Discussions

So we are looking at a used hot tub. We would only use it during the summer months. Say from April - sept/ October.  
 
I’m a little gun shy about buying stuff used as I’ve been burnt before. This is a private person selling.  
I’m wondering if anybody who have done the same could give me some advice about doing this??

We bought a used hot tub, but did buy a refurnished one from a local company because of concerns that we had over buying used. In researching it before we bought, I did come across a few things that were recommended.  
 
If the tub is not hooked up and working you are really taking a chance. You want to see it operating. There are too many parts in it that could be inoperable or broken. On a bigger tub there will be likely two pumps for the jets as well as a circulating pump. The control board itself is close to $1,000 if it is not working. Are there any leaks: those will not be seen if the tub isn't operated. Is the insulation still good or is it deteriorated or waterlogged? The latter would be an indication of a leak somewhere in the piping between jets.  
 
Good luck! Hope these few points are helpful.

I would take it to a dealer to have them go over it. I bought a used tub and enjoyed it but had trouble and it ended up leaking. Not sure what they would charge to go over it but wish I would have done it. Moving them can dislodge scales and cause seals to crack and you might as well have the experts deal with it than you have to drain your tub and then try to fix it.

Similar concerns as other posters expressed.  
 
I made a condition of sales be that it be hooked up and working before I paid. I paid $3500 We have used it for two years and are very satisfied.  
 
 
Earlier I went cheap and bought one not working. Eventually gave it away. I had too many leaks.

You pretty much get what you've paid for with an old tub just as such the same as with buying an used car. The risk factors greatly increase without proper mechanical knowledge, experience, seeing & hearing it run/taking a "test drive" and professional certification of being checked over (safety). Too much trust in a strangers word will usually cost you more money in the end. Don't take the risk, if you can't afford the outcome of a "worst case scenario".  
 
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

OneMan'sOpinion said "We bought a used hot tub, but did buy a refurnished one from a local company because of concerns that we had over buying used. In researching it before we bought, I did come across a few things that were recommended.     If the tub is not hooked up and working you are really taking a chance. You want to see it operating. There are too many parts in it that could be inoperable or broken. On a bigger tub there will be likely two pumps for the jets as well as a circulating pump. The control board itself is close to $1,000 if it is not working. Are there any leaks: those will not be seen if the tub isn't operated. Is the insulation still good or is it deteriorated or waterlogged? The latter would be an indication of a leak somewhere in the piping between jets.     Good luck! Hope these few points are helpful. "

Thank you for your reply. This tub is functioning and appears to be working great. Jets all working and hot! We are going over after work today to take another look once they drain it. I want to see it off the ground to see if there is any water underneath. The insulation looks plentiful and dry! So barring no issues we might have a deal to purchase a hot tub!  
 
Fingers crossed

Just remember that when moving a hot tub there can be damage done. Once the hot tub is moved there is the chance something could get cracked just from transporting it. Private sales don’t come with warranty so once it leaves their property they are not obligated to refund or come good for any potential issues that arise.  
 
We sold ours a few years back. Was in excellent shape. They paid me before they loaded it. I cringed while I watched them load it as they were so rough. But whatever, it’s theirs now and not my problem.

at how you can get it out of the persons yard. can you lift it straight up and level through a wide enough fence or do you have to roll it out through a mangate. i would imagine tipping on end for an older tub might not be good for it.  
 
i wonder if you can hire the hot tub companies to actually move it for you.