February 5, 2011
From Pool and Spa News
By Ben Thomas
Phoenix Spas, known for manufacturing low-cost hot tubs,
is winding down its operations after more than 20 years
in business.
The small, regional business was based in Anderson,
Calif., about 100 miles north of Sacramento.
“They were a great company to deal with, and their
product was top notch,” said Warren Kayser, owner of
Warren’s Expert Spa Repair in Chico, Calif., a Phoenix
dealer for more than 12 years. “I’m really sorry to hear
they’re going away.”
While the company has not formally announced the
closing, and was not answering calls at press time,
sources close to the leadership at Phoenix have
confirmed that the shutdown is official.
The manufacturer now is working to ensure that customers
who still have a year or two left on their warranty will
remain covered, according to Phoenix dealers.
“They’re being very professional about it,” said Khasha
Mekanik, owner of Black Pine Spas in Lynnwood, Wash., a
former Phoenix dealer who continues to perform warranty
work on its products.
Mekanik explained that Phoenix staff has put his company
in touch with the original equipment manufacturers that
provided parts to Phoenix, so he and his team can
maintain coverage for those customers who still have a
few years left on their warranties. “In terms of taking
care of loose ends, I think they’re handling it the
right way,” he said.
Phoenix was founded by husband-and-wife team Rob and Pam
King in 1983. With Rob as president and Pam working as
CFO, the company remained family-owned and operated as
it expanded its network of dealers, mostly in the
Pacific Northwest.
“I really liked the fact that they were local, and
oriented toward local dealers,” said Chris Blackburn,
owner of Mountain Pool & Spa in Willow Creek, Calif. “It
only took a few hours’ driving for me to get out to
their offices and talk with them in person.”
Blackburn adds that Phoenix geared its sales policies
toward small dealers like him: “They didn’t have any
purchase minimums, so I could buy as many or as few spas
as I wanted from them.”
Though most major hot tub manufacturers have stayed
afloat through the current recession, many smaller spa
companies were hit particularly hard last year.
“Quite a few [spa] manufacturers and retailers have
closed their doors,” said Sony Banga, vice president of
sales at Strong Pools and Spas in Northumberland, Pa. “I
think it’s going to take some time for (our industry) to
bounce back.”
