Background:
I bought a SQ92 last at the end of last fall. After waiting two months to receive it, it came - but without the waterfall/LED waterline lighting, etc. - so I waited another 6 weeks or so for the replacement to come.
When the spa I bought that included all the features did come in it was December. The local dealer installed the new spa in the middle of a snow storm. They took the outside panels off the wrong one they sent and put in on the new one.
The panels are VERY CHEAPLY made (I have the imitation stone exterior). Chunks break off very easily - be sure you do not let anything brush along the side of the stone or it may just snap off.
Here's my problem:
Once the Spa I ordered was in place. It only lasted two months. This was about the time we had our first thaw and snow melted. With temperatures above freezing I was able to drain the spa for the 1st time. Draining went fine. A few days later we had a rain/snow mix. A day after that the spa was not working - pumps weren't working. It was basically dead - not one control worked. The tech came out and looked inside — there was water inside the control panel and you could see where it corroded some parts in the panel. After doing some thinking he said the only way water could get in there was from when I drained it - it must have shot it. (I know this was not the case). But having no other explanation I paid for an entire replacement panel.
Knowing me draining it did not get the water in there, the tech guy told me to send the box to cal for testing where they can determine where the water came in. I called Cal and they told me where to send the box for testing. & This was in March & thinking this test would prove me correct on where the water came from I was looking forward to hearing the results. It is now September — I do not have my box back (I paid for it out of pocket) - and I have not heard where the water came in the box from. JESSE at Cal was supposed to test it. I've called almost weekly - then after getting discouraged called maybe twice a month. Jesse was always busy - spoke to him once but left messages almost weekly. He was suppossed to call back but NEVER did. That is until I called Eva (Ext 555). I left a message asking for her to call me and saying I've been dealing w / Jesse. Jesse then did call and said this, "It doesn't work — water destroyed a switch". Me - "Did you determine how the water entered the control box?" Jesse — "No."
So I waited 6 months to find out it doesn't work? Thats why I sent it to them! I didn't work!
During this six month time my spa had all kinds of problems. From running non-stop - to not running at all - to being 108 degress (though it was set at 98). Everytime the tech came out there was water in the control panel... Hmmmm... The replacement panel that was put in hasn't worked properly since April.
It's coming up on a year since I've bought this spa and have only enjoyed it 2 months without any problems. No, it currently does not work now.
When the tech came back (to replace the ozonator for a 3rd time - whole different story) - I kept insisting everytime it rained the control box got water in it. He inspected the lip around the tub, etc. - noticed there are 4 or so cut-outs at the very top of the front fake stone outside panel - but concluded only a rain with tremendous wind could get water in there.
Having caught on to the pattern of it raining and my spa not working, I said to him — well what if I dump a bucket of water in the dead-center of the spa cover and lets just see where the water runs of the lid. He thought I was crazy - but agreed to the test. I dumped a few gallons of water on the center of the cover as he watched. As I was walking back to watch with him I heard him say, "holly sh*t".
Sure enough - the water went off the lid - ran onto the lip - then followed the lip back right on to the little opening on the outside shell - from there it dripped INSIDE to all the electronics.
My local dealer/tech is in communication w / Cal to inform them of this "flaw". After nearly 11 months since I purchased this $10,000 spa I have only gotten 2 months out of it. My wife and I can't stand to even look at it anymore. After all the calls to Cal and the dealer - with no resolution it has just become a huge expensive burden. Nearly every week for the past 6 months I've been on the phone w / cal or my dealer.
At this point the spa isn't fixed — water still leaks in the control panel everytime it rains. (I do have pics).
At this point I just want to get rid of this thing - I don't know what my options are. If need be I will take legal action - this spa is WAS nice when it worked (wish I could remember how that felt — it's been a while); but only 2 months it operated correctly. After dealing w / the company directly its a shame they have such lousey business practices - I have seen not one instance where anyone there cares about the paying customers. I've been treated poorly and I hope other can avoid this type of situation.
I'm in the process of contacting the BBB, etc. — if I have to keep this coninuous problem it would be a shame for consumers and their rights.
I hope there is something I can do to fix this situation. Everyone else - I'd suggest you look at a different brand. Cal's look cool and have features — but if they have any problem at all you're screwed.
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