Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: just ducky on May 18, 2009, 08:18:47 am
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Looking for a good on-line source for basic tub chemicals (Dichlor, shock, etc.). I've looked at a couple sites, but I'm wondering if there's a preferred on-line source? Although I like to give local dealers my business wherever possible, I'm finding they're quite high for basic chemicals...in some cases as much as twice the costs that I've seen listed on-line. Any advice?
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Here's wherte I buy my stuff!
http://www.rhtubs.com/store/directory.htm
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Watch out for shipping costs! Some of the sites do have low prices but they charge a lot for shipping and handling.
I think that's why so many people here like Rhtubs - shipping is free over a minimum purchase of $60. If your purchase is under that amount they only add about $6 or so.
8-)
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Try a all natural approach, no more chlorine or bromine, no harsh smells and dry skin. The Clear Choice is available form Atera AnyTemp Spas and works without the use of any chemicals at all. We use it in our Atera AnyTemp Spa here in AZ, It works amazingly well.
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Watch out for shipping costs! Some of the sites do have low prices but they charge a lot for shipping and handling.
I think that's why so many people here like Rhtubs - shipping is free over a minimum purchase of $60. If your purchase is under that amount they only add about $6 or so.
8-)
Very good point. I was looking for a filter for my fridge and saw all kinds of games played with companies seemingly giving good prices but gouging on shipping to make up for it.
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I like spadepot.com for dichlor, 5lbs shipped for $33.94.
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Everyone has to do what is financially best for them, especially now..but I always go to my dealer. He has decent prices and I am sure he needs the business. I have to support the folks that support me... ;)
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Everyone has to do what is financially best for them, especially now..but I always go to my dealer. He has decent prices and I am sure he needs the business. I have to support the folks that support me... ;)
I agree 100%, but with that said my dealer is expensive for chems so I buy from Doc. Back in 2005 she was getting over $20 for a 2 lb canister of enhanced shock, that's what she recommended for disinfection. I can get a 5 lb tub of dichlor from Doc for $30.00. I did go to a "local" dealer when I was in Lewes, Delaware recently during a business trip and they charged $9 for 1 lb of Dichlor - I needed dichlor but it was expensive.
I did buy my replacement filters from her though and some filter cleaner too.
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I'd watch out for rhtubs.com right now. I ordered some 303 cover protectant a little while ago. It took over 4 weeks to get, with zero communication during that time. I called them, and they finally shipped it. Had I not called after a month, I would have never seen it. Just recently, I ordered some diclor and a couple other items. Again, over 3 weeks have passed. I called after 2-3 weeks, someone said they would ship it. Another week passed, no item, no emails, so I emailed them. They again said they would ship it, but I still don't have it. So two orders in a row, one over 4 weeks, and one is over 3 weeks and still waiting.
I'll be shopping somewhere else from now on, there sounds like some type of major problem going on at rhtubs right now.
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Sorry to hear about your experiences with them, but I can tell you that's their normal MO. They are usually pretty good at getting stuff out. Doc runs a great operation.
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Could you PM me your real name so I can look into this please.
I'd watch out for rhtubs.com right now. I ordered some 303 cover protectant a little while ago. It took over 4 weeks to get, with zero communication during that time. I called them, and they finally shipped it. Had I not called after a month, I would have never seen it. Just recently, I ordered some diclor and a couple other items. Again, over 3 weeks have passed. I called after 2-3 weeks, someone said they would ship it. Another week passed, no item, no emails, so I emailed them. They again said they would ship it, but I still don't have it. So two orders in a row, one over 4 weeks, and one is over 3 weeks and still waiting.
I'll be shopping somewhere else from now on, there sounds like some type of major problem going on at rhtubs right now.
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Since I originally posted this question, I have found a couple of on-line sources that have treated me very well so far. I won't post the sources simply because I don't want to promote any business over another, but if anyone is curious, PM me.
Understand that I am completely behind buying locally to support our local businesses. Especially here in Michigan where our economy is in the tank. And I'll gladly spend a bit more if I can get it locally and avoid shipping fees. But by buying on-line I have saved a lot...I'm talking 40-50%, which is signifcant enough that my local dealers lose out...sorry. For example, a typical 2.5 lb bottle of LT spa down costs me less than half of what local dealers sell it for.
