All About Hot Tub Cost in 2024: How Not to Overpay

Are you struggling with calculating the budget for a hot tub and getting confused by the numbers? We get it, which is why we’ve compiled everything you need to know about hot tub costs into easy-to-use charts.

By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with insights about hot tub pricing range, installation, and maintenance costs that will help you to make well-informed choices, ensuring that your hot tub experience is not only relaxing but also economically sensible.

Types of Spas by Price Range

To better understand what to consider when choosing a hot tub, we’ve divided all features into 4 main categories based on customer type.

Entry-level Price range: $800 – $3,000	- Smaller size and seating capacity (2 to 4 people) - Standard plastic or inflatable shell - Essential features like water jets and basic control panel - Limited customization options - The usage of air jets or a few hydro jets (around 10) - Basic water filtration and maintenance systems - Limited or no integrated lighting or entertainment options - Few or no additional accessories
Mid-range Price range: $3,000 – $8,000	- Medium size and seating capacity (4 to 6 people) - More comfortable seating and ergonomics - Diverse spa designs, including loungers and bench seats - Acrylic or durable plastic shell - Additional features like waterfalls, lighting, and entertainment systems - Enhanced water jets for a more comprehensive massage experience (around 20) - Improved water filtration and maintenance systems - Basic smart technology integration
High-end Price range: $8,000 – $15,000+	- Luxurious and innovative spa designs with specialized seating areas - High-quality acrylic or advanced materials - Premium water jets for a wide range of massage options (around 30 to 60) - Advanced water filtration and maintenance systems - Smart technology integration for remote control and monitoring - Enhanced lighting, sound, and entertainment options
Luxury Price range: $15,000 and up	- Spacious and extravagant designs with multiple seating areas - Premium water jets offering varied massage experiences (around 50 to 100 or more) - Advanced water treatment and filtration systems - Smart technology integration with mobile apps and voice control - Elaborate lighting, sound, and entertainment systems - Extensive customization options for design, layout, and features - High-quality covers, steps, and other accessories included

Entry-Level Hot Tub Cost

Entry-level hot tubs are a great, easy-to-use, and affordable option for anyone looking to enjoy the benefits of warm water and soothing jets without breaking the bank. Prices start from the simplest inflatable hot tubs for $800–$1,500 to small portable $3,000+ models for 1–3 people.

Main pros:

• Easy setup and maintenance: These hot tubs are designed with straightforward installation and basic maintenance in mind, making them user-friendly for beginners.
• Simple user-friendly features: One of the greatest benefits of these models is how portable they are. These spas don’t require much space, and they’re lightweight and easy to store.
• Energy-efficient: Compared to higher-end models, entry-level hot tubs may offer energy savings that range from 10% to 30% on average.

Main Cons:

• Limited customization: Entry-level hot tubs offer fewer customization options in terms of design and features. They are also hardly ever suitable for use during the winter without proper insulation.
• Small seating capacity: If we’re talking about hard-shell hot tubs, the entry-level ones are usually fit for a few people, making them good for individuals, couples, or small families, but not recommended for larger groups. However, with inflatable models, some high-quality spas can accommodate 4–6 people.

Mid-Range Hot Tub Cost

Mid-level hot tubs offer a mix of reasonable pricing and improved features. These hot tubs are suitable for people looking for a more complete and comfortable experience without spending too much on a high-end model. 

One of the best in this category is AquaRest Spas, with their ability to convert the voltage power of their spas, which makes them durable for cold seasons.

High-End Hot Tub Cost

Premium hot tubs are designed for those who are willing to invest for the long term. These spas are designed to provide an exceptional spa experience with premium materials and advanced features.

Luxury Hot Tub Cost

Luxury hot tubs are like high-end models with extra steps. All wishes in terms of design, size, or accessories are limited only by your budget.

Factors Affecting Hot Tub Costs — A Detailed Overview

Type

The type of hot tub you choose, be it above-ground or in-ground, can strongly impact its cost. In-ground options offer a long-term and blended addition to your outdoor area, while above-ground options are simpler to access. 

