How Much Does a Hot Tub Really Cost? What to Know Before You Buy
Just about every part of a hot tub has an effect on its cost, from the size and type to the location and extra features. Even the length of the season you plan to use it will affect the cost.
Before purchasing a hot tub, consider the most common factors that affect how much a hot tub costs, both upfront and in the longterm.
Factors Affecting Hot Tub Cost
A hot tub can either be an “off the shelf” type with a cheaper cost, or an ultra custom masterpiece that can easily have small pool construction costs. Some factors that have the biggest effect on hot tub costs are material type, type of hot tub, complexity of install needed, and size.
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Material Type
There are a wide range of material options for hot tubs which vary widely in cost and each have their pros and cons.
Inflatable hot tubs, while on the cheaper end of available materials, are prone to rips and tears and not very durable. An inflatable version typically costs $400 to $1,500.
Acrylic is a very popular choice for a hot tub but is one of the most expensive materials. Acrylic is also very durable and easy to clean but can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $18,000.
Installation
Installation is also another factor that strongly impacts cost. An outdoor installation can be generally cheaper than an indoor hot tub, because you might not have to do as much plumbing and/or electrical work that you would almost certainly have to do indoors.
Depending on material chosen, your hot tub might require a wood surround or panels to conceal the inner workings and mechanicals. If your outdoor installation requires excavation work or a concrete slab for support, this will also increase your installation costs.
These are only some of the ways different types of installations can affect cost, from an inflatable hot tub that requires no cost to install to an acrylic model that can cost over $6,000 to install. You won't know the exact cost until you know the type of hot tub, where it goes, and the extra features.
Size
Size will also affect cost of the hot tub. A hot tub for 2 or 3 people could cost $2,000 to $7,000, and while one for 10 or more people could run you $5,000 to $20,000. With an increase in size you also increase everything else—bigger filter, motor, more returns, more material used, and so on.
As you increase size, you increase weight, which could require a thicker concrete pad or have a larger excavation cost to remove more ground for installation.
A larger hot tub would also increase maintenance costs by using more chemicals and power for bigger equipment.
Cost by Type of Hot Tub
When considering what type of hot tub to purchase there are a few options: inflatable or entry level, premium and luxury. Each type comes with its own pros and cons that will have to be considered when getting ready to purchase a hot tub.
Inflatable/Entry Level: This type of hot tub can be inflatable or acrylic with minimal features and require only a standard 110v outlet to function. These are generally the cheapest option ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 depending on material and size.
Premium: This type of hot tub comes with more jets, lights and features than an entry level hot tub and costs from $8,000 to $11,000. However, they are generally more efficient, which could reduce costs over time. This is especially important to consider if planning to use the hot tub in colder weather or where the season will be longer.
Luxury: This is the most expensive type of hot tub, which usually is the most durable, longest lasting, and the most advanced, with features like massaging jets, speakers, and advanced filtration systems. A luxury hot tub could cost $11,000 to $35,000.
Type | Cost |
Inflatable/Entry Level | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Premium | $8,000 - $11,000 |
Luxury | $11,000 - $35,000 |
Maintenance Cost
The primary longterm costs for a hot tub are the electricity, water, annual maintenance, and repairs.
Electricity: A hot tub will have to maintain its temperature to be ready for use at any time. For this reason, power could cost between $20 to $30 a month depending on type of hot tub chosen and local power prices.
Water: On average, a hot tub owner has to fill their hot tub up four times a year. It could only cost $5 to $10 per time to fill it up, but if not properly maintained or you spring a leak this cost could quickly increase.
Maintenance and repairs: Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid excessive repair bills and down time. During the cost of a normal season, a hot tub owner needs to purchase at a minimum cleaning products, filters, and chemicals for the water. For these items expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per year.
Hiring a Pro vs. DIY
With a hot tub there are two options for install: either hire a pro or DIY the installation.
If your hot tub is a more complicated type with many accessories or features such as lights, sound, massaging, etc., it would be better to hire a pro to ensure that all these features function correctly.
Also, if your hot tub requires a larger excavation or modification to a deck or concrete work, a pro would be the safest option to ensure a trouble-free future. It is also best to hire a pro if you need electrical or plumbing work done, especially if that requires a permit.
However, on most small and simpler models, it is possible to install yourself. If your hot tub is inflatable and does not need any additional modification to the surrounding area, it will be easy and cost effective to install yourself. If you hot tub is a pre fab model and only needs to be plugged in, as long as the hot tub can be put into position easily you can save money by doing the installation yourself.
Cost of a Basic Hot Tub
While there are several factors to consider when trying to figure out how much a hot tub costs, on average, a basic hot tub has an upfront cost of around $6,000. This cost assumes there's an existing patio to install it on, no additional electrical or plumbing work is needed, the deck doesn't need to be modified, and the hot tub is a lower or mid-range acrylic one.
If going with an inflatable hot tub, costs can decrease significantly. For an inflatable hot tub, there is no excavation or additional work of any kind needed. This is why an inflatable hot tub‘s upfront cost is $700 on average, making this type much more affordable.
No matter what type of hot tub is purchased, they will always cost something to maintain for the season. All hot tubs will use electricity and require general maintenance and repairs thorough the seasons. A good estimation of this yearly cost would be $750, which covers filters, testing equipment, chemicals, cleaning products, and some repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly cost of a hot tub?
The monthly cost of using a hot tub depends on how long the season is, but power usage could be anywhere from $60 to $100 a month.
Are hot tubs expensive to keep heated?
How expensive it is to keep a hot tub heated depends on the type and the amount of power needed to heat it. An inflatable or roto mold hot tub will have minimal to no insulation to retain heat, so they will cost more to run but have a smaller upfront cost. A higher-end acrylic hot tub will be much more efficient and better insulated but will have a higher upfront cost.
How many years can a hot tub last?
How long a hot tub lasts depends on the type of hot tub. An inflatable hot tub can last a few seasons, and with proper care a more expensive acrylic model can last up to 20 years.
How does the length of the season you plan to use a hot tub affect cost?
The length of the season you plan to use a hot tub, affected by the climate in your area, can impact the cost of your hot tub and your decision of which kind of hot tub you should get. If the hot tub will be used for a longer season, you will need to heat water for a longer period of time. Choosing a well insulated or efficient model might have a higher upfront cost, but it could be more cost efficient in the long term because you will spend less money heating the water.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
