Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: uderc on September 13, 2004, 07:58:50 am
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Has anyone found a cheap place to buy chemicals such as Spa Defender online? Cheapest I saw was on Spa Depot.
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I've had 4 orders thru rhtubs.com that all went very well and prices seemed good to me.
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Calico -
What brand of chems do you use. Is it better than the spaguard chems that came with the Optima? Thanks -
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I recently switched to the spa kem line of Dichlor and have great luck with keeping my tub clean. I pay 1/2 of what I paid elsewhere for other brands either mailorder or at a store by purchasing it at Lowe's.
Dichlor is the only chemical I have to use most days.
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Is it better than the spaguard chems that came with the Optima?
When we got our Optima, our dealer gave us a Leisure Time startup kit so that's what we've been using so far. We just placed a big order of 'cheaper' chemicals from SpaDepot and are going to start using them in the next week or so. Basically they look the same as far as ingredients go, they just don't say Leisure Time and are half the price in some cases.
I really wish the prices at my local dealer were better because I'd really like to buy from them. They seem like great people and I'd love to continue to support their store. It just seems that they are quite expensive. I'm really not interested in spending $18 on OZ shock that only gets you 9 shocks per bottle ($2 a shock).
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Bulmer, I feel exactly like you do! We really want to support that dealership, they were good to us and we're very happy w/the tub. But like you said, their products are extremely overpriced and not a big selection. They had to order the SunPurity for us, they dont even stock that.
Beth, I got the LeisureTime line of chems w/my Optima. We used that up and when I ordered new stuff, I just got the same ingredients but the cheaper brand.
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I know of at least 3 dealers here in town that knock off 15% if you bought your spa there. But you have to be on your toes in case the part timer working the register forgets to give me, my price.
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support your local dealer, if you have a problem they will be there to help you. if you buy from the box stores and or online who is going to help you with a water/service problem? "Chuck" in the hardware dept? Don't think so. If you put you local dealer out of business because of their lost chemical revenue who will service your spa?
You most likely weren't a tight wad cheap ass when you bought your spa...
;)
I've been in the retail game a long time (outdoor power equipment) and seen alot of great shops go under because of online outlets. Those dealers are the ones providing the friendly customer service that this world needs more of...
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My dealer does give 10% off if you purchased a spa there. I haven't really compared prices yet, and would prefer to support the dealer if it makes sense. Besides, they just sent me a box of fudge and thank you note for buying my spa.
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You most likely weren't a tight wad cheap ass when you bought your spa...
Well... I don't know about the rest of you on this thread but I take offense at being called a tight wad cheap ass.
We did spend good money on our Sundance... And I'm sure my dealer got a pretty good chunk of the cash that we spent. My dealer also sells more than just spas and am I'm pretty sure that they're not going to 'go out of business' just because I don't buy chemicals from them. As it is, I will be going back to them for the microfilters that you have to replace every 3 months and other odds and ends.
If there were online shops selling Sundance tubs for thousands less than I can see your point. You're probably in a business that is a lot more affected by online shopping. I really can't see me not buying chemicals from them being that big of an impact to their business. You make it sound like that's the only way they make any money. If they really wanted to make money selling chemicals, their selection would be much greater and they would have more competative prices.
Let me ask you something? Do you spend $2 everytime you shock your spa? I doubt it.
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what is OZ shock? Also, what are the spadepot equivalents to: Clarifier and Stain and Scale. Which shock do others use. The thread on CYA has me concerned about using just dichlor daily and to shock. Can you use the nature 2 stick instead of the Sunpurity. It seems that the stick in the filter would get more water passing through than the box in the brominator.
THanks!
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Spa Depot is a web site to purchase chems:
http://www.spadepot.com/
OZ is Leisure Times shock in tablet form.
I was under the impression that you couldn't use the stick form of Nature2 in the Sundances -- it also is more expensive I think.
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what is OZ shock?
It's the shock my dealer sells that is specifically designed for ozonated spas. We're moving to a reguler MPS shock as I can't see much difference in the ingredients.
http://www.leisuretimespa.com/TechDataInfo.asp?authID=1354175838&ProductID=4
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You can use any non chlorine shock (mps) in place of OZ tablets. Leisure Time makes Renew which does the same thing. LT states that OZ is for ozonated tubs, but it really is a sales tool.
You can use the Nature2 or Frog stick in the Optima. You just place it on top of the filter, not inside it. The flow should be the same as the SunPurity cartridge.
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support your local dealer, if you have a problem they will be there to help you.
Me! (or this forum) I supported my dealer with a huge purchase remember? When my warranty is up, I'll be supporting his service department. I get filters from him for convienence and knowing I'm getting the right thing. If your doctor sold asprin for a 75% markup would you support him or go to the local drug store?
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Check out Shepnell.com. It looks like their prices on Liesure Time are better than RHTubs. They also carry sundance parts and filters. Haven't used them yet, but got their name from someone online.
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The thread on CYA has me concerned about using just dichlor daily and to shock.
Bethshar,
Go to Doc's board and search for Northman's recent posts on CYA and dichlor use. I think his thoughts will make you rest a bit easier regarding same.
8)
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For cheapest shocking, get a large container of non-chlorine shock. They all work about the same - MPS is MPS. We like the "Freshwater Oxidizer" which is made by the same folks that make Leisure Time - private labled for HotSpring but not very expensive. Be sure to keep it dry - maybe even break it into smaller containers.
Here in SoCal, I can sell several other brands of MPS for $5 or $6 per bottle less than 'LT Renew.' I don't know why that and OZ are so high, but I haven't had them on the shelf in years.
But be sure you don't go to a pool store or the pool isle of a home center and end up with Clacium Hypo Chlorite, which is labled as 'shock' by some companies. It IS a shock, suitable for vinyl pools, but is not chlorine-free, and has a very high Ph.
I don't see why you couldn't buy the N2 cartridge and put it in or on the filter in a Sundance - many of our customers do.
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;DI looked all over the internet and found my dealer who is about an hour away to be in line with the prices, some a little higher some the same some lower.
All I do is phone them, they send out that day and I get it the next and they enclose an invoice and I send them a check in that days mail or the next depending what time UPS delivers.
But if they were a lot higher I would not hesitate to shop on the net. As it is they know my name, address and trust me to send a check, when I bought my tub I never paid any money until it was delivered and set up.
;D 8)