Hi everyone, we put down a deposit on a South Seas spa ( a great brand according to Hot Tub University) back in Sept 2020 with a November delivery date. Of course, it didn't arrive until last Saturday...And of course it came off the truck with a cracked beam on the bottom frame. Dealer took it back said they will fix the frame and re-deliver. Our other options are to wait for a new one, which won't be here until July. I am worried that we are opening ourselves up to all sort of problems with leaks and malfunctions, but I really don't want to wait another six months. I'm hoping someone can weigh in on the structural integrity if it's "just" the frame that's broken, as long as the shell is intact. Posting pics in a second.
Broken frame on delivery - should we accept dealer-repaired tub?
- Thread starter KayDub23
- Start date
Not a chance in the world I would take that tub, repaired or not! Looks like it hit pretty hard, no telling what else is wrong with it!! I would hate waiting but its better than maybe fighting demons for years!!!
- Jun 7, 2017
- 9,016
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Send it back God only knows what else was damaged when they broke this.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,259
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Let’s get an opinion from @RDspaguy
I would only take that after repair at a substantial discount, if at all, after it is repaired, tested, and warranty by the dealer.
I would only take that after repair at a substantial discount, if at all, after it is repaired, tested, and warranty by the dealer.
- Jun 7, 2017
- 9,016
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
I don't think that hurts it, they get delivered that way all the time.
The 'frame" of a spa is mainly there so you have somewhere to attach the skirting. It provides very little, if any, structural support, with the majority of the weight falling in the footwell. As long as the shell is undamaged it's nothing to worry about. You can raise a little heck about it and might get a discount but, as long as your warranty remains intact, I wouldn't be too worried.
Incidentally, depending on the sales contract you signed, you might not have the choice of taking it or not. Most warranties specify that the manufacturer has the right to repair or replace at their discretion, and is under no obligation to exchange or refund even partially.
Incidentally, depending on the sales contract you signed, you might not have the choice of taking it or not. Most warranties specify that the manufacturer has the right to repair or replace at their discretion, and is under no obligation to exchange or refund even partially.
Not sure that would include trying to deliver a heavily damaged tub. I sure wouldn't take it, and I'm pretty sure the courts would agree.
And if you nicely cut some of the frame away or forgot to put it in that's one thing but to have dropped it hard enough to do all that damage who knows what else is wrong in there..
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Looks like forklift damage to me. I've dropped spas, in several ways, and never did that to one.
Again, I would not be overly concerned as long as it still has original warranty. But if you would rather wait until July, then do so.
I just rebuilt a frame that was completely rotted out on the bottom half. It had been set on gravel next to a pool, and the bottom boards were mud. Shell and plumbing are great. It's about 20 years old or more.
It's full and running now, with double cinder block supports under both cross supports under the footwell (center) of the spa and a few around the edge for balance shimmed to match the center since it hangs off of the pad. If you support the edges higher than the center you will damage the tub, starting with splits at the shoulder in the corner.
In the instances such as this that I have seen, damage on delivery, the manufacturer fixes it or replaces it at their discretion. A replacement has been offered, eta July. If you want a spa before then, let them fix it. It is not a big deal. I have repaired and rebuilt hundreds of spa frames in my 26 years in this business. It's superficial damage.
Thank you so much, that is exactly the type of insight I was hoping for 
I appreciate you taking the time. We have been on the phone with the dealer multiple times and are waiting to hear on a timeline for repairs and if they will offer some sort of discount or usability guarantee. You answer gives me confidence to accept the repaired hot tub.
I appreciate you taking the time. We have been on the phone with the dealer multiple times and are waiting to hear on a timeline for repairs and if they will offer some sort of discount or usability guarantee. You answer gives me confidence to accept the repaired hot tub.