Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Djncmt on April 09, 2018, 03:27:57 am

Title: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 09, 2018, 03:27:57 am
Hi All. I am a first time Hot Tub Buyer and a client shared with me about her amazing Hot Spring. I went and looked at a few and was offered a floor model High Life Prodigy by Hot Spring for $8500 with Cover Lifter, Steps, Start Up Pack and delivery before tax and before adding 220v to it. Is this the going rate for this style tub?

How does it compare with the Vanguard and Souverein? 

I also found a 2016 Hot Spring Gleam fully loaded. They have a buyer but they haven’t paid for it yet, so I’m hoping to get a stab at that one!  But don’t know how to get it from point A to Point B. How do I begin to find someone to pick up and deliver my used tub if purchase one from a private seller? Also, he purchased it from the same dealer that I found the Prodigy at. Will they possibly move it for me? And will they teach me how to set it up and operate it even though I purchased from a private seller? And with this effect the warranty in any way?

Any help will be much appreciated.
Ya’ll have been such a big help in my research! Thanks so much!!
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: richierich on April 09, 2018, 12:43:52 pm
They would probably move it for a price. There would not be any warranty.
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 09, 2018, 05:11:32 pm
So the Watranty is only good for the original buyer??? It has a 5 year manufacturers warranty. So are you telling me that it will be Null & Void if I purchase a used tub?
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 09, 2018, 06:45:26 pm
Ok! Just read the Full Warranty. It is only good to the original buyer. So that makes my decision on the used tub.
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: richierich on April 09, 2018, 07:16:32 pm
Depending on the price, a used tub can be a great buy. Paying someone to fix a problem with a hot tub doesn't cost an arm and a legg. Some things a pretty straightforward and can be done by a diy er. If the tub is fairly new there is a good chance it will be trouble free.
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 09, 2018, 07:39:45 pm
They were asking $6000. Its fully loaded with Acevsystem, WiFi stero, outside lights, cover lifter, stairs, also electrical box. He said he paid almost $17,000 2 years ago.
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 09, 2018, 07:45:26 pm
That was supposed to say Ace Salt water Sustem.
Question: can the ace system be by passed and just use chlorine ? 
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: castletonia on April 09, 2018, 11:10:48 pm
$6000 is fair for a 2 year old Gleam considering what it sells for new.  That said, I wouldn't pay $6000 for a used hot tub. 
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 10, 2018, 07:45:46 am
Thank you for that advice. He sold his house and is closing on April 17th so he must get it out of there. What would you consider a fair price to offer him for it, knowing he has to get it out of there by next week?
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: castletonia on April 10, 2018, 08:14:37 am
Is the hot tub still filled and running?  If not, I wouldn’t offer anything.  $6,000 is fair, I just wouldn’t spend that much knowing I could get into a new Rhythm or Relay for less than a $1000 more with warranty.  If it were me, I would probably offer $4500 - $5000 knowing that it will probably cost at least $500 to move the hot tub, likely more, and that I will need a new ACE cell soon.  If he says no, $6000 is still reasonable. 
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 10, 2018, 08:33:25 am
Thanks so much! Will be hearing. Ack from him tomorrow night.
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Spatech_tuo on April 10, 2018, 11:32:37 am
Thanks so much! Will be hearing. Ack from him tomorrow night.

When he stresses that the spa is only 2 years old counter that you know that spa warranties aren't transferable!
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 10, 2018, 12:52:04 pm
Thank you! Now that I know that!  ;). How much for a new ACE Cell?  And can the system run on chlorine and by pass the ACE system? Or no?
This has been quite the learning experience! Thanks so much for the support!!
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: castletonia on April 10, 2018, 01:03:52 pm
Depending on your dealer, a new ACE cell costs around $750.  You can always run the hot tub on chlorine and not use ACE.  You just need the cap to screw into the fitting in the filter compartment where the ACE cell would have been.
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 10, 2018, 07:20:25 pm
Ok! Thank you! That’s great to know!’
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 11, 2018, 12:19:10 am
Do you know much about the HS Prodigy? That was my first choice. Is there enough power in the jests if I Up it from 110v to 220v? Even though it only has on pump and 1 speed? 
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: d00nut on April 11, 2018, 01:18:48 am
No power difference in the jets by going from 110 to 220.  That is the biggest myth in hot tubs.

The difference is:

Great hot tub!  My inlaws have one, the love it!  What I really appreciate about Watkins and Hot Spring is their consistency.  My grandee moto feels undistinguishable between a Jetsetter and Prodigy.  I just want more space :)
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: im45us on April 11, 2018, 06:49:34 am
I bought a new Prodigy in 1992 so very, very different than what you are looking at but I had that tub for 22 years and replaced a few heaters but other wise never had a problem. It died a few years ago  :'( and i went with Jacuzzi this time. I would have bought a new Prodigy but no longer had a local dealer I liked and was happy with the Jacuzzi dealer.
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 12, 2018, 07:00:54 pm
Wow! Ok! Well I definitely want heat and jets at the same time. So with the extra cost for the 220v to be added to the Prodigy, would it be wiser to go with one of the other models which already has it?  How much of a difference in price between the Prodigy, adding 220v and say the Vanguard?
Title: Re: First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring
Post by: Djncmt on April 15, 2018, 12:34:58 am
I’m going to look at a couple, slightly used 2017 Hot Spring Envoy’s tomorrow. They are both asking very high prices for them, at least in my eyes. However, I am hoping I can bring them off of their high horses. I was originally excited about the Prodigy because of the open seating and floor base. The envoy looks like there will be a lot or crowded footsies going on due to the contoured seating and bench. Has anyone owned an Envoy? Can you give me some feedback on the seating and comfort level? It says seats 5 but seems tight to me on paper. Also, can anyone give me advise on how to offer a used price without insulting the owners? They are both asking “almost new” prices on their, “barely used” spa’s. However, as I have learned on this forum, the warranty does not transfer to the new owner once sold.  Any help from you SPA experts would be gratelyy appreciated. Both Spas look amazing in the pictures! One is a year old and the other is 5 months old. Thanks soooo much for all your help!