Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: flybowman on December 26, 2012, 10:36:25 pm

Title: first time hot tub buyer questions
Post by: flybowman on December 26, 2012, 10:36:25 pm
Hello, Im looking at buying my first hot tub. It is a 2003 Coast spa whilea. I know buying a used older tub is not reccomended by most hot tub folks but a new one is not in my budget. This tub is a 450 gallon, 8x8,  in very good condition inside and out has been set up in a garage for most of its life. It has had one of the two 5hp pumps replaced 2 years ago under warranty and most of the jets have been replaced as well. It needs only a new cover and three new jets. The outside skirt is in perfect condition. Ive looked at lots of tubs, talked to many folks selling them and I dont usually trust most of what I hear but this guy selling it is a good guy and I feel very comfortable buying from him. It has been drained but he is filling and heating it so I can see that everything is working properly. By the way it comes with the complete electrical setup  and the whole package is $500 , seems like a great deal to me. This is my main question. I live in Michigan and am at this minute being blasted by a snow storm. It is my intention to build a temporary structure of treated 2x6 framing on 12" centers, along with interior bracing covered with 5/4 treated deck boards and lay this structure directly on top of a 3 or 4 inch bed of pea gravel (to level the surface ) which I will lay on top of my lawn which is mostly dirt.Obviously I will clear all the snow away first. I know this method will not last forever but I'm hoping it will at least take me to the summer. I welcome any advice that I can get. I have spent many hours on the internet and get conflicting advice everywhere I go. I know that a concrete pad is the best solution but it is not an option right now as I have to bring the tub home. Would also like to hear opinions on the price. Thanks for your help.
Title: Re: first time hot tub buyer questions
Post by: ATC Buckeye on December 27, 2012, 06:36:21 am
Dont see how you can go wrong for $500. Even if you had to replace every component I'd still think you're ahead. 
Title: Re: first time hot tub buyer questions
Post by: wmccall on December 27, 2012, 09:28:50 am
Can you see it running and up to temp? If so, its a decent deal.  My last tub used a lot of common components as COAST and the jets started failing rapidly at 8-9 years and were my primary reason for replacing it., (Though I liked the variety and operation of those jets.)  That is a big tub and Coast doesn't insulate that well, IMO, and you are in Michigan so the cost to heat might be higher than some models.