Panels Popping On Hot Springs???

[AstaLaVista]

Today I was outside... walked by my hot tub and noticed that the bottom of one of my skirting panels had popped almost an inch out at a seam.  also some of the other seams were starting to come away but only an eight of an inch or so...  I called my dealer and they are sending someone out this week.  The Tech said that they were having a problem with a lot of the tubs because the wood had not been properly kiln dried??? and as the wood dries it bows..and makes the panels pop somewhat.  They said Watkins had approved a fix of recessed screw with a matching color putty to cover the screw... has anyone heard this... is it an okay fix??? Do I have to worry about any structural problems???

 

[Josh]

Wow...that sucks.  I lost my last tub to critters getting in and chewing through the pipes....so hopefully you don't have that problem while it's sitting there open like that.

 

[AstaLaVista]

I take it no one has actually heard of this problem? is my tech feeding me a line? :-[

 

[Josh]

I take it no one has actually heard of this problem? is my tech feeding me a line? :-[

It's kind of surprising to me that all the people here who are so relentless about pimping the Hot Springs tubs aren't in here talking to you about your problem with the one you've just purchased.

Sorry to hear about your issue.

 

[Richs100]

I take it no one has actually heard of this problem? is my tech feeding me a line? :-[

Asta,

I drink the kool-aid, and always recommend Hot Spring without reservation, but let me tell you......If my new tub had a problem like you have, I would be on the war path.  I have never heard of any other Hot Spring tub with that problem. One of the nice things about HS tubs is that their sides are strong, tight and don't bow or split like "Lil Tyke tubs"  (ask Term for some pics)

If this problem was due to improperly kiln dried wood, then I would say "GET ME A TUB WITH PROPERLY DRIED WOOD.  I PAID A PREMIUM PRICE FOR THIS TUB AND EXPECT IT TO BE JUST AS GOOD AS EVERY OTHER HOT SPRING TUB COMING OFF THE LINE".  This is a long term investment you have made.  I, personally, would not allow a repair by adding screws and puddy where none has been used on any other similar tub.  I don't think you bought a "Factory Second", did you?

Given your description, and your dealer's explanation, it's a no brainer:  
-No thank you as to the repair.  
-Please replace my brand new tub with another.
Just my opinion.

 

[WHY_NOT]

Asta,

I drink the kool-aid, and always recommend Hot Spring without reservation, but let me tell you......If my new tub had a problem like you have, I would be on the war path.  I have never heard of any other Hot Spring tub with that problem. One of the nice things about HS tubs is that their sides are strong, tight and don't bow or split like "Lil Tyke tubs"  (ask Term for some pics)

If this problem was due to improperly kiln dried wood, then I would say "GET ME A TUB WITH PROPERLY DRIED WOOD.  I PAID A PREMIUM PRICE FOR THIS TUB AND EXPECT IT TO BE JUST AS GOOD AS EVERY OTHER HOT SPRING TUB COMING OFF THE LINE".  This is a long term investment you have made.  I, personally, would not allow a repair by adding screws and puddy where none has been used on any other similar tub.  I don't think you bought a "Factory Second", did you?

Given your description, and your dealer's explanation, it's a no brainer:  
-No thank you as to the repair.  
-Please replace my brand new tub with another.
Just my opinion.

I'm not sure I understand completely what Vista is trying to describe but to me it sounds like it's just a defective skirt panel. Therefore I would not think that a whole spa replacement is needed. Just some new panels. Unless it has something to do with the actual structure/framing of the spa of course.

As far as re-drilling new holes and applying putty in the old ones, no way. I would not be happy with any thing less than new panels or if the existing ones can be repaired w/o rendering their appearence as new.

I'm sure no matter what this problem will be solved in a timely manner as there is a plethera(sp?) of HS people here that are capable of support if needed.

Atleast you can still enjoy a soak.

Chad

ps- Some pictures of this issue would be very helpful.

 

[tony]

I'm not sure I understand completely what Vista is trying to describe but to me it sounds like it's just a defective skirt panel. Therefore I would not think that a whole spa replacement is needed. Just some new panels. Unless it has something to do with the actual structure/framing of the spa of course.

As far as re-drilling new holes and applying putty in the old ones, no way. I would not be happy with any thing less than new panels or if the existing ones can be repaired w/o rendering their appearence as new.

I'm sure no matter what this problem will be solved in a timely manner as there is a plethera(sp?) of HS people here that are capable of support if needed.

Atleast you can still enjoy a soak.

Chad

ps- Some pictures of this issue would be very helpful.

The problem is...HotSpring hasn't made a wood skirt panel in years.

 

[AstaLaVista]

The skirt itself is fine.  its the wood underneath that has bowed outward..causing the panel to pull away from the other panel... making an opening towards the bottom.

I bought what the owner called a "DEMO" with full warranty... does that mean It is a second??? I am starting to feel a little screwed.. If I knew how to post pictures.. I would post a picture of the issue.

 

[Markus]

I have the exact same problem occuring on my tub on both sides for over a year now. My HS Vanguard is 2 years old. I haven't called the tech over yet because I'm waiting to see if this happens at the back of the spa.  It's lifting on 4 corners so far (2 on each side). It's the wood frame of the side panel that is warping outwards about 1 inch so far.  Also...to top things off...my inside touch panel has completely stopped working once again. This panel will be the 5th replacement in 2 years...under warranty of course.

 

[Richs100]

The skirt itself is fine.  its the wood underneath that has bowed outward..causing the panel to pull away from the other panel... making an opening towards the bottom.

I bought what the owner called a "DEMO" with full warranty... does that mean It is a second??? I am starting to feel a little screwed.. If I knew how to post pictures.. I would post a picture of the issue.

