Hot Tub Life Articles

Avoid the 8 Weeks of Hell
(From Hot Tub Life Newsletter 1995)

There is nothing worse than wanting to call up a company and finding that all of their phone lines are always busy. Since we got a new computer system for Poolandspa.com, all of us have certainly spent our time on the phone, either on hold, or calling back one of the computer support companies with a question or problem. If any of you have ever gotten a new computer, you probably understand how frustrating this can be.

Unfortunately, people get new computers every day, and there is always a steady stream of customers calling the help lines with problems or questions. With computers, you have no choice...you must just keep trying to call and hope that you get through ! Why are we telling you this computer sob story ? Because we sometimes hear the same complaints from OUR customers about trying to get through to us. With hot tub problems ( unlike computers ) there is hope, if you just understand a little bit about the nature of the business.

While everyone likes to think that they are different, people tend to have certain seasonal patterns that they repeat year after year...especially when it comes to their hot tubs. The secret to getting the best service from a hot tub company, is to avoid those times when everyone else wants the same thing as you ! Sounds simple, but most people always wait until the last minute to do everything, and are often frustrated because of it.

Here are the secrets: If you think you'll need the assistance of a hot tub company, avoid the "8 Weeks of Hell". The time between the week before Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are absolutely crazy ! This is the busiest time of year for almost any outdoor service related business. Don't wait to have your hot tub opened up during this time ! Even if you usually set it up yourself, try to get started in April or the beginning of May. This way, if something is broken, you'll have plenty of time to get it fixed before the rush.

Also try to avoid the two weeks right after Labor day. These also tend to be extremely busy. Many people are closing their tubs down, while a whole other group of people are trying to get them set up for the Fall and Winter season.

Remember, these "Hell Weeks" (we mean very, very busy weeks) are not just specific to Long Island. All over the country, spa owners tend to follow the same pattern. This means that if you need to order a part, the suppliers may be out of stock. If you need to order a hot tub cover, the manufacturers are all backlogged. If you need to buy a new spa, the dealerships are mobbed. And if you need to call a service company, the phone lines are busy, busy, busy !

If you know you are going to need a new spa cover, try placing your order in March...so you'll have it in time for your opening date. Don't wait until you only have one bromine tablet left before you call to order more. Keep a close eye on your hot tub chemicals and supplies so that when you see you are running low, you can order more. This way, you'll never run out. If you remember that your heater didn't work too great last year, why not order one over the winter ? The prices are usually lower and you wont have to worry about it come Spring time.

There are 44 other weeks in the year, and with a little advance planning, you'll find that your hot tub experience can go a lot smoother if you avoid those busy times. Plus, you wont have the rest of the family complaining "Why isn't the hot tub working, Daddy ?".

But, if you are one of those people who do their Holiday shopping on Christmas Eve.....