Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Richs100 on January 06, 2007, 01:20:31 pm

Title: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Richs100 on January 06, 2007, 01:20:31 pm
I wanted to post a picture of my new Privacy Screen in place, but it was only up for four days after the dealer installed it.  I came home from work after a nice sunny day (which the weather service described as "Breezy") and the screen was down and damaged.

My dealer was great about it.  As soon as he saw the pictures he called and apologized for the trouble and mess and said he would immediately refund the cost of the screen.  He also said he was not happy with how the screen had performed and would not selling any more of them through his dealership until Hot Springs takes a second look at the anchoring system and the quality of the metal fittings.  (in the four days it was up and exposed to the weather, every metal fitting on the screen began to rust).

So if you were thinking about this accessory, you might want to look around some more.  I think I am gonna try to have something built myself.  The only beef I've got are the dozen holes that were drilled into my new concrete patio!  Here are some pics of the screen after the attack of the breezy winds.  The last pic shows the rust on the metal fittings.

(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/richs10/HSScreen001.jpg)

(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/richs10/HSScreen015.jpg)

(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/richs10/HSScreen007.jpg)

(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/richs10/HSScreen011.jpg)



Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: galen on January 06, 2007, 01:49:41 pm
I don't know Rich, I think your spending WAY too much on a screen just so you won't offend squirrels. And the birds already know what your doing in there.
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Richs100 on January 06, 2007, 01:55:34 pm
It's those nosey (noisy?) frogs that I'm trying to 'screen' out.   :)
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: East_TX_Spa on January 06, 2007, 02:33:27 pm
What a hunk of crap! >:(

Terminator
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Vanguard on January 06, 2007, 02:57:02 pm
Looks to me like those were only meant to keep it standing without any wind.  That certainly needs to be addressed by Hot Spring. The screens look nice, but they don't do any good laying down, do they?
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Tatooed_Lady on January 06, 2007, 03:00:37 pm
bet that screen would look great in an indoor type situation....however, since it's made for in/outdoor use....that sucks. Good to hear though, that the dealer's taking care of you
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Richs100 on January 06, 2007, 03:02:37 pm
Quote
What a hunk of crap! >:(

Terminator

Easy now.....

I'll have you know that was a $459.00 hunk of crap! (plus $79.00 for the anchors)
Free (temporary) installation, though!

I prefer to call it "a damn nice hunk of crap".
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Tatooed_Lady on January 06, 2007, 03:07:25 pm
and SOME people would call it "art".  ::) :D
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Chas on January 06, 2007, 03:21:05 pm
I don't know - looks like the work of an evil genius to me. I bet one of the dealers you DIDN'T buy from got word that you purchased a HotSpring or two, and decided to pay a little visit. But you weren't home, so they did their worst.

They probably also worked your spa over with a metal bat, but of course, being a HS product, they were unable to do any damage.

Just a thought...

 8-)
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Richs100 on January 06, 2007, 03:46:58 pm
Chas:

My theory is the squirrels got together that day and made a squirrel ladder with the intent to topple the screen.  To their collective astonishment, the evil symbol of over-development came tumbling down when they leaned on it.  

When I think back now, they did seem especially happy as they danced around the lawn that evening.  I think Hot Spring should look into designing some squirrel proof anchors.
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Chad on January 06, 2007, 03:55:41 pm
Please don't take any offense to this but did you really think that the screen would stay put? ;) :)
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: East_TX_Spa on January 06, 2007, 04:01:40 pm
Quote

Easy now.....

I'll have you know that was a $459.00 hunk of crap! (plus $79.00 for the anchors)
Free (temporary) installation, though!

I prefer to call it "a damn nice hunk of crap".

I was talking about the spa.

Terminator
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Richs100 on January 06, 2007, 05:04:19 pm
Quote
Please don't take any offense to this but did you really think that the screen would stay put? ;) :)

I think the question is "did Hot Spring really think that the screen would stay put?"  At the high pressure sales session, all they ever showed me was that pretty little picture on their website.  I assumed that before they decided to sell this product that they had actually put one together at the "Hot Spring New Product Testing Lab".  My bad.

