I once saw a sign stapled to a hydro pole advertising wholesale prices on retail tubs. I was in the market for a tub, so I gave them a call. The guy was selling Gulf Coast Spa's in the back of some seedy strip mall warehouse. He mentioned that the tubs were top of the line units, that he purchased at a going out of business type auction, for a really good price. He indicated that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and that once these tubs were gone, that was it!
That is the only experience I have had with Gulf Coast, and even a guy new to the market such as myself at that time could tell they were build..well like a Yugo. I didn't even ask about the warranty.
My advise to people looking for a deal. Pay the extra $1000, and get a real tub, with a real warranty. Actually I have a good example. I needed my brakes (front & rear)replaced on my car about 10 months ago, so I took it to the dealership. They wanted $1000 for OEM replacement. I thought that was too much,so I took it to a Mom and Pop type garage, and the guy quoted me $700.00. I went with the $700.00 brake job, and 10 months, 15k miles later I hear a grinding noise. Sure enough it's my front brakes. Metal on metal. I take it back....and he tells me that yes I need new brakes and that he will not warranty the brakes that he put on just 15k miles ago. My $700 just went to $1500, because I am now going back to the dealer for an OEM replacement.
