Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Wannasoak on January 24, 2005, 04:12:28 pm
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Sorry to ask the same question every newbie asks, but...
Is this a decent brand?
I checked through the other topics and reviews and have not found much on these guys. What do we know?
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I saw a post last week on another board about them and this person was very very unhappy....and again it comes back to service after the sale and more importantly honoring the warrantty......Most all spas seem wonderful during the first few months but when issues start to arise and a tech says they won't work on brand x or whatever because the factory will not pay the claim....that is where better makers distance themselves from the others....
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This is Gulf Coast Spas not Coast Spas. Looks like a different company.
Any word on GCS?
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my apologies.......I could remove the post but the point about some of those better known makers still is the same they have earned their reps by taking care of people over the years....Gulf Coast may be a great spa but when it is tough to find information about them...it usually means they are newer or very small...or perhaps very regional in the area they do business....but perhaps in the end still very good
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I know the old saying "you get what you pay for", but the prospect of saving $4k or so on the tub seems to good to pass up.
As much as I would love to jump at a Hot Springs or one of the other major names, it seems silly to when my guess is every spa will eventually have issues
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tell us more what size what are the specs on the spa and what are you paying....
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As an example you can get from Marquis Everyday line a spa with oznator that is UL approved 300 gallons 5 seating postions and be under 4900.00 so unless you are looking at something for about a grand...there may be some other choices for you out there while still staying with a better known maker.....
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Here was a long thread on Dr. Spa's site where a few GC owners chimed in. It doesn’t reflect too well on them. I don't have any direct experience so I'm not trying to bolster my opinion on them specifically. Remember, spa warranties are meaningless if the company doesn't back the claim. Too often I see where a customer says they're saving XX dollars with a bargain brand and they say the warranty is just as good as Hot Spring, Caldera, Sundance, Jacuzzi, D1, Marquis, etc. (who are known for back their warranties).
http://www.rhtubs.com/cgi-bin/bbs/config.pl?noframes;read=56113
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You are right, that thread does not say much for GCS.
I found a Boca Grande, their top of the line, for $4900 w/cover.
MSRP $9300
6 people
57 jets
95" x 95" x 35"
10 hp pump system
the ozone deal
etc.
I need a real reason not to buy it, because I have found just as many positive reviews as negative, and my guess is I would pay double what this dealer quoted me for a more popular brand. Help.
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10 hp.....is a big line of BS and red flag for me.....
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http://www.gulfcoastspas.com
Check it out... Boca Grande
I don't know much about spas, why is 10 HP BS?
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Another red flag is their fake retail price of $9300.
The 10 hp is bull because there isn't any way to get that much continuous hp from electric motors on a 50 or 60 amp 220 circuit which is a common spa wiring requirement.
It appears that they derive the 10 hp from the brake hp of two motors added together.
And they do not state that this hp claim is bhp.
Plus their dealer locator requires personal information.
Brewman
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You are right, that thread does not say much for GCS.
I found a Boca Grande, their top of the line, for $4900 w/cover.
MSRP $9300
6 people
57 jets
95" x 95" x 35"
10 hp pump system
the ozone deal
etc.
I need a real reason not to buy it, because I have found just as many positive reviews as negative, and my guess is I would pay double what this dealer quoted me for a more popular brand. Help.
Gulf Coast offers 24x7 TELEPHONE support but does not have ANY local service techs. Rather, they "contract" with others for this work. The level of service varies based on the flip of a coin. They also tend to sell these "out of dealers garages" so that the local reseller doesn't have much (if any startup costs). This may "seem" like a great idea for the dealer but the reality is that there IS a value in having a local dealer you know will still be there next week. The $9K value is 100% bogus. These spas are $5K spas they sell for $5K. You can find other "cheap" spas for $5K locally WITH LOCAL SUPPORT. The Gulf coast is accurately priced at $5K as that is what they are worth....
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Who else has a tub that big, under $5k that "is reliable"? Every local relailer I've seen is in the 8-10k range for this size tub.
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Who else has a tub that big, under $5k that "is reliable"? Every local relailer I've seen is in the 8-10k range for this size tub.
You can’t compare an $8K local dealer spa (Hot Spring, Caldera, Sundance, Jacuzzi, Marquis, D1, etc.) to a $5k GC spa IMO. At best, the GC spa is a $5k spa sold for no more than its worth, $5k (and if you have issues you may not think its worth that much). You have to decide which you want. You can get the GCS spa if you'd like but the money you save will come with the cost of lesser quality and no local support for simple issues or for full-blown warranty work. They'll tell you that they have service people in your area but I hear otherwise time and time again so you should assume the worst. Unless you're comfortable fixing your own spa you need to factor in any work you'll need into the equation and who knows how much that will be.
BTW, that quote of 10 HP actually is two 5 BHP pumps where BHP is Brake HP. I constantly rant on this as I find it ridiculous and deceitful when some of these spa manufacturers don't have the honesty to quote in Continuous HP. Those would basically equate to be two 2.5 CONINUOUS HP pumps if you want to compare to other spa makers who don't play the BHP game.
