You already know the value of a soothing hot tub soak is to relax you, to rejuvenate your body, and to connect you with family and friends. This experiential knowledge matters when you ask yourself, “What is my hot tub worth?” But when it comes time to determine a selling price or trade-in value, things get a bit more complicated.
Home spas are always improving. New cabinets are made of materials that resist the elements, new jet designs offer superior hydrotherapy massages, and innovations in water care technology make spa maintenance a breeze. You’ve probably come across a lot of these improved features if you’ve researched new hot tub models at your local dealer. But your dealer isn’t just the ultimate authority on new hot tubs—knowledgeable dealer representatives also know how to accurately determine the trade-in value of used hot tubs. Dealers understand regional pricing structures, know how different spas age, and have witnessed the advances in hot tub technology. Not every dealer has a trade-in program, but many do, and it can be a great way to get a new premium spa for a considerably lower price.
Considering the Value of Your Used Hot Tub
To determine the actual value and get the best price for your used spa, you’ll have to consider not only the physical condition of your spa but also its features and accessories, which will be greatly appreciated by your spa’s new owner. While assessing these things can take a bit of time, you’ll be rewarded in the end.
When determining your hot tub’s value, the following features and considerations are important:
- Size. As with so many hot tub specifications, size preference is relative, depending on buyer needs, wants, and lifestyle. But when evaluating the objective worth of a spa, larger, deeper tubs carry higher value.
- Shell Material. The two most common types of shell materials are ABS (acrylic) and fiberglass. ABS shells retain value, but fiberglass retains more value over a longer period of time, increasing the trade-in amount or the price you can ask for your hot tub if you sell it privately. Roto-molded shells, which are available on many entry-level hot tubs, including those from Freeflow Spas® and Fantasy Spas®, are also popular. Some dealerships offer a full purchase price trade-in to owners of these hot tubs who buy a higher-end spa within the first year of ownership. This program is great for people who would like to experience hot tub ownership without a large initial investment. If they decide they really love it and want to upgrade their spa, they can trade up.
- Appearance. A tasteful aesthetic, even with normal wear and tear, is always appreciated by people in search of used hot tubs. Assess the following when determining the value of your spa’s external appearance.
- Cabinet. Concealing mechanical equipment from view, the cabinet is a major part of your hot tub’s appearance. It needs to be damage- and rot-free, and structurally sound.
- Cover. A quality, heavy-duty cover keeps debris out of the spa water and insulates it between uses, adding value to your hot tub. If you have a cover lifter, which makes removing and replacing the cover easy, the value increases even more.
- Shell. Your spa’s interior shell is not just a structural element; it’s also a major factor of its appearance. A clean shell, free of scratches and with a tasteful color or texture, will attract potential buyers.
- Mechanical Condition. You can preserve the long life of your spa with regular use and maintenance according to the schedule in your owner’s manual. Certain premium brands and models are designed for durability and performance, and will maintain their value for many years to come.
- Features. The features and design elements of your spa speak to specific user benefits and lifestyles. The arrangement and effectiveness of the jets, the convenience and efficiency of water care features, and the enhanced ambiance of waterfalls, lighting systems, and entertainment options are on the must-have lists of many shoppers. Therefore, they can only increase your hot tub’s value.
The exact size, materials, and features of your hot tub are listed in your owner’s manual. You can also get the full list of specifications by locating your hot tub’s serial number and taking that information to a local dealer. The following video shows you how to find the serial number on a Caldera® spa.
A Local Dealer Can Confirm the Trade-In Value and Help You Explore Newer Model Options
The hot tub market is specialized, and it varies by region. When looking to trade-in your hot tub you may wonder if you can trade a model that’s over a certain age or no longer under warranty. You might also want to know if you can trade one brand for another. Your local dealer is the best person to answer these questions, so reaching out to confirm or determine what your hot tub is worth isn’t just a smart move, it’s also one that could pay off with an excellent trade-in deal.
If your local dealer has a trade-in program, you can apply your spa’s value toward the cost of a new hot tub that speaks to your need for convenience, comfort, performance, and entertainment. Your local dealer can help you consider what you want in your new hot tub, focusing on spa collection features and customized options that will fit your home and your lifestyle best. You may also be able to take a test soak—an experience savvy shoppers appreciate. Once you choose the spa that’s perfect for you, your dealer can arrange a convenient pick-up of your old spa and delivery of your new one.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a larger, more luxurious spa or you have a smaller model in mind, trading in your old spa can save you money on a new one. Home spas just keep getting better and better. So, it’s well worth looking into the new options offered by your nearby hot tub dealer.
The value of a hot tub is in the experience it provides its owner. Start exploring Caldera spas at your local dealer to discover what your current hot tub is worth and to experience new models.
U.S.A.
Canada