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Like I said, you have to do what works best for you. I am just fearful that if my dealer goes under I will have a real difficult time getting service for my tub. :-\ Besides I enjoy talking to the folks down there and checking out the new Marquis and Caldera tubs that he has in the showroom...satisfies my curiosity I guess :)
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Mr knightcap (real name withheld to protect the innocent).
I truly do apologize. I've been working on your issues most of today, and a good part of yesterday. We ship thousands of orders every month, and for the very vast majority of them, there's no issues at all. Very occasionally a problem, even two, may come up. You though, appear to be the worst text book case of Murphys Law I've seen. The 303, I could barely investigate due to the age of the order (no one really remembered what happened...or more likely, no one wanted to admit to anything ;-). The second order, was Murphys Law head on into a brick wall. Regardless, and without going into some huge explanation, thank you. Had you not brought this to my attention it's unlikely I would have spent the time searching out a way to reduce the likelihood or prevent something like this from happening. One, maybe two issues a month, that delayed an order for a few days just never seemed serious enough to justify the work and expense of trying to find a solution. Your issues on the other hand??? ::) With a little luck, we'll have a new computer program up and running by the time we open tomorrow that should vastly improve internal order tracking, and probably more importantly, make more people more accountable should something even begin to go "wrong" (it's amazing how accountability improves performance ;D )
Again, I sincerely apologize for all the delays. The good news is, according to UPS, your order should arrive tomorrow. If they get it to you, and without damage, I think it safe to say Murphy has moved on to someone else (gawd I hope so).
Oh, I'm almost afraid to ask.......how's the cover you ordered with the 303
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I mix it up. Some stuff I get online, some stuff at my dealer (only 2 miles away). I get my filters from the dealer only. If the product is a huge savings online, then online it is. If it's only a buck or 2 difference, the dealer is my choice.
As bonniebell says, we'd be in trouble without local dealers and patronizing them is a good thing whenever possible.
Dave
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So the people that go online for chems...You find it ok to go to your dealer with jets coming out due to water balance issues or call your dealer for advice on water quality issues but you don't want to buy from them?
I cost's them for you to have that support yet you want them to work for free the rest of the time.
So to make it fair you want a deal on the spa that is so good the dealer doesn't make money, you don't want to pay for any trip fees, you don't want to have any incidental charges of any kind during your ownership and you want free advice.
Sorry, this is just a major frustration to me...Support your dealer so they can support you!
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Changed my signature to show my support ;)
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I think there are valid reasons to buy online. I do like to show support, but sometimes mark ups are just too high. Compare it to buying a car. How many people actually do ALL of their service at the dealer. Oil changes, wiper replacements, etc. Some items are just unreasonable at the dealer. I am all for paying for periodic preventative maintenance but again I can't turn a blind eye and knowingly pay 2 or 3 times norm.
For example, I just paid $26 for a container of Leisure Time Renew. It's available online for $12 - $15. To me $11-14 more is way to high to pay continuously. I paid it cause I needed it right away. If it was $18 - $20 in store then it would have been more reasonable and I would consider to buy it there instead of online. Again, I do support dealer for other accessories and service but there are indeed valid reasons to buy online. IMHO, paying the huge markup is just throwing good money away.
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I support several dealers with chemical purchases as my dealer no longer exists. As moderator of this forum I like to visit every dealer in town and I'll use my visit as an excuse to buy. However, there are two online companies that I enjoy dealing with. Many of our users are rural and are 40 miles away from any dealer, online makes sense for them.
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After my last message, I went to email and had a email from an online company. Found this interesting, the rest of the ad was for smelly stuff.
(http://www.hottubworks.com/Images/Products/Accessories/FilterFlosser.jpg)
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That looks pretty interesting to me too, Bill. Can you share your web site? I have a filter wand and it is OK, but much better for cleaning my paint brushes than filters.
Thanks
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If the water wand isn't working well, I have a feeling this "contraption" will not be any better, probably worse. It's based on water flow, and the water wand has fewer holes, so I would think would perform better with less water pressure. I haven't tried this thing yet, and have been very happy with my own water wand, but perhaps Shammous has (he carries it on his website).
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That looks pretty interesting to me too, Bill. Can you share your web site? I have a filter wand and it is OK, but much better for cleaning my paint brushes than filters.
