Is it Worth Fixing a Hot Tub? What Professionals Say
There are many benefits to owning a hot tub. The soothing feeling of water on your skin is a great way to take a break from a stressful day. But hot tubs require maintenance and repair. In particular, if your hot tub is older or maybe has seen its share of problems, you will ask yourself if it makes sense to fix it or look for a new tub.
Is it worth fixing a hot tub?
Generally, fixing a hot tub makes sense when the cost is lower than the value of the tub. The decision to fix or replace it depends on many factors like the expected repair cost, what you can do yourself, the age of the hot tub, and prior maintenance. For an older hot tub, issues like broken shells, broken pumps, or frames may require you to replace it. Depending on the brand and part availability, such repairs can be economically unviable.
There are so many other factors that you may have to consider before fixing your hot tub. In this article, I will be sharing tips to help you decipher if your tub is worth fixing.
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Is it Worth Fixing a Hot Tub?
Hot tubs give users relaxation and pleasure, but they tend to get confused and even frustrated when they get damaged or broken. Fortunately, in most cases, your tub can get fixed. And you do not have to think about disposing of them and spending a fortune on a new one. But of course, there can be situations where fixing it does not make sense. And replacing it with a new one is a better choice.
Before you decide to fix it, you must consider the cost of repair, the part of the device that has been damaged, and even the life expectancy of the tub.
Are Hot Tubs Expensive to Fix?
My experience is that fixing a hot tub usually costs between $160-$400. Depending on how severe the issue is, the prices could be slightly lower or much higher than this. Hot tubs come in different types, brands, sizes, and styles. The cost of fixing them will depend on the kind of problem and the cost of parts.
Here are some of the common problems and the costs to fix them:
1. Repairing a hole in the hot tub
When something impacts the hot tub with a lot of pressure, it can cause a hole or crack in the shell. Depending on your own skillset, a professional may be hired to fix this problem. Het will use a fiberglass or mesh mixture to repair the hole. This will typically cost you around $100 to $250.
2. Hot tub cabinet repair
Tub cabinets come in different sizes and types. The larger the size of the cabinet, the more time and material it will take, resulting in higher costs. Expect $150 to $400 or more for bigger jobs.
You may want to consider rebuilding the hole cabinet instead of only fixing it if it is worn out. This will give your hot tub a new look and feel.
3. Hard water treatment in Hot tubs
The water in most environments is hard, and sadly the hard water affects the hot tubs by building up deposits. This may result in problems with the heater, pump, filter, and pipes. Removing the deposits in time will decrease the chance of more expensive pump and pipe issues later.
Removing deposits is something that you can do yourself or hire a professional. The last option will set you back $100 to $150.
4. Hot tub heater repair
Heaters are a vital part of a hot tub. The warm water is what gives the enjoyable and relaxing feeling. If you notice that the water does not reach its temperature or is heating up much slower. It can be a sign of a problem with the heater. If the water does not hear at all, it is obvious.
You can expect the cost to be in the $150 to $300 range. Heating elements can last long, but if the cost is high, I recommend looking into replacing it.
5. Pump repair
Everyone knows how vital the pump is to a hot tub. They are also one of the more prone components to fail, and they are expensive to replace. I recommend first trying to fix the pump before replacing it. If this is possible depends on the pump problem.
Expect the cost in the range of $200-$500, depending on the extent of the damage.
When is a Hot Tub Not Worth Fixing?
The simple answer to this question is when the amount of money needed to repair the hot tub is more than the actual value of the hot tub. In that situation, it is maybe time to replace it because there is no assurance that it would work properly, even after it gets fixed.
Another reason your hot tub may not be worth fixing is that it is old and probably exceeded its life span. Fixing an old hot tub can be a waste of money as more problems may arise after the repair. This could even lead to spending more money than you would have needed getting a perfect new hot tub.
Factors to consider before fixing your Hot tub
Deciding whether to dispose of your hot tub or get it fixed might be a bit of a hassle, but there are the main things to consider before fixing your tub
1. How much your tub is worth
The value of your hot tub is one of the most important things to consider before deciding to fix it. You do not want to spend more as it is worth. Most professionals would advise you to replace it in that situation. To find the value of your hot tub, you could ask your dealer or check 2nd hand sites to get an indication.
Take into account that you can trade-in your current hot tub at some dealers and get a discount on the new one. Or you can sell your broken tub for parts.
