Hot Tub Forum

General => Beating a dead horse => Topic started by: nfree on January 26, 2015, 07:01:03 pm

Title: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: nfree on January 26, 2015, 07:01:03 pm
Hi I'll just start from the beginning

I was looking at vortex for awhile after seeing them on ebay (I'm a real ebayer)

I hadn't ordered right away but figured i would put in the electrical wire underground before the ground froze Nov 2014
I checked ebay just to look around and they had a special for $5000USD. I called and is turned out there were two spas and i opted for spectrum with the salt water system that doesn't require constant chemical upkeep (inclear system) tub also came with bluetooth stereo and we agreed on a price of $6704CAD I gave my credit card over the phone, I got an Invoice INV-0224 shipping was to take 5-7 business days and i asked to have it held for an additional 10 days so it would arrive when i would be home from work ( I am a rig worker so i work away from town) FYI I had dealt with salesman Brian

12/11/2014  I had emailed with brian about the delivery moving up a day or so and he said it was no problem and would land at day and ross terminal in Calgary

21/11/2014 I had emailed Brian because i had called Day and Ross and there was no shipment for me, I was looking for a tracking #
The same day brian had messaged me back and told me the tub was handled by R&L Carriers and would arrive 27/11/2014
Note R&L carriers are a US outfit

25/11/2014 I email brian for the tracking # Brian responds and tells me that he has a shipment number but i need the pro # to track the shipment, he says he will forward it to me

28/11/2014 I email Brian as I cannot track the shipment he informs me that R&L Carriers has had a routing problem

03/12/2014 My wife is pissed I email Brian and he tells me the hottub is crossing the border at winnipeg tomorrow night and should be in calgary by sunday, This seems reasonable

08/12/2014 No hottub email unanswered

12/12/2014 I call visa and discuss disputing the charges with an agent we decide to put of the dispute until 19/12/2014 i email brian and he responds "I will have it sorted out by end of day"

17/12/2014 emailed brian "no hottub" and this was his reply He also included pictures of MY HOTTUB
 Hi Noah ,
Sorry for all this , the problem we have is that when it has been transfered to the chicago warehouse they have lost the cover , since then we have been asking them to find it , Since they could not find it we ask them to compensate for the amount of the spa cover so we can send a new one directly to your attention . It is a slow process and each day we are hoping that they agree to it but they are still trying to find the cover and during that time you are waiting . I Understand that you would like to cancell and do a chargeback ... I just wanted to let you know what was really going on. If you wish do cancel let me know and we will refund the credit card .

05/1/2014 I email brian for an update this is what he sent me

Hi Noah ,
 
Sorry just got back . Heres the situation : the spa is in a warehouse in chicago , our logistic company is Delmar international . Delmar bill us for storage etc.. Since they cant find the cover we asked them to either pay you a new one or deduct the cover cost from the storage bill . If we pay the balance and ask them to credit us in the futur we know it will never happen and since we sold that spa at our production cost we are not willing to loose 500 $ . We have sent an email today to them and are expecting a positive answer by the end of the week .
 
Brian

13/1/2014 I emailed Brian to inquire as to the resolution with the shipper No Response

26/1/2014  I tried calling vortex today i have called before but they ARE TOUGH to get on the phone.

Here's the deal

I got an excellent price on the hottub, I want the tub but credit cards have a 120 day policy on disputes and we're running close to that timeline actually I have set a date for FEB 18th to allow the paper pushers time to process. I don't want brian to lose money on this deal but I do expect him to deliver as agreed. If feb 18th comes and goes I expect that he will honor the price we have agreed upon and deliver me the spectrum spa with the inclear system that I can write a real review about and this review can turn into a happy ending, either way I will post the updates.

I am going to email Brian now







Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Tman122 on January 26, 2015, 07:28:43 pm
Your probably going to wonder why all I got out of your post is, what makes you think you got a "excellent price" on a hot tub?
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on January 26, 2015, 08:00:45 pm
nfree,

Your experience with Vortex so far, as difficult as it may seem, has been better than mine!

I ordered one of the large Vortex swim spas from Brian in mid-September.  It was supposed to be delivered in 5-6 weeks.  Based on some threads about delivery issues with Vortex, I asked Brian about this - he said that they have had some delivery issues in the US, but not to worry in Canada.  He said that there was a very small possibility that there could be a customs hold, but absolute worst case it would delay by up to 4 weeks, and that this was highly unlikely.  I also spoke with Gecko, their electronics supplier, as well as some spa repair and service companies in Eastern Ontario and Quebec, and they confirmed that Vortex Canada was for real, and that they built a good product.

So, I ordered the item and paid ~$4500 down.  At the end of September, he sent me a picture of a spa and said that this was mine, and the balance of the ~$17,000 purchase price was due - I paid immediately.

