July 26, 2013

Swing Set Buyer's Remorse

Well, the excitement of buying a "new" swing set didn't last too long and it was hard to get out of bed this morning knowing that this mess was waiting for me on my driveway.

I don't think I got ripped off paying $150, but I am damn disappointed that I don't have a swing set ready to put together for my kids.  A 7-foot spiral slide alone costs over $500 at Lowe's.  The accessories are fine (except the rope swing rope) but there is such extensive rotting and insect damage that the majority of the wood is unusable. Bottom line - I would never buy a Rainbow Play Systems set new or used again!  I think the redwood is inferior to most pressure treated wood.  I've never seen damage like this before, and although the set I bought was 16 years old, I've been reading horror stories online all night and morning from people who've experienced problems with Rainbow play sets after only 2 years.

 http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/rainbow-play-systems-c82269.html

http://www.pissedconsumer.com/reviews-by-company/rainbow-play-systems/bug-infested-mold-all-over-20080721128417/2.html

Rainbow claims they have the best warranty in the business.  I knew I would not be covered because I was not the original owner, so that's no surprise, but after reading this story, To Rehab a Redwood Swing Set, I would not be happy with the warranty even if I was the original owner.  This story doesn't tell you HOW MUCH you pay for shipping, but does tell you that he paid it.   From reading elsewhere, you pay hundreds of $ for replacement wood shipping and that DOES NOT include installation.

Here are some specific problems lots of people seem to have with Rainbow sets:


 

My plan, as of right now, is to buy new pressure treated lumber for the deck (2"x6") and deck joists (4"x6").  But I don't plan on building the same "castle" style deck, where the supports extend out beyond the base.  Instead I will make a tower and attach the ladder supports perpendicular to the base.  I will loose the ability to hang the tire swing underneath, but I'm sure I can find another spot for it.


Another alternative I'm looking into is buying another swing set from Cole for $100 and using the tower from it.  This set is in my development and I wouldn't rent a trailer for it.


But alas, after checking it out this evening, I don't think it's worth $100.  The lumber on it is damaged, the slide is cracked, the medal is rusting off, and the entire thing is leaning.  I was scared to go on it.  And I am not really happy with Cole because he thinks he's going to strong arm me into buying it.  As Smart Jr. says, "Doesn't he know he's not dealing with an idiot?"  I guess not.  Back to the drawing board for me!

Stay tuned, because this saga isn't over for me yet.  All those damn pieces are still sitting on my driveway.  :(



Thanks for stopping by.  You rock!  Visit again soon,
          Smart Girl

8 comments:

  1. Being HomeJuly 28, 2013 at 6:10 AM

    Liz, so sorry to hear about this mess! Boo! I did not know redwood rots easily. Wow! Knowing you and how you work, you might be better off building your own version. At least this way you know the quality of work and can make the set safe as can be. No, you are NOT an idiot. lol ;)

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    1. Smart GirlJuly 28, 2013 at 9:27 AM

      Thanks Julie. I was thinking the same thing myself. I really just wanted a used swing set for the parts + wood so I could build my own configuration, but now I'm thinking I'll just start from scratch.

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  2. My Garden DiariesJuly 28, 2013 at 10:03 PM

    Good look sweet friend! How hard is it to make a really good product??? Seriously!!!! Let us know how it goes down!

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  3. UnknownOctober 30, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    Well first of let me tell you that almost every wood rots when its constantly sitting in the ground or when its not properly protected with a sealant. The same goes for the carpenter bee damage , no protection = carpenter bee damage.
    One quick tip is Easy off Oven spray for the Vinyl pieces.
    You will find these problems with every wooden swingset . You should have called Rainbow first and for a lil fee they . would have came to the place and look at the swingset and give you an advice. i mean you paid $150 for a swingset which is around $7.000 to $8.000 Brand New its the same that you dont get much anymore for a old crappy car thats not well taken care of either. You cant expect a perfect condition swingset for this price.
    but you might wanna hold on to the spiral slide because that thing is like almost $3.000 brand new

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  4. UnknownOctober 30, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    Well first of let me tell you that almost every wood rots when its constantly sitting in the ground or when its not properly protected with a sealant. The same goes for the carpenter bee damage , no protection = carpenter bee damage.
    One quick tip is Easy off Oven spray for the Vinyl pieces.
    You will find these problems with every wooden swingset . You should have called Rainbow first and for a lil fee they . would have came to the place and look at the swingset and give you an advice. i mean you paid $150 for a swingset which is around $7.000 to $8.000 Brand New its the same that you dont get much anymore for a old crappy car thats not well taken care of either. You cant expect a perfect condition swingset for this price.
    but you might wanna hold on to the spiral slide because that thing is like almost $3.000 brand new

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    1. Smart GirlOctober 31, 2013 at 9:12 PM

      Thank you for your comment. I totally agree that you should not expect new condition for something that is used, especially if it hasn't been properly maintained. But after much research I believe Rainbow swing sets to be inferior products. You mention that the wood should have been sealed. Yes, Rainbow should seal the redwood before making the swing sets. They rely on the natural preservative qualities of redwood and I think it's a bad idea. If you sell a product that relies on wood to ground contact, then you should make a product that can withstand wood to ground contact. I understand that you work for Rainbow and I won't changer your mind on this, but we can agree to disagree. I would never purchase a NEW Rainbow swing set, nor would I recommend purchasing one. Yes, I plan to do something fantastic with the slide, I just haven't figured out what. :)

      Delete
  5. UnknownOctober 31, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    The old owner's left a redwood rainbow playset here, complete with stained yellow bars and rotten wood deck. The set was purchased new when they built the house. After 4 years the thing looked 20 years old. I had it removed.

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    1. Smart GirlOctober 31, 2013 at 9:14 PM

      Bummer. I have a friend who wants to buy my 8 year old Creative Playthings swing set to replace her 5 year old Rainbow, but she can't have it because my kids still use it. I would be really mad if I purchased one of these new.

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