WHY IS A Used $3000 SPA BETTER THAN A Brand New $3000 SPA?
Easy....
1.High Quality 5/16" Lucite Acrylic costs manufacturers $1150 EACH and as low as $850 if they are purchasing over 10,000 annually. 

2. Exterior Skirting and Framework: Many spa manufacturers are using 3/4" wood to support the nearly 2000 pounds of water. That works fine as long as you leave the spa where it is. What about when you move it in 3-5 years ... after that thin wood has time to rot because it isn't treated. I have seen too many spas falling apart. A quality structure is costly and most cost $500-$700 just in material alone. Add Labor and you easily have $1000 in the cabinet.

3. Jets: You can purchase cheap jets for $3 with shiny plastic that look chrome or you can spend $100 on just one high quality jet. If they are selling a new hot tub with 50 jets for $3000 - which jet do you think it has?

4. Components - A full setup with motor and blower connected to the controller can be purchased WHOLESALE as cheap as $250 for Chinese components or $1700 for high quality American made. Which is yours?

5. Insulation - is there any foam in it? I am not talking about silver colored bubble wrap. I am talking about high density foam. A full Multi Layer mixed density foam or thermal insulated foam spa can cost as much as $500 just in foam!

6. Fittings - Are the hoses clear and slid over slip barbs or are they glued, clamped and installed on ridged barb fittings? Obviously it takes more time to do it correctly and the longer it takes, the more labor involved.

7. Warranty - If they are selling too cheap, and offer a warranty from a company that only sells warranty services for their spas, then obviously you must consider the possibility they are hedging against going out of business. Poof, there goes any warranty.

If your budget is under $3000 and you do not want to finance, then you should consider a used spa. There are plenty of high quality spas out there - built to last 20 years. Consider Investing in a high quality well maintained older spa.

1. Free Spa Buyers Guide
   For many consumers buying a spa is a costly endeavor. It is an event often accompanied by stress, when the intention is to alleviate it. There are so many producers of spas, so many sizes and models, prices and quality levels. Making it even more complicated is manufacturers (borrow) the mold of other manufacturers so many spas look and feel virtually identical, even though they are not. Adding further to the confusion - some manufacturers use different names to describe similar features in an attempt to make their products appear distinctive.
   
   When confronted with so many choices, consumers often become overwhelmed. This guide will help you make a more informed decision about purchasing a spa by providing you with some basic facts. After reading this guide you will be well on your way to selecting the spa that is right for you, both practically and aesthetically.
   
   How do I keep the water clean?
   Proper water maintenance is vital to the enjoyment of your spa. While some sales people will try to convince you they can sell you a chemical free spa; that is not a practical reality for truly clean water.
   
   Professional retailers and manufacturers most often recommend:
   1) Choosing a spa with an advanced filtration system;  2) Purchasing an optional ozone purifier with your spa;  3) Using mineral purifiers in conjunction with chemical-based sanitizers; Minerals can significantly reduce the amount of sanitizers. Maintenance procedures are not difficult, and knowledgeable retailers will provide the start-up kit and instructions; 4) Manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your spa 3 or 4 times per year, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain your water. In most cases this simple process will only take about a few hours to accomplish. 5) The most common and proven technique is to broadcast spread one ounce of Sodium Di-Chloro Shock with no less than 45% available chlorine in the spa while all pumps are running. This should be done after each use but no more than once daily. (Preferably after the last use of the day. This method will keep your spa water sparkling clear and smelling great.  The negative of utilizing shock is that your ph may increase so you may also need to check your ph more frequently.
   
   
   
   How many of the spa jets are adjustable?
   Real, beneficial hydrotherapy is directly related to being able to adjust each jet where it is needed. This is the standard by which physical therapy and athletic hydrotherapy systems are judged. A common point of consumer confusion is introduced when manufacturers load up a spa with lots of CHEAP, non-adjustable, stationary jets. Look for advanced jets that feature built-in designs to extend life such as water bearing technology, which oscillates with no moving parts and will therefore not wear out if the proper water chemistry is maintained. It doesn't make any difference how many jets a spa has if they are not properly located and plumbed to provide the correct balance of water, air and pressure.
   