As we got closer to the originally delivery date in late October, communication became increasingly infrequent and vague.  There were numerous unsuccessful attempts at communication in between the dates listed below, but these were ones where I got some response:
 - October 30, I was told that it had been held for customs inspection and it would be delayed by 5 to 27 days. 
 - November 10, I asked Brian for any documents to support the status, but nothing was provided.
 - November 12, Brian told me that customs inspection was scheduled for no later than November 25th, and it would be put on rail immediately after that.  He told me it would be delivered to my house in Ottawa on between Monday December 1 and Wednesday December 3.
- November 13, I asked Brian for a contact person at his broker, Delmar, to receive some confirmation of the status.  This was never provided.
- November 25, Brian advised that the customs inspection was complete, and that the unit would be sent back to the terminal and put on rail.
- December 1, Brian said that he expects the container to be put on rail on December 4th, and delivery should happen around December 11 or 12.  He said that he could not provide any other information, all paperwork was confidential.

I never really spoke or corresponded successfully with Brian again.  Numerous emails have gone answered, voicemails not returned.  I managed to catch him twice using a phone with caller ID blocked, but both times he said he would pull my file and call right back - he never did.

I had always kept Amex in the loop on this purchase, which is what they suggested.  They wanted to be informed of any significant delays in the delivery date.  In late November I was getting very concerned about the lack of any independent confirmation or paperwork, so I asked Amex to see if they could help get the information.  I was clear - I don't want to dispute the charges YET, I just want some evidence that my $17,000 purchase was truly on its way to me.  They immediately sent Vortex a letter asking for information.  After several weeks with no responses from Brian and on the recommendation of Amex, I reluctantly opened a dispute right before Christmas, and my purchase was refunded by Amex - they said that there had been no response from the merchant to any of their communication.

Despite my refund from Amex, I am out several thousand dollars in site preparation that was done specifically for this spa.  The electricals have been run, the pad prepared, and a deck built around the spot (with the last few feet around to be completed).  We never imagined that the product wouldn't arrive at all.

I have left Brian several VMs and emails advising him that I would still like to complete the purchase, assuming that my spa actually exists (you would think that if this is the case, he now has a $17,000 item sitting in inventory, and should be eager to turn it into cash).  I want to believe that this is very bad communication and planning, and not something worse... but every day that goes by without any response from Vortex, I have stronger belief that the latter is true.

Of course, any transaction now will have to be cash on delivery, and I expect a material discount as I have little confidence in the warranty.  Brian/Vortex will have to work hard to turn this around, but some transparency and delivering on commitments can go a surprisingly long way to turn a bad experience around.  Brian, I hope you are reading this and have the courtesy to contact me - you know who I am.



Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on January 26, 2015, 08:03:35 pm
I too used to be a real ebayer, as a seller.... I loved it. I had a product I sold all day long for ~$150 plus shipping. On my regular website, I sold it for $129.95, delivered.

Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on January 26, 2015, 08:12:37 pm
Your probably going to wonder why all I got out of your post is, what makes you think you got a "excellent price" on a hot tub?

Tman,

I've read your posts on the other thread about Vortex, and your advice to stay away.  I shopped quite a bit before making the decision to go with Vortex, and what I found was that EVERY single store or distributor I spoke to bashed, like really bashed, ALL competing products.  When I looked on the internet, every brand available locally had very negative reviews.

I'm not a repair technician or an industry insider, I'm just a consumer.  And generally, a well-informed one.  But with all the bullsh!t in this industry, it's very hard for a consumer to determine which company is worthy of your dollars, and will stand behind what is a quality product.  As I mention in my other post, part of my research involved speaking with repair technicians (partly based on comments made by you and another on the forum); but they confirmed that Vortex was as well-built as any other, and all of the parts were generic and readily available.

Another major factor in the decision was the design - Vortex Aqualap was one of the only ones I found available in Canada that gave me a 19.5" single cavity pool with some hydrotherapy seats in the back, which was specifically what we were looking for.  The largest alternatives offered only 17', so 2.5' shorter; and typically not as full featured in the seating.  We also really liked the dark grey colour they offer, which works well with our home.

And of course, for most people money is always a factor.  However, in our case it was not the most important one.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Tman122 on January 26, 2015, 10:18:12 pm
There's a hundred brands like vortex around. They all provide crappy delivery, no or very little service, no history of energy efficiency, no reputation for reliability or longevity, and a cheaper price. You get what you pay for.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Levelheadsteve on January 26, 2015, 11:22:47 pm
Whenever I visited hot tub dealers, none of them bashed other brands or dealers. None of them even bashed the Master Spa dealer I told them I had visited.  I find it incredible that anyone who has been through this is still willing to let Vortex try and make it right.  Fool me once...
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Tman122 on January 27, 2015, 06:17:50 am
So it's winter and below freezing and you have a problem that puts your tub out of commission. You call Vortex and yes you are covered under warranty. You new parts are on the way. They will find a service guy (like me) in your area. Or do you buy your own parts and pay for your own service and rely on them to reimburse you? The check is on it's way.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: nfree on January 27, 2015, 09:43:32 am
Your probably going to wonder why all I got out of your post is, what makes you think you got a "excellent price" on a hot tub?

