Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: kleinstagecomp on October 19, 2006, 05:33:49 pm
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not to buy a used hot tub because they have too many problems. >:( I'm pretty sure the guy is full of crap but it makes me wonder. Should I have any reservations about buying a used (4-6 year old) Caldera or Hot Springs or Tiger River or CalSpa or Sundance, etc, etc?
We don't want to shell out the $6k+ for a new one. We are first time buyers and want to try something cheaper to start off with.
If you were buying used, which manufacturers would you consider?
Thanks
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For a used spa you shouldn't pay more than $2500.
We use an independent delivery company. He delivers many brands and moves spas for people. He would say get a Hot Spring, based on the condition of the spas when he moves them.
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We struggled with the price as well when we started looking at tubs. I just couldn't see shelling out $7K or whatever for a tub. We looked at a Great Lakes for $3500, new, but we weren't too impressed with it, so we looked at Hot Spring Spas. I soon realized that if we were to have a quality tub, backed by a sound warranty, we needed to spend more up front to save a lot down the road.
I think the trick with buying used, is actually finding one that you like and you're confident with. Around here, we really didn't have anywhere to go to look for used tubs.
Check out the new ones as well and see what financing they offer. You might be surprised and find yourself in a new tub. Good luck and let us know how the search goes. We ended up with a Hot Spring Jetsetter and we absolutely love it. :)
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Spiderman,
We looked at the Great Lakes as well and we were also not impressed. We have checked with the Hot Springs/Tiger River dealer here about new and financing options. It wasn't much help. They put us on their "list" to be called if any good trade-ins show up.
Hottubdan,
We really like the Hot Springs and Tiger River line up. I've seen alot of older (10+ years) in that price range. What is the ideal age for a used tub. I've heard "10 years is nothing for a ...." but I'm not sure I feel comfortable with a hot tub that old. We were hoping for a 3-6 year old, but maybe we are dreaming if we think we can get that for $2500 (which is about where we want to be)
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I was in the same boat as spiderman. I just bought my first spa for $6000. I'm telling you this because when I started shopping I had a set price of $4000, but as I started to educate myself on spas, I soon realized that having a quality tub with a quality warranty isn't in the cards for that price. You say your interested in used ones. I would never buy anything used again without a warranty, so I immediately began shopping for new ones and 7 weeks and a couple extra $$$$$ later I found the one for me. I look at it like buying cars, sure you can find a decent used one for $5000 but by the time it's all said and done. That $5k turns to 6,7,8,9,..... until sooner or later you will have forked out more in repairs than what it is really worth. Spend it now or spend it later is my advice as I have learned from my own mistakes. I have a new house,car, and spa due to my many problems with preowned anythings. :) Good luck and if you have anymore q's the people on this board are very knowledgable,experienced, and friendly and will be more than happy to help.
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Interesting thoughts Tileman. I guess I'm kind of the opposite. I own a used home, a used car, a used truck, a used iPod, 3 used TV's, a used commercial lawn mower, and 2 used dogs from the local shelter and the only one I've ever had a problem with is the iPod. ;D I guess we all have different experiences that lead us to different decisions.
What hot tub did you end up buying? Thanks for the input.
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Hottubdan,
We really like the Hot Springs and Tiger River line up. I've seen alot of older (10+ years) in that price range. What is the ideal age for a used tub. I've heard "10 years is nothing for a ...." but I'm not sure I feel comfortable with a hot tub that old. We were hoping for a 3-6 year old, but maybe we are dreaming if we think we can get that for $2500 (which is about where we want to be)
What part of the country do you live in? A good place to look is craigslist.com. Buy from a private party. I think you should be able to find one ...4 to 7 years old anyway.
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I searched for months to find me the perfect used tub. I wanted something fairly new, no older than 3 years and my budget was around $4. I educated myself first, then looked daily on craigslist and the recycler. There was quite a bit to choose from and if they were priced right (and in great shape) they usually sold same day or within a couple of days. I actually missed out on a few because I thought I could wait till the weekend to look at them. My advice, is to watch your area, get an idea of what things go for, and have your money ready. My brother just got an 05 Jacuzzi 345 for I think it was $2500. About 6 mo ago my friends got an 04 Artesian with full gazeebo and stuff for about $4k.
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I think there is a lot of sense in what you are thinking.
I also think that you should be able to find a good used spa for less than $3K that will still have some good life left in it.
I would do what Brook says - keep some cash ready, check Craigslist daily - multilple times daily in fact - and jump on the deals.
I would try very hard not to buy any spa which you can't see full of hot water.
A dealer will charge you a bit more, but you can go back if there are problems. Even if they don't give you a warranty, you can at least ask them to include a careful check out before they deliver.