2. Would further repairs have to be made?
Try to get a feeling for the overall condition of the hot tub. Is it likely that your hot tub would need more repairs soon? Or is the cause of the problem clear, and is it not something that would lead to other problems?
For example: If something fell on the tub and cracked the shell. It is something that is just bad luck and will not have any relation to other potential problems. In contrast, leakage due to freezing pipes can show itself in one location. But it could have weakened parts in other locations that will show later. Small problems like noticing clogs or noises from the tub can lead to larger problems if not checked.
3. Hot tub maintenance
Another factor to consider is the maintenance you have done. If you have done proper maintenance throughout the life of your hot tub, you can expect it to last longer. But if you have neglected maintenance, you can expect your hot tub to see more problems sooner.
For example: If you live in an area with hard water, it will lead to deposits. If you did not do maintenance, it could lead to issues with pipes, pumps, and other parts where the water will run. Eventually, this will lead to problems in many areas, with potentially high costs.
3. How old is the hot tub?
The life expectancy of a hot tub is between 5 to 20 years, depending on the type, brand, and build quality. Combined with how is the tub is used. Did you use it with care, how frequently, and the earlier mentioned maintenance. This will all play a role in the life expectancy of your hot tub.
The older a Hot tub gets, the more wear and tear the different parts will see. That is why it is one of the most important factors to consider when replacing your hot tub.
4. How efficient is the tub's energy?
Over the years, hot tubs are getting more and more energy-efficient. Do not expect significant steps, but also, a slight improvement in new generations can add up. Mainly when you use your hot tub during the colder months of the year, with the increasing energy cost, this will add up over the life span of the tub. What looks small can result in hundreds of dollars saved.
Added to this, as a hot tub gets older, it will get less efficient. This is primarily due to wear and tear on parts. The cover material will become slightly less efficient, and it will close not as well as it was new. Or the insulation does not perform as well as when it was new. There can be many reasons for it.
Energy efficiency is one of the reasons that is often overlooked when deciding to fix the current hot tub or replace it. The savings do not look that great, but they can add up over time.
5. How large or small is the repair?
Of course, the total cost of the repair is an important factor. Small issues such as a jet or light problem would not want to make you replace your hot tub. This is why it is important first to estimate the cost to fix your tub. If you use a professional, do not forget to incorporate the cost it takes for him to come to your location. And for some problems, he might have to return.
Answering these questions and incorporating the different factors should give you some guidance on whether you should fix your tub or not.
Additional Hot Tub Costs to Consider
Other things you might want to consider before fixing your hot tub include:
1. Hot tub cost of installation
Consider the installation cost for a new hot tub, especially if the location is challenging, as this can translate to more labor and higher cost. You might want to consider repairing your old tub.
2. Hot tub warranty coverage
some store outlets offer their customers a 1-5 years warranty. This means that during that period, you do not have any cost if a repair is needed.
3. Hot tub repair cost and Location of your home
This is one factor that people tend to forget when you live in a small village or remote area where it might be hard to get a professional to your location.
If the person needs to come from quite far, this will often lead to higher costs. And there is the possibility that after diagnosing the issue, he has to order parts and have to come back.
4. Would you need to hire a professional to fix your hot tub?
Depending on your own skillset, it is possible to fix your hot tub yourself without the need for a professional. Many of the issues can be fixed with basic tools that you probably have, or easily purchased at a local hardware store. Some of the instruments you may need are pliers, drill, screwdriver, small hand saw, PVC pipe glue.
Common problems like leaks and cracks could be fixed without needing the help of a professional. You can even make some replacements yourself without needing any professional instruments. For other issues, you can replace the part. Your dealer can send you a replacement part or find an online supplier.
For some problems, it will be better to ask a professional for help. Know your limitations so you don't end up leaving the hot tube worst than it was. Hiring a professional will also help to reduce the amount of time that would have been spent trying to get it fixed yourself.
Cheaper Hot Tub Replacement Options
Purchasing a new hot tub might be too expensive. But when the tub is old, and the money needed to fix it is not worth it, you might want to consider these options
1. Trading your hot tub
Your hot tub is not entirely useless because it's spoilt or old. You can consider selling it off and make good money off it.
2. Buying a used hot tub
If you want to get a hot tub without spending too much on it, consider getting a used one. This can be from a person that is moving and selling it. Do take into account the transport. If it is in a location that is hard to reach, the cost of getting it from there can be pretty high. Another option would be from a dealer. The good news is that some even come with a warranty.