I'm not sure i guess i checked a couple local stores, so to me it is a good price just didn't come with a hottub (yet?)
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: nfree on January 27, 2015, 10:01:23 am
Frustrated

I agree with you on the quality issue and I am just a consumer too, it is hard to sort out all the reviews

I made my post as accurate as possible, I understand how shipping can go wrong and I'm ok with that, my timeline and expenses have been pushed back too.

What I really hope to get out of this is a hottub that I can write a review on.

Tmann

I get the service side too and understand your frustrations with vortex but gecko parts are widely available and pumps are pretty simple to me. If I get my tub I will be sure to critique it quiet well. (I`m also sure there is a lemon in every manufacturers lineup)

Does anyone have a vortex tub here that they have had a good experience with
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on January 27, 2015, 11:03:51 am
  Waiting on a vortex spa for as long as both of you have is crazy, let alone looking to spend 17,000 on one.  I will leave it at that.   ::)
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on January 27, 2015, 09:37:48 pm
Tman, Jacuzzi Jim -

I feel that your posts here are quite judgmental.  Did you actually read what I wrote?
(1) the Vortex product design fits my needs the best
(2) I have limited options available to me where I am
(3) local technicians who have serviced Vortex product have opined that since they use Gecko and other commonly available parts, service/repairs are straightforward
(4) I would only complete this purchase if there was enough of a discount that I can take the risk of a unreliable warranty

I am not in a super-active, super-competitive market for swim spas.  Local dealers sell (but no one stocks, so you are ordering untested and unseen, just like Vortex) -

Dynasty Spa - everyone other than Dynasty Spa tells me they suck.  Reviews also suggest this.  Largest single cavity is 17', street price here of $25,000.
Canadian Spa Company - everyone other than Canadian Spa tells me they suck.  Almost no reviews.  Largest is 16', street price here of $25,000.
Master Spa - everyone other than Master Spa tells me they suck.  Reviews also suggest this.  Largest single cavity is 18', and the MP model is almost $40,000 street price here.
Hydropool - everyone other than Hydropool tells me they suck.  2nd best design for my needs, after Vortex.  Largest single cavity is 17', street price here is almost $40,000.
Coast Spa - everyone other than Coast dealer tells me they suck.  Largest single cavity is 16'.
Trevi - rebranded Dynasty, which everyone tells me sucks.
D1 - At over $40,000, in a different price league than most others.  Beautiful to look at, but design isn't really what we wanted (only one spa seat).  I haven't asked anyone else about them, so no one has told me they suck.  But if I ask, I'm sure someone will tell me they do.

It's easy for you guys to sit back and suggest that anyone who buys Vortex is an idiot, but as I hope this illustrates, it's not a simple decision for someone who doesn't repair spas to make in a market with limited options.  Also important to consider is that half the hot tub/spa dealers in town have restructured or gone bankrupt in the last 5 years, so whether you actually have your local dealer to back you up and provide support is quite questionable.  This, combined with my CC's fraud policy, encouraged me to take a flyer on Vortex.  And if I can get a deal on it, I will still reconsider it today.

Since you are the experts, what would you suggest as the #1, 2 and 3 choices here?  Cost needs to be a consideration, as there is more than a 200% increase from the cheapest to the most expensive ones.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on January 27, 2015, 09:41:15 pm
Whenever I visited hot tub dealers, none of them bashed other brands or dealers. None of them even bashed the Master Spa dealer I told them I had visited.  I find it incredible that anyone who has been through this is still willing to let Vortex try and make it right.  Fool me once...

Well Levelheadsteve, clearly you don't live in the same market as me.  See my previous post, and explain to me how layman is supposed to decide.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Tman122 on January 27, 2015, 10:01:18 pm
Tman, Jacuzzi Jim -

I feel that your posts here are quite judgmental.  Did you actually read what I wrote?
(1) the Vortex product design fits my needs the best
(2) I have limited options available to me where I am
(3) local technicians who have serviced Vortex product have opined that since they use Gecko and other commonly available parts, service/repairs are straightforward
(4) I would only complete this purchase if there was enough of a discount that I can take the risk of a unreliable warranty

I am not in a super-active, super-competitive market for swim spas.  Local dealers sell (but no one stocks, so you are ordering untested and unseen, just like Vortex) -

Dynasty Spa - everyone other than Dynasty Spa tells me they suck.  Reviews also suggest this.  Largest single cavity is 17', street price here of $25,000.
Canadian Spa Company - everyone other than Canadian Spa tells me they suck.  Almost no reviews.  Largest is 16', street price here of $25,000.
Master Spa - everyone other than Master Spa tells me they suck.  Reviews also suggest this.  Largest single cavity is 18', and the MP model is almost $40,000 street price here.
Hydropool - everyone other than Hydropool tells me they suck.  2nd best design for my needs, after Vortex.  Largest single cavity is 17', street price here is almost $40,000.
Coast Spa - everyone other than Coast dealer tells me they suck.  Largest single cavity is 16'.
Trevi - rebranded Dynasty, which everyone tells me sucks.
D1 - At over $40,000, in a different price league than most others.  Beautiful to look at, but design isn't really what we wanted (only one spa seat).  I haven't asked anyone else about them, so no one has told me they suck.  But if I ask, I'm sure someone will tell me they do.