Here's Craigslist for your area:
http://columbus.craigslist.org/for/222579124.html
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Keep in mind that Marquis warrenties are transferrable
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not to buy a used hot tub because they have too many problems. >:( I'm pretty sure the guy is full of crap but it makes me wonder. Should I have any reservations about buying a used (4-6 year old) Caldera or Hot Springs or Tiger River or CalSpa or Sundance, etc, etc?
We don't want to shell out the $6k+ for a new one. We are first time buyers and want to try something cheaper to start off with.
If you were buying used, which manufacturers would you consider?
Thanks
You might want to check out COSTCO, they sell Hotsprings, Keys and Hydro-Spa online at discounted prices. They won't be in your 2500 range but they will be new with a warranty. They also won't be the same models you might get at a dealer. Costco sometimes gets special made models just for them. They should be getting their new instore model soon. Last year their instore model was $3999 and had more features than the traditional big box retailers models. They have a easy return policy, so you might be able to find a used tub someone has returned at a discount.
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IHere's Craigslist for your area:
http://columbus.craigslist.org/for/222579124.html
He is between Cincinnati and Dayton, Does craigslist cover that area?
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I've been checking craigslist and several different classified sections of newspapers in the following areas Dayton, Cinci, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Indy, Ft Wayne, and Detroit. Detroit, Cleveland, and Akron are stretching it, but I figure if I can find the right one it's worth a mini road trip. I have a truck and trailer so transporting isn't much of an issue. I found a 1.5year old Caldera Tahitian that is located about 5 miles from my house on ebay. However, he has the starting bid at $4700 which is quite a bit more than we want to spend.
I stopped at the Sundance dealer today and looked at a '96 Sundance Royale. It was kept inside so it looked great, the pumps were replaced and so was the control panel. They were wanting $2800 including setup, cover and steps, chemicals and a 90 day warranty. $2800 for a 10 year old tub seems kinda high, but it's tempting.
I have come to realize that Brooke is absolutely right as I have missed out on 2 CalSpa's that were only 2 years old and going for $2k and $2600. Of course, after reading some reviews of CalSpas on here, that might have been a blessing in disguise. I snoozed too long on a 1.5 year old HS Vanguard for $2750 as well (I'll regret that one for many years to come). So, now my money is in hand and I'm ready to pounce.
Does anyone know of any other avenue for finding used hot tubs besides Craiglist, Ebay, and local newspapers?
Thanks for the help
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Just thinking out loud on where else to check....
Company bulliten boards?
Dealers?
Repair centers?
I googled Used hot tub OH and found this listing:
http://www.bargaintraderonline.com/browse.ads/1/Patio,_Lawn/Pools,_Hot_Tubs
Looks like a lot of no name tubs. Once ad struck me as suspicious, so I googled the # and found out it's not a pricvate sale...be careful
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Keep an eye on the tub on ebay. Its very likely he won't get any bids, he may repost or he may not. I have emailed people after the close of the auction and told them that I was interested in said product and if they had trouble selling it and wanted to negotiate the price to let me know. Sometimes it has worked other times they reposted it at the same price.
The fact that that you have cash in hand and can be ready to come get the tub quickly will help you with the sale. Do be careful not to get overanxious... don't be afraid to walk away if something seems off. I went cash in hand 90 miles away last year to buy a Jacuzzi 375?. The kids and I wet tested it and everything, but I just got this funny feeling and I walked away. It was really hard to do, but I decided I needed to think about it some more and it was the best decision I could have made. Found my tub about a week later.
Also on craigslist make sure you search spa, hot tub, and jacuzzi. I got different hits with each of those terms. Lots of people call their tub a jacuzzi even if that isn't the brand.
Oh and on tub at a dealer.... I would pay more $ at a dealer than I would private party in most cases, because they (should) have gone over the tub for problems, put new filters in it, and often times a new cover, and may offer a warranty. I got laughed at when I tried to get people to take $500 less money up front pending it working when I got home, but my brother was able to get the guy to give him a 30day up to $500 warranty that he would cover.
Be patient, the right tub will make its way to you eventually.
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Brroke,
Great suggestion on the craigslist search terms. I've been searching for hot tub. I will definately try jacuzzi and spa as well.
I had the same thoughts about the Caldera on ebay. I really don't think the guy will get a bid either and if he is moving soon he is bound to be willing to negotiate.
I forgot to mention earlier that we have put our name on the Hot Springs dealer used list about a month ago and haven't heard anything back....I call them once every 2 weeks or so just to check in and see, but nothing yet. I've also tried the TraderOnline to no avail. I'll keep trying.
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Just wait and your turn will come.
i wanted a tub for the longest time and could not affored one. Suddenly a house in my area got repoed and he had a tub. i offered him 400$ and i got it. So far i have 200$ in on cem's and 5$ for glue to repair a circ pump.
