Hot Tub Buying 101 - What to Look For?

[8sPOT]

I've had several tubs now over the last decade, and I'm a firm believer in not buying them brand new. Its a sleazy experience, and full of mark ups and add-ons.

There are ALWAYS people looking to get rid of a hot tub. They're relatively light when empty (3-4 guys could easily lift one, 2-3 stronger fellas would do as well), and you will save yourself thousands of dollars.

I bought a house around 2015 that came with a hot tub, that hot tub also came with a decent leak. The water level would go down about 3 inches a day. I bought this stuff online called leak-b-gone or something, anyways I used the whole bottle once and never had a leak issue again.

Brand new tubs are anywhere from $4k-$15k, used is anywhere from FREE to maybe $1k.

Just my 2 cents.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Thanks for the comments. It will be sitting on a terrace of a condo, so I won't be wanting to go too big or need speakers/TV's etc. It's close enough to my inside space to work around that.
I've got the developer building in a 220 volt electric line and plumbing in the location I need it, so that should help with the electrical issues some have mentioned.

Hmmm condo eh? Typically for a roof top hot tub you'd have to get approval from the strata/condo board, ensure it will bear the weight of a full tub (engineer approval), and also get additional insurance in case of water leakage.

Sounds like it's a new build though, where the Developer acts as the Board/Strata until one can be constituted. You might want to get all these in writing now.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by 8sPOT

I've had several tubs now over the last decade, and I'm a firm believer in not buying them brand new. Its a sleazy experience, and full of mark ups and add-ons.

I agree with this. The only reason I have one is because it came with the house. It's fine, but for the amount we use it, I won't be replacing it.

I've had it for 11 years, and I think it's easily over 20 years now. I've maybe put $200 of parts into it, and servicing the typical points of failure (heating coils, pump seals) is very DIYable.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Hmmm condo eh? Typically for a roof top hot tub you'd have to get approval from the strata/condo board, ensure it will bear the weight of a full tub (engineer approval), and also get additional insurance in case of water leakage.

Sounds like it's a new build though, where the Developer acts as the Board/Strata until one can be constituted. You might want to get all these in writing now.

The post you're replying to is ~10 years old. Your advice seems good to me though, and I'd be very interested in hearing how this worked out.

[Flamenspiel]

What about a swim spa? Hello Master Spa Michael Phelps model! Contrary to the point made above, the women in the family want it.

We already have the luxury bathroom setup.

[sec304]

I'm very interested in one, perhaps a softub instead. The market is crazy right now though. Used one's are $6k and up

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by sec304

I'm very interested in one, perhaps a softub instead. The market is crazy right now though. Used one's are $6k and up

Like RVs, if you're interested in a used one and price is a factor at all it might make sense to wait a year or two. Some of the people who are panic buying all this stuff now will conclude it isn't for them by then.

[sec304]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

Like RVs, if you're interested in a used one and price is a factor at all it might make sense to wait a year or two. Some of the people who are panic buying all this stuff now will conclude it isn't for them by then.

Agreed. The price of all the toys out there are astronomical and it's the worst year to purchase these things. If I could go back to a year ago I now I would have pulled the trigger

[IGGYFORMVP]

I love my Hot tub. It is the best thing I have ever purchased. There is nothing better than relaxing in your own tub at the end of the day with a cold beer. I own a Hydropool and it has been great.

[sec304]

Originally Posted by IGGYFORMVP

I love my Hot tub. It is the best thing I have ever purchased. There is nothing better than relaxing in your own tub at the end of the day with a cold beer. I own a Hydropool and it has been great.

Address please. I'll be there after work