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Actually, you will have a full five yr warranty on parts, labor and travel. The Marquis Everyday Hot tub line is 3 years on parts and labor.7 years - Shell, skirt and plumbing5 years - Motor(s), pump, heater, jets and spa pack (computer)3 years - Lights, ozonator, fuses, cover and (see actual owner’s protection plan)This is considered the best warranty from the major manufacturers.
I don't know which tubs you are looking at, but we bought a Marquis Epic and it has the easiest warranty with the least exclusions I've seen. In fact, it doesn't have an "exclusions" section in the warranty.You can download the warranty from Marquis' website. This is what I got from my dealer when I asked about Marquis' warranty and travel charges.I'm sure there will be "discussions" on that last sentence as far as the "best", but it seems to be a fairly straight forward warranty.
They still have a few.From Marquis:"Marquis Corp. agrees to repair any plumbing or surface defects and to repair or furnish a replacement for any factoryinstalledcomponents covered under this warranty which, upon test and examination by Marquis Corp., prove defective. All materials for examination must be returned to Marquis Corp. freight prepaid.""Other items not included in this warranty are freight expense; labor and material costs associated with removal and/or replacement of spa;""Your authorized Marquis Dealer reserves the right to assess travel charges for service calls which are beyond the scope of their normal service area." (fair enough - but then again their normal service area should be their sales area imho.)
I am amazed consumers expect bullet proof warranties on spas when they don't get them in automotive, electronics etc.
It's not as if you have a reasonable option to take the tub in, like a car, stereo, etc.
Does the dealer you're shopping at actually charge the fee? My Sundance warranty has the dealer fee blub, my particular dealer doesn't charge it.