First time buyer, looking at Hot Spring

[Djncmt]

Hi All. I am a first time Hot Tub Buyer and a client shared with me about her amazing Hot Spring. I went and looked at a few and was offered a floor model High Life Prodigy by Hot Spring for $8500 with Cover Lifter, Steps, Start Up Pack and delivery before tax and before adding 220v to it. Is this the going rate for this style tub?

How does it compare with the Vanguard and Souverein? 

I also found a 2016 Hot Spring Gleam fully loaded. They have a buyer but they haven’t paid for it yet, so I’m hoping to get a stab at that one!  But don’t know how to get it from point A to Point B. How do I begin to find someone to pick up and deliver my used tub if purchase one from a private seller? Also, he purchased it from the same dealer that I found the Prodigy at. Will they possibly move it for me? And will they teach me how to set it up and operate it even though I purchased from a private seller? And with this effect the warranty in any way?

Any help will be much appreciated.
Ya’ll have been such a big help in my research! Thanks so much!!

[richierich]

They would probably move it for a price. There would not be any warranty.

[Djncmt]

So the Watranty is only good for the original buyer??? It has a 5 year manufacturers warranty. So are you telling me that it will be Null & Void if I purchase a used tub?

[Djncmt]

Ok! Just read the Full Warranty. It is only good to the original buyer. So that makes my decision on the used tub.

[richierich]

Depending on the price, a used tub can be a great buy. Paying someone to fix a problem with a hot tub doesn't cost an arm and a legg. Some things a pretty straightforward and can be done by a diy er. If the tub is fairly new there is a good chance it will be trouble free.

[Djncmt]

They were asking $6000. Its fully loaded with Acevsystem, WiFi stero, outside lights, cover lifter, stairs, also electrical box. He said he paid almost $17,000 2 years ago.

[Djncmt]

That was supposed to say Ace Salt water Sustem.
Question: can the ace system be by passed and just use chlorine ? 

[castletonia]

$6000 is fair for a 2 year old Gleam considering what it sells for new.  That said, I wouldn't pay $6000 for a used hot tub. 

[Djncmt]

Thank you for that advice. He sold his house and is closing on April 17th so he must get it out of there. What would you consider a fair price to offer him for it, knowing he has to get it out of there by next week?

[castletonia]

Is the hot tub still filled and running?  If not, I wouldn’t offer anything.  $6,000 is fair, I just wouldn’t spend that much knowing I could get into a new Rhythm or Relay for less than a $1000 more with warranty.  If it were me, I would probably offer $4500 - $5000 knowing that it will probably cost at least $500 to move the hot tub, likely more, and that I will need a new ACE cell soon.  If he says no, $6000 is still reasonable. 

[Djncmt]

Thanks so much! Will be hearing. Ack from him tomorrow night.

[Spatech_tuo]

Thanks so much! Will be hearing. Ack from him tomorrow night.

When he stresses that the spa is only 2 years old counter that you know that spa warranties aren't transferable!

[Djncmt]

Thank you! Now that I know that!  . How much for a new ACE Cell?  And can the system run on chlorine and by pass the ACE system? Or no?
This has been quite the learning experience! Thanks so much for the support!!

[castletonia]

Depending on your dealer, a new ACE cell costs around $750.  You can always run the hot tub on chlorine and not use ACE.  You just need the cap to screw into the fitting in the filter compartment where the ACE cell would have been.

[Djncmt]

Ok! Thank you! That’s great to know!’