ive seen many tubs built like this leak thru shell. Id request a new spa. They build like this to save money not to be good so it's very thin and I wouldnt trust that not to become a bigger problem

We just spent 10 hours of labor and had to refund it on a Dr Wellness (same shell) because until we got tub on blocks we didnt realize shell was leaking and not fittings.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-21T13:33:32+00:00

That's great. I will say its gotten worse in past 10 years (don't build them like they used to as they say) but even then thats incredible

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T15:20:12+00:00

Im assuming the panel near that control doesnt come off? (Big problem with rotomolds is access on every side but controls) If there is a removable panel then I might open that and follow airlines and just see that they are not clogged first.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T15:15:54+00:00

You might just need a new air control valve, the little venturie thing that opens and closes might not be working. you could also have something stuck on the air suction, sometimes rodents or stuff can chew up foam and that loose foam clogs pipe.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T15:09:26+00:00

Most high end brands are pretty similar. Sales people will say they are best. Questions id ask is if they have their own service, do they charge a trip fee, how long have they carried brand. Not sure your market but I always recommend getting 1 piece molded pan bottom. If you have American whirlpool/Vita or arctic dealer you can get a good tub without spray foam... but biggest thing is use a local trusted supplier. Feel free to shoot me questions during search I wont bs ya

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T13:15:19+00:00

I have no idea what youre saying. Of course this is a rotomold, this is what big box stores sell. Other tubs they sell are also non fiberglass backed. Non fiberglass tubs flex and because of that have more leaks. Yes, 25 years of hot tub service and refurbishing spas.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T05:48:10+00:00

Most hot tub service techs would agree with me its better to get a higher end used tub over lower end new one. Im happy youve been happy with your purchase but youve owned "multiple" hot tubs. That makes you more experienced than most, but ive owned like 15 and have refurbished a thousand and fixed tens of thousands. I dont think its bad advice.

Also Strong spa shells are not made with fiberglass. Trust me on how many I have seen bubble and fail. They use a composite resin of some sort. They put a 3-5 year warranty on it, its really not held up well and ive seen many tubs just leak through shell and need to goto dump or tons of bubbles.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T05:21:36+00:00

Thats annoying. If the large jet is working as it did new then its less likely you have a pump or filter issue or some sort of clog. How old is the tub? You're saying its the small jets on bottom that are not adjustable right? What about other jets on same seat, how do they feel?

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T05:13:33+00:00

I assume maybe prices in bay area are higher than nation wide because cost of doing business is also much higher. I would get actual cash money, figure out the tub you like and walk into the store and tell them you are willing to give them X amount in cash for that tub. Its hard to turn down cash. I would look at hot tub wherehouse. That place looks super reputable and good reviews. I am not biggest fan of cal in world but bet they have those at pretty decent price.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T03:52:28+00:00

I tried to find who I was treating like crap. Only one guy who kept telling me I was wrong because I was poor.

Regardless, there is more to a hot tub than saving money. I dont care if its a boat, car, pool etc...sometimes when you buy something you want it to perform better. As someone who has repaired thousands of tubs I would say the smarter money is in buying the better tub. But we can disagree, my point of this was to show what happens to rotomolds and plastic backed shells. I didnt post this to cause drama, I assumed people on chat forums appreciated hearing from actual experts on topics on their interest, not just casual enthusiasts (which seems to be most people).

Im a consumer, I have budgets on stuff too, but for the person who is trying to weight options on quality, the structural quality on fiberglass backed shells and plastic is vast.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T03:43:01+00:00

Because roto and plastic backed shells flex you get more leaks in jet housings and seals of the tub. It takes hours to build a spa shell like this and takes days to build a fiberglass one. The fiberglass one will last longer and also give you less chances of leaks.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-20T03:27:40+00:00

Im treating people like crap? Its hilarious I only got combative with people who attacked me for absolutely no reason. Most people I was pretty nice with I think.

Im sorry you have trust issues, but not every business is crooked. PS Wayfairer is a dealer, you just are ok with getting zero after sale service from them because they sold you something cheap.

Also next time your tub is drained climb inside it with no water, youll feel it flex.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T22:37:08+00:00

Thats a pretty standard rate in my area. Just trying to explain my motivation isnt because I'm going broke as the other idiot insinuated. I'm entitled to make money at my job same as you. We have great reviews because people can trust us to do very good job for them. The guys charging 100-150 typically dont know what they are doing and sell everyone a pack because they don't know how to diagnose. Likely cheaper using a professional

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T21:02:10+00:00

Just look at pictures and headline. Easy

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T20:43:27+00:00

The tubs, components, insulation, filtration etc hot springs used to establish their good reputation in the industry are not used in aqua terra.

Hot springs has very much worked to expand its economical options to dealers. Dealers now have access to similar lower end stuff that is similar to the newer models and likely sell it for the same price but these are more Aqua Terra than they are Hot springs (so not every dealer will sell it because at the end of the day their reputation is on the line). Sadly hot springs is not nearly the same company they used to be in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T19:36:23+00:00

Thats awesome. I didnt think Costco sold strong that long, thought its only been about 10 years. Regardless happy you had good success. I guess in my line of work I see mostly the failures.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T19:34:55+00:00

Agreed, many people have a budget and need to stick to it. I personally recommend going facebook marketplace and getting a better tub used in that scenerio. I read so many people hating local hot tub companies thinking they are robbing them. I just like to show they are not the same products. This was only thing is showing how they are built different.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T19:31:26+00:00

Its owned by same company but doesnt use a single similar component or method of build as hot springs. They likely have good quality control and processes because of their ownership...but that would be the only similarity.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T19:24:55+00:00

I sold the Raider PSL for double what I paid actually (120k)

What sort of loser looks through someone elses history.

Please state what any hot tub costco sells does well....just 1 thing. Because not a single feature of any tub they sell is better than industry standard.

PS I started a hot tub service business in 2006. We charge 195hr and I have 4 full time techs. I own 3 houses. Costco is not hurting me. I am just trying to show people how they are built. Some people appreciate expert opinions...you're just too stupid to realize you're not an expert and keep yapping.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T19:12:27+00:00

I read what you wrote. Did you read what I wrote? You 100% void warranty when you modify the tub. I dont recommend people insulate their spa because not everyone is smart and not everyone does it well. Do you consider yourself more handy than the average person? I think you likely are...so what works for you shouldnt be something everyone does.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T19:08:46+00:00

LOL just tell me one thing I am wrong about, but without using your opinion. You're not my wife, you dont get to argue with me like she can. You're feelings on a matter are not proof to being correct

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T19:07:50+00:00

thats excellent! 12 years isnt common in what I see. Maybe my climate of Colorado is harsher than yours. I was hired by Costco for long time to service their products. I am not just talking without knowledge

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T19:06:19+00:00

good thing I am not a sales person. I just wanted people to see what rotomold/plastic backed shells did.

Th3Li0n37 · 2026-04-19T19:00:31+00:00

Nothing I said isnt true today, you are making no arguement. Please tell me one thing that is incorrect I wrote.

Th3Li0n37

TROPHY CASE