A second-hand hot tub can be a brilliant bargain. You get all the relaxation without the brand-new price tag, and sometimes you stumble across a spa that’s barely been used. But here’s the thing. A used hot tub carries a few mysteries until you know exactly what to look for. We move thousands of spas every year, and we see the same issues crop up again and again.
A simple checklist before you buy will save you money, time and frustration later.
Let’s walk you through it.
Seen a second-hand hot tub you fancy?
Buying used can be a smart move. It’s common for people to sell perfectly good spas because they’re moving house, upgrading or changing their garden. Plenty of second-hand tubs still have years of life left in them.
But you want to go in with your eyes open. A spa that looks shiny in a listing can hide leaks, broken pumps or frame damage that only shows when it’s full of water. That’s why the questions you ask now are everything.
Questions to ask the seller
A good seller should be happy to share the basics. These help you understand whether the tub is worth your money.
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How old is the spa?
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What’s the make and model?
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Has it ever leaked?
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Are all pumps, jets, lights and the heater working?
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When was it last serviced?
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Is the control panel in full working order?
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Does it heat to the correct temperature?
- Is the base rotten?
If any of those questions are dodged, it’s usually a sign to be cautious.
Photos you should always request
A few well-chosen photos can tell you far more than the listing itself.
Ask for clear images of:
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All cabinet corners
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The inside when the spa is running
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The control panel lit up
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Jets and headrests
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Underside or base if accessible
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The cover, including stitching and foam thickness
Crisp photos help you spot fading, cabinet swelling, water marks or repairs. We’ve seen tubs that look great from one angle and completely rotten from another.
What to check during an inspection
If you’re viewing the tub in person, ask the seller to have it filled and heated before you arrive. A dry spa hides too much.
Look for:
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Strong jet pressure
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Smooth, quiet pump operation
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Stable temperature
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No drips around unions or pumps
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No error codes on the panel
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Lights and accessories working
Pay attention to any dampness or a faint “musty” smell from the cabinet. That can point to leaks or long-term water intrusion.
Also check the base is level. A hot tub running out of level can stress the frame and shell over time.
Access at the seller’s property
This is the part most buyers forget... then panic when collection day arrives.
You’ll want to know:
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Gate widths
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Path widths
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Tight turns
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Steps or steep areas
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Ground surfaces (grass, gravel, concrete etc.)
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Whether the spa sits in a sunken deck or corner
We move thousands of tubs a year, and access is the number one reason prices shift. If we know what we’re working with, we can tell you if the Spa Sledge or even a crane is needed. Simple photos prevent surprises.
Transport considerations
A hot tub isn’t something you pop in the back of a van. They’re large, heavy and need to be tilted, loaded and strapped correctly.
Things that matter:
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Weight and size of the spa
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Whether it needs specialist equipment to lift
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Access for our vehicle at both addresses
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Travel distance
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Whether the tub needs storage before delivery
We use purpose-built equipment and vehicles so the spa stays protected throughout the move. Most DIY attempts go wrong at this stage because a regular trolley or panel van simply can’t control the weight safely.
Here's where we naturally come in... we move thousands of hot tubs every year, all over the country. We do it safely, professionally and it's a fully insured service.
Preparing your own garden
Before the tub arrives, make sure your garden is genuinely ready.
Check:
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The base is level, solid and strong enough
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You have the correct power supply (13A or 32A)
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The isolator is within 2 metres of the final position
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There’s a clear route from the drop-off point to the final spot
Once the tub is in place, we can commission it for you. That means filling it, connecting it to the live supply, adding chemicals and making sure everything is running as it should. It saves you a lot of guesswork on day one.
Moving a Second-Hand Hot Tub to Your Garden
A second-hand hot tub can be a brilliant buy when you know what to check. Ask the right questions, get the right photos and understand the access at both addresses. When it comes to the move itself, our team handles the lifting, transport and setup so your new spa arrives safely and is ready to enjoy.
