Rolexor

I would buy from a private party rather than a wholesaler. The reason: A good used one is better than a bad new one.

I bought a used spa, and anyone who owns one that is more than a few years old now owns a used spa, if there was nothing wrong with it there is no reason to think that anything will go wrong with it. Especially if the manufacturer is willing to inspect it. The big question is how much they are asking for it. A spa of that vintage is only worth about 1000-1500 I would guess depending on the size and condition. I spent 1000 on mine delivered, but it needed the skirt redone just for aesthetics, that cost me about 150 or so. Delivery can get pricey so look into that. But I would say go for it. Greg

I think that sounds like a good deal. Compare it to a new one at what 5000? Go for it.

That will be fine.

I did something similar but I used 2X8 and mine were 16 on center, I also put blocks in to prevent any shifting. I have a spa that is 8' X 8'. I used no gravel and the ground has a slight drop to it so water does not accumulate under it. Mine is solid as a Rock. With that in mind I would also look into what the building code is for a floor of a house built similarly. It all comes down to load bearing, which I don't think will be a problem. The other thing is shearing, are you condfident your ouside corners are made strong enough to handle any sideways forces they would encounter, from people getting in and out or the water sloshing around.

For shippijng I would suggest Forward Air. They have terminals in most metropolitan areas, and offer rates that are similar to discount rates that other carriers offer customers with large accounts. The thing is you will need to take it to them and put it on a skid. They will usually help with that though if they are not too busy, at least around here. The consignee will need to pick up at a terminal also but you are talking about shipping going from well over a thousand for something like that to it being like 300-400 I would guess. You could probably hire a local mover to pick it up and put it on a skid for you I would think for about 100 bucks or so.

I say it all the time here, I bought a used spa for 1000.00 including delivery and haven't had a problem yet. It's not like the manufacturer in your case made some crappy spas for this dealer because he's going out of business or moving or whatever, you're getting the exact same product as Joe Blow is selling down the street. It is a commodity and only has as much value as consumers put in it. Any companies who lower their quality will feel the pain in loss of market share, which in a tight economy is something they can little afford to do. Retailers would drop their lines faster than a hot potato if they were dealing with upset customers all the time due to shoddy workmanship. Last I checked getting a new spa pack is pretty cheap anyway, compared to the savings you are looking at and that would be a worst case scenario. I am tired of hearing from the doomsdayers, if they feel that the product is that prone to failure they should find a different product to sell. The reality is that is their way of seeding doubt and fear in the community at large to keep them from exploring other options.

The only question I have is whether the route they were to take is on the contract. If so it sounds pretty cut and dry to me as well. If they try pulling some crap about a 30% fee I would tell them you'll see them in court. That is an unreasonable amount, it needs to be reasonable in accordance to what their damages (losses) are, and in this case they don't seem to have any damages. Particularly if it is in writing that they only are allowed a certain route to the backyard. Consulting a lawyer is typically free, and I would guess if you need their services it would only be an hour or two, if it even comes to that. You can also log on to Lawyers.com and they have a free chat session on different topics with prominent Lawyers. I participated in one once and they really give you great advice.

What was the regular retail price on this? As far as warranty goes, I would roll the dice if it is a big price difference anyway. I think you get a ton of people in here that are in the business and make these slanted comments. In your case you still have access to having work done under warranty anyway.

I don't know if there is a "Blue Book" for used spas, in fact so few are resold I doubt anyone would be able to answer that question for you properly. I can tell you this though, we got a large (8' X 8') spa that I would guess is the same vintage as yours for $1000.00. I think I got a very good deal, and would have expected to pay about $1500.00 - $2000.00 for it but the wood needed some TLC to make it more aesthetically pleasing. I would look in the Penny Saver, and the Newspaper, and even eBay to see what a fair value is. Hope that helps.

Can you post a picture of one?

First I have worked selling custom furniture so I know a little about how this can play out so you need to get your ducks in a row now before either you or your husband say anything more. I would talk to him and see what it is that you guys will accept from them whether that is for them to incurr whatever costs or for them to split it or whatever. Also find out exactly what your contract reads. My guess is that they have covered their ass and it was just an oral promise, in which case AMEX will side with the retailer, been through this several times, so I know they will go with what is in black and white, it may be a thorn in the side of the retailer but a letter is all they need to provide to keep your money. Next, I would find out from them (without showing your cards) what are they willing to do to make this right. If it lines up with what you wanted than you are all set, if it doesn't though, then I would serve them with papers for small claims court, usually an arbitrator will be assigned to talk to both parties and try to resolve the issue in a case like this. Courts will usually side with the Consumer in these instances, but you probably won't get back all of your money, because the contract I'm sure reads something like what the manager alluded to that your deposit is forfeit. So at that point you will need to decide if you want to go with what the arbitrator thinks is fair or if you want to continue in front of a judge. If it gets that far I would either find a way to inform the manager that you are recording the conversation and get her to repeat her thoughts on the phone about how they will lie to make a sale or get her to write a statement to that effect. I wouldn't hold my breath for either of those to happen, so you might want to check into a personal recording device, and the legality of wearing it and recording a conversation in a public place (like their showroom), where you might get her to say something like that. With anything like this you have an absolute winner, otherwise you have a little better than a 50/50 chance of coming out on top depending on the circumstances. But the biggest thing is not to lose your temper and don't say I'll see you in court or anything like that. You will get much further by being cooperative and pleasant than, by making people who may otherwise help you feel like they need to be on the defensive. Good Luck, Greg

I didn't want to put concrete in when we got our spa so I built a base out of pressure treated 2 X 6, with plywood covering it. That has worked well and it only took me a few hours to make it. I leveled it by putting some legs down to the ground and a good support in the middle to take the weight. That has worked well for over a year. The only thing is that the 2 X 6 frame raises it about 6" off the ground. But you can paint it and make a deck or whatever else strikes you. Good Luck, Greg

I would also take into consideration the expense to have it moved, this can run about 500 bucks. An Electrician will also run you about 800 for parts and labor if not more. Do you know why she is selling the spa? If it is something like they are selling the house, I would try to get a lower price, because the spa will not really add any value to the selling price of the home. We bought ours used and have not had any problems with it. I wouldn't worry about the warranty, just make sure you are getting a deal so that if something does go wrong with it you aren't back to where you would have been financially if you had bought a new one. Greg

I don't know about the Gunite, but on the plaster I believe that the water allows it to cure at a slower rate and is necessary to the process. I don't own a pool but a friend had a large water feature put in and that is what the contractor said. So someone else here should confirm that sentiment.