HELP: Im a hot tub rookie with a small budget

[aarron]

So I've been looking for the last couple weeks, learning all I can about buying a budget tub.  I originally looked at used tubs on CL, which was incredibly frustrating.  Ive seen a Saratoga 6 person 10ish yrs old for 1k, Infinity for 1,250 (read this was a terrible company), and a 6 person Cal for 500 which needed an o-ring and was 11 yrs old.  After a friend bought a 4 winds, I looked at a plug n play 3 person new for 3k.  Also looked at Aqua rest roto mold 5 person PNP for 2k.  Help!

[aarron]

Bueller?

[Hottubguy]

I'm not really sure what your looking for help on

[d00nut]

Saratoga is a decent brand (not sure about it being 11 years old.)  Stay away from Cal and Infinity.  Can't comment on Four winds.  I have never seen them around any place I have worked/lived.  The only thing is on 4 winds... it really bothers me when no one post anything about their warranty online. 

As hottubguy said, you didn't really ask a question. 

[Tman122]

So I've been looking for the last couple weeks, learning all I can about buying a budget tub.  I originally looked at used tubs on CL, which was incredibly frustrating.  Ive seen a Saratoga 6 person 10ish yrs old for 1k, Infinity for 1,250 (read this was a terrible company), and a 6 person Cal for 500 which needed an o-ring and was 11 yrs old.  After a friend bought a 4 winds, I looked at a plug n play 3 person new for 3k.  Also looked at Aqua rest roto mold 5 person PNP for 2k.  Help!

Can you take the Cal get it set up and running then pay for it?

[aarron]

Im really just looking for advice.  Ive got a very limited budget, and started by looking at used tubs.  I evolved into looking at new tubs in the 2-3k range.  First a roto tub by AquaRest/Dreammaker then a 4 winds acrylic for 3,200.  Just trying to figure out if Rotos are worth it, or a low end Acrylic is better. 

[aarron]

So I've been looking for the last couple weeks, learning all I can about buying a budget tub.  I originally looked at used tubs on CL, which was incredibly frustrating.  Ive seen a Saratoga 6 person 10ish yrs old for 1k, Infinity for 1,250 (read this was a terrible company), and a 6 person Cal for 500 which needed an o-ring and was 11 yrs old.  After a friend bought a 4 winds, I looked at a plug n play 3 person new for 3k.  Also looked at Aqua rest roto mold 5 person PNP for 2k.  Help!

Can you take the Cal get it set up and running then pay for it?

Unfortunately no.

[Hottubguy]

Im really just looking for advice.  Ive got a very limited budget, and started by looking at used tubs.  I evolved into looking at new tubs in the 2-3k range.  First a roto tub by AquaRest/Dreammaker then a 4 winds acrylic for 3,200.  Just trying to figure out if Rotos are worth it, or a low end Acrylic is better.

What are you getting the hot tub for?  If it's hot water you are looking for then a rotomold will be fine. You won't get much jet pressure so if jet action is important look elsewhere. For 2k-3k New there won't be much out there worth the money unless jet pressure isn't important

[Isaac-1]

All I can say is there are deals out there on used Hot Tubs, I paid about $1,000 for my Hot Spring Jetsetter 3-4 years ago,  it is a 1998 model, but does not look its age as it spent its entire life indoors, and sat in storage for 4-5 years before I bought it.    I had to spend about $400 to get it going (new circulation pump, new ozonator, and diverter valve rebuild kit), and had to drive about 100 miles to pick up from the seller, I have a truck and a trailer so only fuel expense there.  I would not consider anything older than mine built by Hot Spring, the 1998 basic hot spring design did go virtually unchanged until 2007 though, with only small incremental updates (Blue incandescent bulb to Blue LED, to color changing LED etc over the years).    My suggestions when shopping for a  used tub are to  stick with ones from the big name quality brands, and try to buy one that has spent its life indoors or at least in a sheltered location out of the weather.

[aarron]

Thanks for the responses.  I am supposed to hear back today on a Four Winds Lanai (3-4 person 220v) thats a Blem tub for around $3500, and Have a message in on a used but not very old Caldera 3 person for $1500 also 220v  We shall see   Still looking.  I would really like to have a smaller tub but 4 person

[aarron]

Can anyone give me some insight on this?  Its a Dynasty Neptune.  Been on CL for some time.  Ive heard Dynasty has some issues. Opinions?

https://nashville.craigslist.org/hsh/6006911401.html

[Tman122]

Can anyone give me some insight on this?  Its a Dynasty Neptune.  Been on CL for some time.  Ive heard Dynasty has some issues. Opinions?

https://nashville.craigslist.org/hsh/6006911401.html

How old is it?

[aarron]

Well it just got sold.  However, the 4 Winds rep came back with a refurb 5hp 3 person w lounger for $2450. Its a 220v.  Also there is a new craigslist post for a Viking Destiny River 6 person 4 years old for 2k.  I have heard negative things about Viking.  Opinions?

[Skysurfer2010]

You say you're on a budget and looking at very cheap tubs. Do you already have the wiring for a tub installed? Just asking because that can cost around $1,000 alone depending on your set up. Thought I'd mention it since you're looking at some tubs the same cost as the wiring.

[aarron]

I have a friend w experience  who is helping me wire it