A: All K9Spa shipments are packed in foam/bubble wrap and boxed for further protection. All shipments are fully insured.
A: We do not sell the base, because each installation and person is different. We can not stress this enough. We built all our tubs in our first self service dog wash at the same height. In 2 years we found that 90% of our customer suggestions were to lower one tub or raise another. We had suggestions for steps that people could stand on to installing hydraulic tubs. In year 3 we rebuilt our 6 tubs at different heights and our customers thanked us. What a BIG difference this made and our sales took off! What heights did you build your base? We measured from the floor to the top edge of the tub and put in a 37" tub, 39" tub, 41" tub and a 43" tub in our main shop. We also added a 30" handicap or kids tub and a 40" tub in a private room.
A: Stand with relaxed shoulders and bend your elbow 90 degrees. Measure the height from your elbow to the ground and that is your custom height. You should be able to rest your elbows on your tub without your shoulders being held up.
A: YES - we always install our shortest tub against a wall and use a shower curtain along the wall to protect it. This is the best tubs for kids as any over spray (ops we missed the dog) will hit the curtained wall and not another customer!
A: The real answer is Business Psychology! White tubs show more wear and tear than granite coat tubs. So as the tubs get used they will show more scratches as time goes on. Granite coat tubs hide this normal wear and tear! You can actually polish and buff out most of the scratches on a white tub, but that takes extra effort and time. Then what your customer remembers about their experience will shape weather they return. Your customer spends 90% of their time looking into the tub and you want them not to look at hair and dirt rinsing off the dog (in a white tub) - the job is messy and they know it, but don’t gross them out! Granite coat tubs hide the hair and dirt. It washes quickly down the drain and they remember how clean their dog looked after their bath rather than what came off the dog during the bath! If you plan to have one tub for a groomer or home use, then by all means order a white tub and save $200. When the scratches bother you, buff them out and you'll enjoy a beautiful tub for years!
A: We purchased all the material at a Lumber store for $126! They also did all the cutting! Contact us for a materials list and a how-to video. It's that easy - we built our first stand with a screwdriver in 1 hour!
A: Yes this is included in the materials list and video!
A: 10 years end to end - minus normal wear and tear!
A: Our rear entry competition makes a large tub - too large. I have told many of my customers to use my competitions tub just once and inevitably they call back and order my tubs. Their main reason is the dog can lean almost 2' away from them during the wash and they were not comfortable stretching 2' to reach the dog!
A: In the rear entry tub industry, I have found that my competition has included a base. This is a detriment because it is at a fixed height and will not fit everyone! Find out the height make a mark on the wall and imagine bending into this tub for 30 minutes to wash the dog!
A: NO - In fact I specifically tell my customers not to use a mat! We built in a grippy bottom that gives the dog just enough traction to stand and move safely, but not enough that they can’t slide if a person pushed on a dog. Imagine a 100lb Shepherd who is trying to jump out of a tub. My customers just need to place their hands on the dog and lean into them. The dogs feet will slide back and you can then reposition or loop the dog in. Our competition has bumps too, but they are on the side of the tub and not in the tub. So you'll need to buy a matt for inside the tub and a scrub brush to clean the outside surface.
A: Being in the business for many years and having several different shops I know that each shop and city requirements are different. For example in a city that has very high water fees, you want to install plumbing fixtures that conserves water. We recommend you discus this with your plumber and you'll probably order equipment that belongs in the home like a shower handle (with flow restriction). If water fees are not a concern you use a dish washer or garden hose handle, BUT you will need a good hot water source as these two handles can dump a water tank in an hour! Each handle also has a pressure flow to it and the harder the pressure the more likely the water is going to bounce off the dog and into your shop! I do offer a plumbing package that conserves water and has restricted flow/lower pressure. The system works well in any shop and is easy to install right above the tub!
A: If you have a traditional hot/cold handle in the tub, can you imagine a dog leaning against it and turning the water cold or hot? That's a lawsuit waiting to happen! Also remember that your customer’s dogs can weigh 100-200lbs - if you lean that weight against plumbing you could break it. Imagine a broken handle and water shooting out - let's hope you have a shut off valve! The only thing that should be in the tub should be the dog! I recommend my customers install an outdoor spigot about 6" above the tub. Your plumber has all the attachments to connect any hose/handle to that spigot. Lastly if a dog bites your hose or a leak in your handle, you have a shut off right above the tub!
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