Hot tub/spa owners: who services your tub? (heater, cost, repair)

[LIGuyandGal]

I recently bought a swim spa but I am having issues with the dealer, specifically getting help or service in a reasonable amount of time.
I had to wait almost 2 weeks for someone to come out and fix a pump issue (an issue which occurred within the first week of using the tub), and most of the waiting was for a confirmation of when a repair tech could show up.
I have also been waiting for well over a month for some accessories that were supposed to be included with the tub but for some reason have yet to be delivered.
There have been several other issues with this dealer, so I am wondering if I am committed to using them for any and all non-user friendly repairs and maintenance or can I find a different company to handle them?
The tub's warranty may be a factor, but reviews of other spa owners claim the manufacturer doesn't always honor it. I'd rather pay knowing the tub will be fixed in a specified time frame than wait weeks for someone to show up and fix it anyway.
If any other hot tub/spa owners had similar issues, please let me know what course you took. Thanks.

[cdelena]

I moved into a property with a spa and found quickly that there are few reliable service organizations and they do charge a healthy hourly rate and high retail for parts. I wound up printing all the documentation from the internet and do my own service buying parts online.

[Graycee]

We have used the dealer for repairs. Our dealer has been very god. I guess we got lucky.

[Brian_M]

I'm a DIY guy, it's very good for my soul to work on/repair/improve things. If you're not the same way, then start looking for someone else to do the work. If the Mfg isn't known to be good and you Know that the dealer is a complete waste then treat it as if you have no warranty (until a big issue appears, and so long as you have receipts showing competent work, the Magnuson-Moss warranty act provides you protection from requiring a Specific entity from doing the work ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus...s_Warranty_Act ).

So, just start shopping around for someone better or think about doing it yourself. In the mean time, for the stuff you're still waiting on.... the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Be a persistent thorn, call them daily (both the dealer and the Mfg), yes it wastes your time but you Will drive them to the point of wanting to get you what's due so you stop bothering them.

[TWG1572]

Originally Posted by cdelena

I moved into a property with a spa and found quickly that there are few reliable service organizations and they do charge a healthy hourly rate and high retail for parts. I wound up printing all the documentation from the internet and do my own service buying parts online.

This has been my experience as well. We don't have any local dealers that are responsive and charge a fair price for parts. IE less than a 200% markup on what I could buy it for online. I just replaced my circulation pump and heater relay board. $300 for the parts online, I shudder to think what the local cost would have been for parts and labor. Probably north of $1,000 for sure.

You aren't committed to using your dealer, any more than someone who buys a new car is committed to using that dealer. Some do, because it makes them feel better. But there is no commitment, warranty wise or otherwise.