Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: may8589 on March 09, 2006, 05:58:24 am
-
Hello, I just discovered this forum and am looking for some feedback on hot tubs. We owned a Leisure Bay hot tub at a previous home but left it behind once we moved out of state. We are now looking for a new hot tub and found something we liked at overstockspas.com. Here is the link for your viewing:
http://www.overstockspas.com/riptide/Abyss.htm
Does anyone have any experience with this company or this hot tub? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks,
May
-
As a new spa owner, I can't stress how important it is to have a dealer that will stand behind a product with local service. I believe you might want to dry and wet test the model before you buy. I'm real glad I did.
-
I bought my hot tub from them about almost a year ago. I bought the cascade, which is now called Maui.The tub has 84 jets & 3 - 5.5 HP pumps, 8' lounger, 24 hr. circulation pump, 2 waterfalls and a led lighting. we also got ours with radio/cd player.
We love our tub. We have had only one problem with it. The pump that has 2 speeds on it lost the low speed. I called them and they sent me out a new one with out any question. The only thing about buying from them is that you are pretty much on your own for the labor side of things. They do give you $$ towards the labor, but then you have to find the local repair guy to do the work. I did the repair work on the pump myself it was very easy it took me about 30 minutes and everything was back up and running great.
The one thing you will find out is that their spas are made by Clearwater spas. But as far as I am concerned it is still a great tub.
Here is a link that was sent to me when I was in the process of buying mine.
when I ordered mine they said it would be at my house in 3-4 weeks and it was on time as they said it would be. The only thing I wasn't aware of was that it was curb side delivery; I believe that you can ask and get delivery to the location for the tub, just need to ask.
Over all I am very happy with my tub and I would buy again from them in the future.
I know that people here are going to bash me for buying over the net and not wet testing but, I have no regrets with what I bought. I got hen to throw in the cover, steps, start up chemicals.
I hope this helps
If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
-
Personaly, I would not take the chance. Buying from a great dealer takes as much research a picking out a spa.
Nah, this would not be for me. I feel the spa brand and dealer I purchased from was money well spent. I feel very good about my dealer, and it is nice to have him 4 miles down the road. I am 1000% comfortable with knowing he is there for me for any reason or dumb question I may have.
-
before i got into searching out a manufacturer to represent, my freind/partner was looking at these guys. they were interested in having some "store front" activity.
unfortunatly we never visited their opperation, so i cannot comment of the cunstrution quality no can i comment on their functionability.
with that price range, you may want to visit a local dealer. alot (if not all) of well known, well respected manufacturers have "top lines" in that range.
keep your options open. it will lead you to your perfect tub.
socal
-
I'm 100% with aaahhh on this one. For that kind of money, you can wet-test any number of tubs, get a great one you know you like AND have a dealer behind you for support. Given that, why would you mess around with a "close-out" spa with limited support, no dealer at all and no ability to wet test? Here's a rather interesting link:
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=wtb-hottub;action=display;num=1140139577
-
Are they associated with overstock.com, home of the lady touting "The Big O"?
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/sabineehrenfeld.jpg)
If so, I'd buy that for a dollar!
Terminator
-
For what it's worth
Better Business Report:
http://www.saltlakecity.bbb.org/commonreport.html?bid=6002202
When I first started looking I came across them, and it seemed that you got a lot of spa for you money. However, through this forum, I decided to go with a major brand and with a dealer that was close by and had a good rep.
I'm not crazy about buying a high ticket item on the internet. If this is the level and price of the spa you want to buy, you might find an indepedent "garage" dealer building spas in your area. At least you will save the shipping and have an adress to go to when you need help. If you are going to spend 6K plus, I'd take a hard look at some of the major brands and what you get for you money before you buy.
I was a bit put off by thier name "Overstock" as it implies they deal in extra spas and pass along savings. I belive these folks manufactuer spas, not dealers in over stocks.
-
That name seems deceptive to me as well.
