Buyer beware warns BISHTA
FOLLOWING scathing condemnation of a rogue spa company on BBC One's Watchdog programme, BISHTA (the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) has warned customers to only buy from BISHTA-approved spa and hot tub suppliers.
The advice from BISHTA managing director Allen Brobyn comes as the dust settles on a shaming list of complaints against Insparations Spas of Staffordshire.
The stories of two dissatisfied customers were aired on prime time TV-where Insparations were criticised for failing to deliver on time, despite taking non-refundable deposits.
Mr Brobyn warned: "BISHTA refused this company when they applied for membership. I was aware there had been a lot of complaints about them but our main concerns are claims, on the Insparations website, that the spas it supplies have completely 'chemical-free' water."
The 'chemicals' in spas are sanitisers which are essential to keep the water free of harmful organisms like the Legionella bug and ensure you can bathe in complete safety.
"The company's stance is misleading and potentially dangerous to customers. The ill-advised approach has also been brought to the attention of the Health Protection Agency," added Mr Brobyn.
The BISHTA sign on a website or in a showroom means that the spa supplier's staff are trained in basic water hygiene principles and daily test and care routines, and that the company has signed up to comply with the BISHTA standards and code of trading ethics.
An estimated 100,000 householders in the UK currently own a garden spa with thousands taking the plunge every year. Correct water treatment is a vital ingredient to enjoying the hot tub experience safely.
For a list of members in your area, contact BISHTA on 01264 356210, or log on to www.bishta.co.uk.
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29th January 2007