The box did say it was made in Canada.  
Dang these cheap Canadian imports flooding our markets........ ;D
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: In Canada eh on January 06, 2007, 06:11:26 pm
Quote
The box did say it was made in Canada.  
Dang these cheap Canadian imports flooding our markets........ ;D


Hey wait a minute there ;D ;D ;D

Sorry about your screen and your right the anchor points did look very cheap.  I am shocked HS even put thier name on it :(
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Spiderman on January 06, 2007, 07:47:49 pm
Why do you need a privacy screen??  Your back yard looks awesome!!  I wish I had the same view......... :'(
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: bluesman on January 06, 2007, 08:48:54 pm
To the credit of HS engineering, I think there must be some missing parts to this assembly.
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Richs100 on January 06, 2007, 09:09:09 pm
Quote
Why do you need a privacy screen??  Your back yard looks awesome!!  I wish I had the same view......... :'(

Well, you know the saying:  A fool and his money......
I just thought it would look nice there.  And I have a neighbor across the ravine who is somewhat visible during the winter months.  Plus the HotSpring sales staff were very persuasive (although I do thing they put something in my drink that evening)

All I know is I woke up the next morning with receipt for a loaded Envoy, a bar, stools. a stereo that's hidden somewhere in the tub (and that I've never actually seen) and a promise of a screen that matched the tub.  I owned the screen for 4 days and now there is a check in the mail.

It was still a fun night.  This is how it happens in the People's Republic of Maryland.  I think I'll go out and sit in the loaded Envoy now.

Term:  Does it go down the same way in the Great State of Texas?
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Vanguard on January 09, 2007, 12:24:09 am
You know, even though the screen was on its side, I think it looks like a nice screen.  It just simply seems to need a better anchor system.

Before we all start panning this product, give Hot Spring a chance to make it right.  It seems to me, they usually do.

Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Chad on January 09, 2007, 12:37:19 am
Quote
 It just simply seems to need a better anchor system.
The only way a screen like that could handle wind is if it was cemented into the slab about a foot. Even then, during high winds, I think it would eventually start to crack where the base met the slab.
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: drewstar on January 09, 2007, 09:24:08 am
Quote
The only way a screen like that could handle wind is if it was cemented into the slab about a foot. Even then, during high winds, I think it would eventually start to crack where the base met the slab.


I always thought if someone was to take a couple of large, deep terra cotta  planters, fill with cement and set some 4 x 4 posts in them they should be able to hold an 8ft  section of privacy fencing.  They'd also be somewhat move abe.
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Vanguard on January 10, 2007, 07:41:56 pm
Quote
The only way a screen like that could handle wind is if it was cemented into the slab about a foot. Even then, during high winds, I think it would eventually start to crack where the base met the slab.


I agree.  That is probably the only way.  I don't have a screen, but I imagine it is not something you can keep up all the time.  Of course, if that is the case, why did they include anchors?  

I am curious, does anyone have a screen like this that actually stands up?
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Richs100 on January 10, 2007, 07:51:26 pm
Quote

I agree.  That is probably the only way.  I don't have a screen, but I imagine it is not something you can keep up all the time.  Of course, if that is the case, why did they include anchors?  

I am curious, does anyone have a screen like this that actually stands up?

Well, I just checked and the privacy screen on the Hot Spring website is still standing!  :)
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Vanguard on January 10, 2007, 07:53:22 pm
Quote

Well, I just checked and the privacy screen on the Hot Spring website is still standing!  :)


Funny ;D ;D
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: drewstar on January 11, 2007, 04:11:09 pm
Arborvitae trees make great privacy screens.
Title: Re: Problems with the Hot Spring Privacy Screen
Post by: Chas on January 12, 2007, 11:28:15 am
Well, for the price of a good vinyl privacy screen, you might be able to put in two or three fence posts. Set them back from the slab, or put them right at the edge. At that point you could choose to mount a couple of fence panels from the home center on them, or simply string up some roll-up bamboo or vinyl shades, stretch some shade cloth, or buy some vinyl fence panels ready-made. Even a couple of vinyl lattice panels would still be under budget, but you would have to mount them well or they would sag and bend in the breeze.

We get Santa Ana winds in March and April, so most of our customers don't put out screens - or patio umbrellas for that matter - unless they have some form of wind shelter, and/or support on top as well as bottom.

Free thoughts...

 8-)