Sinking into a deliciously relaxing hot tub at the end of a long day? Amazing. Clicking on dozens of websites while calculating whether you can afford a premium hot tub? Less amazing.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re asking yourself, “how much is a hot tub?” And while there are many hot tub benefits, the cost is not always one of them.
As a quick overview, entry-level and inflatable hot tubs might cost only a few hundred dollars, whereas higher-end luxury hot tubs might run you upwards of $18,000 or more. But there’s more to hot tub costs than meets the eye. The type, materials, size, features, installation, and maintenance all help determine the final price.
In this guide, we’ll break down these cost-determining factors so that you can find the model that makes the most sense for you—and turns those calculations into luxurious soaks.
#1 Types of Hot Tubs
So, how much is a hot tub? The first and most important factor you’ll want to consider when price shopping is the type of hot tub. Whether you’re looking to remodel your entire backyard with an inground spa or save money and purchase a more convenient inflatable tub, you can find a suitable hot tub for any budget.
Inground Hot Tubs
Some people choose to install custom-built concrete or stone hot tubs into their landscapes. While these hot tubs can look sleek and last for decades, they also tend to prove more expensive, ranging between $8,000 and $25,000, and require professional installation. They’re also more permanent—once you install a custom concrete hot tub in your backyard; removing it can prove costly and time-consuming.
Portable Plastic Hot Tubs
Also known as a prefabricated hot tub, a portable hot tub can be durable, energy efficient, and come in a variety of styles. While they’re often more affordable than inground hot tubs, typically ranging between $2,000 and $6,000, these tubs typically still skew on the higher end of the cost scale. When purchasing a portable hot tub, you should also be prepared for arranging a professional expert to install and set it up.
Wooden Hot Tubs
A more attractive and natural material than plastic, you can find small wooden hot tubs for as low as $3,000 or as much as $10,000. In addition to being more affordable, more portable, and easier to install, a wooden hot tub may look more elegant in your yard. Unlike other hot tub types, some wooden tubs offer alternative heating sources to electricity, such as charcoal. This gives you more flexibility for tub placement.
Inflatable Hot Tubs
The most affordable and portable type of hot tub is the inflatable hot tub, many of which are available between $300 and $600. But, are inflatable hot tubs worth it? In short, absolutely. Since their only installation requirement is an electricity source and a flat foundation capable of supporting the tub’s weight, these hot tubs bode well for those who want to enjoy the hot tub lifestyle without making permanent changes to their yard. Inflatable hot tubs are also excellent options for first-time hot tub buyers.
An inflatable hot tub might be a suitable choice for you if you:
- Have a hot tub budget below $1,000
- Have never owned a hot tub before
- Rent your home and cannot install anything permanent
- Want to be able to deflate and store your tub in certain months
#2 Size and Shape
The second factor that influences a hot tub’s price is its size. Larger hot tubs typically cost more than smaller ones. For example, a two-person inflatable hot tub might cost between $300 to $450, while a six-person inflatable tub might cost $500 or more.
When choosing a hot tub size and shape, we recommend considering the following:
- Your budget
- The shape and dimensions of the area where you want to put your hot tub
- The number of people you want to be able to use the hot tub at once
Choosing the size that makes sense for you can help you find a hot tub you’ll love while also making the most efficient use of your space.
#3 Special Features
Should you desire them, certain units come with unique hot tub features and customizable elements. As you might guess, however, special additions will typically tack on an extra cost to the baseline price.
Special hot tub features might include:
- Spa lighting – Lights along the rim or below the water of a hot tub can help you move safely around the tub and provide a soothing ambiance. But if you’d prefer a bit more dimly-lit mystery while wearing a swimsuit, you may prefer the sans-lighting option. It’s all about finding the hot tub that suits your personal preferences.
- Jet placement and strength – If you’re purchasing a hot tub for therapeutic benefits, you might want more powerful jets to massage your neck, feet, or other areas of the body. If you want a hot tub more for general relaxation and socialization, precise jet placement may be less important to you.
- Temperature variability – Some hot tub models can work equally well as a cold plunge tub if that’s something you’re looking for. Others feature cooling systems that let you control the exact temperature of the water so that you can use your hot tub throughout the year as the seasons change.