   Is the spa insulation important?

   All major manufacturers agree that completely filling the spa cabinet with polyurethane foam insulation significantly reduces heat loss, thus reducing heating costs. Many studies have been done on insulation and the absolute best method of insulating a spa is to foam the underside of the acrylic with 5 pound foam half inch to one inch thick and follow up with a layer of one to two pound foam 3-6 inches thick. Additionally, coating the inside of the cabinet with 5 pound dense foam creates a thermal effect and allows the pumps to heat the chamber inside the cabinet to help reduce heat loss. This multi layering of foam with a air cushion between the layers creates a thermal insulation barrier that can provide upwards of an R-81 value. While this process adds significantly to the cost of manufacturing, research has shown that thermal designed multi layer foam insulation provides substantial savings to the spa owner over time. In addition to greater energy efficiency, full thermal insulation locks the spa plumbing in place to support the joints when stressed - as the jet pumps are turned on and off over time. Many  manufacturers eliminate full foam insulation in an attempt to provide product at a lower cost but the consumer always reaps the benefit of better insulation. One can see a difference as much as $1000 annually between a properly foamed spa and one with no insulation.
   
   How expensive is it to operate a spa?
   The main cost of operating a spa is heating the water. If you have a thermal foam insulated spa with an insulated locking cover, the average monthly cost can be as low as $10. Several studies have shown 100 degree spa water in an ambient temperature room maintaining 70 degrees will cost an average of $10 monthly for a super efficient spa compared to one with no insulation, which can cost upwards of 10-12 times that ($100-$120 monthly). In addition to the energy cost consumers should look carefully at the total cost of ownership. An advanced filtration system in conjunction with ozone will significantly reduce chemical usage and expenses associated therewith. Jets that use water as a bearing will not wear and need replacing if you maintain the chemistry properly. Also look for features to reduce time spent on maintenance, thus increasing the enjoyment of your spa.

   
   
   
    What do I need to know about horsepower?

   Efficient plumbing, better quality jets, and individual seat flow controls are more important than horsepower. A lower horsepower pump in an efficient spa will produce just as much jet action as a higher horsepower pump in an inefficient spa. Many manufacturers use oversized, high horsepower pumps to compensate for poor design. Other companies employ a more cost and energy efficient system to achieve the same result. A good rule is 4 jets per continuous duty hp rating. (A 4 or 5hp pump should operate no more than 20 to 30 jets.)
   
   How is the water temperature controlled?

   Most quality spas have sophisticated digital thermostat controls. These highly reliable modern systems are capable of keeping the spa water within 1-3 degrees of any temperature you select. While this is important for comfort, it is also important for safety. You should pay particular attention to the control system if you have children who will be using the spa. Better control systems have safety locks and digital readouts combined with automatic cut off should there be any obstruction to water flow or excessive heat. A good indicator of the control systems quality is to read and compare manufacturer warranties.
   
   What should I consider for the control panel?
   Not every spa control panel has the same ease of command, so test a control panel to verify it gives you the type of precision control you desire to fully enjoy your spa experience. ACC is the top of the line control systems in my opinion and their SMTD2000 is so sophisticated you can program the computer through the topside control panel. You can also tell it when you are going out of town or just using it sporadically.  Features way beyond competitors.   What about the warranty? This is one of the most crucial areas in the spa industry. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind: A product warranty is a performance and reliability agreement between you and the manufacturer. Make sure you read the manufacturers warranty before buying, and compare coverage with other spas you are considering. Most quality spas will have at least 2-5 year warranties on parts.
   
   Should the spa be installed indoors or outdoors?
   A spa can be installed indoors or outdoors, although over 90% are installed outdoors. The two main considerations for installing a spa indoors are: will it fit through the door, and is the structural strength of the flooring adequate? Most importantly - an indoor spa must have adequate and substantial ventilation. A typical 3-person spa weighs approximately 4000 pounds when filled. The recommended foundations are concrete pad of 4 inches or thicker; or wood decking with a concrete foundation. Another just as impressive option is a plastic fold out insta-deck.
   
