First I will say this, the 5 star rating is for Secard, Not my Cal Spa. I posted this review on Cal-Spa's website and received no response from them.. Maybe because there is nothing that they can say.
I recently purchased a spa from Cal Spas. The model 851 wasn't inexpensive, but it is cheap. Upon delivery I immediately noticed that the skimmer was obviously misshapen. Item #1 that should have never made it out of the factory. I was told that they would order me a new one. Ok. Well that's not the end. After paying my electrician to hook it up (another 500) we begin to fill it. Then I notice that the waterfall is also molded wrong and the cover to it won't stay on. Again, didn't the guy who put it on notice that it didn't fit right ? Problem #2.
Then I fill it and turn it on. Problem #3. The spa leaks from almost every jet. How did this spa even make it past the basic of inspections. The deliveryman said that they water test every spa and there was water spots in the spa when it was delivered. Again, how did they not notice this obvious problem. The answer is they did, and they shipped it anyway. Now I am being told that a repair man will be sent out. This will be the beginning of things breaking with this spa. I will only be happy with them delivering the product I paid cash for. A new spa. Now, I have to pay my electrician to disconnect it and if they replace it, reconnect the new one. (another 700 I'm out) Also, I filled it and when it leaked everywhere I had to drain it. I live in an area where water is very expensive. (another 100 in water)
The kicker is that I put the spa on a new patio area. I have contractors scheduled to pour concrete for the rest of the patio and surround it in a 6' block wall. I can't do this until the spa is installed because they won't be able to get to the spa. So now, I have to push my contractors which will cost me at least another thousand. Not to mention the trouble trying to get the three contractors on the same schedule again.
So now on top if the 8 grand I paid for the spa, I am out another 2300 for electrical connect, disconnect and possible reconnect, water and contractor fees to push my construction dates. That makes this a very expensive spa and me a very unhappy customer.
I am remaining optimistic that my dealer will make this right. I am just concerned that if Cal Spa will put out a product with all of these problems that you can see, how many are there that I can't see.
Also, check out the photo on their web site.. All of these employees building the new spas to get out the door and NONE checking the 12-15 spas that are being water tested.. No the heck wonder my spa has so many problems. Obvious issues with quality control. Just pump them out.. We will send service guys to fix them later. Not a good practice.
I want a brand new spa or my money back... If this was a vehicle it would be a lemon. I will update this review if they make it right and in all fairness, give them the amazing review of how they made it right. I truly hope that I get the chance to write that review.
UPDATE 10/1/16
* Update on my Spa. First things first... If I had not have purchased my spa from Secard Pools, I would probably be up a creek with all the issues I have had. Secard has handled every issue and kept Cal-Spas in check.. Thanks and a shout out to them... So, cal spas came out to look at my spa and sent a tech with a pair of channel locks to just tighten the 40 plus jets that were leaking.. NO.. those are sealed in. Ultimately, they just replaced the spa, but only after they tried to blame Secard. They said that Secard must have left the spa in the sun and that caused the parts to warp.. WHAT ? this is an outdoor product.. Well, that didn't work with me since Secard delivered 24 hours after they took delivery..
The new spa isn't without problem either.. We have had to replace 15 jets already because they are made for the 400 amp motors from the older spas and these spas with two 600 amp motors just blow the jets apart. We are having them just replace the jets with a different style that can hopefully handle it.
We also paid about 1,500 extra to have a WiFi and Bluetooth connect for this spa. Neither of them work unless you are standing next to the spa... They have ordered a new Bluetooth and I will update when that happens.
Again, If I had purchased this spa from anyone other than Secard, I would probably be out the 9,000 dollars and Cal Spas would be missing a factory.. I can't imagine the frustration. Those of you that live in the San Bernardino or Riverside Ca. Areas, contact Secard Pools and maybe they can help you... read more