I have never heard of a "factory second" HS tub.  The fact that it was a floor model (?) should not change the situation.  I would think this would be considered something more than a mere scratch or blemish.  FWIW, the skirt on my old Prodigy (which was real wood inside and out) had no gaps or cracks in it after 13 years.  I expect the same performance on my new tub.  

It sounds like this is a known problem caused by an acknowledged defect in the wood used for framing with this batch of tubs.  I'm confident HS will take care of it as long as they know you find the situation unacceptable.

 

[AstaLaVista]

I don't know.. I am pretty bummed right now... I did email my dealer as well as Hot Springs to explain my concerns and disappointment.  I really didn't expect to be having this type of problem.  I paid the money I did to avoid this type of BS. :'(

 

[AstaLaVista]

I have the exact same problem occuring on my tub on both sides for over a year now. My HS Vanguard is 2 years old. I haven't called the tech over yet because I'm waiting to see if this happens at the back of the spa.  It's lifting on 4 corners so far (2 on each side). It's the wood frame of the side panel that is warping outwards about 1 inch so far.  Also...to top things off...my inside touch panel has completely stopped working once again. This panel will be the 5th replacement in 2 years...under warranty of course.

I can't believe you haven't called them to fix it yet! The day I saw it I would not have been able to sleep until I called... within two minutes I was on the phone. I have now documented the problem with pictures.  My question is ... Is this considered a Cosmetic issue...or will this effect the structure???   Either way I paid way too much money to have to live with it.

 

[AstaLaVista]

I'm not sure I understand completely what Vista is trying to describe but to me it sounds like it's just a defective skirt panel. Therefore I would not think that a whole spa replacement is needed. Just some new panels. Unless it has something to do with the actual structure/framing of the spa of course.

As far as re-drilling new holes and applying putty in the old ones, no way. I would not be happy with any thing less than new panels or if the existing ones can be repaired w/o rendering their appearence as new.

I'm sure no matter what this problem will be solved in a timely manner as there is a plethera(sp?) of HS people here that are capable of support if needed.

Atleast you can still enjoy a soak.

Chad

ps- Some pictures of this issue would be very helpful.

Chad, How do I post a picture?  I took one of my issue..Would like some opinions on here.

 

[Markus]

Actually, now is a good time to tell them about the warping issue since I'll be making an appointment for them to replace the inside controller panel.

Not only are the panel corners warped...one of the panels actually developed a crack/split right down the middle of it which progressively got worse over the last 8 months. The crack now runs from top to bottom for about 80% of the panel height.

This spa was purchased new... but gave me nothing but problems since day one! They've been out to my house 7 or 8 times for repairs so far in just 2 years.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Actually, now is a good time to tell them about the warping issue since I'll be making an appointment for them to replace the inside controller panel.

Not only are the panel corners warped...one of the panels actually developed a crack/split right down the middle of it which progressively got worse over the last 8 months. The crack now runs from top to bottom for about 80% of the panel height.

This spa was purchased new... but gave me nothing but problems since day one! They've been out to my house 7 or 8 times for repairs so far in just 2 years.

OUCH!  I am starting to feel sick just thinking about it.!!!

 

[Markus]

I don't worry too much about it any more...since it is all under warranty. I guess I've become numb to the shock of things going wrong.

Beleive it or not...I still think they make a good quality spa and I don't think my troubles are the "norm".

 

[aquatub]

Actually, now is a good time to tell them about the warping issue since I'll be making an appointment for them to replace the inside controller panel.

Not only are the panel corners warped...one of the panels actually developed a crack/split right down the middle of it which progressively got worse over the last 8 months. The crack now runs from top to bottom for about 80% of the panel height.

This spa was purchased new... but gave me nothing but problems since day one! They've been out to my house 7 or 8 times for repairs so far in just 2 years.

Have the problems been major problems?  If so, and they have really been out that many times, you might start mentioning a new spa to them.  Some spas just seem to have a ghost in them.  That goes for all brands.  No matter what gets fixed, something else seems to break.

No manufacturer likes to replace spas, but I know that if a spa has enough problems in a short amount of time, Watkins will consider a replacement.  Just get your dealer to go to work for you on this.

Now, if the problems have been things like jets falling off, pillows coming loose, etc, don't expect a replacement.  But, if you have major panel problems, equipment problems, etc, you might get a replacement.

 

[Gomboman]

OUCH!  I am starting to feel sick just thinking about it.!!!

Altavista, don't lose any sleep over this problem. I'm sure your dealer or the factory will make things right for you. Watkins is top notch and they won't screw you on this matter.

 

[aquatub]

As to the original post, I know Hot Spring had some issues a while back.  The problem described was exactly the issue.  Hot Spring was shipped some wood that wasn't fully dried.  The problem is, you can't tell just by looking at it.

Asta, check with your dealer to see when the spa was built.  You can tell by looking at the serial number.  

You'll see a letter indicating your model, followed by the quarter your spa was built (1, 2, 3, or 4), then the year code.  2006 is H and 2007 is I.

This will help your dealer find out if your spa was built in a period with bad wood.

Now, the fix is very simple.  They'll do a little on-site work and you shouldn't have any more problems with that.   At worst, they'll replace your panel.  This is a minor repair and will not affect the operation of your spa.

I know its a bummer to have anything go wrong with your brand new spa.  However, when you work with natural products, you sometimes get unpredictable results.  

 

[AstaLaVista]

dunno? mine says SS3J1227 doesn't seem to make much sense.. I know I saw a sticker that showed an inspection date in August of 2007?