Of course, nearly everyone that comes in my store thinks our spas are made in Arkansas. I have always assured them that if they ever run across a spa made in Arkansas, it will consist of a #9 washtub, a cord of firewood, and a can of bean dip.
Terminator
-
drewster, can you explain what you mean by this comment please
"If this is the level and price of the spa you want to buy, you might find an indepedent "garage" dealer building spas in your area."
Are you saying that these tubs are the quality of something that would be made out of some guys garage?
If that is what you are saying you are very wrong about that.
-
drewster, can you explain what you mean by this comment please
"If this is the level and price of the spa you want to buy, you might find an indepedent "garage" dealer building spas in your area."
Are you saying that these tubs are the quality of something that would be made out of some guys garage?
If that is what you are saying you are very wrong about that.
I am saying they strike me as the same quality you may find with an independent dealer, or sometime "garage" dealer. Yes.
In my area, there are a few of these. Some boast high quality, expert craftmanship and will drill the jets to your speficic body. Some strike me as a couple of idoits slapping pumps onto a big plastic dish and using what parts they can garner.
So if the original poster for what ever reason, didn't want to go with a brand name tub, he may look around and find a non brand tub built in his area for a comparable price. rather than buying something blind over the net.
The few indepnedents I met seemed to be pretty decent people.
Overstock spas appears to me be of the same quality. A 6k spa with a bunch of sizzle.
Sorry if the term "Garage" put you off. It wasn't ment to imply poor quality, it implies a small independant company.
-
Ok, thanks for the Explanation.
I also hope you didn't offend any garage spa builders either. But I can't see how you would have by comparing them to Overstock. They sell a great line of spas.
Oh well you have your thoughts and I have my thoughts. I am very happy with the spa I bought and that is really the only thing that matters.
Happy tubing!!!!
-
Ok, thanks for the Explanation.
I also hope you didn't offend any garage spa builders either. But I can't see how you would have by comparing them to Overstock. They sell a great line of spas.
Oh well you have your thoughts and I have my thoughts. I am very happy with the spa I bought and that is really the only thing that matters.
Happy tubing!!!!
I took that phrase out. I was joking, but didn't want you to take it the wrong way. :)
I'm glad you like your tub.
I was just suggesting the poster might be able to find a simillar tub in his own area.
-
For $8,332 (the price of the Abyss), you can pretty much get any spa on the market from a local dealer.
I would recommend you go that route.
-
Apropos, the "Abyss", that is. ;D
Terminator
-
Wow, thank you for all of the responses. To be clear, I never thought that these were indeed "overstocks" and that these are great mark-downs. DH saw this website and loved the number of jets on the hot tub.
Thank you, water@104, for sharing your experience with this company. It sounds like you had a good experience with them.
As for getting in the hot tub before buying, I never did that with the hot tub I bought at a previous home. I never even thought about it. Everything turned out well with that purchase, but it still gives me something to consider.
I have checked all of the local retailers and have not been impressed with their selection. DH is really set on this hot tub at overstockspas, so we will probably go with it. I know it's a lot of money for a hot tub that we haven't seen in person, but we'll take our chances.
Thanks again for all the replies.
may
-
Appear to be overpriced for what you don't get. ;)
-
I have checked all of the local retailers and have not been impressed with their selection. DH is really set on this hot tub at overstockspas, so we will probably go with it. I know it's a lot of money for a hot tub that we haven't seen in person, but we'll take our chances.
Thanks again for all the replies.
Just some random things to consider:
How is the thing insulated? They mention the name of their insulation, and that the plumbing is accessable, but nothing more.
Does it come with a cover?
How do they fit an " 8 ft. lounger w/ ultimate leg therapy " into a tub that is only 92.5" square? This is the Abyss: (http://www.overstockspas.com/images/abyss_hot_tub.jpg)
This is a Clearwater spa: (http://www.clearwaterspas.com/images/9100.jpg)
and this is how they insulate it. (http://www.clearwaterspas.com/images/insulation.jpg)The O'stock most likely has the same since they buy from CW.
