Hot Tub Delivery Horror Stories
Hot Tub Delivery Horror Stories (and How We Avoid Them)
At Polar Springs Hot Tubs, we’ve seen it all — the good, the bad, and the “oh no, is that a crane dangling a hot tub over a swimming pool?” moments.
Hot tub delivery should be exciting, but if you’re not prepared, it can turn into the kind of story your neighbours repeat for years… and not in a good way.
The good news? After 15+ years of delivering and installing hot tubs, we’ve learned exactly how to avoid the pitfalls.
Here are a few real-life hot tub delivery horror stories (names changed to protect the guilty) — and the steps we take to make sure they never happen to you.
Horror Story #1: The Surprise “Unsafe” Base
The Scene:
A customer swore their deck was “perfectly supported.” It looked great — until we showed up on delivery day and could visibly see rotten support posts underneath. "Trust me, it's fine" we were told. We refused delivery.
The Problem:
Hot tubs can weigh 3,000 + LBS when filled. A base that can't support the spa can stress the frame, cause leaks, make jets work inefficiently, damage the shell or worse cause injury.
How We Avoid It:
We confirm base requirements before delivery (Ontario Building Code approved for decks).
If you’re using a deck in Brockville, Kingston, or Ottawa, we recommend a review to ensure it meets load-bearing requirements.
For patios, we suggest a 4” rebar-reinforced concrete pad — the Eastern Ontario gold standard for stability.
Horror Story #2: The Narrow Gate Debacle
The Scene:
In Cornwall, we arrived to a gorgeous backyard… but the gate was 30” wide. Our spa was 38” tall. You can do the math.
The Problem:
Hot tubs aren’t flexible. If the pathway isn’t wide enough, delivery stops cold.
How We Avoid It:
We request photos or in-person measurements of your delivery path.
Our team can arrange special equipment for tricky installs — common in waterfront properties from Belleville to the Thousand Islands.
We’ll never show up guessing — we plan every move before delivery day.
Horror Story #3: Electrical Chaos
The Scene:
A Kingston install was delayed for weeks because the homeowner’s electrician wasn't called until the day of install. We had placed a beautiful new hot tub down in the clients backyard and their electrician couldn't make it to do the job for 3x weeks.
The Problem:
Hot tubs need the right voltage, amperage, and GFCI protection — Ontario law requires ESA-certified installation by a licensed electrician on 220V models and a dedicated outlet for 110V installation. The client in this case wanting to use their own electrician did not call the electrician until the day it was delivered. This caused them to miss enjoying their hot tub for the big birthday party they wanted it delivered before.
How We Avoid It:
We go through electrical requirements at point of sale end exact electrical specs before delivery.
We recommend trusted Eastern Ontario electricians who know spa wiring.
We let customers know to line up their electrical as good Electricians are busy Electiricians.
Horror Story #4: The Backyard Mud Pit
The Scene:
An Lombardy -area install turned into a construction zone when our dolly sank into mud halfway to the pad.
The Problem:
Soft, wet ground can halt delivery and risk damage to your hot tub or landscaping.
How We Avoid It:
We recommend pathway preparation before delivery — especially in spring and fall when Ontario ground is soft.
If needed, we lay down plywood sheets to protect your lawn and keep the delivery smooth.
Horror Story #5: The Mystery Crane Bill
The Scene:
In Kingston, a customer ordered a hot tub without mentioning their deck was basically a roof top terrace. A last-minute crane booking cost them an extra $1,200.
The Problem:
Unexpected obstacles = unexpected costs.
How We Avoid It:
We ask about stairs, elevation changes, or multi-level decks during the sales process.
We provide transparent quotes for specialty delivery options upfront.
Why Polar Springs Hot Tubs Delivers Better
Our team covers Brockville, Kingston, Cornwall, Belleville, Ottawa, and all of Eastern Ontario with:
Pre-delivery site inspections (virtual or in-person)
Qualified Tested General Contractors for your area
Trusted local electrician referrals
Specialized equipment for tight or tricky spaces
Clear communication from purchase to first soak
Bottom Line
Hot tub delivery disasters are 100% avoidable when you plan ahead.
At Polar Springs Hot Tubs, our goal is to make your delivery day exciting for the right reasons — no cranes dangling tubs over pools unless we planned it that way.
If you’re buying a hot tub in Eastern Ontario, trust the team that’s been doing it right for over 15 years.
We’ll bring the spa, the muscle, and the know-how — you bring the champagne.