Spa Lifespas - How long does a spa last & when to let it go.
When It’s Time To Let Your Spa Go
Thinking about repairing an old spa or hot tub? This guide explains when it’s no longer worth spending money, how long spas actually last, and what to do when parts are discontinued. It’s written for Australian spa owners, repairers, and anyone searching “when should I replace my spa” or “old spa not worth fixing.”
How Long Should a Spa Last?
The typical lifespan of a spa or hot tub is 10–15 years. Premium, fully insulated models can reach 20–25 years with good water care, chemical balance, weather protection, and good general maintenance.
- Budget Spas: 5–8 years before major component failures.
- Mid-Range Spas: 10–15 years average with regular maintenance.
- Premium Brands: Up to 25 years maximum life, though rarely economical to repair after 20.
Once jets, pumps, heaters, and controllers begin to fail together, the spa is often beyond practical repair.
When Repairs Cost More Than It’s Worth
If replacing a heater, controller, or pump costs more than half the price of a new spa, it’s time to consider replacement. New models are quieter, more efficient, and easier to maintain. Common searches include “repair or replace hot tub,” and “how much to fix spa heater.”
When Spare Parts No Longer Exist
Many once-popular spa brands and component manufacturers have shut down. If your spa includes the following names, genuine parts are now obsolete:
Onga, SpaQuip (old models), Dega, Hibiscus, Kohler, American Products, HydroQuip (older series), Everlast, TruHeat, Heatmaker, Calorex.
Even if a replacement jet or fitting looks identical, size and thread compatibility usually differ from modern parts.
When Structure or Plumbing Fails
Cracks in the shell, leaks from jets, or rotted timber frames mark the end of life. Once water gets into insulation or frame cavities, permanent damage occurs. Fixing this type of failure often costs more than a full replacement spa.
When It’s Unsafe or Inefficient
Older heaters, elements, and control boxes can become electrically unsafe. Even if they work, outdated insulation means wasted energy. Modern spas can cut power use by up to 50% compared to 1990s to early 2000s models.
When It’s Been Sitting Unused
If a spa has been empty for years, seals and gaskets dry out and pumps seize. Restarting an old, idle spa typically triggers leaks, tripped breakers, and costly electrical issues. In most cases, it’s cheaper to replace than recommission.
Randomly Imported or Re-Badged Chinese Spas
Thousands of generic Chinese spas were imported under short-lived labels such as Blue Lagoon, Tranquil Spas, Oceanic, PureSpa, AquaJoy, and ZenSpa. These used one-off OEM jets and electronics made in single production runs. Once that batch ends, replacement parts are gone for good.
If you can’t find the brand online or your jets have no markings, assume parts will never be available. Retrofitting these units rarely makes sense.
Other Common Questions
Can I retrofit a modern control system?
Possible, but sometimes impractical. It usually requires re-plumbing, and wiring. Costs can approach that of a new spa while leaving aged plumbing behind.
Can I reuse pumps or jets in a new spa?
Rarely. Jet body diameters, unions, and thread patterns differ across manufacturers. Modern spas use different plumbing and electrical standards.
What should I do with an old spa shell?
Remove all electrical components, recycle usable pumps or fittings, and take the fibreglass shell to a waste transfer station or local recycler. Some councils classify them as bulk waste.
When It’s Just Too Old
Even the best spas reach a limit. At around 25 years old, plastic and plumbing materials have degraded, insulation has broken down, and electrical standards have changed. Continuing repairs beyond this point rarely pays off.
Final Thought
Spas are meant to be relaxing — not constant maintenance projects. If your spa keeps leaking, tripping, or needs parts no one sells, it’s time to replace it. Newer spas are safer, more efficient, and supported by genuine parts and warranty.
For help identifying obsolete spa parts or replacement options, contact Heater & Spa Parts. We stock Australia’s largest range of genuine spa components and provide honest advice on when it’s worth repairing — and when it’s not.