It only takes a simple TradeMe search to discover there are plenty of second-hand spa pools available to buy here in the Hawkes Bay.

So, the question is, would they be a good investment?

Is buying a second-hand spa a good idea if you are shopping on a budget?

While we agree that you don’t always have to buy brand new, there are some things to consider when looking at pre-owned hot tubs.

Let's explore the benefits of buying a used spa pool, what the cost of second-hand spa pools might be and how to recognise a good deal. 

The Benefits Of Buying A Used Spa Pool

There are plenty of reasons to like the idea of buying a used spa pool. Buying pre-loved can often mean you stumble across a great deal at a great price.

Here are some of the benefits of buying a used spa pool:

1. Affordability

Buying a pre-owned hot tub is likely to be far more affordable than purchasing a brand new variety. You may even luck onto a second-hand hot tub that has barely been used. While pre-loved varieties are unlikely to have all the mod cons of a new release, it will still allow you to soak in style in your own home.

2. Sustainability

Often, if people cannot sell their spa pools, they send them to a landfill. By purchasing a second-hand spa pool, you are saving it from this fate. Giving someone’s unwanted hot tub a new home supports the sustainability principle of reusing rather than dumping.

3. Availability

Often, it can take weeks for a dealership to build a spa if you choose custom colours, features and accessories. With a second-hand spa, you can see exactly what you are getting right there in front of you and it is available right away.

Risks Of Buying A Pre-Owned Hot Tub

Like any second-hand purchase, there are some potential risks involved with purchasing a pre-owned hot tub. These are some of the things to be aware of:

1. Hidden Costs: When you buy a used spa pool, there will be an upfront cost, but that is not the total cost you will end up paying. You’ll also have to factor in potential delivery and installation costs, urgent maintenance or repair costs, and the ongoing running costs of power, water and cleaning chemicals.
2. Private Sellers: Buying from a private seller can be a good way to get an affordable spa, but it could cost you a lot more in the long run. You won’t have the support and assistance of a spa pool dealer to source parts or provide after sales advice.
3. Lack Of Warranty: Often, spa pool warranties can become voided if the original purchaser on-sells the spa to someone else. So, you may find that your pre-loved spa is no longer covered by a warranty. That leaves you exposed to repair costs if something unexpected happens.
4. Potential Issues: Unfortunately, when you buy a used spa pool, any potential issues are not always immediately obvious. And, it’s not like you can simply open a trapdoor and instantly see what the problem is! Accessing and inspecting the mechanics of a spa will require specialist knowledge, meaning there could be unknown issues lurking in there.
5. Working Order: You cannot tell if a spa is in good working order if it is empty. Always see if you can have a test soak or at least see it in action while full of water.

How Long Should A Spa Pool Last?

The first question that many people ask us is, what is the expectancy of a spa pool? Or, how long do Hot Springs spas last? These are totally valid questions. When investing in a spa pool, you want to know your money is safe.

If you choose to buy a brand new spa pool from Hot Spring, we are so confident in our products that we offer a 20-year spare parts guarantee. It ensures that even 20 years from now, you’ll still have access to the parts you need to keep your spa running smoothly.

If you can read between the lines there, we would expect a high quality spa pool, like our Highlife, Limelight and Endless Pools to last upwards of 20 years! That means you’d likely farewell the kids from home before needing to replace a Hot Spring Spa!

While this info clearly relates to new spas, it does give you immense confidence to purchase a used Hot Spring Spa as most will have many years of use left in them.

The Cost Of Second-Hand Spa Pools

The cost of second-hand spa pools can vary greatly depending on the seller, the size of the spa, the brand and its condition. Prices can range from as little as a $1000's right up to $10,000+ and beyond. However, you need to keep in mind the potential hidden costs that might crop up when you invest in your used spa.

These are some of the common costs you might incur:

Delivery

Depending on where you purchase your discount hot tub from, you may have to arrange delivery and installation at your place. If you have your own transport, this cost could be minimal. If you have to hire or arrange transport and installation, you may be looking at a couple of hundred dollars at least.

Shell

If you discover visible damage in the shell of your potential purchase, it will likely cost more than you paid for the spa to fix that shell.

Pumps

Depending on the spa and model, there can be up to two pumps in a hot tub, you could be looking at around $300-$500* to replace the circulation pump or $1000's for a jet pump, plus labour.

Heater 

Heating elements can cost between $500-$1000*, depending on size excluding technician labour.

Controller

Known as the ‘brain’ of your spa, the controller makes everything function. Without it, your spa won’t work. Repair work can cost a few hundred dollars or complete replacement can be several thousand dollars.

Spa Cover

If the existing cover is not up to the task, you are looking at a basic cover between $400-$1000*, or opt for a Hot Spring spa cover made from quality marine-grade materials that start from $1000* depending on your spa model. 

Repairs

There are plenty of other parts that may require repairs, such as the frame, plumbing or jets. These obviously all attract a cost which can be anywhere between a couple of hundred to thousands of dollars.

Ongoing Maintenance

Don’t forget the ongoing costs of maintaining a healthy spa. Power, cleaning and chemicals will all incur costs, which can be upwards of $1000* a year.

*Please note that all pricing mentioned is approximate and intended for general guidance only. We encourage readers to conduct their own research to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

Tips For Buying A Used Hot Tub

What is the solution for buying a used hot tub, as currently it sounds kind of risky, right?

Well, there is a surefire way to ensure that you end up with a great deal and a quality product. And that is to purchase a refurbished spa pool from a reputable dealer like Hot Spring Spas.

Sometimes, we have families that no longer need their Hot Springs Spa, their needs grow or they simply want to upgrade to a different style or model. In those instances, we offer trade-in deals where they return their Hot Springs Spa to us for resale. We then run a complete service, correct any issues we may have discovered and then offer those refurbished spa pools for sale at a discounted price.

While they are certainly pre-loved models, we ensure they are running just as well as a brand new spa before they hit the sales floor. We also offer you a 1-year warranty on used spa pool purchases, which you certainly wouldn’t get from a private seller. That means you can buy our refurbished spa pools with confidence, knowing you have the skilled and helpful Hawkes Bay team on hand to help.

These are the things you should consider with any used hot tub purchase:

1. Check the condition of the cabinet and shell for cracks, scratches or discolouration
2. Turn the spa on so you can hear how well it runs, listen for strange noises, knocking or vibrations
3. Check that the water care, filtering and control systems are all functioning as they should
4. Turn on the jets to ensure they all have the correct amount of pressure
5. Verify that the cover still forms a tight seal with the cabinet, that the insulation isn’t waterlogged and that it doesn’t have obvious signs of wear and tear
6. Establish whether the spa is still covered by a warranty and what that includes

Is Time To Buy A Refurbished Spa Pool?

While it may look like you are getting a good deal on a second-hand spa pool from TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace, there is a huge risk of the unknown when buying in this way.

The safer option is to come and visit our friendly team at our Napier or Hastings stores to discuss the available range of refurbished spa pools in stock.

Buy with confidence knowing that you will be getting a high quality product at an affordable price.

Contact our team now to discuss your new refurbished spa pool.