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New to buying used hot tubs - what's important?

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cranbiz:
I wouldn't expect to.

On a used tub, nothing is beyond the realm of possibility but That's why it's important to be able to see it in operation.

If it's not running and full, most likely, they are trying to hide something. Now, if he was to pay you $500, it might be worth taking a chance.

A.O.:

--- Quote from: slo on March 10, 2021, 03:21:08 pm ---Hey guys. Thanks for all the informative responses! He has already bargained himself down to $850. I presume I could get it for $500, but I figured even free it might be a real chore, so I had already written it off. It serves as a good learning case though.

If I'm buying a used tub, should I expect to need to reseal jets? Is that a normal maintenance thing, or is that a "only in case of specific failures" type of job?

--- End quote ---

I've had hot tubs for about 30 years now, have not "resealed " a jet yet.

Tman122:

--- Quote from: slo on March 10, 2021, 03:21:08 pm ---Hey guys. Thanks for all the informative responses! He has already bargained himself down to $850. I presume I could get it for $500, but I figured even free it might be a real chore, so I had already written it off. It serves as a good learning case though.

If I'm buying a used tub, should I expect to need to reseal jets? Is that a normal maintenance thing, or is that a "only in case of specific failures" type of job?

--- End quote ---

Used tubs are fine if the price is right and your skills and ambition can help fix small problems. Obviously a better built tub will outlast a middle of the road tub or a cheap tub. But that doesn't mean parts won't fail on any grade tub, some quicker than others. 5-8 years before stuff starts to break on cheap tubs, 8-12 on middle of the road and up to 30 on some higher quality tubs. But you still may be replacing parts on a 10 year old high quality tub. Seeing it run is the best ,but ask here and provide specifics you will get honest answers.

Glad you passed on the ones you posted.

slo:
Hello again. In my continued search for an inexpensive but not garbage hot tub, I figure I'll bump this thread each time I find a listing that I've got some questions about. I figure it's better than making a new thread every single time I've got questions about a listing. I appreciate all the answers you guys have given me so far, it's great information!

This time it's a 2003 Jacuzzi J-370, listed for $1,300. Here's what the seller has to say:

--- Quote ---I purchased it from my neighbor in 2007. It has worked perfectly every year since then. We used it all seasons even through the winters. All pumps work as does the mother board. Shell does not leak. As mentioned it has a FLO message at the moment so probably needs a FLO switch which I replaced 2 or 3 times in the past. It’s only 68 dollars. We purchased a new when my wife saw it while browsing at Gary Pools. I can fill it with water to show you that it functions if you are interested
--- End quote ---

Given what I've read about lifespans, an 18 year old tub does cause me concern. At the same time, if it's mostly running well, and just needs a part replaced that's a standard maintenance fix, is that a problem? I'm also curious about the general opinion of Jacuzzi brand tubs. Are they one of the higher quality vendors, with long lasting products, or are they realistically low-to-mid tier and getting by on brand name?

$1,300 feels expensive for a tub this old, especially since I found a thread on these forums 12 years old(!) of someone buying a 2002 J-370 for $1,000. It looks like that was a great deal back then, and I figure I can knock the price down, maybe to somewhere between $500 and $750, but still.

My main questions here are:
-Is replacing the FLO switch every few years typical, or does that indicate some other, more serious problem?
-How does Jacuzzi rank in terms of product quality?
-Is it ever a good idea to buy a tub this old?

vippoolsandspas:
Find Tub for $500.  The shell color and style you like.  Put new pump and spa pack in if needed.  Expect to put around $3000 into it.  At least you'll have a warranty on all the parts.  The Shell lasts forever.

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