Thanks
I'll send you that when I get home, I might give it a try if its reasonable priced. Doc, if you carry this want that you speak of send me a link,
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I think there are valid reasons to buy online. I do like to show support, but sometimes mark ups are just too high. Compare it to buying a car. How many people actually do ALL of their service at the dealer. Oil changes, wiper replacements, etc. Some items are just unreasonable at the dealer. I am all for paying for periodic preventative maintenance but again I can't turn a blind eye and knowingly pay 2 or 3 times norm.
For example, I just paid $26 for a container of Leisure Time Renew. It's available online for $12 - $15. To me $11-14 more is way to high to pay continuously. I paid it cause I needed it right away. If it was $18 - $20 in store then it would have been more reasonable and I would consider to buy it there instead of online. Again, I do support dealer for other accessories and service but there are indeed valid reasons to buy online. IMHO, paying the huge markup is just throwing good money away.
very similar experience to what I had with my dealer. In fact two of them. I have absolutely no problem with a local business having a mark-up. I understand that completely. Trust me...I've been down the whole "Wal-Mart volume buying" discussion with friends, and how they put the local businesses under. But come on...30%, 40%, 50% higher prices than another source???? I can't agree with that, nor will I pay it.
Here's another example regarding local businesses...I recently purchased a new truck. Since I have a boat/trailer, I needed a connector for the trailer wiring. The truck comes pre-wired to the bumper...all you need is the connector that screws into the fitting through the bumper. Been down this path twice before with new trucks. The local dealer where I bought the truck wanted to charge me $79 for the part, plus an hour of labor, totaling well over $100 for the fix. Knowing better, I visited my local trailer business, bought the exact same part...same box and all...for $29. Literally took two minutes to install. Now who in their right mind can justify that? I even told the dealer when he quoted me $79 plus labor what I intended to do because I had done it before. He didn't blink an eye and just shrugged. Why? Because he knows that the next unsuspecting sucker coming through his door won't know enough to do what I did and will pay his unreasonable fees. I'm sorry...that's just wrong, or immoral, or both.
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So the people that go online for chems...You find it ok to go to your dealer with jets coming out due to water balance issues or call your dealer for advice on water quality issues but you don't want to buy from them?
I cost's them for you to have that support yet you want them to work for free the rest of the time.
So to make it fair you want a deal on the spa that is so good the dealer doesn't make money, you don't want to pay for any trip fees, you don't want to have any incidental charges of any kind during your ownership and you want free advice.
Sorry, this is just a major frustration to me...Support your dealer so they can support you!
Well if you're aiming your frustration at me, I obviously didn't make myself clear in my posts. As I said, I completely support my local dealer where I bought my tub. They've been more than helpful, and very willing to go the extra mile. I feel the same way about all of my local business people. I'll gladly pay a reasonable mark-up to buy locally. 10%, 20%...a reasonable mark-up. But when a product is 40%, 50% or more than another source, who obviously also has to charge some mark-up to make money, that's where I draw the line because I just don't think that's necessary OR reasonable. Yes, I understand the concept of buying large quantities being cheaper than a small retail outlet buying less (the whole Wal-Mart argument). But an example I had...I ran out of test strips not too long after buying my tub because quite frankly I was testing the tub constantly the first month...probably a lot of newbies do. I know better now, but that's a whole other story. But in any case, I wanted to support my dealer, so I went back to the dealer to buy the same type of strip he gave me with my kit when I bought the tub. I bought them, and came home not knowing any better. Soon after, I needed some other chems, so I was surfing some of the on-line sources. I found that the test strips I bought from the local dealer were more than double what I coiuld buy them for on-line...something like $12 vs. less than $5 on-line. And several on-line sources were in that price range. So tell me why that kind of mark-up is necessary?
Again, not venting about local businesses...I support them as much as possible, but within logical reason. I'm venting about unscrupulous business people taking advantage of unknowing customers. If someone can show me why a 50% mark-up is necessary, I'll reconsider. Sorry to hijack the thread. BUT WAIT...I started the thread ;D
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Well, I don't just go anywhere - I go to Doc and he gives an important service with his forum, just as this is here! I support his store although not local. If I knew you sold items on-line and the price was good - I'd support you as well.
I don't go to my dealer for anything free. I paid to have my tub repaired. I didn't "beat up" my dealer when I bought the tub - she gave me the price and I paid it. I did buy filters and filter cleaner from her but paying over $20 (if I remember correctly it was $26) for 2 lbs of enhanced shock is just too steep for me. And it wasn't even Bioguard!
