How Much Does It Cost to Install a Hot Tub in 2025?

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

Hot tubs are a wonderful way to relax and enjoy your outdoor space, but budgeting for one can be a bit overwhelming. The average hot tub costs $352, with prices ranging from $85 for inflatable models to $1,000 for custom in-ground options. Labor for installation runs between $650 and $6,100. 

In-ground hot tubs are the most expensive due to excavation and installation, costing between $8,000 and $25,000. Inflatable options are the most affordable, while large prefab tubs or custom designs come with higher price tags. Understanding the differences in cost between a freestanding, soft-sided option and a built-in one can help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.

Hot Tub Installation Costs

The type of hot tub you choose plays the biggest role in determining cost.

Aboveground Hot Tubs

Aboveground hot tubs are the most common choice because they’re easy to install and operate. Prices range from $85 for inflatable models up to $18,000 for high-end options, not including installation. The total cost depends on the size, type, and placement of the hot tub. Many aboveground models come ready to fill, plug in, and enjoy.

In-Ground Hot Tubs

In-ground hot tubs are a more luxurious option, costing between $8,000 and $25,000 in total. They are more expensive because they require excavation and custom installation. If you're building a new pool and want to add a hot tub, you can expect an additional cost of $6,000 to $15,000 on top of the pool's base price. Installing a hot tub in a deck might cost less than a full in-ground installation and can help preserve your landscaping, though you'll likely need a concrete pad for support.

Location

If you live in a remote area, the delivery company may tack on additional fees for a long-distance drop-off, approximately $0.50 to $3.00 per mile. Choose a location for your hot tub where it will be accessible from the equipment panel and at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Delivery

While your hot tub manufacturer might include delivery in the price for the hot tub, it might not include crane delivery. Cranes are necessary if your backyard is difficult to access.

Crane companies will charge between $800 and $1,500 to deliver a hot tub, though depending on the size of the tub and the length of the reach, the price could be as high as $2,500. If delivery isn’t included and does not require a crane, it will likely be in the $200 to $500 range.

The delivery team might also need to remove parts of your fence ($100 to $200) or operate a Bobcat to better access the space ($200 to $300).

Permits

Most municipalities don’t require permits for aboveground hot tubs, but they often do for in-ground types. These permits run from $100 to $250.

Land Preparation

Your aboveground hot tub will need a solid foundation to sit on, as these relaxation amenities can weigh up to 6,000 pounds when filled with water. Concrete slab installation costs $2 to $6 per square foot. Based on average hot tub sizes, you’ll probably need 100 to 120 square feet, at minimum. If you have an existing patio, you can use that as a base or opt for pavers, a reinforced deck, or gravel.

If you choose to use an existing patio, you might need to complete concrete leveling if it slopes to drain away from your home. This costs $3 to $6 per square foot.

Inflatable hot tubs can sit on insulated bases, grass, or ground.

Electricity

The cost to wire a hot tub is $600 to $2,200. This depends on the model and the amperage of your existing setup. The cost to install a new subpanel is $400 to $1,800. You may need to do this if your current panel can’t support the amps for the hot tub. Installing an outlet costs between $150 and $300. You may need this service if you don’t have one within five feet of the hot tub or if you need to upgrade an existing one. Most models use 50 to 60 amps and need 220 to 240 volts.

If you’d like to add an outside sound system to your hot tub area, expect to pay an electrician $250 to $300 to set it up.

Water

Plumbing installation for a hot tub costs between $350 and $2,000. If you’re building a custom design, you may be able to place water lines that help you refill it without having to use a hose. Most models don’t need additional plumbing. Plug-and-play styles are closed systems that only a hose can fill.

Filter

Modern hot tubs have cartridges for filters, making them easy to remove and replace once every year. Filters cost between $20 and $60.

Decking

The cost to build a new deck is $8,000, on average, running about $30 and $60 per square foot. To have a hot tub installed inside an existing deck, you’ll need to add a concrete slab underneath the deck for support. All-in, expect to pay $5,000 to $20,000.