It's easy for you guys to sit back and suggest that anyone who buys Vortex is an idiot, but as I hope this illustrates, it's not a simple decision for someone who doesn't repair spas to make in a market with limited options.  Also important to consider is that half the hot tub/spa dealers in town have restructured or gone bankrupt in the last 5 years, so whether you actually have your local dealer to back you up and provide support is quite questionable.  This, combined with my CC's fraud policy, encouraged me to take a flyer on Vortex.  And if I can get a deal on it, I will still reconsider it today.

Since you are the experts, what would you suggest as the #1, 2 and 3 choices here?  Cost needs to be a consideration, as there is more than a 200% increase from the cheapest to the most expensive ones.

I agree with you. But you shouldn't judge the quality of a hot tub/swim spa on how the dealer/s treated you or how much it cost. There's a lot of things that factor into value. No one suggested your an idiot.

I asked the OP why he/she considered it an excellent deal.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on January 27, 2015, 10:04:31 pm
   I don't sugar coat things.   I read what you posted and I get it fit's your needs.  Doesn't matter what everyone here thinks or what you read on-line and or what info from service techs saying thats it's a decent product, probably is.   That being said YOU HAVE NO SWIM SPA!    Sorry if that is not what you want to hear, but it's a crap company, that wants your money and can't deliver a product.   Could be the neatest thing since sliced bread, but it's not on a truck and it's not in your yard, and your not swimming in it.   All it's done is give you grief for you and your wife I assume and here you are posting about it.       Honestly I would consider going to the local pool and swimming a few lapse.  I hope it works out for you money wise but if your still trying to get this deal to work not suggesting but impying your an idiot and I don't see it happening, just to many red flags.  But hey it's your money..
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Levelheadsteve on January 27, 2015, 11:30:20 pm
Whenever I visited hot tub dealers, none of them bashed other brands or dealers. None of them even bashed the Master Spa dealer I told them I had visited.  I find it incredible that anyone who has been through this is still willing to let Vortex try and make it right.  Fool me once...

Well Levelheadsteve, clearly you don't live in the same market as me.  See my previous post, and explain to me how layman is supposed to decide.

I don't question your initial decision on the brand. Any brand can have good and bad products and every brand has its fans and detractors.  I question your willingness to still deal with this company and give them an opportunity to make it right. If they are reading your posts, they probably figure they have no need to hurry bc after the unbelievable crap they've put you through, you are still willing to deal with them.

Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Levelheadsteve on January 27, 2015, 11:34:25 pm
Btw, I looked at their Facebook page and there are many posts that show there are comments from other FB users. However, when you click on the post, there are no comments posted. This is indicative of the page owner removing the comments.  I wonder why they've removed so many comments from their FB posts.  Do you think they would remove the comments if they were positive?
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on January 27, 2015, 11:46:11 pm
Btw, I looked at their Facebook page and there are many posts that show there are comments from other FB users. However, when you click on the post, there are no comments posted. This is indicative of the page owner removing the comments.  I wonder why they've removed so many comments from their FB posts.  Do you think they would remove the comments if they were positive?

   Ta hell with FB!   Don't you think he would have had his spa by now had they been a half way decent company?   Good lord I think I have some swamp land south of the border for sale.   
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on January 28, 2015, 01:27:45 am
Swamp land you say? Is it cheaper than everybody else's? How looooooooooong would I have to wait for delivery?
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Quickbeam on January 28, 2015, 02:00:11 am
But it's not swamp land. At least not at low tide!
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on January 28, 2015, 06:40:09 am
I notice that no-one is actually responding to my request for help - perhaps instead of making wisecracks, the people with knowledge can make recommendations based on the options that I've got available?  That would be very helpful, and I believe more in the spirit of any forum such as this.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: wmccall on January 28, 2015, 07:39:18 am
I notice that no-one is actually responding to my request for help - perhaps instead of making wisecracks, the people with knowledge can make recommendations based on the options that I've got available?  That would be very helpful, and I believe more in the spirit of any forum such as this.

Thanks.