An average above-ground hot tub cost is typically less expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $10,000, based on the design and characteristics. The reason the price range is that extensive is that the above-ground type also includes inflatable and portable hot tubs, which require little to no installation effort.

On the other hand, in-ground hot tubs cost around $10,000 to $20,000 on average. Installing them also requires professional help and additional construction, as these hot tubs become a part of your space. While they definitely add an aesthetic appeal and value to your property, in-ground hot tubs come with a high price due to their complicated installation.

We would also like to mention here about the costs for saltwater hot tubs. This type of spa is quite rare on the market, and it will cost you about $7,000 to $18,000. However, there is a much more cost-effective way, namely the possibility of converting your spa from freshwater to saltwater with the use of a saltwater chlorine generator. That way, you’ll only need to save a budget for changing generator cartridges occasionally, and their price ranges from $300 to $1,500.

Size

Generally speaking, larger hot tubs with more seating capacity and expansive designs tend to be pricier. This is because they require more materials, and construction, and often have additional features to accommodate more people. 

But this is not always the case, as even a small spa for 2 people can be more expensive than a spa for 5 people, simply due to the material and built-in things. 

In the table below, you can see the ratio of hard-shelled hot tub fitting capacity, along with the dimensions, and their prices. Inflatable hot tubs are not included here because their seat-to-price ratio is not as fixed, their high-end reach is at $1,500 max.

Range	Dimensions	Cost
Small (2-4 people)	5’4” to 7” W * 29” to 35” H	$3,000 – $5,000+
Medium (5-6 people)	6’6” to 7’9” W * 33” to 39” H	$5,000 – $12,000
Large (7+people)	7’7” to 9’ W * 36” x 39” H	$9,000 – $20,000

Material

The material a hot tub is made of has a notable impact on its price. Hot tubs crafted from premium materials like acrylic or wood generally come with a higher cost. These materials not only offer durability but also a luxurious feel. 

On the other hand, more budget-friendly hot tubs might be made from simpler materials, like vinyl or plastic, making them more affordable. In the table below, we mentioned the most used materials for a hot tub base along with the prices.

Remember, the material not only affects the price but also the overall look and longevity of your hot tub, so it’s worth considering when making your choice

Material	Price
Vinyl	$500 – $3,000+
Plastic/Rotomolded Plastic	$1,000 – $7,000+
Resin	$2,000 – $8,000+
Wood	$3,000 – $12,000+
Acrylic	$3,000 – $15,000+
Fiberglass	$4,000 – $10,000+
Metal	$5,000 – $15,000+
Concrete/Cement	$5,000 – $20,000+
Copper	$8,000 – $20,000+

Brand

There are a huge number of brands that make hot tubs, including renowned pioneers like the Jacuzzi brand, trusted quality brands, and low-quality brands. Here you can see a chart with brands we can recommend working with.

Brand	Price Range
Intex	$300 – $1,200
AquaRest	$2,000 – $5,000
Catalina Spas	$3,000 – $12,000
Hudson Bay Spas	$4,000 – $8,000
Sundance Spas	$4,000 – $14,000
Jacuzzi	$4,000 – $16,000
Dimension One Spas	$6,000 – $20,000

Features

Similar to customizing a car with extra features that increase its cost, adding accessories to a hot tub can also raise its price. 

Additional features, such as lights, audio systems, and intelligent controls, often come with a higher price, while basic models with fewer extras are typically more affordable. So, when examining options, consider the features that are crucial for your relaxation experience and budget.

Add-ons / Accessories	Estimated Price Range
Water testing kit	$10 – $50
Chemical starter kit	$20 – $100
Filter cartridges	$10 – $50 (per cartridge)
Ozonator	$100 – $300
LED lighting system	$100 – $500
Waterfall or fountain	$100 – $500
Headrests	$20 – $100 (per headrest)
TV / audio system	$200 – $1,500
Cover and cover lift	$200 – $800
Smart control system	$200 – $800
UV water purification	$300 – $1,000
Additional jets	$20 – $150 (per jet)
Aromatherapy system	$50 – $200
Steps	$50 – $300
Saltwater system	$500 – $1,500

All About Hot Tub Installation and Maintenance Costs

Initial Investment

When considering a hot tub, it’s important to factor in the initial investment, which includes more than just the hot tub purchase itself. Let’s break down the costs:

💰 Hot tub purchase: This is the core cost of the hot tub itself, which can vary depending on the type, features, and brand. We’ve already considered everything that goes into the hot tub pricing.

