Untangling the Web — March 2005

O N L I N E

Web sites to watch

By Rebecca Robledo

March 2005

heck out these Web sites to see what kind of information is available to consumers about portable spas:

Epinions
Address: www.epinions.com
Content: Consumer ratings, specifications, comparison spreadsheet and manufacturer links.
Details: A Web site that spotlights all kinds of consumer products, epinions has a page devoted to portable spas, found in the “home and garden” category. Many of the models don’t have ratings. Those that do are often based on one to two consumer reviews. Consumers can create their own spreadsheets, and links take users to manufacturer Web sites. This site carries message boards, but none have formed regarding portable spas.
Owner: Retailing and comparison pricing Web site www.shopping.com.

What’s the Best Hot Tub
Address: www.whatsthebest-hottub.com
Content: Consumer ratings/reviews and forum, buying guide, and industry links.
Details: The buying guide offers advice on whether or not the user would benefit from a hot tub, how and where to install it, and maintenance and safety. It also introduces users to the various features and offers ranges of operating prices, as well as advice on what kind of warranty to seek. The site averages the ratings provided by consumers, with most models having only one to three reviews.
Owner: What’s The Best Inc., in Ewing, N.J., has similar sites for 49 product categories. WTB says it is designed to aim advertiser messages to their target audiences.

Spa Search
Address: www.spasearch.org
Content: Recommendations, buyer’s guide, owner’s guide, chat room, downloadable coupons and industry directory.
Details: Recommendations (found under the “Product Search” heading) are based on the editors’ quality standards and consumer comments, according to the site. A user can fill out a form to receive a spa planning guide in the mail. An online newsletter now is available. Manufacturer information is provided via an industry directory, which highlights what it calls the 43 “major players” in a field of 170. It lists manufacturers who deal directly with consumers.
Owner: Big Fish Publications, a Scottsdale, Ariz., company, also produces www.poolsearch.com and a site on travel. In addition, it owns a similar site, www.spahelp.com.

Pool and Spa
Address: www.poolandspa.com
Content: E-commerce, ratings, comparison sheet, buyer’s guide, owner’s guide and chat room.
Details: To find the most-talked-about page with ratings and links to a chat room, scroll down the home page to the “Spa Information” heading; then click “Spa Buyer’s Guide and Manufacturer Links.” Look on the page for the “listings and ratings” and “message board and chat room” prompts. The site has a virtual store, but doesn’t sell portable spas.
Owner: Paramount Pools Corp., in Yaphank, N.Y., also owns a service business and two retail stores.

Roberts Hot Tubs
Address: www.rhtubs.com
Content: Chat room, reviews, information guides and e-commerce.
Details: Tips pages introduce consumers to things such as pumps, and the care of covers and water. Included is a glossary of terms and a message board, with a special section for consumer reviews. The site sells hot tubs and Japanese ofuro tubs made by the owner, as well as items such as chemicals and covers.
Owner: Roberts Hot Tubs, a maker of wooden hot tubs and Japanese ofuros in Richmond, Calif.

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FEATURE STORY

Untangling the Web
Consumers love hot tub ratings and chat rooms. But industry professionals wonder if these sites are as objective as they should be.

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