How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average hot tub costs $6,000, but prices can range from $400 to $35,000. The total cost depends on factors like location, size, and features. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day or increase your home's value, budgeting carefully and hiring a professional can help you find the perfect hot tub for your needs.

Hot Tub Cost Factors

Several factors can influence the cost of your hot tub, including where you install it, its size, and the materials you choose. Here's what you need to know to budget for your new relaxation spot.

Above Ground vs. In-Ground

If you're deciding between an above-ground and an in-ground hot tub, keep in mind that above-ground options cost between $400 and $18,000, depending on features, materials, and energy efficiency. 

In-ground hot tubs are pricier, ranging from $8,000 to $25,000 to build new or add to an existing pool. If you're installing a hot tub alongside a new pool excavation, you can expect to spend an additional $6,000 to $15,000 on top of the pool's cost.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Whether you place your hot tub indoors or outdoors won't affect the cost of the unit itself, as many models work in both settings. However, you'll need to prepare the area to handle the weight, moisture, and heat, which can impact your overall costs.

Installing an outdoor hot tub means you'll need to prepare the site properly. Since these heavy units require a solid foundation, you shouldn't place them directly on your lawn. Your installer might suggest options like a concrete slab, crushed rock, patio pavers, or reinforced decking to support your hot tub.

Installing an indoor hot tub often requires remodeling the room to handle excess moisture, which may involve adding extra ventilation, upgrading to water- and slip-resistant flooring, reinforcing floor supports, and performing demolition and construction for in-ground installations.

Size

The size of a hot tub plays a significant role in determining the installation cost. Larger hot tubs require more materials, labor, and preparation, which can increase the overall expense.

Materials

A hot tub’s cabinet is its shell, enclosing the liner holding the water. The cabinet’s material defines your hot tub’s appearance and how well it retains heat, with different materials costing more than others.

Vinyl

Some in-ground hot tubs use a vinyl liner on top of the cement. Vinyl-lined hot tubs run $4,000 to $12,000.

Rotomolded Plastic

Made from a plastic mold, rotomolded plastic is very lightweight and thus easy to transport. Often, they are referred to as “plug-and-play” as they can be plugged into any 110V outlet to operate. On average, rotomolded plastic hot tubs cost between $2,000 and $6,000.

Acrylic

Acrylic hot tubs are durable and energy-efficient, costing between $4,000 and $18,000. You can choose between backed and unbacked acrylic–the backed kind has a layer of ABS polymer bonded on the back, while the unbacked has a layer of fiberglass. Backed acrylic is better for deeper tubs.

Wood

Natural wood shells have a rustic, organic look but are waning in popularity next to acrylic. They come with fewer features than other materials and often have a vinyl lining. Wood hot tubs cost between $3,000 and $10,000.

Maintenance Costs

You can expect to spend between $500 and $1,000 per year on regular hot tub maintenance. Here are some common maintenance costs you might encounter:

• Electricity: For an above-ground hot tub, electricity runs $20 per month and $30 for an in-ground one.

• Water: Water costs will be dictated by the size of your tub, the frequency at which you refresh the water (four times per year, ideally), and the cost per gallon of water where you live.

• Cleaning products: Spa vacuums cost $80 to $100, with cleaning solutions costing $15. Pro cleanings cost roughly $300.

• Chlorine: Chlorine and chemical testing strips to maintain sanitized water will cost you $20 monthly.

• Repairs: Repairs range from $160 to $500, depending on the severity of the problem. Contact a hot tub repair professional near you for an accurate quote.

Labor

Hiring a local hot tub installer costs between $650 and $6,100. Whether you're placing it indoors or outdoors, your installer may need to adjust the surroundings to handle the weight, moisture, and heat, which could increase the overall installation cost.

Add-Ons

Consider enhancing your hot tub experience with some add-ons. Replacing the filter annually costs $20 to $60. If you'd like to build a deck around your hot tub, you can expect to pay $30 to $60 per square foot, depending on the decking material. Adding lighting costs around $25 to $60 per light, creating the perfect ambiance for evening soaks.

Hot Tubs Cost by Type

Buying a new hot tub costs $2,000 to $35,000. The overall cost of buying and installing your hot tub, otherwise known as a spa, depends on the type you purchase. Here’s a closer look at the main types and their costs.

Inflatable

Inflatable hot tubs are the most cost-effective, ranging from $400 to $1,500. These models are soft-sided and portable, making them easy to set up. You simply need to choose the location, blow air to inflate it, and then fill it with warm water.

Those priced on the higher end of the spectrum—closer to $1,000—likely have added features such as built-in seating and jets.

Entry-Level

Running between $2,500 and $5,000, entry-level hot tubs are made of strong but lightweight plastic and often only require a 110V electrical connection, saving you money on installation costs that a higher-end hot tub would need.

Value-Level

At this price range—$5,000 to $8,000—you can purchase a hot tub with a hard acrylic shell and more features like LED lights, additional jets, and waterfall spouts. Compared to higher-end models, the insulation of value-level hot tubs might be lacking.

Premium

While the initial cost will be around $8,000 to $11,000, premium hot tubs are more energy-efficient than others, saving you money in the long run. The higher price also accounts for additional jets, lights, water features, and advanced filtration models. In addition, some premium hot tubs use salt water, which many prefer to chlorine.

Luxury

Hot tubs that exceed the $11,000 price point are luxury models, with some reaching as much as $35,000. These hot tubs are highly energy-efficient, durable (sometimes lasting up to 20 years), and have advanced water filtration systems. In addition, they come with superior water jet features, such as massage functionality.

Saltwater

Saltwater hot tubs add an average of $200 to $700 to the cost of your spa. This additional cost is due to the need to install a saltwater generator into a hot tub, most of which can accommodate the system. The generator equipment runs $200 to $700, though some range up to $1,500.

There are many benefits to saltwater systems to consider, such as lower maintenance costs and better ROI. That said, while saltwater is gentler on clothing and skin, it might erode the metal components of your hot tub unit over the years. In addition, it’s wise to check your warranty; some manufacturers decline coverage for after-purchase saltwater installation.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.