Average Cost of Hot Tubs
On average, hot tubs range between $2,500 and $20,000. If you’re trying to determine the budget for your exciting new home renovation project, this huge range in pricing makes it difficult.
However, it’s actually a good thing.
The varying price range means that you have more control over how much you spend. So, whether your budget is $4,000 or $12,000, you can absolutely find a nice hot tub that’s within that price.
This flexibility helps ensure that you get exactly what you’re looking for, all for the right price.
Factors That Affect Hot Tub Prices
So, with such a wide range in pricing, how do you find the right hot tub for your needs? Fortunately, understanding the different factors that impact the final cost of a spa can make all the difference.
Here are a few of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a hot tub that’s within your budget.
Size
The first thing to consider when shopping for a hot tub is the size. How many people are planning to use it regularly?
When you have friends over, do you want it to be big enough so that everyone can enjoy it?
It should come as no surprise, that generally speaking, the bigger the hot tub, the more expensive it will be. However, that’s not to say that a large hot tub is out of your price range.
There are value-priced hot tubs that can comfortably fit several adults, though these models may lack some of the luxury features that a high-end tub includes.
Material
The next thing you’ll want to consider is the material used to make the tub. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you might consider an inflatable spa instead of a traditional model.
Made from high-quality and durable plastic material, inflatable hot tubs generally costs less than $1,000. But, they still include water jets so you don’t miss out on the hydrotherapy benefits of soaking in a hot tub.
More traditional hot tubs are made from durable acrylic material, making them easy to keep clean. And, unlike an inflatable tub, you won’t have to worry about anything but the water once it’s set up.
Location
Where are you planning to put your hot tub? If you sit it on your deck or in your backyard, it will be less expensive than digging a hole for an inground hot tub.
For an aboveground hot tub installation, the process is fairly simple, and a licensed contractor or plumber can usually do the job.
If you elect to install an inground spa instead, you’ll almost certainly need to hire a contractor. And, since the process is harder, you’ll have to pay more in labor costs to get it installed.
Features
Gone are the days when hot tubs were simple, with just a few jets. Now, you can add on a number of features to take your hot tub soaking experience to new levels.
Consider adding on water fountain features, headrests, or lights to set the ambiance in your spa.
However, remember that every feature you add will increase the price. In many cases though, the benefits far outweigh the extra fees.
Consider browsing through discount hot tubs to find the features you want at the right price.
Type
If you have your heart set on a top of the line hot tub, consider a model that runs on saltwater.
Because the salt water helps remove extra fluid from your skin, it can ease joint pain and reduce inflammation and swelling. This can be particularly beneficial if you suffer from arthritis.
However, saltwater hot tubs are more expensive, so keep that in mind while making your decision.
How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost to Run?
While making your hot tub budget, consider all the factors above, but don’t forget about the added operating costs once you purchase your tub. Here are some of the operating costs to expect once your hot tub is up and running.
Electricity
After installing a hot tub, you can expect to see a slight increase in your monthly energy bill. This is because your tub uses extra energy to heat and circulate the water.
You can use a hot tub cover to help reduce heating costs and prevent evaporation.
Chemicals
Just like a pool requires chemicals to maintain water chemistry, so does a hot tub. You’ll likely need to keep chlorine and an alkalinity solution on hand to keep your water clean.
You can get the water tested at a local pool store to see what chemicals you need and how often to add them.
Maintenance
Occasionally, you’ll need to perform maintenance to keep your hot tub running well. When budgeting, don’t forget to account for maintenance costs, like draining, cleaning, and refilling the hot tub regularly.
You’ll also need to change out the filters every few months to keep the filtration system working as it should. Overall, these are small costs, but they can add up if you’re not paying attention.
Soak Away the Stress With a Hot Tub
Now that you know the answer to “How much does a hot tub cost?” you can start the fun process of shopping for your spa! Before you know it, you’ll be soaking the stress away in your own back yard.
Looking for more helpful home tips? Check out our other articles for inspiration.
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