Clearwater Hot Tub Company Facing Legal Action Over Broken Promises

CLEARWATER, FL — A Clearwater hot tub company is in hot water following an investigation by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody's office.

Ashley said Tuesday that she is taking legal action against the hot tub and spa cover retail and manufacturing company for deceptive business practices.

According to Moody, Alejandro Flores-Ramirez, owner of Affordable Spa Covers and Coverlex Inc., at 2033 Sunnydale Blvd., Clearwater, which sells and manufactures covers for hot tubs and spas, deceived consumers with fake fast-delivery estimates and expedited shipping fees.

An investigation by the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division found that Ramirez, who operated the spa cover retail and manufacturing businesses, accepted payments for hundreds of goods that arrived months after the promised delivery date or were never delivered.

Moody said customers paid more than $90,000 for the products.

Although Affordable Spa Covers advertised excellent customer service, Moody said the refused to issue refunds to customers who had not received their orders.

“Consumers expected prompt delivery and excellent service due to representations made by Affordable Spa Covers and Coverlex, yet often received their orders months later than expected, if the orders arrived at all," Moody said. "My Consumer Protection Division is taking action to stop these deceptive practices.”

According to the investigation, Affordable Spa Covers sells products made by Coverlex online and advertises fast, free shipping and exceptional customer service. However, the investigation revealed that the company sent products, in some cases damaged, months after the promised delivery date or never delivered products at all, and seldom honored refunds.

Moody said Affordable Spa Covers also advertised expedited shipping for an additional fee, which some consumers paid due to waiting months for an order, but the company still failed to deliver the products.

When customers attempted to reach out for refunds, the company did not answer phone calls, she said. Of the many customers who canceled orders, few were refunded the entire purchase price, Moody said. Moreover, the hot tub company often assessed a $150 cancellation fee, even if the company failed to deliver the product.

The legal action seeks to permanently prevent the company's owner from selling or manufacturing spa and hot tub covers or related products in Florida and imposes civil penalties for "willful violations of the law."

To view the complaint, click here.

Residents can report deceptive business practices to the Florida Attorney General’s office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 866-9NO-SCAM.