What request for help, other than the title?
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Quickbeam on January 28, 2015, 11:55:07 am
Tman, Jacuzzi Jim -

I feel that your posts here are quite judgmental.  Did you actually read what I wrote?
(1) the Vortex product design fits my needs the best
(2) I have limited options available to me where I am
(3) local technicians who have serviced Vortex product have opined that since they use Gecko and other commonly available parts, service/repairs are straightforward
(4) I would only complete this purchase if there was enough of a discount that I can take the risk of a unreliable warranty

I am not in a super-active, super-competitive market for swim spas.  Local dealers sell (but no one stocks, so you are ordering untested and unseen, just like Vortex) -

Dynasty Spa - everyone other than Dynasty Spa tells me they suck.  Reviews also suggest this.  Largest single cavity is 17', street price here of $25,000.
Canadian Spa Company - everyone other than Canadian Spa tells me they suck.  Almost no reviews.  Largest is 16', street price here of $25,000.
Master Spa - everyone other than Master Spa tells me they suck.  Reviews also suggest this.  Largest single cavity is 18', and the MP model is almost $40,000 street price here.
Hydropool - everyone other than Hydropool tells me they suck.  2nd best design for my needs, after Vortex.  Largest single cavity is 17', street price here is almost $40,000.
Coast Spa - everyone other than Coast dealer tells me they suck.  Largest single cavity is 16'.
Trevi - rebranded Dynasty, which everyone tells me sucks.
D1 - At over $40,000, in a different price league than most others.  Beautiful to look at, but design isn't really what we wanted (only one spa seat).  I haven't asked anyone else about them, so no one has told me they suck.  But if I ask, I'm sure someone will tell me they do.

It's easy for you guys to sit back and suggest that anyone who buys Vortex is an idiot, but as I hope this illustrates, it's not a simple decision for someone who doesn't repair spas to make in a market with limited options.  Also important to consider is that half the hot tub/spa dealers in town have restructured or gone bankrupt in the last 5 years, so whether you actually have your local dealer to back you up and provide support is quite questionable.  This, combined with my CC's fraud policy, encouraged me to take a flyer on Vortex.  And if I can get a deal on it, I will still reconsider it today.

Since you are the experts, what would you suggest as the #1, 2 and 3 choices here?  Cost needs to be a consideration, as there is more than a 200% increase from the cheapest to the most expensive ones.


I am thinking you are looking for help with your questions on the above post. Sorry that I can't help you, as I know nothing about swim spas, although I know that in terms of hot tubs, D1 has a good name. I also see they are the most expensive swim spa by quite a bit. Please also don't get down on the people on this forum. It is a great resource. I know when I was buying our first spa last year, I was totally confused and it was the people on this forum that helped me a lot.
You should also know, or maybe you do know, that there was a fellow on this forum last year who was pumping Vortex spas. I think his name was Ryan, or something like that. He was a very regular poster and a lot of his information was disputed by regular posters like Tman and Jacuzzi Jim. Well, Ryan has now disappeared and Tman and Jacuzzi Jim are still here offering real help to people.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on January 28, 2015, 05:21:30 pm
Tman, Jacuzzi Jim -

I feel that your posts here are quite judgmental.  Did you actually read what I wrote?
(1) the Vortex product design fits my needs the best
(2) I have limited options available to me where I am
(3) local technicians who have serviced Vortex product have opined that since they use Gecko and other commonly available parts, service/repairs are straightforward
(4) I would only complete this purchase if there was enough of a discount that I can take the risk of a unreliable warranty

I am not in a super-active, super-competitive market for swim spas.  Local dealers sell (but no one stocks, so you are ordering untested and unseen, just like Vortex) -

Dynasty Spa - everyone other than Dynasty Spa tells me they suck.  Reviews also suggest this.  Largest single cavity is 17', street price here of $25,000.
Canadian Spa Company - everyone other than Canadian Spa tells me they suck.  Almost no reviews.  Largest is 16', street price here of $25,000.
Master Spa - everyone other than Master Spa tells me they suck.  Reviews also suggest this.  Largest single cavity is 18', and the MP model is almost $40,000 street price here.
Hydropool - everyone other than Hydropool tells me they suck.  2nd best design for my needs, after Vortex.  Largest single cavity is 17', street price here is almost $40,000.
Coast Spa - everyone other than Coast dealer tells me they suck.  Largest single cavity is 16'.
Trevi - rebranded Dynasty, which everyone tells me sucks.
D1 - At over $40,000, in a different price league than most others.  Beautiful to look at, but design isn't really what we wanted (only one spa seat).  I haven't asked anyone else about them, so no one has told me they suck.  But if I ask, I'm sure someone will tell me they do.

It's easy for you guys to sit back and suggest that anyone who buys Vortex is an idiot, but as I hope this illustrates, it's not a simple decision for someone who doesn't repair spas to make in a market with limited options.  Also important to consider is that half the hot tub/spa dealers in town have restructured or gone bankrupt in the last 5 years, so whether you actually have your local dealer to back you up and provide support is quite questionable.  This, combined with my CC's fraud policy, encouraged me to take a flyer on Vortex.  And if I can get a deal on it, I will still reconsider it today.