Did you check around for the closest Clearwater dealer? Since you are buying over the 'net anyway, why not check this out: even if the dealer is in another state, you might get the same tub for a lot less.
-
May,
Please give this a bunch more thought. Here are the downsides as I read them. I'd like to suggest you sit DH down and have him sell (sell, not tell) you what the upsides are to buying this from overstockspas.com instead of a local dealer.
You can't wet-test them so you have no idea how you'll fit in it. Read KarlXII's posting, the first paragraph, here for a better idea of what I'm talking about: http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=wtb-hottub;action=display;num=1141523568
You have no idea how powerful all those jets will be. If the pumps aren't strong enough, all you'll get out of those jets is a dribble. And every one of those jets means at least three connections plus a hole in the tub. The potential for leaks is huge: a minimum of 342 connections plus 114 holes in the tub.
How well insulated is this tub with its "THT thermal heat technology?" It may leave the plumbing accessible but does it hold the plumbing in place when the pumps come on? I'd be quite concerned with that, especially with all those connections.
How well made is the tub? Do they use pressure-treated wood for the structure? If not, how long do you think it will last in the humid environment of a hot tub? Here's a testimonial to the longevity of a Hot Spring tub.
http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=wtb-hottub;action=display;num=1140058563 Do you think you'll get that kind of life out of yours or is yours one of the "other" tubs Chas mentions?
Are they using a 48 or 56 frame motor? 56 frame motors tend to be quieter. Do they put any sort of sound dampener under the pumps or is this tub going to make a ton of noise and wake up every one of your neighbors?
Whose pumps are they using? Do a little research here to see if the brand is known or a cheap import. If one of them goes out, can you get if fixed? Or are you stuck paying an exorbinant price because you can't get it anywhere else but overstockspas.com? Can you even get another one?
Whose jets are they using? Whose controls are they using? Again, how well-built are they?
Your support is going to be near non-existent. Do you think they care about you when a pump goes out and it's 20º F outside? Personally, I've gotten to know and respect my dealer. I consider him to be a real asset. He pays a ton of taxes that support things like roads, schools and all those public things we often forget about. How much do you think overstockspas.com pays in local taxes? Do they support your local baseball league? Can you go hit them up to buy Girl Scout cookies?
Delivery. Trucking companies don't make appointments; they'll be there when it's convenient for the driver. When you sign for it, you have to note any damage to the tub. If there's damage and you don't note it on the bill of lading, the trucking company will tell you, "Tough luck. You should have noted that when you signed for it." The trucking company is going to drop that tub in your driveway and you're going to have to figure out how to get it where it goes. Okay, you get some of your friends to help you move it. What if it gets damaged along the way? What if one of your buddies gets hurt?
Dealers, what did I miss?
Jim
P.S. Finally, I'm not a dealer nor have I any ties to the industry except as a tub owner.
-
my fear of buying something like that on the internet would be if you receive it and you go to fill it with water and there's a hole in the shell that won't let it hold water. How much is it going to cost to return it? I'd guess $300-$1000 depending on what trucking company you use, and special loading requirements you need.
-
I didn't see any mention of a warranty on the website.
And their money back policy has a "contact us for details" footnote.
-
Great points Jim ..dont forget water care, warranty support, labor for installing warranty parts.... If the savings is thousands you may take the risk, (you are taking a large risk) but the price being between 8-9k, the support from a local dealer should a no brainer. Most top of line spas with abundent dealer support can be had in that price range. Think long and hard as this is a large purchase and a decision you will live with a long time
-
I just have to say it in order to have a clear conscience:
That spa looks like a dozen other spas I've seen sold under various names, usually out of rented storage buildings or in parking lots or out of the Thrifty Nickel. It is usually sold for less than $5000. I wouldn't take one if it were given to me, and that's the truth. I value my money more than some, I reckon.
I have a whole lot of pictures of what that type spa will look like in about 5 years if you'd be interested. If not, I wish you luck and hope it works out well. I've said my peace and done what I could. :)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC00996.jpg)
A small sample.
