What To Look Out For When Buying A Used Hot Tub

A hot tub can be quite a pricey investment, and not many have the luxury of putting aside over $5000 for a new tub. A used hot tub allows you to own an ideal choice while still staying within your spending limits.

When a tub was already from a quality-assuring manufacturer, and the former owner paid good attention while using it, you can be lucky enough to get a hot deal at a favorable price.

However, just because the deal is impressive does not mean you blindly commit to any equipment without going about the purchase with utter care. The best way to get everything on the table is by asking the right questions. This way, you can be sure to eliminate all possible chances of getting a bad deal.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Hot Tub

Your questions will depend on what you seek to acquire as your final choice. Here are some of the most common questions you should not bypass when buying a used hot tub.

How Long has the Tub Been in Operation?

As long as a hot tub has been in the hands of another user for more than a month and in operation during the time, you can comfortably rank it in the used hot tub category.

However, it would be quite questionable if a former buyer decided to sell a hot tub anytime sooner than a year. Therefore, ensure that you are not the dumping site for a wrongfully bought hot tub, no matter how new it looks.

On the other hand, any tub used for over fifteen years is as good as done. Although the average lifespan for a hot tub should be at least 20 years, repairs and maintenance overtime reduce the tub’s value significantly. Your ideal will eventually come down to your comfortability, but to be on the safe side, some time within five to ten years of use should be safe.

What’s the Seller’s Offer?

Every seller will have their terms when it comes to the item they seek to liquidate. This does not mean you entirely overlook what you are also willing to offer. How long a hot tub has been in operation will generally dictate the price a seller tags it. Other factors might include any further repairs needed, the tub’s original value, and the urgency of the money.

It would be best if you found a seller that offers a win-win situation in this case. You do not want to go over-budget, yet you also do not wish to down-play the seller for moral sake.

Is the Seller Someone you Trust?

From craigslist to local sellers and also in an auction, there are several places to acquire a used hot tub. The best of them all is getting it from someone you can trust, say a friend or a close relative. Else, ensure you have done a thorough background check before signing the check whenever possible.

If you are buying a used hot tub from an online shop, ensure that you can visit the store before the deal’s final closing. While used hot tubs do not come with a warranty, the least you could do to be in a safe situation is ensuring that you have minimum reason to regret the purchase from the start.

What’s the Hot Tub’s Brand?

Just like buying a new hot tub, a brand’s reputation can highly determine your final choice. Some brands already have weak and unreliable products, even for new tubs. This means it would even be worse, getting the same products as a pre-owned item. No matter how much less it would mean buying such products, you will not get the value for your money.

Is it Inflatable or In-ground?

Inflatable hot tubs are often cheaper compared to in-ground options. They are also easier to manage, but the wear and tear period can be shorter because of the often build and fold activities.

In-ground hot tubs are more luxurious to some extent, and their durability is a bit longer. They are more expensive and need more maintenance as well. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on what you are comfortable with, your budget, or even preference.

What Repairs will it Need?

If the tub needs maintenance, how much will that cost you? How many parts need total replacement, and how many only need a bit of fixing? Are the spare parts accessible?

How long will it take for the repairs to get done? Once you have these questions answered and satisfied, you can go ahead and place an offer. However, it is more recommendable to go for a used tub that does not need as many repairs, if any, at all.

Are There Maintenance Records to Look Through?

This is the part where many used tub buyers forget. Just because a seller claims that they have taken care of the hot tub for as long as they have had it, does not mean that they have. Or maybe not rightly. The only way to confirm is by asking and thoroughly going through the hot tub’s maintenance history. Proper records make this process much more comfortable.

How Much will it Cost to Deliver the Hot Tub?

Ultimately, you will need the hot tub moved from its former owner or the local store to your place. Is the delivery fee part of the purchase price? Will you need someone to fix it in place once delivered, and how much will that cost? Many new tub sellers offer such after-purchase services, but this varies with used tubs. Ensure you have this clear beforehand.

How to Do Quick Checks Before Writing the Check?

Asking the right questions does not mean you have everything in black and white. To sum up the inquiry by mouth, you need to do a few technical checks.

• Ensure you see the tub in action. An empty tub will not tell you much about its operational condition, but one in operation will spill all the beans. Once the tub is up and running, hang around for a few minutes to ensure there are no strange noises or other unwanted pop-ups.
• Inspect the thermostat. As long as the thermostat is not working effectively, a hot tub is as good as useless. You won’t be able to regulate the tub’s temperature accordingly. The heater could also be the problem if the water’s temperature is not getting as high as 100 to 104 degrees.
• Ensure that the cartridge filter is working well. This could be one of the things that need repairs if there are any issues. If it looks too dirty or somehow worn out, think twice about buying the hot tub.
• Evaluate the seals and leaks. If a hot tub is leaking, you might need to spend a lot more trying to seal affected areas. Check how well the tub’s seals are working and also pay attention to any calcium stains or signs of prior leaks.

Get a Used Hot Tub Worth Your Investment

Just because a hot tub is not entirely new does not mean it should be crappy and old, only lasting for a year at most. Leave no stones unturned when going through your options for a satisfying experience. If you are not good with technical operations, take someone who is with you while inspecting the tub.