Heck, I have recommended them and would still recommend them if somebody wanted a tub.
What do you get for 2 lbs of chlorine or enhanced shock?
As I said in a previous post, I went to a local store in Delaware and bought dichlor ... it was $9 for a 1 lb bottle, I guess 2 lbs were a little less than $18 but it was 52% active ingredients vs 62% that Doc sells (or the 56% that can be had elsewhere as well). I had to use 3 teaspoons for the approximate equivalent dose that I get with Doc's stuff in 2.
I can see why being a local dealer that on-line, Walmart or some other faceless entity takes customers away from buying in your store bothers you. I would feel the same way if I had a store.
So the people that go online for chems...You find it ok to go to your dealer with jets coming out due to water balance issues or call your dealer for advice on water quality issues but you don't want to buy from them?
I cost's them for you to have that support yet you want them to work for free the rest of the time.
So to make it fair you want a deal on the spa that is so good the dealer doesn't make money, you don't want to pay for any trip fees, you don't want to have any incidental charges of any kind during your ownership and you want free advice.
Sorry, this is just a major frustration to me...Support your dealer so they can support you!
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Doc -- thanks for the reply. All of my items did arrive. Its funny that Murphy hit me so hard on two orders in a row, but i think I've experienced that elsewhere in my life! The cover is working out fine -- fits like a glove, looks good, and I've noticed it keeps the water hotter. I typically keep it at 98, and turn it up to 103 about 20 minutes before entering. With this cover, it heats up a lot faster. Since my OEM cover wore out in about 2.5 years, I'm hoping to get more years out of this one -- hence the need for the 303.
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The 303 is a good example of markups at local dealers. I first tried it as a local dealer and paid around $24 for it. One of my customer's is a boat dealer, he had the same bottle for $14. I do support my local dealer in this case, just not the hot tub dealer.
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Last night a customer came in the store at closing time, brought his filter in for his Tiger River to show a problem with his water (Rust on the filter).
He had several questions about his spa (which he didn't buy from us) Then wanted a new filter and a Nature 2 cartridge but didn't want to buy them from me...he actually asked me if I knew of anyplace online to buy them cheaper!!!!!!!!!
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So the people that go online for chems...You find it ok to go to your dealer with jets coming out due to water balance issues or call your dealer for advice on water quality issues but you don't want to buy from them?
I cost's them for you to have that support yet you want them to work for free the rest of the time.
So to make it fair you want a deal on the spa that is so good the dealer doesn't make money, you don't want to pay for any trip fees, you don't want to have any incidental charges of any kind during your ownership and you want free advice.
Sorry, this is just a major frustration to me...Support your dealer so they can support you!
Stuart,
I do support my dealer, I buy all chems and other pool and spa stuff from them always. I have only purchased a Taylor kit and replacement reagents from Doc because Canadian prices on Taylor stuff is insane, 3X more. Doc sells the 2005 kit for $50 US plus shipping, I was quoted $135 from a Taylor dealer here in town, this price was not from my dealer as they do not carry Taylor products
I agree with you that we all should support our dealer for the reasons you mentioned but sometimes it just doesn't make sense
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Last night a customer came in the store at closing time, brought his filter in for his Tiger River to show a problem with his water (Rust on the filter).
He had several questions about his spa (which he didn't buy from us) Then wanted a new filter and a Nature 2 cartridge but didn't want to buy them from me...he actually asked me if I knew of anyplace online to buy them cheaper!!!!!!!!!
Well I wouldn't have blamed you for giving that moron both barrels!!! You gave him your time and expert advice. The least he could've done was bought some products from you...at least at that moment. Whether he continued to buy from you would be his choice.
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Last night a customer came in the store at closing time, brought his filter in for his Tiger River to show a problem with his water (Rust on the filter).
He had several questions about his spa (which he didn't buy from us) Then wanted a new filter and a Nature 2 cartridge but didn't want to buy them from me...he actually asked me if I knew of anyplace online to buy them cheaper!!!!!!!!!
I agree that this person is a moron!
I would have never done that. If this is the type of thing you see regularly then I can see how fustrating it is. Personally, I would have bought from you because you deserve to get my business since you took the time to help.
