Don't just let them come to you, go to them too! Taking spas on the road to you is an accepted business practice in the spa business, but if you decide to take advantage of show specials, make sure the company you choose is easily available to help you with your maintenance needs down the road. Check out a firm's retail showroom. A clean, attractively decorated store indicates a retailer who is serious about selling spas. Many retailers lock in their home-show discount prices for the week following the show to allow in-store buying. This will tell you where the showroom is located. If it's a 60-minute drive to have your water tested, it may be more convenient to find a dealer closer to home.

Never let the salesperson rush you into buying a spa. If you have questions, keep asking them. Don't be embarrassed to take your time and shop around. The best retailers are eager for you to shop around because they are confident you will return. Don't forget that, even if you do buy, you have three days to change your mind. Most provincial laws allow you that long to cancel a purchase. If you contact a retailer in writing or in person during this period, you must receive all of your money back, no questions asked.

Ask if the retailer has won any national awards or received industry recognition. The National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI) has national awards every year for attractive spa installations. Many of the trade magazines, such as Pool & Spa News also single out specific projects that merit special attention. Ask if the company is a member of a nationally recognized trade association such as NSPI. Members are encouraged to have the highest level of professionalism.

Ask to take a test soak. Different spas have different feels. You might prefer one set of jets or type of seating over another, but you may never know until you get wet. Spas are much like cars; you definitely want to test drive one before you buy. Better spa retailers will allow prospective buyers to test their tubs, often in private, either in a special "mood room" or after the store closes.

Look for a water analysis laboratory in the store. Spa water chemistry can be a challenge, since it involves a relatively small body of water. Incorrect water chemistry can destroy pipes and equipments. A retailer with a water analysis lab can provide more exact information than you can determine from your own backyard test kit and may be able to make chemical recommendations you had not thought of.

Ask if the spa retailer offers financing. Many stores have associations with banks and financial companies to help you fund your new purchase. If your retailer offers financing programs, it generally means the company has passed strict requirements by the financial institution, a very good sign. If you are not financing the spa, never pay cash! Use checks, money orders or your credit card.

Find out who will build your deck, install and service your spa. Some retailers have their own crews with the appropriate state licenses to do the construction work and an entire service department stocked with your spa's parts, ready to serve you. Others subcontract to deck builders, electricians, plumbers and service firms. To learn more about these subcontractors will take extra legwork. Either way, get in touch with those who will be working on your spa and ask about the professional training of their technicians. Ask about the stock of their parts department, get a feeling for their professionalism and knowledge. Also, clarify their relationship with the dealer. Ascertain who will bill you and who is responsible if there is a problem with the wiring, the retailer or the electrician?

Check the retailer's references. Obtain the names of at least three satisfied customers and call them. Ask if anything has gone wrong with the delivery or the product. Ask how service of the spa has gone and whether the retailer was as eager to help after the check cleared the bank. A quick call to the Better Business Bureau is also wise.