🚚 Delivery: Getting your hot tub home safely can cost around $100 to $500, depending on the delivery distance and any special equipment needed.

🔧 Installation: Installing a hot tub involves electrical work, a solid foundation, and sometimes plumbing adjustments (unless you’re looking for a portable model). Hot tub installation costs can range from $200 to $1,000, considering the electrical setup and site preparation.

🏡 Location: In the case of in-ground hot tubs, if you need a sturdy base or a concrete pad, this can add another $100 to $500 to your costs.

Maintenance and Ongoing Costs

Running your hot tub involves ongoing costs to keep it clean, comfortable, and efficient in the long run. Here’s what you should know about how much it costs to run a hot tub:

🧪 Chemicals: A chemical starter kit costs around $20 to $100. Ongoing monthly chemical costs can range from $10 to $30.

🔋 Energy Efficiency: Energy costs vary based on usage and the efficiency of your hot tub’s heater and pump, don’t forget about the quality of insulation as well. On average, expect to spend around $20 to $50 per month on electricity.

🧼 Cleaning Supplies: Basic cleaning supplies like filters and brushes may cost around $20 to $50 per year.

🌊 Water Changes: While you won’t need to drain and refill your hot tub often, it might cost around $10 to $50 when you do, depending on water rates.

🛠️ Repairs: Hot tub maintenance costs might include occasional repairs, which can vary greatly in cost depending on the issue. It’s a good idea to set aside a budget for unexpected repairs.

A Step-by-Step Hot Tub Budgeting Guide

To make it easier to understand all the information we provided you with, we created an example of an entry-level hot tub and the cost for upkeep.

Assembling a dream value-priced hot tub:

Considering preferences, here’s how we can assemble the dream entry-level hot tub:

• Hot tub model: a compact and roomy 2-person hot tub. Let’s assume that we’re looking for a hard-shell model. Then the estimated cost would be in a range from $2,000 to $4,000.
• Basic water jets: essential water jets for a gentle massage experience. Estimated cost: included in the hot tub price. But in case you need to replace the nozzle, the estimated cost could be from $20 to $150 per jet, depending on the model.
• Steps: steps for easy access to the hot tub. Estimated cost: $50 – $100.
• Chemical starter kit: a kit to maintain water chemistry. Estimated cost: $20 – $100.
• Basic hot tub cover: a cover for maintaining water temperature. It’s usually included in the hot tub price, but if you’re looking for a replacement, then the estimated cost could be $80 – $150.
• Installation costs: estimated cost: $200 – $500.
• Maintenance costs: average monthly cost for chemicals and electricity: $20 – $50.

Estimated total cost:

Hot Tub model	$2,000 – $4,000
Add-ons and accessories	$70 – $150
Installation costs	$200 – $500
Maintenance costs (per year)	$240 – $600
Total estimated cost	$2,510 – $5,250

How Long Will a Hot Tub Last?

The lifespan of a hot tub can differ based on quality, upkeep, and use. On average, a properly kept hot tub can endure from 5 to 20 years, or longer. Regular maintenance, water care, and protecting your hot tub from extreme weather conditions can help ensure that you enjoy its relaxation benefits for many years to come.

Summary

Whether you want to relax, enjoy hydrotherapy, or spend quality time with your family, it’s important to balance features and budget. By looking at different types of hot tubs, ranging from entry to high-end, and considering things like size, materials, add-ons, installation, and maintenance costs, you can make a smart choice that meets your needs and budget.

Remember, a hot tub isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in your well-being and leisure. We hope that with the insights you’ve gained from this article, it will be much easier for you to allocate your budget if you are planning to purchase a hot tub for yourself.

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