- Hot tub controls – Some hot tubs allow different levels of control over features like bubbles, jets, temperature, and lights. Generally speaking, hot tubs with more advanced controls tend to be more expensive than ones with more basic controls.
#4 Installation Costs
Take it from us: Don’t fall victim to forgetting about hot tub installation costs. While installation may not balloon your total cost too much, it’s still helpful to calculate it in advance to avoid any surprises at the time of purchase.
Hot tub installation costs vary depending on the type of hot tub, the installation location, and the installers themselves. For example, a permanent sunken hot tub may require you to build or provide a specialized deck or patio. Conversely, an inflatable hot tub will typically have simpler installation requirements—and thus lower installation costs.
#5 Maintenance Costs
If you’re considering purchasing a hot tub, you’re probably focused on the initial sticker price of purchasing and installing it. But like cars, hot tubs can have long-term costs associated with keeping them in tip-top shape.
Planning for those costs ahead of time can help make sure you find the model that truly fits your budget. No one wants to spend time fretting over an unexpected expense (when you could be relaxing in your new hot tub.)
Maintenance costs for hot tubs typically include:
- Month-to-month costs – Exact month-to-month costs will vary depending on specifics like the model you choose and where you live. To care for your hot tub, you’ll typically have to factor in regular cleaning, treatments required to balance the water’s PH, using and refreshing disinfecting chemicals, and occasionally refilling it with new water. Though these costs vary depending on your type of hot tub, the average price per month runs around $25.
- Long-term maintenance – A quality hot tub can last for several years, especially when you take care of it. However, you may have to occasionally update part of the system, such as if a pump wears out or the electrical elements require maintenance. When choosing between different hot tub models, try asking the salesperson which items may end up needing repairs down the road and the typical costs associated with various repairs.
Knowing the potential costs of maintaining different hot tub models can help you find a hot tub that makes your life better, both now and in the future. And if you have a knack for some DIY hot tub cleaning, learn how to clean inflatable hot tub units.
Budgeting for a Hot Tub
As with any other home improvement project, setting a realistic budget that accounts for your personal resources and the qualities you want in your new hot tub can help you find the best model for you.
Here are a few tips for efficient budgeting for the perfect new relaxation spa:
- Calculate your monthly ownership cost – Consider the total cost of all five factors above, and then divide those costs by 12 to understand exactly what you’ll pay each month that you own the hot tub.
- Keep an emergency maintenance fund – On top of your monthly ownership cost, add a little more money into a savings account to keep on hand in case of any emergency maintenance needed, like repairs or leakages.
- Start small – If you’re nervous about spending thousands of dollars on a hot tub that you’re not sure you’ll like, consider starting with a tub in a lower price range. An inflatable tub allows you the flexibility, impermanence, and low cost for beginners to explore a hot tub lifestyle.
- Ask an expert – During your budgeting and shopping process, the most direct source of answers is a person who knows the products and their respective costs. A knowledgeable sales associate like our team at ALEKO can help you find the model that checks all of your boxes on price, features, and priorities.
Find Affordable, Quality Hot Tubs With ALEKO
Whether you decide to splurge on luxury hot tubs, land on an in ground hot tub, or opt for an affordable portable hot tub, knowing and comparing hot tub prices and installation costs can help inform your decision.
The next time you, a family member, or a friend poses the question, “how much is a hot tub?” you’ll know exactly what directions to look for. At a first glance, shopping for hot tubs might feel complicated, but keeping these five cost factors in mind will lead you to years of soothing relaxation in a hot tub that’s perfect for you.
Founded in 2005 as a family-owned business, we at ALEKO are proud to offer quality outdoor products, like inflatable and wood hot tubs, for your home at an affordable price point.
In our years of experience in the business, we know how big of a decision it is to purchase a hot tub. That’s why our team is dedicated to providing above-and-beyond customer support at every stage of the journey. Shop with us and experience the ALEKO difference.
Sources:
Forbes. 6 Types Of Hot Tubs To Warm You Up Any Time Of The Year. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pool/types-of-hot-tubs/
Retirement Living. 8 Important Features to Consider Before Buying a Hot Tub. https://www.retirementliving.com/features-to-consider-before-buying-a-hot-tub
The Family Handyman. How Much Does a Hot Tub Actually Cost? https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-much-does-a-hot-tub-cost/
