How much does a free hot tub cost? - Jersey Hot Tub Repair

How much does a free hot tub cost? Sounds like a trick question, no? We get at least one phone call a month from someone who received a “free” hot tub. If often sounds like one of the following:

“They told me it had a little leak and would be a simple fix.”
“They said it belonged to a friend who didn’t want it anymore and just wanted to get it out of their back yard.”
“They’re selling their house and the new home buyer didn’t want it.”

The phone call we receive often includes that this free hot tub is leaking and the new owner wants to know how much it’s going to cost to repair. Consider a few points:

With the exception of inflatable mini swimming pools, an inexpensive, internet purchased, permanently installed hot tub costs at least $3000. A name brand hot tub bought from a reputable local dealer will cost closer to $7000, at least on the low end.
With delivery and electrician’s fees, it costs $2000-$3000 to have a new hot tub installed.
When was the last time someone gave you $5000 – $10,000 because they didn’t want it anymore?

The previous owner may not be trying to cheat you, they really think the tub has a simple leak. Some people will tell you the detailed history of the hot tub since the day they bought it. But some people choose to leave out some details, feeling good in the knowledge that they are basically giving away a luxury item that cost them thousands of dollars.

By giving away a free hot tub, the homeowner can avoid having to pay between $500 and $1000 dollars to have it removed from their property. After all, most towns won’t let you put a 400 pound appliance at your curb. And that’s assuming you could carry it there.

Besides, they’re giving you a hot tub they spent $7000 on, how could they be doing anything wrong? So, you have to deal with a small problem, you’re still coming out way ahead.

When receiving your “free” hot tub, some questions to ask and observations to make include:

Does it leak? There is no such thing as “a little leak.” If it was a little leak, they would have fixed it. If the tub is on concrete or a deck and you see water around the base, there may be an issue. It could be as simple as a $5.00 deteriorated gasket on a pump or as complex as a leaky inaccessible drain that will require the tub to be turned over to be repaired.
Hidden damage in a free tub: a cracked manifold from a winter freeze up.
Is it currently filled? “We haven’t used it since last year,” should be a caution sign. The concern is that improperly drained water in the pipes froze over the winter. Freezing pipes expand and crack, and repair costs can be high.
Can you observe it working? Using the control panel, check the functions. Is the hot tub heated to the set temperature? Do the jets work? Does the blower work? Do the lights work? If the hot tub has a stereo or television installed, be aware that those items break down very quickly and can be very expensive to repair. If the power is off, ask the owner to turn it on.

An important fact to keep in mind when you take a “free” hot tub is that you are saving the current owner $500 – $1000 dollars in disposal costs. It’s not like you are benefiting and the current owner is taking a beating. Don’t be shy about asking questions. If you can’t see the tub operating, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be cautious. You’re going to have considerable expense in moving and installing the hot tub, so you want to make sure it’s worth the effort and expense.

For more information or to evaluate that free hot tub before you go to the expense of getting it to your house, contact us at 201-897-7900 or 732-894-4494. You can also reach us by email through this link.