Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: MarKee on November 20, 2006, 09:29:28 pm

Title: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: MarKee on November 20, 2006, 09:29:28 pm
Does anyone know of any federal or state laws that prohibit the return of spa/pool chemicals?  Thanks
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: hot tub Frank on November 20, 2006, 09:43:40 pm
i am not sure if i understand your question!!!!
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: anne on November 20, 2006, 10:00:58 pm
Are they FDA regulated? Drugs cannot be accepted for return, but that is the FDA speaking.
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: MarKee on November 21, 2006, 12:15:08 am
I mean is there any laws that prohibit customers from returning chemicals to a store, similar to FDA drug laws or something like that
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: CraigW on November 21, 2006, 09:38:32 am
Not sure whether it is fed or state, but a pool place near me once told me that there is some sort of law prohibiting the return of chemicals.
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: Brewman on November 21, 2006, 09:39:50 am
I'm just guessing here, but I can't see why there would be a law against it.  
 I bet it's more of store policy than anything else, so I'd ask the place you bought from.  
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: kervis on November 21, 2006, 09:46:54 am
Perhaps only if the seal is intact?  Even then, however, someone could remove, tamper, and re-glue the seal back on.

Remember the eyedrop tampering?  Remember the Tylenol tampering?  You don't want to hop in a tub and then watch your skin float off.

You are not allowed by law to return ammunition either, in case it has been tampered with.
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: MarKee on November 21, 2006, 01:20:22 pm
The reason I'm asking is because the store I work at has a no-return chemical policy because it is supposedly against some law.  No one really knows who instituted the policy or what law it violates.  We had a customer try to return a bottle of Calc. Hardness Increaser and we told him no and now he is calling our bluff and wanting to know what law it is.  Supposedly our competitors in the area allow the return of chemicals.
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: Brewman on November 21, 2006, 01:56:12 pm
I'd say the customer has a legitimate question, and someone at your shop should get him an answer.  If your store has a no refund policy in general, that's fine, it should be posted prominently so any potential customer can see it.  

 But if you have a policy in place due to some law, someone there should know what law, and show a copy of it when asked.

Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on November 21, 2006, 02:32:43 pm
Me thinks you better give him his refund.
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: Chris_H on November 21, 2006, 04:04:59 pm
If I am not mistaken it falls under the prescription drug law.  You can look it up.  Many swimming pool stores do not allow returns on chemicals.  Leslie’s does not since the last time I checked.  

Also, most states do not require businesses to make returns.  Your state’s attorney general’s office should have the requirements for retail businesses.
Title: Re: Returning Chemicals?
Post by: Chris_H on November 21, 2006, 04:17:41 pm
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/consumers.aspx?id=239

Here is PA's take on returns.