Hey guys, I would like to purchase a new hot tub. Was recently turned on by a costco ( evolution spas oxford 7 person ) selling for about $6500.00. Looks nice with some decent reviews. I would love some advise on the matter or any recommendation on another spa. If possible I'd like to convert this to a SWG. I have a large pool (45k gallon) SWG, that Ive had no issues with ever since coming across this website. Any information / suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Purchase of a new spa hot tub
- Thread starter wesley1769
- Start date
In my experience, a good dealer is more important than a good deal. Does Costco have a service dept, or at least someone local who will handle their warranty issues? I used to do just that for costco in my town, and some customers I saw had been waiting over a year to get their tub repaired under warranty. All portable spas will have problems and, unless you want to fix it yourself, you will need someone. Most spa dealers only service what they sell, and most pool companies won't touch a portable spa, and wouldn't know what they were doing if they did. Independent techs don't like to mess with warranty bs. It's a bad spot to be in as a spa owner when nobody will fix your spa. Make sure you have a repair guy before you buy.
waterl0gged
Well-known member
That is actually a hot tub made by Strong Spas . You can look them up to find out more about the construction and details . The tub you are looking at is actually a Strong "Summit" series version . Its a Strong SL60 (with a lot more jets) . Strong Spas
I have noticed that Strong markets heavily to to big box stores , besides using there own name brand products for retail sales .
They have base tub molds, and produce differing hot tub models for box stores and the likes . Spa Depot also carries a version of Strong tubs . Spa Depot "Belize" UVC-900-L is the same mold you are looking at (with less jets) - EDIT : Spa Depot no longer carries Strong Spas hot tubs. Usually the differences are in the amount of jets , cabinet designs , and sometimes pump differences , but the main shells are all the same . Strangely , the versions marketed to the box stores and un-labeled (no defining "Strong Spas" badging) retailers, are the models with the largest amount of jets , and seem to be the best value . Strange.
I live about 5 minutes away from the Strong retail "Flagship Store" , and literally 15 minutes away from the Strong manufacturing facility.
We have an older 400 gallon Coleman tub (that we love) , but have recently thinking about upgrading . We were very impressed with the Strong tubs, and it would likely be at the top of our list if we purchase a new tub . For us, the choice to go with a Strong is a little easier as the factory is basically in the same town , so warranty would not be an issue .
Do some digging, and see what you think of Strong Spas , because that is the brand of Tub you are looking at !
I have noticed that Strong markets heavily to to big box stores , besides using there own name brand products for retail sales .
They have base tub molds, and produce differing hot tub models for box stores and the likes . Spa Depot also carries a version of Strong tubs . Spa Depot "Belize" UVC-900-L is the same mold you are looking at (with less jets) - EDIT : Spa Depot no longer carries Strong Spas hot tubs. Usually the differences are in the amount of jets , cabinet designs , and sometimes pump differences , but the main shells are all the same . Strangely , the versions marketed to the box stores and un-labeled (no defining "Strong Spas" badging) retailers, are the models with the largest amount of jets , and seem to be the best value . Strange.
I live about 5 minutes away from the Strong retail "Flagship Store" , and literally 15 minutes away from the Strong manufacturing facility.
We have an older 400 gallon Coleman tub (that we love) , but have recently thinking about upgrading . We were very impressed with the Strong tubs, and it would likely be at the top of our list if we purchase a new tub . For us, the choice to go with a Strong is a little easier as the factory is basically in the same town , so warranty would not be an issue .
Do some digging, and see what you think of Strong Spas , because that is the brand of Tub you are looking at !
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RD hit the nail on the head with that line!
I looked at those Spa’s from Costco, good tub for the price, but it’s the service after the sale that’s the most important.
You have to to keep in mind, they will be delivering, hooking it up, testing, and showing you how to use it. If you have a problem, they’ll be there to fix it.
Will the tub you bought from Costco have parts available in 5 years? 10 years? Will you make one phone call locally to have someone out to repair? Or will you be calling a call center and put on hold? Only to have the part shipped out to you, then have to wait for a service tech for weeks.
I know tubs from dealers can be a couple thousand more, but, do your homework, buy during the first of the year or summer, and you’ll get a good deal and piece of mind!
I looked at those Spa’s from Costco, good tub for the price, but it’s the service after the sale that’s the most important.
You have to to keep in mind, they will be delivering, hooking it up, testing, and showing you how to use it. If you have a problem, they’ll be there to fix it.
Will the tub you bought from Costco have parts available in 5 years? 10 years? Will you make one phone call locally to have someone out to repair? Or will you be calling a call center and put on hold? Only to have the part shipped out to you, then have to wait for a service tech for weeks.
I know tubs from dealers can be a couple thousand more, but, do your homework, buy during the first of the year or summer, and you’ll get a good deal and piece of mind!
Thank you for the information I will look more into it. I have never had a hot tub but I learn quickly, plan is if something breaks I'll figure it out and fix it myself. life experience has led me to this path, every time you pay someone to do something, something else fails days later. rather just fix it and learn what is needed from the start. But I have read many reviews and people seem to like their customer service and as of now seems good to get parts. Hoping that is the case years down the road. Costco jumped the price up $1500 from when I was looking at it, so I'll wait till price goes back down.
Warranty is one thing. Getting the service department out is another thing. Those two trump any price savings you are looking to get. Find a GREAT service center and an okay sales person and you will be more content. If the stars align - you'll get both... but if you ever need service, even under warranty, you don't want that to be the issue.
I had an issue with half my waterfall lights when out. Not a big deal, it was under warranty. My dealer is 45 mins away, but doesn't come our way often. When I called, it was under the 2-year warranty. They said they'd call when they had a service job in the area. It's only a light - not a big deal. A year went by, I finally figured I'd call one day realizing they hadn't called and it was only a light right? Nothing serious like a heater / pump / jet. Oh! No record of a call and now I'm out of warranty. But for $319 our service tech just happened to be coming my area that Friday! Lesson learned.
And yes - I questioned the service dept before I bought - but had no way to prove they were responsive. References if they will give them to you, but typically they are always positive customers right? Forums can give you more a "real" temp test.
Best of luck -
I had an issue with half my waterfall lights when out. Not a big deal, it was under warranty. My dealer is 45 mins away, but doesn't come our way often. When I called, it was under the 2-year warranty. They said they'd call when they had a service job in the area. It's only a light - not a big deal. A year went by, I finally figured I'd call one day realizing they hadn't called and it was only a light right? Nothing serious like a heater / pump / jet. Oh! No record of a call and now I'm out of warranty. But for $319 our service tech just happened to be coming my area that Friday! Lesson learned.
And yes - I questioned the service dept before I bought - but had no way to prove they were responsive. References if they will give them to you, but typically they are always positive customers right? Forums can give you more a "real" temp test.
Best of luck -