Since you are the experts, what would you suggest as the #1, 2 and 3 choices here?  Cost needs to be a consideration, as there is more than a 200% increase from the cheapest to the most expensive ones.

  Since you have limited options it might be worth going in a talking to one of those listed.  I know you want the Vortex and it probably would work fine.  Problem is again they can't get it to you, I have my doubts it is where they actually say it is and the fact they won't even send you a reply is pretty shady.    Honestly I would get the money back and see what other option might work.     
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on January 28, 2015, 05:54:56 pm

  Since you have limited options it might be worth going in a talking to one of those listed.  I know you want the Vortex and it probably would work fine.  Problem is again they can't get it to you, I have my doubts it is where they actually say it is and the fact they won't even send you a reply is pretty shady.    Honestly I would get the money back and see what other option might work.     

Hi Jim, thanks for your response.  I, too, doubt that the Vortex route will work out, for the same reasons.  I just haven't completely shut the door to a negotiated arrangement, if there is a spa built for me to begin with, which I doubt is the case.  And I do already have my money back.

But among the options that I've listed, would you suggest a #1, 2, and 3 choice price considered? 

The best "deals" seem to be on Canadian Spa and the Dynasty product. 

Canadian Spa I would either need to deal with Home Depot, or from the manufacturer direct in Toronto (so again, long distance).

Dynasty I can buy from local "dealers".  Is Dynasty complete crap?  Are they poorly designed, poorly built, use poor components?  What are the typical issues? 

Thanks
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on January 28, 2015, 06:05:54 pm
  I do not know that much about Dynasty,  no dealer has ever been around us.    I have seen them at trade shows though and they seem to be ok.    Least you are dealing with a company with a long standing.   Same with the other spa, if you buy through HD again there is a leg to stand on..

  As far as issues, the shell would probably not be an issue, hard to say.   Equipment wise my guess would be they are using Balboa, which is a well known brand with a huge following amongst spa builders.  In my opinion the dealer is more important than the spa itself.    How long has the dealer been around, ask for some references of folks that have bought from them.    A spa is only as good as the dealer that can take care of it or help you if you have an issue.   Not something you are going to get from Vortex.    You say you have the money back that's a good thing, and probably why they are ignoring you.   
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Tman122 on January 28, 2015, 06:22:32 pm
I think Dynasty makes a fine upper middle of the road tub. wmccall had one for 8-10 years didn't he? Held up good. Standard off the shelf Balboa/Gecko/Waterway guts.

But we don't want to hijack this thread. Start another narrowed down thread.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: wmccall on January 29, 2015, 07:36:54 am

Dynasty I can buy from local "dealers".  Is Dynasty complete crap?  Are they poorly designed, poorly built, use poor components?  What are the typical issues? 

Thanks

My 2002 Dynasty was poorly designed in someways.  It had controls that did nothing and jets that no power came out of.  It used average run of the mill components.  I did however find that after my dealer closed, the Customer Service Department in TN was terrible and got worse as the years went by. 
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: nfree on February 23, 2015, 05:04:58 pm
BIG UPDATE

I wrote this forum, most people bashed Vortex BUT<

today they emailed me and have resolved their shipping problems, they tell me i can have my spa by March 6th (or so)

So I have already done the charge back on my visa so they have offered me to pay upon delivery.

He has indicated that he will fly to Calgary to personally see this deal through.

Just thought I started this thread and would carry it through to the end (I really thought this was a dead horse, we will see)

Thanks for all the interest I will update again when I have more news
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Tuco on February 23, 2015, 05:55:53 pm
Quote
But with all the bullsh!t in this industry, it's very hard for a consumer to determine which company is worthy of your dollars, and will stand behind what is a quality product. 

I second this!  Even with a friendly local dealer and leading brand name, we are having a heck of a time getting what should be a simple warranty repair completed. So far our requests have gone unanswered (for a month). Literally no response. So you can buy locally and get screwed just as bad as buying from a company like vortex.

It looks like you made progress with your order, I hope it works out for you. 
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on May 03, 2015, 07:19:02 pm
UPDATE

In early March I received a phone call from Brian at Vortex.  He apologized for the lack of communication and all the delays.  He gave me a reason that I'm not sure if I accept completely, but that's an aside.

He offered to deliver the spa to me in person and collect the payment on delivery, which had long since been refunded by my CC company.  However, given the time of year we agreed on a two-step payment - partial payment on delivery, and a holdback to be paid in the spring on successful startup and testing, which he will return to do after the electrical hook up is completed.  In addition to this, he offered me a reasonable price adjustment for all of the problems (and stress) caused by the delay.

Brian came and delivered the unit on the agreed-upon date.  He seemed like a pretty nice guy, and his delivery guy seemed to be experienced and competent.  The swim spa is HUGE, and the build quality SEEMS to be good, visually at least.

