Purchasing a used hot tub or acquiring one for free can be a great way to get a high ticket at a fraction of the cost. Before diving into the logistics of owning a hot tub, there are some things you should know to make this a pleasant experience instead of a nightmare.
Below are the potential costs which can add up quickly
- Moving the hot tub from the seller’s location to your house.
- Site preparation and setup.
- Electrical wiring and hookup.
- Repair expense after setup.
What to look for
- The seller should freely identify any problems with the item
- The hot tub should be filled with water, hot, with pumps running during your visit
- There should be no water pooling around the edges of the tub (this would indicate there are leaks in the piping, and that can be expensive)
- Push all the buttons to see if they work, feel the jets, look at the filtration system…you are considering buying the item, so don’t be shy about this!
- Check the sides and skirt of the hot tub for dry rot.
In conclusion, the best advice is to have a hot tub repair person have a look before you purchase. Hot tubs that are empty and not being used need to be completely drained and weatherized properly, otherwise freezing temperatures can cause damage to the hot tub.