Hot Tub Buying Guide

If you are looking into buying a used hot tub, there are a number of factors you should consider to avoid any problems. Such problems include repair expenses, electrical wiring and hookup, decontamination, site preparation and setup, and moving the hot tub.

Not everyone's hot tub will be in pristine condition. Things like acrylic shell cracks, pump leaks, wood rot, vermin damage, and motor replacements are things the previous owner will leave you to fix. These problems will most likely result in a better monetary deal. But, be careful. Cracks and leaks evident on the hot tub should not deter you from buying it. They can be a very easy and inexpensive fix with special sealants. Buying a hot tub that has wood rot, vermin damage, or a dysfunctional motor is not a very wise purchase. These can become a great hassle. Wood rot and vermin damage is permanent. You will have to replace the wood for your hot tub to be safe for you to use. Also, you should make sure that you witness the owner run the hot tub and listen to the motor. The motor should sound like a low and consistent hum. If there are any grinding, whining, or other sounds, then you may have to replace the motor, which can be very expensive.

The electrical setup and wiring should also be a huge determining factor. If the wiring is frayed or the electrical setup does not match the one you have, you may not want to waste your time or money in trying to fix it or get the right plugs.

If you are a person who is looking for a hot tub that is as new-looking as possible, then you should make sure there are no evident stains or any other cleanliness issues. If the hot tub was left unattended for while or if no chemicals were regularly added, then you may have to spend your own time to decontaminate it.

If you buy a hot tub from a retail store, then you can usually customize your hot tub to specifically fit your needs and available space. So, when you buy from a previous owner, you will want to measure the amount of space you have available and make sure that there is enough room for all of the people who will be using it regularly. Be sure to see the tub in person so that you can verify the size. This is very important, because people can willingly, or accidentally, put the wrong dimensions in their ad.

Once you've picked the used hot tub that you want, the next thing you have to do is move it. Whether you pay a moving company to do it or not, you need to make sure that it is movable. If it has cracks or other damage, it might suffer more damage once you try to move it. This will just add more to your expenses.

All of these factors, left unchecked, may end up costing you more money. And if you have to spend more money, that defeats the whole purpose of spending less on a used hot tub. So, make sure that you can handle all of the expenses, moving, and maintenance that a used hot tub needs before you purchase. Compare the cost of the tub plus any repairs to the cost of the new tub. A used hot tub can be an economical way to go, if you're a savvy shopper.