Due to weather and issues getting the electrician out to complete the electrical hook up, we have not yet managed to complete this project.  Brian has maintained contact, and is waiting for me to give him the go-ahead.  There were some scratches and scuffs in the acrylic, so he will likely send a guy out to buff those out this week.  The electrical should be completed this week as well, and Brian may come out next weekend or the week after to complete the install.

Stay tuned.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Tman122 on May 04, 2015, 06:56:11 pm
Pretty much all bad and ugly so far. Maybe an edit on the title?
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Hottubguy on May 04, 2015, 09:18:42 pm
And only 6 months later then agreed upon. I hope you have better luck with the tub.  Actually bewildered as to why you would ever buy one from them after what you were put through.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on May 04, 2015, 11:47:54 pm
And only 6 months later then agreed upon. I hope you have better luck with the tub.  Actually bewildered as to why you would ever buy one from them after what you were put through.

 My thoughts as well 6 months ago, I would have told them to pound sand!   I really hope this thing runs good for you.  Let us know when the guy shows up to buff those scratches out.   
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on June 12, 2015, 11:31:25 pm
Well, after another 6 weeks of delays my Vortex Aqualap is finally running as of this afternoon. 

Before you decide to point the finger, the delay actually had absolutely NOTHING to do with Vortex, he's been ready to come out and do the setup anytime since the delivery in March.  The delay was caused by problems getting my electrician to finish the work, then municipal inspection requirements for the fence enclosure, etc. coupled with my very busy business travel schedule in the spring.

Brian came out to Ottawa (5 hours from his home base of Quebec City) to get things up and running for me.  He made sure everything operated properly, showed me all the the adjustments and the maintenance required, and helped install the cover lifters.  He was genuinely interested in seeing me satisfied.  He had offered to arrange for an acrylic polishing company to come and buff out the small scratches, but I didn't have time to deal with that this spring... so he offered a substantial discount in exchange.  The deal was more than satisfactory for me.

The build quality of the unit seems quite good, the in.touch and in.stream worked immediately, and the pumps seem quiet and powerful.  As the water inside is still quite cool, I haven't had a chance to hop in yet... but I plan to on Sunday.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on July 18, 2015, 09:50:58 am
Thought I'd provide a follow up now that it's been about 5 weeks since we've fired up our Aqualap.  We've really been enjoying having this unit in our backyard, and have been getting some decent use out of it.  Some observations:

(1) pool/spa chemistry is something completely new to me, and I've been struggling to get all of that to work nicely.  Local shops seem to have limited experience with large swim spas, and I've received some incorrect guidance on how much of each chemical to add (in the end the calculated suggestions from the water analyses seem to be bang-on).
(2) Gecko rates their in.clear system for up to 2000L of water; this spa has 8500L.  Although the implementation of the in.clear system in the Aqualap is not factory approved by Gecko, it does seem to work and work well; however, the settings are something that you need to play with.  I seem to have stabilized the system at "40" maintenance and using a boost 2x the number of bathers.  This is probably running the system harder than was intended, and will result in the need to more frequently replace the plates than in a standard hot tub.  When added to the cost of the Bromicharge ($50-60/bottle x 8 per season + any additional for splashout), this will likely be a very expensive system to run for the convenience of not having to add bromine every other day.
(3) The third swim jet of the Aqualap "Pro" (vs two in the standard and four in the "Extreme") is of limited use.  If you angle it straight, it blasts you in the head; if you angle it down it doesn't provide much lift, just a little more resistance... but not enough to really make a difference, as the current is largely passing under you.  I find that running the two jets with no air provides adequate flow for steady exercise.
(4) I would have preferred that the third pump was reconfigurable to run some of the spa seats while the main swim jets are running.
(5) the Gecko spa pack seems to have a limitation that shuts off the circulation pump if you set the temperature more than one or two degrees below the current temp - this results in you either having to ease the temp down one degree at a time, or you need to leave the covers open overnight to drop the temp quickly.
(6) the Gecko in.touch seems to be a little flaky.  It sometimes takes several tries for the iphone to connect to the spa.  Once it does, it's nice to be able to monitor and adjust from anywhere you have internet.
(7) the "Aquavibe" sound system with the Gecko in.stream is ok, lets say 2.5 out of 5 stars.  The in.stream works well and seems to be quite reliable in terms of connectivity.  The "speakers" (actually, tactile transducers) are adequate when you are in the water, although they have far less bass than I expected given the powered subwoofer in the shell.  I would have rated it a 4.5 out of 5 stars had they also supplied a line out so that you could connect another external amplifier and speakers to the built-in system easily, and create an integrated backyard sound system.  I will likely look into using a line out converter patched into into a speaker wire to accomplish this.
(8.) the spa seating is quite comfortable, our favourites so far are the lounger and the neck massage seats.  My wife also likes the taller position of the "cool down" seat.
(9) the lighting looks awesome at night.  However, I don't like that you have to scroll through 25-30 different settings to find the one you want.  It would have been nice to have direct access to a colour or setting.
(10) some of the LEDs are at times out of colour sync.  Brian thinks this is likely defective and will probably replace the lighting under warranty.
(11) some of the spinning jets are not spinning freely - this may also require a warranty replacement.

