Hot tub expos are often advertised as exciting events where buyers can find incredible discounts on luxury spas. The flashing banners, enthusiastic sales pitches, and promises of “once-in-a-lifetime deals” can make it tempting to purchase on the spot. However, many buyers later regret their decision due to misleading discounts, subpar product quality, and unreliable after-sales support.
If you’re considering purchasing a hot tub, a hot tub expo might seem like a great opportunity. However, before making a rushed decision, it’s important to understand the hidden risks. Let’s take a closer look at why these events may not be the best place to buy your spa.
Are the Discounts Really That Good?
Hot tub expos lure buyers in with the promise of huge savings, but the discounts might not be as exclusive as they claim. In many cases, vendors inflate their prices beforehand to create the illusion of a bigger markdown. What appears to be a huge discount may actually be the regular retail price disguised as a limited-time deal.
Additionally, some models showcased at expos are built specifically for these events and may not be available anywhere else. This makes it difficult to compare prices, check reviews, or research long-term reliability, leaving buyers in the dark about the true value of their purchase.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics Can Lead to Regret
One of the biggest red flags at hot tub expos is the aggressive sales approach. Salespeople are trained to create a sense of urgency, using tactics like:
- “This deal is only valid today!”
- “Another customer is about to buy the last one!”
- “If you commit now, we’ll throw in a free upgrade!”
With so much pressure, it’s easy to feel rushed into a purchase before you’ve had time to properly evaluate your options. Unlike a local hot tub dealership, where you can take your time, a hot tub expo is designed to make you buy now and ask questions later—which often leads to regret.
Limited Post-Purchase Support
Once the expo is over, where do you turn if you need help with your hot tub? Many expo vendors operate under multiple brand names and don’t have a permanent physical location, making it difficult to track them down for support.
Common issues buyers report include:
- Unresponsive customer service
- Difficulty filing warranty claims
- Missing or incorrect parts upon delivery
Unlike a reputable local hot tub dealer, which offers a service center, trained technicians, and long-term customer support, an expo vendor often disappears once the event is over.
Are You Getting a High-Quality Product?
Not all hot tubs at a spa expo are built to last. Some are manufactured specifically for these traveling sales events using lower-quality materials to cut costs.
Common issues with expo-exclusive models include:
- Weak or inefficient jets
- Thinner insulation, leading to higher energy bills
- Flimsy internal components that wear out faster
Unlike reputable dealerships, expos typically don’t allow wet testing—meaning you can’t test how the jets feel or whether the seating is comfortable before purchasing. This can lead to disappointment when the hot tub is delivered.
Uncertain Delivery and Installation Process
Unlike established hot tub dealers, expo vendors often lack a structured delivery and installation process. Many customers report:
- Delays in receiving their hot tubs—sometimes waiting months
- Hidden installation costs—you may have to hire a third-party installer
- Unclear responsibility—if issues arise, it’s hard to determine who is at fault
Buying from a trusted dealership guarantees professional delivery and installation, ensuring that your hot tub is set up correctly and ready to use.
Lack of Time for Research
A hot tub is a significant investment, and making the right choice requires careful research. At a hot tub expo, you’re expected to decide within hours, with little opportunity to:
Compare brands and models
Read verified customer reviews
Check long-term durability and performance
Additionally, there are few reviews on expo vendors themselves, making it difficult to know if past customers have had bad experiences with warranty claims, faulty products, or misleading pricing.
When making a major purchase like a hot tub, taking your time and researching thoroughly is the best way to get real value for your money.
What Are Better Alternatives?
Instead of rolling the dice at a hot tub expo, consider these safer and more reliable options:
Local Hot Tub Dealers – Established retailers offer expert guidance, professional installation, and long-term customer support. Plus, you can test different models in-store.
Certified Refurbished Hot Tubs – If you’re on a budget, buying a gently used, professionally refurbished hot tub from a reputable dealer is often a smarter investment than an expo-exclusive model.
These alternatives provide:
✔️ Reliable warranties
✔️ Better customer service
✔️ Transparent pricing without high-pressure sales tactics
Final Thoughts
While hot tub expos may seem like the perfect place to get a great deal, the reality is often far less appealing. Between misleading discounts, high-pressure sales tactics, unreliable post-purchase support, and questionable product quality, the risks far outweigh the benefits.
A hot tub should be a long-term investment that brings relaxation and enjoyment for years. Instead of making a rushed decision at an expo, take your time to research, compare brands, and buy from trusted hot tub dealers in Colorado Springs, like Colorado Springs Hot Tubs.
Browse our collection of premium hot tubs in Colorado Springs and find the perfect spa for your home!
