Do you want to be a hot tub owner who gets to enjoy a warm and relaxing bath experience? Well, you surely can, even if it means not buying a brand-new hot tub.
Even though it may not appear to be a good idea, it is a fantastic way to save money. If you conduct the search process properly, you can ultimately find a high-quality hot tub for a lot less money than a brand-new one.
Don’t worry because this article is here to guide you in presenting the factors you should look for when buying a used hot tub so that you can get the best out of your purchase. Make sure that you read until the end.
Is Buying A Used Hot Tub Worth It?
It is normal to ask this question first after you don’t want to spend money on a defective, used hot tub. Otherwise, you should have bought a brand new one with your money instead.
However, it is a fantastic option to pay less money while doing your part for the environment to get a hot tub that has been used previously. This is especially beneficial given that hot tubs are frequently trashed, even when only a tiny amount of repair work needs to be done.
Over the past few years, there has been a rise in demand for previously owned hot tubs. Many websites allow individuals to sell their hot tubs individually at competitive prices, and many stores offer part exchange, in which customers can trade in their older hot tub for a newer one.
Here are two options for buying a good used hot tub.
Spa Dealers
When buying a used hot tub, it is usually best to do so from a reputable dealer because they will thoroughly inspect and maintain the hot tub before putting it back on the market. It is common practice for many spa dealers to provide buyers with the peace of mind when acquiring refurbished hot tubs by including a limited guarantee on the purchase if a problem arises.
Hot tub retailers also frequently provide aesthetic and mechanical repairs and may even provide a warranty on these services. They’ll usually clean it thoroughly and replace the spa cover and filters when they get it.
Individual Hot Tub Owners
It is significantly more cost-effective to buy a used spa from a classified ad website than from a retailer.
Most hot tubs for sale in the area are frequently available to relocating homeowners who have no choice but to sell their hot tubs. As there is no guarantee, you will have to deal with any issues that arise should something unexpectedly stop working. Before buying a spa, it’s a good idea to do some research and maybe even have a service technician look at it.
6 Factors To Consider When Buying A Used Hot Tub
If you don’t have a service technician to take a look at the used hot tub that you want to purchase, we’ve made a list of the factors that you need to count on in making the decision to buy one.
1. Hot Tub Shell Issues
Most hot tub shells are constructed out of acrylic, a material that is challenging to fix and frequently cannot be replaced. In the long run, the shell will develop flaws if it is consistently subjected to water temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius and is also routinely treated with harsh chemicals.
When inspecting the state of the shell of the spa, there are three factors to look for:
- Blistering- This is the most typical issue and the one that can be the most challenging to fix, depending on the severity of the blisters. Blisters on the shell of a spa are a sign that repairs will be prohibitively expensive and, in many cases, unattainable. It is in your best interest to keep away from this type of tub.
- Scratches And Markings On The Surface- This is a non-issue that, in most cases, can be readily fixed by someone who specializes in acrylic work if you want your second-hand tub to have a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Fractures- Cracks are a massive no-no for several reasons, and you never opt for a spa with such conditions.
2. Check The Hot Tub Insulation And Framework
The cabinet’s structural integrity is more critical than its aesthetic condition for a spa to function properly. If the tub was set directly on the ground, you should check the frame by removing the panels and looking for signs of rot and warping. The framework must be sturdy enough to hold at least 2,000 pounds (including any water and people within) without buckling.
It’s important to be on the lookout for evidence of pests like rodents or insect droppings. The warm cabinet is a magnet for pests. As they nest in the foam and nibble at the wood frame, they can seriously damage the plumbing system.
3. Check The Filter Cartridge
If you are not familiar with the inner workings of the spa that you are contemplating purchasing, do not be afraid to ask the owner to show you the location of the cartridge filter. When you examine it, check to see that it has not been torn or stretched out; if any of those things have occurred, it will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
If you take a thorough look at the filter installed in the spa, you can learn a lot about the level of maintenance that has been performed on it in the past without having to purchase a new filter.
4. Look Out For Leaks In The Sealings
If your spa leaks, you can forget about relaxing in it. If you decide to purchase the tub in question, you will be better prepared to replace the seals if you check them all while the tub is working. You should also check if you hear a low humming sound. This could indicate a problem and will need a deep cleaning.
Check under the cabinets for seeping water or puddles. This is also a wonderful chance to inspect engines for calcium staining or any indication of earlier leaks. If you’re unfamiliar with these significant seals’ placement, don’t hesitate to ask the owners to show them out for you.
5. Look At The State Of The Cabinet
A cabinet for a spa has more than simply an aesthetic purpose; in addition to concealing the electrical components of the spa, it also insulates the space, helping to guarantee that your spa continues to maintain its high energy efficiency.
There are two primary varieties of cabinets used for hot tubs, and each has a distinct set of features that should be inspected:
- Wooden Hot Tub Cabinets. The most typical problems associated with wood are decay and dampness. If one of the cabinets in the used hot tubs is rotten, it will be difficult for you to relocate the hot tub without some components breaking apart.
- Cabinets Made of UPVC For Hot Tubs. UPVC cabinets would not rot like wood but might become brittle over time. This indicates that they are prone to breaking or cracking if not handled carefully while the hot tub is being moved. When looking for your next hot tub, you should always ensure the cabinet is in fairly good condition and can support the shell and keep the tub’s components intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hot Tubs Hold Their Value?
The moment you bring a brand-new hot tub into your home, its value will begin to decrease. It is not common practice to see hot tubs as investments, and they do not maintain their worth nearly as well.
What Is The Average Lifespan OF A Hot Tub?
A hot tub can live longer than twenty years if it was created by a respected manufacturer who made use of high-quality materials and if it has been maintained in good condition through cleaning and routine servicing.
What Do I Need To Do If I Just Bought A Running Used Hot Tub?
The water should be drained, and then the shell, cover, and filter chamber should be cleaned with 3% peroxide. Fill up your hot tub and heat it to between 101 and 104 degrees. Allow the water to continue to drain for ten minutes in order to “flush” out any water that may be polluted. Put in a brand new filter (s).
What Questions Should You Ask When Buying A Hot Tub?
Here are some questions you will need to ask yourself when buying.
- Is the store from whom I plan to purchase a pre-owned hot tub reliable? Or from a single person?
- Should I buy a hot tub from this store? Do I trust the people or businesses from whom I will buy the hot tub?
- Can I fit one hot tub in my house?
- When I bring the hot tub back to my house, how do I transport it?
- Have I found a free space in the exterior breaker box?
- If the hot tub breaks, will I be able to fix it?
Conclusion
Remember that buying a used hot tub is not bad, given that you carefully examine every factor needed to land in a good one. Most importantly, you will need to see the hot tub in live action because it will give you a better idea of how it can function normally. Just make sure that you check it with the hot tub seller.