So far, we are quite happy with our purchase and the support received from Brian.  At times it is frustrating that there isn't a deeper organization  - if Brian is unavailable you're SOL until he's back.  But when you do speak to him, he is helpful and generous with his time.  We hope that this support continues through our ownership experience.

At this time, I have no regrets choosing the Vortex over other products.  As with every purchase, there are always trade-offs - I'm sure the Hydropool 19fX may have been a better quality product with better local support, but would have cost twice as much.  Canadian Spa Company may have provided Balboa systems, but for more money and a in a much smaller tub for more money.  The Vortex Aqualap provided us with the the size and features we were looking for, at a price we could afford.
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: GreybeardVR on December 16, 2015, 01:22:35 am
I've had a Vortex Spa for a few years now.  I LOVE MY SPA.  I HATE THE COMPANY.  LOL  They are the worst in customer service.  Some of the worst I think I've ever encountered and that is saying something.  Actually I do believe they are no longer in operation as a supplier of tubs in North America.  I can't speak for their presence in other countries but I've written the "parent company" overseas many times and they have never responded. 

That being said...  I'm still extremely happy and here is why.  I bought this tub because of the shell design which is still to this day the best designed shell I've ever sat in.  THIS is the part of the tub I can't make.  The sides, the guts of it.  I can replace all that stuff.  I am not able to make my own acrylic shell.  So even if I never ever get a response from them again I'm still ahead in my book.  I got it for a song compared to the US companies.  I've not had any mechanical problems with it since I've owned it.  I'm finding the components are very common in the spa industry.  Design... not so common.  So even if all my electrical fried and I needed to rebuild it myself I'll still be ahead money wise.

My only concern now is that they are no longer a supplier of the tubs and the filters are not of a size that I can find on generic filter supplier websites which is frustrating.  The overseas companies don't appear to ship to the US.  What was Vortex Canada still sells the filters and I think I'm just gonna stock up with like 10 years worth so I no longer need to worry about them having a presence at all.  Cause that certainly could happen at any time.  I've been told that that Brian guy is no longer involved with them.  He has given me many a grey hair.   
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: drusteele on April 16, 2019, 10:08:29 am
Curious as to how the Vortex swimspa held up after all these years?
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: BrwDistribution on August 24, 2019, 07:26:55 pm
Curious as to how the Vortex swimspa held up after all these years?

Vortex Spas is now available from multiple dealers across the Country , Showroom locations can be found on their website . They have a facility in Vancouver where they stock , test and do the assembly of their products with Canadian made parts. These feedback are from 2014 and was made at a time where Vortex spas were only selling online and failed in deliverying their product on time . This is not the case anymore and I would suggest any of you looking for that product to go check the Ontario Distribution google review to see many real customer reviews .

best regards
Title: Re: Vortex spas My experience good bad and ugly? Please read and respond
Post by: frustrated on June 19, 2020, 11:01:56 am
Curious as to how the Vortex swimspa held up after all these years?

I think this is a year after your question, but I thought I'd respond anyway.  Please note that despite the positive tone of my "review" I am not affiliated in any way with Vortex Spas or BRW Distribution (Bryan/Brian) - I am just a customer who made their concerns/issues public, and feel that it's also appropriate to provide positive feedback where it's due.  Feel free to PM me directly if you wish to discuss.

The tub shell has held up great - the last 3 winters we have left it filled and heated, and we've discovered that due to the quality of the insulation the heating costs have been quite reasonable.

Repair requirements have been much higher than anticipated
 - two of the LX jet pumps had to rebuilt at in the third season due to seal leaks
 - the Gecko in.clear bromine generator cell had to be replaced after the 4rd season - this was somewhat anticipated as it wasn't designed to sanitize the 8500L volume
 - the cover became waterlogged after the 4th winter, and required replacement
 - the Gecko in.therm heater had to be replaced at the beginning of the 5th season - this was not expected
 - two of three LX jet pumps and the LX circ pump were leaking at the beginning of the 5th season
 - now in the 6th season, many of the jets don't work properly any more (the little disc deflector inside seems to jam)
 - the speakers/subwoofer sound quality deteriorated significantly last year

Bryan has remained accessible and supportive throughout our ownership experience.  He's made himself available to answer questions, and has helped source parts for repairs at very reasonable cost.  For the last two years he has re-started importing Vortex products with the support of a much larger business, and this has improved original parts availability (like filters).

The vast majority of the issues and costs we've encountered have been either with reputably-branded parts (like Gecko) or things that seem to wear out in spas (like the cover).  I don't know that we would have had better experience with any other brand, and again the support from Bryan has been great.  I have no regrets about the purchase or dealing with Bryan.

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