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I'd watch out for rhtubs.com right now. I ordered some 303 cover protectant a little while ago. It took over 4 weeks to get, with zero communication during that time. I called them, and they finally shipped it. Had I not called after a month, I would have never seen it. Just recently, I ordered some diclor and a couple other items. Again, over 3 weeks have passed. I called after 2-3 weeks, someone said they would ship it. Another week passed, no item, no emails, so I emailed them. They again said they would ship it, but I still don't have it. So two orders in a row, one over 4 weeks, and one is over 3 weeks and still waiting.
I'll be shopping somewhere else from now on, there sounds like some type of major problem going on at rhtubs right now.
Hate to say it but I've had similar trouble. I got the Taylor K-2106 kit from them, and now need reagents. Trouble is I don't see one of them (R-0872) on the site so I emailed rhtubs using their contact link, and.... nothing. Trying once more.
Maybe I'll remember to call them during business hours. Maybe... :-[
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canecreek, looks like it's only available in 2oz, @ $15.95. I added it to the page of replacement reagents;
http://www.rhtubs.com/store/taylor-refill.htm
I would have gotten back to you over the weekend, but spent most of it trying to clean up left over viral damage to my computer (gawd what FUN) and also couldn't get pricing till today anyways.
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canecreek, looks like it's only available in 2oz, @ $15.95. I added it to the page of replacement reagents;
http://www.rhtubs.com/store/taylor-refill.htm
I would have gotten back to you over the weekend, but spent most of it trying to clean up left over viral damage to my computer (gawd what FUN) and also couldn't get pricing till today anyways.
Hurray! Thanks and I do understand computer damage.
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I wish I understood it ::)
I finally found a place online to get help, but have literally been working on it for a week (I'm REALLY trying not to have to reformat)! Things are slowly improving, but...
BTW, I'm pretty sure the damage was done by a website mentioned in the beating a dead horse section (there's mention of a virus on the site there). My AV stuff blocked it from actually attaching itself to my computer, but apparently not before it corrupted a number of files.
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Last night a customer came in the store at closing time, brought his filter in for his Tiger River to show a problem with his water (Rust on the filter).
He had several questions about his spa (which he didn't buy from us) Then wanted a new filter and a Nature 2 cartridge but didn't want to buy them from me...he actually asked me if I knew of anyplace online to buy them cheaper!!!!!!!!!
Well I wouldn't have blamed you for giving that moron both barrels!!! You gave him your time and expert advice. The least he could've done was bought some products from you...at least at that moment. Whether he continued to buy from you would be his choice.
I'm not sure I gave him "both barrels" but he did get atleast one! I told him that we've recently had customers buy Motors that were used but repainted and reworked on the internet that were sold as "new" along with customers who bought Nature 2, brought it into the store and asked if it looked used..it was, someone reboxed it and sold it as new.
I let him know that if he had continued support questions he might try calling one of the online vendors and see what they could do for him!
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Here's a retailer story for you, not spa related but something I'm going through at the moment.
We are redoing one our bathrooms we decided that since Home Depot and Lowes sell lower quality items we will shop at a tile shop and a plumbing supply store.
1st scenario - When we walked into the plumbing supply store/ kitchen & bath showroom we were greeted by a friendly and helpful person. She took the time to show us things and explain things when we asked questions. She gave us list prices and said she would discount the items by 30%. We are talking bathroom cabinets, plumbing fixtures and a shower base - we are talking some good $$$ being spent. I went on-line and found her prices were the same or cheaper than on-line sources. Because she was so helpful and nice, I was willing to pay additional money to have her make the sale but her prices are great!
2nd scenario - We walked into the tile showroom and was greeted by a not so nice saleslady, she was abrupt and probably rude; she was helpful but had no tact. We saw the tile we liked, ordered it, put a deposit on it and went home. After talking to my wife it really ticked me off that we were treated rudely and I went on-line to see how much the tiles we picked out were. I found that they are charging us more than 2X the cost of on-line. I called her today to discuss the fact that I found the tiles on-line for 1/2 the price and she flew off the handle with me. I tried to explain that I expect to pay more for her service but 2x as much is a too much to swallow. She said if you don't like it then I should cancel the order - so I said "cancel the order"; there was silence on the phone and then she said she would have to see if she could. Bottom line I am stuck buying the tiles from them (I thought I would be) but I am not buying anything else from them - they lost a customer.
The moral of the story is before buying anything from anybody know what it's worth and expect that service may cost more money than internet shopping. But the truth is it might not!