I tried to copy/paste their warranty to show how that is inferior to the warranty of the $8k spas you’re trying to compare the Boca Grande to but I wasn’t able copy/paste for some reason. Anyway, besides doubting they’ll even have anyone available to service your spa I’m skeptical of their warranty being even close to equal for the following reasons:
1) If the heater fails it’ll be other reasons than simply the element “going bad” or they’ll simply blame it on chemical abuse. Some makers have the warranty state that the heater will be replaced regardless of who’s fault it is or chemicals. Check how this specifically compares to the other warranties.
2) The hoses and fittings having a lifetime warranty is pretty meaningless as the issue there will be with how well they glue the fittings which is not in their wording. I can’t tell from their wording if they cover leaks due to poor glue joints but it certainly wouldn’t be for a lifetime.
3) “Lifetime” warranty against permeable leakage is probably really only good for 7 years legally and probably won’t be an issue anyway as that is a rarity. The real issue would be the cracking, blistering, delam which they quote at 10 years BUT prorate after 1 year. As an example, some of the top spa makers only give you 7 years but that is with 100% coverage and if you’re going to have an issue here 7 years should be enough to bring it out. You really want 7 at 100% rather than 1 year at 100% and the next 9 years prorated.
4) Mechanical and solid state components at 2 years full and 3 more prorated is less than the typical 5 full years you’ll get with the top guys. Labor at 2 years is also less than the 5 you’ll get with most of the $8k spas you’re comparing the Boca Grande to.
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wannasoak,
I know a few people who bought the Gulf Coast Spas. They seem relatively happy with their purchase. The only concern that I heard was the filter was very, very small. Needs cleaning twice a month. I don't think that is a bad thing. They bought them from a furniture company which sells them CHEAP on the side. So far, so good.
If it fits you well and you're comfortable with the dealer, I say move on it.
Let us know how you made out.
P.S. It is not one of the major brands out there, but that doesn't mean it is not good. ;)
Good Luck...
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I've read this board for awhile and this is my first post. I'm posting because its not fair for all you guys to knock Gulf Coast spas because its not a "major" brand.
I bought a gulf coast in June 02 from a Long Island dealer who also sold Master spas. Shortly after I bought it he went out of business. Just short of two years my spa pack went dead, I call Gulf Coast and they replaced it free of charge using another dealer in the area who didn't sell Gulf Coast.
Recently i had an ozonator problem, I called Gul;f Coast and they took me step by step through different sceanarios and I eventually fixed the problem with them over the phone.
I have nothing but good things to say about Gulf Coast. My wife and i use our spa 3-4 times a week for almost three years now.
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I've read this board for awhile and this is my first post. I'm posting because its not fair for all you guys to knock Gulf Coast spas because its not a "major" brand.
I somewhat agree with you BUT there are a couple reasons for the responses you saw.
1) The poster asked, "Is this a decent brand? I checked through the other topics and reviews and have not found much on these guys. What do we know?"
We passed on what we know from GC owners relative to their Quality and Service issues. We also debunked some of their deceptive practices such as bogus $9k MSRPs and deceitful pump HP ratings. He asked, we answered.
2) The person who was looking made reference to the price of GC and that of the other major brands. We were simply conveying what that cost difference gets you. Personally I don't think a GC spa is necessarily overpriced but the cost savings with that spa are explainable when you factor in Quality, Functionality, Reliability and Service.
If you go in knowing you're getting less but you're also paying less then I think maybe its fine. When you try to compare it to the major brands with the thought you're getting a near comparable spa for much less then that is where we tend to drive home the fact they are not equal. I have a basic Chevy Cavalier that I paid $10k for last year as a commuter vehicle. I don't try to say its equal to a Honda as its not but I also didn't pay for a premium subcompact, I bought a budget car. GC is a budget spa and as long as you know that and know the whole truth of what you're getting then you can decide in an educated manner what it is you'll be satisfied with.
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You are right, that thread does not say much for GCS.
I found a Boca Grande, their top of the line, for $4900 w/cover.
MSRP $9300
6 people
57 jets
95" x 95" x 35"
10 hp pump system
the ozone deal
etc.
I need a real reason not to buy it, because I have found just as many positive reviews as negative, and my guess is I would pay double what this dealer quoted me for a more popular brand. Help.
We know someone who owns this spa. We had not ever really considered buying a spa until we spent a weekend at their house and was in their tub all weekend. At the time I thought his spa was awesome as I didn't know much about them. There are somethings on paper now that I'm not too fond of (pro-rated warranty, insulation, etc...)
The thing is... these friends of ours love theirs. They had a bad pump just after they got it and had no problems getting it replaced. Personally I'm a believer that you only get what you pay for. For $5000 you can't expect the same quality of the other major brands and may not get the same level of service. If it's going to save you $3000 though for something similar in size it may not be that bad though. Even if you have to replace a few things here and there, in the long run it may be cheaper. Even though we considered Gulf Coast we still ended up with a Sundance. I like the idea of a local dealer with a great reputation.
I think it all comes down to you buying something you feel comfortable with. Do what feels right for you.
