Is it wise to buy a used hot tub in Canberra? Or are you better off buying new?
Buying a secondhand or preloved hot tub is certainly tempting, as you can save thousands of dollars in terms of the upfront cost. But there are also risks with buying a used hot tub in Canberra: limited choice, potential hidden issues, a lack of warranty and support, and not knowing the history of the machine, to name just a few.
In this guide we’ll break down the decision to buy new vs old hot tubs in Canberra, and help you to make an informed decision on which option is best.
The benefits of buying used spa pools
There are a number of rather compelling reasons to buy a used hot tub in Canberra.
Quality for less
Buying a used hot tub gives you the opportunity to secure a high quality machine for far less than the recommended retail price. Quality is everything in the world of spa pools, as premium machines offer a far better soaking experience, demand far less work, and can save you significant money over the long haul through lower running costs.
Avoid depreciation
Like a new car, a new hot tub will instantly depreciate as soon as it leaves the dealership, as a brand new machine becomes a used machine. Buying secondhand avoids this instant depreciation. That said, if you buy a new hot tub from a reputable brand like Hot Spring, you can minimise the amount of depreciation on that purchase, as quality machines retain more value.
Get soaking sooner
You want a hot tub in your Canberra backyard, and you want it now. If you can’t find what you want in-store, you might find it on the secondhand market, although this can be a bit of a longshot, as you’ll usually have far less choice buying a used hot tub in Canberra than you will buying new.
The risks with buying a used hot tub
While some of the perks of buying a used hot tub are compelling – particularly the potential upfront savings – choosing this option also brings some risks:
- Hidden costs: It’s important to look past the sticker price of a used hot tub and consider the other upfront and ongoing costs, such as delivery, installation and setup; ongoing electricity, water and chemical usage; and potential repairs and replacement parts down the line.
- Warranty: Warranties are rare on secondhand hot tubs, but you’re more likely to get one if you buy a genuine used machine from a dealer.
- Diagnosing issues: Hot tubs are unique machines filled with specialist tech, which makes them tricky to test before you buy. You should always ask for a test soak, but diagnosing potential issues can be tricky. Again, buying a genuine used hot tub from a dealer is a safer bet than buying on the private market.
- Less choice: Canberra isn’t a huge city, so the local used hot tub market is inherently limited. When you buy new, you might pay a little more and wait a little longer, but you can order the exact machine, colour and accessories you want.
- A lack of support: When you buy new from a hot tub dealer you’ll enjoy ongoing support that ensures you get maximum value from your purchase, and that any problems are fixed quickly. Buying used can mean you have to figure things out yourself.
What to ask when buying a used hot tub
If you’ve decided to buy a used hot tub in Canberra, a few key questions can help to protect you from a bad purchase decision. Before you hand any money over, it’s wise to ask the following questions:
- How old is the hot tub?
- Are maintenance records available?
- Do I trust that the seller took care of the machine?
- What initial repairs and ongoing maintenance does the hot tub require?
- How will I deliver and install the hot tub in my backyard, and how much will that cost?
- What will I do if the machine breaks down?
- Are spare parts still available for this model?
If these questions don’t reveal any significant issues or causes for concern, purchasing a used hot tub might be the right call. If issues arise, or if you’re struggling to answer any of these questions, it could be a wiser (and potentially cheaper) move to buy new.
Hot Spring refurbished hot tubs
There is a way to enjoy the savings of a used hot tub in Canberra while also avoiding many of the risks of buying secondhand, like the lack of warranty, support and potential issues: buy a refurbished hot tub from a trusted brand, like Hot Spring.
As Australia’s most innovative, trusted and proven brand, a Hot Spring hot tub offers unmatched peace of mind. And our range of quality used hot tubs open up the opportunity to own a Hot Spring to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
Each machine is meticulously refurbished, and comes with a 12 month warranty for extra peace of mind. We can regularly service your machine to keep it in tip top shape, and we supply spare parts for every hot tub we sell for a minimum 20 years (and alternate parts after that).
Whether you choose a new or used model, you’ll enjoy the quality that our hot tubs are famous for, and the unwavering support of our team who will do all that they can to provide you with the finest hot tub soaking and ownership experience possible.
Ready to soak? Get in touch with your local dealer today.