The Threat of Counterfeit Products: FreshWater Salt Cartridges
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Time to read 2 min
What is a Counterfeit Product?
Counterfeit hot tub products are unauthorized replicas of branded items—often sold online at discounted prices. They range from filters, jets, pumps, heaters, electrical components, sanitizers, to control panels. The most common that is appearing in the past year are the FreshWater Salt System Replacement Cartridges. These products may carry the appearance of genuine parts but lack the testing, certification, and materials that ensure compatibility and safety.
The Dangers of using Counterfeit Products
what happens if I use them?
Starting with the obvious, counterfeit products are not the real thing. These products lack proper safety certifications, are made with inferior materials, and can cause a variety of issues. Using "fake" products in any circumstance will not yield the results you are seeking; in fact, this will often cause further problems down the road. Let's just list some of the issues that can occur:
- Equipment Failure
- Water Contamination
- Electrical Hazards
- Costly Repairs
- Voided Warranties
- Negative Reviews
- Health and Safety Risks
One of the biggest counterfeit products that has been circulating in the past year have been the FreshWater Salt System Cartridges. Watkins emphasized the seriousness of this issue by giving the following:
"...there has been an uptick in unauthorized resellers (primarily China-based) selling counterfeit FreshWater Salt Cartridges online. These counterfeit products fail to meet performance standards and can pose serious safety risks to users and jeopardize the operation of their hot tub. Additionally, they have led to a multitude of negative online reviews from unsuspecting consumers who have purchased counterfeit FreshWater Salt Cartridges."
Let's Identify and Avoid Counterfeit Products
🔍How to Identify |
Too Good to be True Pricing
- Deeply discounted prices compared to the manufacturer’s website are a red flag
- Counterfeits often lure buyers with deals that seem unusually low
Lack of Certification Labels
Genuine electrical components and filters carry certifications like UL , CSA , or CE
If these marks are missing, incorrect, or poorly printed— it’s likely a fake
Generic or Poor-Quality Packaging
Real parts come in branded, tamper-evident packaging with product codes
Counterfeits may arrive in plain boxes or bubble wrap, with no branding or instructions
No Serial Number or Model ID
Authentic products have traceable serial numbers or model IDs
If a part has no identifiable markings, it may be counterfeit
Unknown Seller or Unauthorized Marketplace
Avoid buying from third-party sellers without a proven track record
Some online marketplaces host unauthorized resellers—check the seller’s reviews and ratings
✅ How to Avoid |
Buy From Authorized Dealers or Directly from the Manufacturer
Use the manufacturer’s website or a trusted spa supply store
Most brands list official dealers on their websites
Verify Product Codes Before Purchase
Look up product numbers on the brand’s site to confirm they’re legitimate
Avoid "Universal Fit" or "Compatible With" Claims:
These are often used by counterfeiters to bypass model-specific standards
Ask for Proof of Authenticiy
Reputable sellers can provide manufacturer documentation or receipts
Keep All Receipts and Packaging
This helps validate your warranty and makes returns easier if you suspect a fake
Consult Your Hot Tub Manual or Technician
Use only the parts and chemicals recommended by your spa’s manufacturer
What Steps You Should Take
to have peace of mind in your hot tub
- Always buy from an authorized dealer
- Register your spa and components for warranty coverage
- Keep a maintenance log of service repairs and chemical maintenance
- If unsure about anything - refer to a spa professional before installing any new part
A Brief Recap
Counterfeit Products are Real : Fake products are out there. Sure they are cheaper and possibly more convenient; however, they can lead to costly repairs in the future
Types of counterfeit products include filters, pumps, motors, jet faces, and heaters
Authorized Dealers : When in doubt, always search for products that offer authenticity and have proof that they are the real thing