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Bulmer,
You're right... It doesn't matter how much you saved or how many features are in the spa. Everyone has their different needs,...if it feels right and you are comfortable with the price, comfortable with the dealer, go for it.
Remember, not everyone drives a Mercedes 600. ;)
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I just got my copy of Spasearch magazine (you can request one free from their Web site) and they did a profile chart on 25 of the top spa brands out there. Gulf Coast looks like they appear at or near the top of the comparisons in just about every category - and they are No. 1 in price hands down. I was considering a Boca Grande too after sitting in my neighbor's a few weeks ago. I did a little more research and noticed they are a member of the BBB online program - which is voluntary and not something I would think they would do if they didn't have a good track record. Finally, I saw they were rated Best in Class on pool and spa dot com. Just some things to ponder, but with the additional 24/7 support, I don't know why you wouldn't get one.
Michael
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"I just got my copy of Spasearch magazine (you can request one free from their Web site) and they did a profile chart on 25 of the top spa brands out there. Gulf Coast looks like they appear at or near the top of the comparisons in just about every category"
please read page 9 (or is it 11) where they disclose that their ratings are paid for by the manufacturer.
- and they are No. 1 in price hands down.
Also note, Spa Search acquires their info from a web based form manufacturers fill out and submit.... never have they verified a submision.... at least with me, and I am a manufacturer, and I do fill out their form every year.
Many of the stats are..... lets say exaggerated. I have a $1000.00 hot tub. Sell maybe all of 1 a year of this particular hot tub....... most are around $5000. But to list my hot tubs as starting at $1000 would be, shall we say, a stretch.
If someone had 2 lines of spas, one with a 1 year guarantee, and the other with a 10 year guarantee, what do you thing they'd list?
"I did a little more research and noticed they are a member of the BBB online program - which is voluntary and not something I would think they would do if they didn't have a good track record."
Actually, for the $400 yearly fee it buys a lot of "credibility". other than that it help protect the merchant from the consumer. As a member, it doesn't take a lot to "work within their system" and maintain a satisfactory rating...... By the way, the BBB in NOT a government organization..... who monitors them???
"Finally, I saw they were rated Best in Class on pool and spa dot com."
ANY manufacture can be rated best of class there for a little fee of $24,000.00 annually.
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You gettum doc!! ;) ;D 8)
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I just got my copy of Spasearch magazine (you can request one free from their Web site) and they did a profile chart on 25 of the top spa brands out there. Gulf Coast looks like they appear at or near the top of the comparisons in just about every category - and they are No. 1 in price hands down. I was considering a Boca Grande too after sitting in my neighbor's a few weeks ago. I did a little more research and noticed they are a member of the BBB online program - which is voluntary and not something I would think they would do if they didn't have a good track record. Finally, I saw they were rated Best in Class on pool and spa dot com. Just some things to ponder, but with the additional 24/7 support, I don't know why you wouldn't get one.
Michael
You DID notice the disclaimer at the very beginning of the mag that states that the spa's listed in the magazine are listed there because they PAY for the positioning, right? GC isn't a abad spa but you may have noticed that almost ALL of those posting that they are happy with them are also posting that they had a major failure prior to a two year period. This shows that although GC does the right thing customer service-wise, the spa's are not of the same quality as the bigger boys (how many Jacuzzi, Hot Springs and or Dimension One units fail in the first two years). GC is a good buy "at the price". If you don't mind doing some of the support work over the phone... they are a good unit., etc...
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Don't forget that you're getting a spa at 50% off the suggested retail price. They should raise their suggested retail to say $20K, and save their customers even more. ::)
Brewman
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This seems to be a similar situation to a friend I have who bought a spa at Costco. He had his control panel go on him, and it took a few weeks for the service to get done on it.
I paid a few grand more for a tub with better pumps, synthetic skirt, better filtration, and a better brand name.
You're going to have this spa for quite a few years, so you won't remember how much the difference in price was, just how much more you're enjoying it, and how much better the ownership experience was.
my 2 cents...
Mark
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The only reply I have to this is as follows: 10HP pumps...
WOW. What makes that good or bad? If my fuel injected 4 cylinder car works more efficiently than an 10 or 12 cylinder, it is that good or bad. Don't get lost in a numbers game.
It it feels good for you, go for it and leave it alone. ;)
Stop with the numbers game! ;)
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"please read page 9 (or is it 11) where they disclose that their ratings are paid for by the manufacturer."
It's page 11 and I was refering to the chart that ALL the manufacturers submit themselves as you just acknowledged. I don't care that they bought an ad on page 30. I don't understand how one manufacturer could possibly pay to ensure that their product stacked up better than the rest in the chart. If what you say is true, then everyone just fills out what they have to offer and the chips fall where they may.
"I have a $1000.00 hot tub. Sell maybe all of 1 a year of this particular hot tub....... most are around $5000. But to list my hot tubs as starting at $1000 would be, shall we say, a stretch."
OK, I'll give you that for the lowest spa price but that doesn't explain the average spa price or the highest spa price. Gulf Coast is the only one that offers an entire line (they only have 5 tubs in their brochure) under $5,000 and they admitted their average is $4,000 - again the lowest of the bunch.