How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?

Cost of Hot Tubs

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, will depend on location, type, size, and materials. Here’s a closer look at the main factors that influence cost.

Inflatable 

The most affordable option available, inflatable hot tubs usually cost less than $1,000, averaging around $400. These models are soft-sided and portable; to set one 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 typically only require a 110V electrical connection to function, 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’ll be able to 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 these tubs might be lacking. 

Premium 

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

Luxury

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

Saltwater

Saltwater hot tubs add an average $200 to $700 to the cost of your spa, totaling from $600 to $35,700 before adding this feature. This is because the process of getting a saltwater spa simply means installing 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.

Hot Tub Cost Factors

Here’s a closer look at the main factors that influence cost, from the type you choose to its location. 

Above Ground vs. In-Ground

All of the prices mentioned above are for an above-ground hot tub, which range from $400 to $18,000, depending on the material, number of features, energy-efficiency, and filtration system.

An in-ground hot tub costs $8,000 to $25,000 to build new or add to your already-built pool. Expect to spend between $6,000 and $15,000 to build a hot tub in conjunction with a new pool excavation, on top of the price you are paying for the pool. 

Indoor vs. Outdoor 

Placing the hot tub inside or outside won’t affect the cost of the unit itself. Many units work both indoors and outdoors. But you may need to adjust its surroundings to handle the weight, moisture, and heat.

Outdoor: 

Installing an outdoor hot tub usually calls for site preparation. These units are heavy and need a solid foundation to support their weight. You shouldn’t install them directly on a lawn.

Your installer may recommend one of the following:

• Concrete slab

• Crushed rock

• Concrete patio pavers

• Reinforced decking

Indoor:

Installing an indoor hot tub often means remodeling the room so that it can handle excess moisture. 

You may need:

• Extra ventilation

• Water-and slip-resistant flooring

• Extra floor supports

• Demolition and construction to install in-ground

Size

Materials 

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

Vinyl

Vinyl shells are the most common for inflatable and portable hot tubs, though some in-ground hot tubs use a vinyl liner on top of the cement. Inflatable vinyl costs between $400 and $1,500, with vinyl-lined running $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, and costing between $4,000 and $18,000, are reasonably priced. 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 typically have a vinyl lining. Wood hot tubs cost between $3,000 and $10,000.

Hot Tub Add-Ons 

Some add-ons help your hot tub function better, and others are simply for your enjoyment and pleasure. Factor the cost of these, as well as the cost of maintenance, into your bottom line. 

Maintenance Costs

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

• Water: Water costs will be dictated by the size of your tub, the frequency 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–$100, with cleaning solution costing $15; wood cleaner and wax for wooden spas costs $10. Pro cleanings cost roughly $300.

• Chlorine: Chlorine and chemical testing strips to maintain sanitized water will set you back about $20 per month.

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

Add-Ons

• Filter: Change your hot tub’s filter, which costs between $20–$60, once every year.

• Decking: The cost to build a deck around your hot tub is $2–$30 per square foot, depending on what material the deck is made from.

• Lighting: Expect to spend $2,000–$3,000 for a professional to install deck lights, with higher-end installation of motion and designer lights running as high as $6,000.

• Landscaping: Landscaping costs an average of $4–$12 per square foot, for basic services. Including landscaping design, the cost jumps to $40 per square foot. 

• Thermometer: If you wish to know the temperature inside your hot tub, you can purchase a thermometer for about $10.

• Cover: A cover to keep your hot tub protected from the elements, bugs, and critters costs $350–$500.

Installation Costs

The cost to install a hot tub runs between $650 to $6,100, with an average of $3,400. Built-in styles cost the most to install, averaging $1,000 to $5,000. 

Whether you are placing the hot tub inside or outside, your installer may need to adjust the hot tub’s surroundings to handle the weight, moisture, and heat, which can raise the cost of installation.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a hot tub, spa, and whirlpool tub?

While these terms seem to describe the same thing, there are a few key differences to note. A hot tub is any large vat of water that can accommodate more than one person for the purposes of relaxing and entertaining. It does not necessarily include jets. 

A spa refers to a hot tub that includes jets for therapeutic purposes, and in Europe, the term spa specifically refers to natural mineral springs and spa reports, which use natural spring water for balneotherapy. 

Finally, a whirlpool tub is basically a bathtub with jets; it does not use a filtration system like a hot tub does, and is more commonly found inside a home’s bathroom (usually the primary) rather than outside. 

How long do hot tubs last?

Hot tubs last five to 20 years. Less expensive models will have the shortest lifespan. To keep your hot tub functioning as long as possible, keep it well-maintained.

How much does it cost to run a hot tub per month?

While the final figure will be based on a number of factors, including the hot tub model, its age, the local price of utilities, sales tax, how often you use it and more, you should expect that the monthly cost to run your hot tub will be between $20 and $50.

What are some popular hot tub brands?

Popular hot tub brands include Arctic Spas, Bullfrog Spas, Cal Spas, Caldera Spas, Hot Spring Spas, and Viking Spas, but there are many more to choose from.