Here is the twisted part now!
I have my house on the marked and we are looking for a new one.
From 3 houses i am interested in 2 have tubs build in there decks.
My opinion is. So long you are a bit handy and your shell is god the rest can be fixed fearly cheap.
i've got a lot of infos from this site.
so at this point i like to thank the people who are makeing this forum a greate place with a lot of fun.
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I'm going to look at the Caldera Tahitian listed on ebay for $4700. 17 months old. That seems a little high to me. It comes with cover, cover lifter, and steps. What do you all think about that price? What is fair and reasonable? The guy said upfront he didn't (and I don't want to either) talk price until the auction has ended. I'm just wondering what other people on here think.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130037453049&rd=1&rd=1
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From what was being sold in my area, I think the price is high. I think $3500-4k is more reasonable myself. My biggest concern though is why did the owner run the jets when the tub was 1/2 full? I'm just an owner not an expert, but I know I'm not suppose to power up until the water was full, let alone turn on jets. I'd be concerned about possible damage maybe if this was usual behaviour.
I would also get more info about There is a very small discoloration spot on the inside surface. It is not a structural problem/tear/hole. I will email pictures of that if you are concerned.
It might not be a problem, but I would want to know if they had the dealer look at it and whatnot. It also may influence getting top dollar and could be a bargaining chip? I dunno.
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Kleinstagecomp, sorry for the belated response to your question. I decided to go with a Jacuzzi J-345.
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I was browsing through the local classifieds tonight and found a Coleman Model 705, 1 year old, with cover and lifter for $2500. I do not know much about Coleman. Are they reliable/built well? What's the word on the street about Coleman hot tubs?
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AAAHHHHH....too late! They sold it already.
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What do you all think about this one.
Hot Tub Vita Spa Allure Model, 1 1/2 yrs old, 45 jets, 5-6 person, 380 gallons, 220v, Exc Cond, 91x75x36, $3300.00 OBO
I haven't heard too much about Vita Spa. Any info is appreciated
Thanks,
Brian
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(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r165/tileman_photos/allure.jpg)
There is a Vita dealer here in St. Louis. I wet tested both the Allure and Rendevous, both in their 700 series, which is their top brand. I thought the quality was there in both, I just didn't hear much about them and the dealer wasn't to professional. So I opted to go with a more reconizable brand. That's not to say there not good spas though. If I can remember correctly the Rend. was $7995 and the Allure was $6995 new. I was impressed with their jet action and their ability to be fully controlled through a modem while you're away from home. Their price seems reasonable at $3300 in excellent condition. Might be worth it if their not to far away for a wet test.
Good Luck,
Tileman
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You might want to PM watzup, he has a Vita. Also check out the reviews sections both on this site and rhtubs.com.
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I bought the VitaSpa Allure. We moved it Saturday. Was able to enjoy it a couple times Sunday. Still trying to figure out chemicals, but I'm learning.
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I bought the VitaSpa Allure. We moved it Saturday. Was able to enjoy it a couple times Sunday. Still trying to figure out chemicals, but I'm learning.
Congrtas Kleinstagecomp. I have a Klein Quantum Pro by the way.
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Congrats!!!
If you need help on water chemistry, don't hesitate to post questions. It took me a week to finally get my water right. It took alot of patience and tons of advice from the people hear. Also rhtubs.com has lots of advice from getting things started to weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenaince. I found my most useful info from it and since my water is perfectly balanced now, I know it worked.
Enjoy,
Chad
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Tileman,
Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'm beginning to grasp the chem concept, but I will check out that site.
Gomboman,
I sold my Stagecomp about 6 years ago and currently have no ride. One of these days I hope to get back into biking. But I've had this user/screen name for about 7 years and you are the first person to ever figure out what it means.
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What is craiglist??? I have never heard of that in Canada before.
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Craigslist is a website that allows people across the world to post or view free classified ads just as you would in your local newspaper. The only difference is that it's online. It's pretty cool. Check out the link below.
http://hamilton.craigslist.org/
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wow thats great, I have been viewing Kajiji which is a sister company of ebay
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Congratulations Klein! Put up some pics ;)
I bought a used Hot Springs on Craigslist and love it.
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OK, I thought I could figure out how to posts pictures, but apparently I'm not as intelligent as I thought. Anyone care to help?
Not sure if it matters but I'm using Firefox.
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I think I figured it out.
The patio still isn't quite finished yet. The trailer will be gone soon, the shed will be pushed back into the trees about another 15 ft, and I will be doing the landscaping next spring.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/kleinstagecomp/img019.jpg)
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The pictures are a little crappy as I used my Treo to take them.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/kleinstagecomp/img024.jpg)