Hot Tub Repair Business - Train to be a Spa Repair Man
A spa and hot tub repair company will offer several services, namely equipment repair and replacement, regular service and maintenance accounts, winterize, and spa relocation services. They could also have spa inspection services for realtors, and orientation services for new spa owners. With factory training, you can perform warranty service for major spa manufacturers.
Spa and hot tub repair companies may also work on jetted tubs, usually installed in modern bathrooms. They could work with commercial spas and hot tubs like municipal spas, hotels, condos, resorts and therapy centers, or they can go a more residential route and work on inground or aboveground home spas.
So that's your customer. But what about you? What skills are needed to become a successful spa entrepreneur? A successful spa technician, or a spa repair person will wear many hats.
- Chemist: You will be called upon to correct bad water conditions, with accurate testing and chemical additions.
- Electrician: Most spas are quite electrical, with loads like the pump motors, heater, blower controlled by a pcb, or printed circuit board.
- Engineer: Hydraulics and flow mechanics. Make repairs to the plumbing, install new spa equipment or an entirely new spa.
- Teacher: A good spa tech and business owner will make a business of teaching and instructing spa owners how to manage their spa.
I find that people with HVAC experience, including home appliance techs tend to understand spas and hot tubs pretty well. It really is not that much different than a large washing machine! Well, that's not entirely true, they are indeed more complicated than a washer, but that's what also makes it interesting!
Where to Get Spa Training
CPO Training
The Certified Pool Operator CPO course is a national certification program, that yeah - mainly is focused on pools, but there is also a lot of spa information. Many of the concepts of swimming pools cross over to spas and hot tubs.
Professional Training
Many professional associations, such as the American Pool & Spa Professionals APSP, or the International Hot Tub Association IHTA, offer training through their local chapters, or at their national and regional trade shows. Some even have certified professional courses that you can take and earn a 'degree' in spa repair.
Retailer Resources
At Hot Tub Works, we are proud of the videos and articles that we have put together on all sorts of spa and hot tub technical topics. The Hot Tub Toolbox is our library of articles and videos on various pool topics. Our friends at Spa Depot also has a nice spa info section, laid out by category. You can find lots of high quality spa and hot tub information online, and it's all free.
Spa Repair Books
There are not a lot of books about spa repair on the market. Most books about spas are glossy coffee table books, or cover a very limited range of information. There is one book called The Ultimate Guide to Spas and Hot Tubs, which is jammed full of good information, in 320 illustrated pages, spread over 9 chapters. Tool Tips and Tricks of the Trade are given in each subject area.
What Else Is Needed?
Aside from good knowledge of spa care and repair, you'll also need have a few other things for a successful spa repair company.
- Business license and registered trade name.
- Separate bank account and insurance policy.
- Advertising and networking to add clients.
- Service vehicle with tools and supplies.
- Webpage or online directory listings.
- Great customer service skills.
Your state or city may have other specific licenses to register the business, such as an occupancy permit, or special contractors license. You'll need to file tax returns for the business, and pay any other license fees in your area.