Lift it. A good cover should be light. If it feels like it weighs 200 pounds, it’s waterlogged and has lost its insulation value; you’ll need to factor in several hundred dollars for a replacement. The "Wet Test": Seeing it in Action
. If it struggles to climb, the heater may be corroded or near the end of its life. what to look for when buying a used hot tub
Look for "gentle weeping" from seals, mineral deposits (white crusty spots), or damp insulation. Leaks in fully insulated tubs are notoriously difficult and expensive to fix. Lift it
When you first approach a pre-owned hot tub, you are essentially looking at its life story. The "Wet Test": Seeing it in Action
Before shaking hands, ask the seller about the tub's pedigree: What to look for when buying a used hot tub?
Look at the base for signs of rot, water damage, or "unwanted guests"—holes suggest that rodents might have nested inside during the winter.