HOT SPRINGS SPAS WATKINS MFG. (MARK) ripoff Vista California

I have been a Hot Spring spa delaer for many, many years. I have no axe to grind in this matter because I do not work for the manufacturer, and I am not the dealer that sold the spa. Here is the reality of the situation:

1. Watkins does NOT refurbish spas: if they did, I have about 15 trade-in's that I would LOVE for them to refurbish for me, as a dealer, and the I would resell them. Watkins is in the business of manufacturing brand new spas and, as such, does not have the facility nor the inclination to refurbish old spas.

2. As dealers, we have a lot of customers in our market area that have older spas that they trade in when they buy a new one. Independantly, we evaluate them and, if we feel they are worth saving, we take them in, "refurbish" them by putting new components (if necessary), staining the skirt, checking for leaks, etc. etc. etc. We then resell them - UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES does Watkins Manufacturing EVER give a dealer a warranty on a used / refurbished spa... EVER. If you were told that the spa you purchased was a refurbished spa, and the person who sold it to you said there was a warranty, they either were misinformed, or you were misled. In either case, if your description is accurate --- that it was a refurbished spa --- your contention that Watkins is at fault is without merit.

3. I know the person --- "Mark" --- who is trying to help you out with your problem. He is one of the finest customer service representatives of any company in any industry in the country. I have hundreds of vendors that I deal with on a regular basis and I can assure you that Mark B. at Watkins is a cut above anything else a consumer might experience, from any company. If he is trying to help you out by giving you parts at no charge, he is doing that out of a determination to maintain the reputation of the product, and not out of necissity.

The reality is that Watkins has no responsibility whatsoever for the misfortune you have with your spa. If a dealer sold you a refurbished spa he (or she) ALONE is responsible to make good on any claims or representations that may have been made at the time of purchase. The warranty on a Hot Spring spa, like virtually every other warrnaty on any other spa on the planet, is NOT transferable and, if you buy a used spa, you have no FACTORY warranty.

If I have missed anything on this issue please feel free to rebutt anything I have stated. If I got it right I think you should either retract your statement, or post a follow up to set things straight. Many people are always willing to call someone out when they think they have been wronged... it's just as important when it comes time to make things right.

Steve G. - Proud Hot Spring Dealer since 1989 in Northern California.

Having worked several years for a Hot Spring Spa Dealer, I understand a bit about the servicing and warranty of their spas.
A new spa that has a blemish carries a full warranty just as if it were a brand new spa (and as you said, blemish means the defect is purely cosmetic not mechanical). However, there is a HUGE difference between a blemished spa and a refurbished spa. A refurbished spa carries no manufacturer warranty and is sold at a considerable discount. Didn't you wonder why you could buy a Hot Spring spa for so little?
In this case it is the dealers responsiblity to take care of the issue for you... any warranty would be soley through the dealer. Even though Watkins had no liability to do anything for you, they attempted to help.
I'm very sorry to hear of your unfortunate experience; but I think you're pointing the figure at the wrong guy and should be writing about the bumb that sold you the spa.

Sounds like it is the dealerships liability. It also looks like Watkins is being MORE than kind in sending warranty parts. Watkins has no liability to honor the warranty on that spa, their warranties are not transferable. Go after the dealer. Good Luck.

Sounds like it is the dealerships liability. It also looks like Watkins is being MORE than kind in sending warranty parts. Watkins has no liability to honor the warranty on that spa, their warranties are not transferable. Go after the dealer. Good Luck.

I bought this at a dealer and was told it was a "blemished" spa. They said it had a scratch or other cosmetic blemish. Later I was told that it was a refurbished one.

Used Spa, is there a warranty?? Did you buy it direct from Watkins Mfg.? I doubt it. Are their warranties transferable? I doubt that. Are they trying to help you out on a used spa that you purchased? probably. Where did you buy the spa? The owner of that company is responsible. Did you buy it from a private party? If so contact them. Did the person that told you the spa was completely refurbished lie????? Please detail some of your information, Watkins is a good company.