Buying a Used Hot Tub - What You Need to Know

What about Used Hot Tubs?

New or used?  Factory original or pre-owned?  Saving money is always a good thing, but it is important to know what you are getting yourself into before taking the plunge.  As a well known ranch hand used to say around these parts: "buying cheap is buying expensive".

Now you are probably best off buying a new hot tub factory direct without tax or shipping which is under warranty. So you could skip the rest of the article and see our selection of factory direct hot tubs.  However, here are some tips if you have taken over a used hot tub from, say, a home you just purchased, or are considering a used one.

Sometimes used hot tubs come with extras, so that is a plus.  For example, the hot tub may already have a set of steps, a cover lifter or other accessory installed.

Does the spa have an ozonator, blower, salt system or other upgrade?

Spa Age:

It is a good idea to know about how old the spa is. This can usually be determined from information on the spa pack or control box.  The year of purchase may also be listed in the existing owners manual. Another way to find out a hot tub's age is by serial number. This number is often date-coded so that the month and year of manufacture can be determined. The actual spa manufacturer also may be able to look up the serial number in their database to help determine a spa's age.

Why is age important?  It will help you know how old the pumps, pump seals, orings, heater, cover and other components may be.

Typically a hot tub cover may need to be replaced after about 7 years. Pumps that are older than 3 years or so and are in need of repair may be better off being exchanged rather than repaired. If the water quality was not maintained by the previous owner, then pump seals and other o-rings and gaskets in the system may wear, causing leaks or component wear.

Spa Filter - Install a New One

Start by replacing the cartridge filter with a brand new one for your model. The model number of the filter may be stamped on the end cap, or you can find a model number by measuring the filter.  Be sure to note if it has any threaded connectors or other irregularities when sourcing a replacement filter.  Once you know the model number and equivalent model number types for the filter, you can note it in the owners manual and will always be able to source one without needing to measure.

How is the Cover Holding Up?

Determine if the cover is still good or needs to be replaced as well. Replacement hot tub covers come with free shipping from the Hot Tub Outpost and we accept orders for almost any size/style of hot tub cover.

Used hot tubs can save money, but can also cost money to get them in working order.

Hot Tub Components

If the components, electronics and pump(s) work, and the spa does not leak, it is a good start, but the spa will need to be cleaned inside and out and brought up to proper operating standards.

 Note that if water chemistry was not properly maintained, another thing that may go wrong is that the spa heats slowly or not at all. This could be the result of a calcified heater element with calcium buildup on the element inside the flow through heater.

 This makes it harder for the heater to do its job and ends up costing the owner more in electricity. The solution may be to replace the heater.

There are 2 types of heaters. Those with the sensors on the outside of the tube and those with sensors on the inside of the tube (like recent model Balboa heaters).

The ones with sensors on the inside usually are not hooked up to a pressure switch, whereas older models have a seperate pressure switch that makes sure the heater can only work when safe.

Cleaning the Hot Tub 

If taking over a used hot tub, it is good to give it a thorough cleaning inside and out. 

Start with some Ahh-Some jetted bath and hot tub pipe cleaner.  This stuff will get the gunk out of the lines that you can't see.

Ahh-Some Hot Tub/Jetted Bath Plumbing & Jet Cleaner (2 oz)

Fill spa again for final cleaning and superchlorinate the water by adding 2 capfuls of chlorine to kill any remaining bacteria.

You can refill the tub using a pre-filter to be sure the new water is clean once ready for use.  You may end up wasting some water, but starting clean and knowing what you are bathing/sitting in will go along way towards peace of mind.

If the spa works, is clean, the cover is clean and the filter is new, just add water, freshen up with sanitizer, monitor the pH with test strips and enjoy your new used hot tub.