   Will I have to install plumbing for my new spa?
   No. All above-ground portable spas are filled with water using a garden hose. The spa can be conveniently and easily emptied via a drain hose. You should check with State regulations about draining a spa with Chlorine or Bromine. You may need to purchase a dechlorinator and add it to the water before draining.
   
   Do I choose a synthetic or wood cabinet?
   All cabinets used to be wood and only Mahogany was rot-proof or rot resistant. mahogany is very costly and most manufacturers looked for ways to steer clear of it. A recent development in the spa industry is synthetic wood cabinets, which are now standard for most spa manufacturers because of its inexpensive manufacturing costs. These synthetic cabinets extend the new look of a spas' surround, and eliminates the maintenance associated with wood cabinets. Synthetic wood cabinets are durable and the higher end cabinets are even Fade and UV-resistant, providing your spa with exquisite beauty for years to come. 
   
   What do I need to consider before purchasing a spa?
   Consider a wet test before purchasing. This means getting into a spa with water in it - typically in a show room situation. All reputable spa dealers maintain filled demonstration models just for this purpose. Look for and verify that the seats provide ergonomics to fit your body. When sitting in any seat, the water should reach at least shoulder level. If it does not, you will not get full hydrotherapeutic value. Lean your head back against the pillows. Make sure you do not have to hyperextend any part of your body to rest. If the spa has a lounge seat, make sure it is deep enough to keep you in the seat. Take notice of the alignment of jets with your body - more specifically, your muscles. Make sure they are massaging muscle tissue and not your spine. How convenient are the controls to use when you are seated in the spa? Stay in the spa with the jets on for at least 15 minutes. At the end of that time you will know whether that is your spa.
   
   How much should I spend on a  spa?
   Quality spas are available in a wide range of prices. Just like cars, spa prices reflect features, materials and workmanship. The information in this consumer guide will help you determine the best spa for your needs - based on value and performance. No matter which brand of spa you finally choose, you will want to be an informed consumer and have a satisfying spa experience. If taken care of properly, a hot tub can be a great addition to any home and last for decades. You need to make sure that it is taken care of - to ensure that you get the most enjoyment, while following safety guidelines to protect your health and safety.
   
   Weekly Care of a Hot Tub
   Checking your hot tub weekly involves testing the PH, alkalinity, calcium and Bromine/Chlorine levels in the tub. To keep the water safe and maintain proper chemical levels - you may need to add various chemicals on a weekly basis. The more you use the tub - the more you may need to check to make sure the levels are correct. A simple dip strip from any spa store will provide sufficient chemical levels. The chemical levels in the water of the hot tub need to be checked regularly to ensure that they are correctly balanced. When you are filling the tub with water the first time you need to set up the chemicals that are activated in hot water. Then you can add the other hot tub chemicals in. You need to drain and refill your hot tub every two to three months. Depending on place and usages there may be more attention needed than that. When you refill the spa you need to make sure that you are putting in the required hot tub chemicals each time to balance the new water. When you are adding these chemicals to the water there are around six different spa chemicals that have to be used.
   
   
   Chemical Usage in your Hot Tub
   Spa water filters need to be checked weekly when in use. Every spa defaults to circulate and filter the water daily. With this circulation, the motors are working. Make sure that when the tub is not in use there is an appropriate amount of Sanitizer being administered. Also, don't forget to remove any floaters when the tub is being used. many people utilize Scum-balls in the tub at all times when it is not being used to keep particulate and oils floating freely to a minimum. If you modify the settings on your spa to limit the Ozonator's operation, run it for at least three hours a day. If you stock up on hot tub / spa chemicals now, you will find it is more convenient to keep your spa water correct and you will have long term savings. Improper chemical composition in the water can cause premature component failure.