Initial Quality of my Niagara.....

[hottbpete]

Here is an update on my Niagra...

Love the tub, I would say that initail quality has been less then "great"

I have had 3-4 service calls in the past 6 months.  Mostly for little stuff.

Last thing was the back control panel had intermitent issues with working and not working.

Service has nbeen very accomodating, but it's a pain.

Is this the norm?

[Steve]

Here is an update on my Niagra...

Love the tub, I would say that initail quality has been less then "great"

I have had 3-4 service calls in the past 6 months.  Mostly for little stuff.

Last thing was the back control panel had intermitent issues with working and not working.

Service has nbeen very accomodating, but it's a pain.

Is this the norm?

Although these repairs have been somewhat of a pain, having the service to back up that purchase can make it a whole lot easier to take. Consider the fact that it could be major issues with lack of service and your feelings then...

3-4 minor repairs in 6 months is high but these are imperfect, man made products. It's conceivable that you may not require another for many years now that the "bugs" are ironed out.

[pg_rider]

3-4 minor repairs in 6 months is high but these are imperfect, man made products.

Well, EVERY product we buy is man-made... but are there other products we buy that require 3-4 repairs in six months?  Not in my world!    I would say that rate is unacceptable, but that's just me....

[Spatech_tuo]

Well, EVERY product we buy is man-made... but are there other products we buy that require 3-4 repairs in six months?  Not in my world!    I would say that rate is unacceptable, but that's just me....

I agree, 3-4 is obviously high but on the other hand, this is a sample of one. Another person may have the same spa and have no issues during the warranty period and say "buy this brand, the quality is the best". Is one right and the other wrong? You have to look at the overall picture from many customers but that is no solice to this individual. On the other side, I've also seen products that many consider less than great overall but a single customer can say "no, it's a great product, mine has had no issues".

Are these major or minor issues and are they related to the long term quality of the spa? We'd need more specifics. With electronics especially, there can be somewhat of a break in period so hopefully the kinks are out and things will be clear from here.

[hottubdan]

Well, EVERY product we buy is man-made... but are there other products we buy that require 3-4 repairs in six months?  Not in my world!    I would say that rate is unacceptable, but that's just me....

I would agree that 3-4 repairs in six months is high, but is "unacceptable" a bit harsh?  If unacceptable, what is your recourse?  What is acceptable?  0,  1, 2 or 3 repairs in six months, a year, 2 years, 5?

Frankly, as a dealer, I wish repairs were closer to 1 every 5 years but that is not reality.

[Steve]

Gee, and I thought some stuff was machine made with computers and fancy machine arms 'n stuff...

So what would YOU do pigrider? Ask for your money back or a brand new spa in exchange? These were described as minor repairs and by the sounds of it, the dealer is looking after him. Good on the dealer!

We bought a top of the line ceramic stove in Dec '05. It has required 4 service calls and 2 were not under warranty. One of which cost me $350 for a new control board...
But then again...that's in MY world.... Sh*t happens!

[drewstar]

I just pulled the trigger on my new Geneva this morning.  I hope Pete's experciences are an aberation.

[Mendocino101]

The reality anything can have service calls, Its been my experience that while we have very few calls when we do have a problems it seems to be around a very small collection of the same customers, I would not think this is to uncommon but it does seem to run that way.

[Richs100]

So what would YOU do pigrider?

I think the poster's name is pg_rider, not pigrider.
(an unintentional error, I'm sure)

[Steve]

I think the poster's name is pg_rider, not pigrider.
(an unintentional error, I'm sure)

Sorry...slight typo!  

[Gomboman]

I just pulled the trigger on my new Geneva this morning.  I hope Pete's experciences are an aberation.

Drew, what do you mean that you pulled the trigger. I thought it was a freebie?

[Steve]

Maybe he decided on a delivery date?  :-?

[D.P. Roberts]

Or maybe it's part of a Hot Spring "buy one, get one free" promo?

[drewstar]

Drew, what do you mean that you pulled the trigger. I thought it was a freebie?

I ordered the tub.  I had to corordinate the removal of the old tub with my sister (who had decking and electrical to get done first,)  and then schedule the removal and delivery of the tiger river to them, (From Ma to CT) order the Geneva (possible 5 week lead time: 4 weeks in manufac, and 1 week at the dealer) arrange to make some minor changes to my pavers and account for the oh so dependable New England Sprng weather.  I wanted to mimilize the time I had without a tub, but did not want to have  two tubs sitting in my yard, or no time to get my pavers done.

it's all a very complicated plan.    .

By pulling the trigger I ment to say. I 've started my plans in motion and told Watkins to make the tub and ship it asap.  I'm committed. We've been dreaming of the tub since January, and now we may finally take delivery in 3-5 weeks.      

[hottbpete]

The issues I had were all minor.
A screw holder that you screw the cabinet to came out with the screw
the hand jet did not work
another jet conked out
the 2nd control board had to be replaced
The original filter came apart

little stuff...thank goodness for great service.  I posted to see if others with Calderas had seen a similar initial quality issue.  That would be helpful to other users and Caldera...who I suppose would be watching this site.  I know Artic guys are....On one post, I mentioned I thought the Artic was uncomfortable...there national sales guy left me an email.  I was impressed....but the tub didn't change so I didn't buy it.