We purchased the tub in October 2004 a wedding anniversary gift for my wife. Within two weeks we required a service call for a water leak. It was wrongly diagnosed as a faulty tub light. It turned out to be a leaking water line. It took more than two weeks to have this item serviced and repaired.

Then we had the heater fail. Warranty covered the total costs of the part. To save time and costs I installed the replacement heater myself.

March 2007 the single phase pump needed replacing due to a severe water leak. I had to pay 40% of costs, plus 25% for custom handling plus shipping. I installed the new pump to save expensive service charges.

The tub cover which we thought we were maintaining well had a crack in the styrofoam. We were told the cover needed to be replaced and that it was out of warranty. Cost approximately $500.00 if I had it replaced by the same company that supplied the original, plus 25% customs handling plus shipping. We chose a Canadian Company with a total cost of under $500.00

September 2007 the top contol panel was problematic and required replacing. A new part was sent with a prorated charge, again costing 25% customs handling and shipping costs. I installed the new part but the plastic overlay stick-on decal or whatever one calls it would not stick on one corner requiring a replacement which is in transit. In order to get the tub up and running I siliconed around the edges of the overlay.

We cleaned and filled the tub, all seemed well except for several jets that need replacing that are on order.

Within 24 hours the tub was half empty. I discovered after six months the replaced pump had developed a small crack causing severe water leakage. A new pump will be sent on warranty.

I am most fortunate that I am a handy at replacing parts. My sister in law purchased a Canadian made Hot Tub in December 2004. Their tub has been trouble free and they live in severe winter conditions. My wife's hair dresser also owns a tub that is several years old manufactured by a company different from the Boca Grande, and they too have enjoyed a trouble free tub.

The outside of the tub is made of very thin tongue and grove stained cedar strips that are inclined to split and are not durable and do not compare with the quality of other tubs.

I think the Boca Grande definately contains flawed parts and design. I would call it a lemon if I was referring to a car or truck. We are reluctant to go away for more than a day at a time as we fear another tub failure that could be even more costly to repair if we were not home to catch the problem immediately.