Lighting

Lighting upgrades cost between $25 and $60 per light. Post lighting runs from $30 to over $100 each, and lighting installation by a professional costs $2,000 to $3,000, with higher-end installation of motion and designer lights running as high as $10,000.

Landscaping

Landscaping costs an average of $4 to $12 per square foot. If you want a formal landscaping design, the cost jumps to $40 per square foot.

Cost of Hot Tubs Based on Type

The price for a small, inflatable, aboveground hot tub will cost the least, starting at only $400, while prices for in-ground hot tubs will be several thousands more.

Portable Hot Tubs

Portable hot tubs cost between $3,000 and $10,000. These versatile spas can be set up on your deck, and during the winter, you can store them in your basement or shed. While any aboveground model can be considered portable, the weight can impact how easily you can move it. Most non-inflatable options weigh between 400 and 1,000 pounds, compared to an average refrigerator that weighs 200 to 300 pounds.

Saltwater Hot Tub Cost

Installing a saltwater system costs between $200 and $700, though in some cases, it may cost up to $1,500, depending on the option you choose and the type of hot tub. Built-in models require more expensive generators that range from $1,000 to $2,000. Standalone styles for aboveground units are closer to $500.

Many homeowners choose saltwater because it’s less expensive than chlorine and cuts down on cleaning. Since salt can corrode materials like wood, it’s better to buy something like acrylic. Before committing, compare the pros and cons of saltwater vs. chlorine to decide which is right for you.

In-Ground Hot Tub Cost

To add a hot tub to your existing in-ground swimming pool, expect to spend $8,000 to $25,000. If you are building a brand-new pool and want a hot tub to pair with it, you’ll spend $6,000 to $15,000 on top of the base price for the pool.

Swim Spa Installation Cost

Swim spa installation costs $300 to $7,000, plus $15,000 to $35,000 for the tub. This style is much larger than average, built for swimming or occupancy ranging from 15 to 20 people. As with other hot tubs, aboveground options run less than built-in.

Hot Tub Costs Based on Materials

Hot tub costs range from $400 to $18,000 or more, depending on the material.

Materials range from very lightweight and portable vinyl to wood, with prices differing between shell materials.

Soft-Side Inflatable Vinyl Hot Tub

A soft-side inflatable hot tub costs $400 to $1,500. This is the least expensive option, made of vinyl and delivered deflated. Then, you just have to inflate it, add the motor, and fill it with a hose. Once it's plugged in, it's ready to go.

Inflatable styles are popular because they’re lightweight and relatively simple to DIY. Since the material is soft and flexible, they’re more likely to puncture and need repair or replacement.

Vinyl-Lined Hot Tub

Vinyl-lined hot tubs are often in-ground ones (though sometimes used with wooden tubs), with the vinyl acting as a layer between concrete and water. In-ground hot tubs cost $8,000 to $25,000 to build new or add to your existing pool. Expect to spend between $6,000 and $15,000 to build a hot tub in tandem with a new pool excavation (on top of the cost of the pool itself).

Rotomolded Plastic

These “plug-and-play” models can plug into any 110V outlet to operate. Rotomolded plastic hot tubs cost between $2,000 and $6,000.

Wooden Hot Tub

Wooden hot tubs cost $3,000 to $10,000. They have a round design with redwood and cedar (or teak) with seating. It comes in pieces so you can easily get it to the room or space of your choice. Wood is a traditional choice, but it’s not as widely available now. Most options run on electricity, but you’ll find a few with a wood-fired heater.

Acrylic Hot Tub

Acrylic hot tubs are the most common choice, ranging from $4,000 to $18,000. This type has a prefabricated shell with a wood, acrylic, or stainless steel surround. Homeowners prefer acrylic because it has the greatest variety and handles cold weather the best. It’s harder to transport but often easier to install than wood.

DIY vs. Professional Hot Tub Installation

Due to the heavy weight and complexity of most hot tubs, hiring professional hot tub installers is the safest way to ensure proper setup. When you're ready to schedule the installation, be sure to request quotes from at least three professionals and ask for references to make an informed choice.

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. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project 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.