How do I assess used float tanks when buying a float spa?

In a float spa, the tanks or pods earn the revenue, and they live in a warm, salty, humid room that is hard on equipment. A studio can look spotless and still hide a tank that is near the end of its life. Before you rely on a seller’s description, go through each unit one at a time and write down what you find, so you can compare it with the paperwork.

Know exactly what you are buying

List every tank or pod by make, model and age, and ask for the purchase documents. Then ask who owns each one. Some may be leased or financed, with a lender holding a claim on them. Your lawyer can tell you how those claims are searched and cleared. Our page on checking a family entertainment centre’s equipment follows the same logic.

Read the service and water-treatment logs

Ask for records of filtration changes, pump repairs, water testing and how the salt solution is handled between sessions. Gaps in the log matter. Ask who did the work: the owner, a staff member or the manufacturer’s technician. Ask whether a current or former technician can speak with you as well as reading the logbook.

Look for damage and parts support

Check seals, lids, heaters, lighting and the walls and ceiling around each tank for corrosion, mould or swelling. Ask whether the manufacturer still sells parts for that model and still answers calls. An orphaned model may be cheap to run today and difficult to repair later.

Bring in an expert

• A technician who services float equipment, hired by you.
• Your lender, who may have its own view of the equipment.
• Your lawyer, to check ownership and liens.