How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?

Bigger hot tubs cost more to manufacture than smaller hot tubs, so larger spas will be more expensive. If you aren’t sure what size you’ll need, think beyond your immediate family, and consider how often you’ll invite people over to dip in the tub! (Most folks focus on users that will be enjoying the tub most of the time when considering size).

Thanks to technology, today’s hot tubs have some amazing features. We will dive more into these later, but it’s important to note that many desirable spa features, like lots of powerful jets, touch-screen control panels and improved filtration systems, are already built into the cost since they are now standard features included on premium and luxury spas.

Depending on your wants and needs, there are various add-on accessories and options (cover lifter, entertainment systems, and steps) that could affect the total purchase price for a hot tub. However, if these options can enhance your overall spa experience, it’s a good idea to look into these offerings.

A spa built with advanced engineering will be more efficient, more intuitive and more reliable. A hot tub is built with many expensive operating components like heaters, jet pumps, and circulation pumps, and it’s wise to have the best quality parts upfront versus costly fixes and replacements down the road with subpar components.

The look of your desired hot tub is completely up to you, as there are so many options to choose from! In general, hot tubs with a leading-edge design will be pricier as they are usually made with more expensive materials.

Hot tubs can be expensive items to deliver because of their size and weight, and the freight cost. Some dealers will waive the cost of delivery and a standard installation. However, if you live far away from the place where you purchased your hot tub you should anticipate paying a bit more for delivery.

These hot tubs are lightweight and easy to move, as they are typically rotationally-molded, meaning the spa interior and exterior are formed out of a durable plastic. As a very basic model, they are “plug and play” hot tubs requiring only an 110V electrical connection. Essentially, you just need to fill it up, plug it in, and soak!

This is the entry zone for the spas you typically associate with hot tubs: high-gloss acrylic shells, synthetic wood-like cabinets and lots of fun features, like multiple jets lining the spa seats. While the bells and whistles are shiny and the features are enticing, it’s also critically important to dig deeper into the quality components and performance features like insulation that keep energy costs low. You want a full picture into the outside and inside of the tub to best evaluate its value, including access to customer service and warrantees.

While the prices of these hot tubs are more expensive, they are also created with more advanced engineering and design for a more satisfying long-term ownership experience. Not only are these premium hot tubs more energy efficient than value-priced spas (reducing the ongoing cost of ownership), they also have more robust features (high jet counts, water features and lighting), higher-quality spa components (heater, pumps) and more advanced control systems. They may also have functionality that can reduce maintenance time requirements like top-of-the-line filtration systems and water care options that can reduce the maintenance time requirements. And, warranty coverage is often longer than spas at lower price ranges.

Hot tubs in this range are the crème de la crème of spas, and this investment should provide 10-20 years of enjoyment, not to mention the lowest energy costs, simplest operation, and most minimal maintenance. With these top-of-the line hot tubs you will be getting high-quality components, durable construction, luxury spa features like one-of-a-kind jet systems for the best hydrotherapy massage, leading-edge design that makes your hot tub your backyard focal point, and top-of-the line filtration systems for the cleanest spa water possible.

As with anything pre-owned, these used spas come with both advantages and risks. The upside is the cheaper cost, and many reputable dealers offer refurbished units that have been thoroughly cleaned, tuned up and double-checked for flaws (some even offer warranties). The downside is that these tubs have already been used, the lifespan will be shorter, and the warranty on pre-owned spas are inevitably shorter (or past viability) than the warranties on new spas.

This will depend on the hot tub that you purchase and the options of the dealership!

Again, this is a great question for your hot tub retailer, as the specifics will depend on your hot tub model, current home set-up (i.e. if you already have a solid foundation or need to build something, current electrical set up), your chosen water system (chlorine, bromine, salt water sanitization, supplemental ozonator) and the suggested products (i.e. filters, cleaning agents) that will be best for your hot tub moving forward.