Terminator
-
As I mentioned before, yes they are made by Clearwater, mine even came with Clearwater’s name on it, even on the cover.
The frame is not made out of wood. There is not one piece of wood on it so the frame should last for years seeing that it is made out of galvanized metal.
As far as the (3) 5.5hp motors that it has is plenty strong enough for the 84 jets in the spa. Not sure if they are 48 or 54 or what ever those numbers are.
As far as the noise of the pumps, I can’t really say I hear much noise coming from them.
As far as the all the connections of the plumbing go, I haven't had one leak yet and we use it almost every day for at least an hour.
I know that it sounds like I am sticking up for Overstock, but I am not. I am just letting you how my experience has been since I got my spa from them.
The few times I have had to call with questions and they have had every answer. (I just didn’t know what I was doing)
When I bought mine they called it the cascade which is really the Clearwater 9100 which is shown in a picture above in someone’s post and also my picture. So when you do buy from them you are really buying a Clearwater tub.
Good luck with your search and what ever you end up buying.
Happy tubing to all
-
I just have to say it in order to have a clear conscience:
That spa looks like a dozen other spas I've seen sold under various names, usually out of rented storage buildings or in parking lots or out of the Thrifty Nickel. It is usually sold for less than $5000. I wouldn't take one if it were given to me, and that's the truth. I value my money more than some, I reckon.
I hate to say that thier tubs won't look like that seeing that they are not made of wood, adn are not hard piped like that one was but i can can say i would be pretty irate if i had bought a tub made by the compnay that made that one.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC00996.jpg)
A small sample.
Terminator
-
water@104, I'm glad you're happy with your spa and I hope it lasts as long as you need it to. I appreciate you sharing your experience and I'm just trying to add some of mine to the equation. :)
It doesn't matter to me what spas people buy, I hope they're happy with their choices. I just hope that people will look a little beyond the number of jets when researching a high dollar item.
Good luck whichever way you choose. :)
Terminator
-
I have to agree with you East TX, it really dosen't matter what you buy as long as you are happy with what you got and the water stays clear and hot!!!!
-
I know that it sounds like I am sticking up for Overstock, but I am not. I am just letting you how my experience has been since I got my spa from them.
Happy tubing to all
No need to apologize at all, you are offering exactly what was asked for: personal experience with the brand in question. And you did it well, covering some very important aspects of the buying experience and ownership.
-
No need to apologize at all, you are offering exactly what was asked for: personal experience with the brand in question. And you did it well, covering some very important aspects of the buying experience and ownership.
Thank you, and that is what this Forum is all about.
-
I have been looking at a website that is similar to this with the kind of spa i saw at local dealers. however when i went to the local dealer and asked if he would service this spa should i have problems w/o honoring any warranties, (in other words i would be paying full price for any service/labor i might need) he said he would never service a tub that was bought in this manner and futhermore if he were to come to learn that one was sold in his area that he would be calling the manufacturer to pick up their tubs as they would be set out in the middle of the road never to be sold by this dealer again. So of course though i was looking at these sites for comparison it made my decision not to purchase a spa in this manner. I will go with a dealer that i feel will take care of me if i need it. I don't know if this is a normal way of doing business but i made me feel that the discount websites are somehow infringing on the local dealers and they sure don't like it. Just my experience....so far.
-
Hmmmm......a reputable spa company will not bypass it's dealers to sell directly to consumers. Who on earth would want to carry their line if the customer can buy it direct from the factory for less money?
There seems to be a few spa companies that sell the same spa under several different brand names as I keep seeing the same spas over and over and over. They are assembled kit spas that are basically 5 year throwaways in my experience and do a lot of harm to the industry as a whole.
How? By producing inferior products for people shopping for a low price point. I tend to get a little flustered when someone comes into my store telling me how they bought a spa out of a storage building ("a GREAT spa, just like those you sell but a whole lot cheaper") and then wonder why we won't service it when it breaks, which is often.
Awwww, who cares....it ain't worth it! ;D
Terminator