How Much Does an In-Ground Hot Tub Cost?

Average In-Ground Tub Costs 

What Is an In-Ground Hot Tub?

An in-ground hot tub is, as you'd surmise from the name, a hot tub installed in the ground, much like an in-ground pool. Homeowners often have the hot tub installed alongside the pool for a holistic design. A significant investment, an in-ground hot tub can be therapeutic and relaxing, as well as a place to have fun. 

But, unlike most above-ground types, in-ground models are permanent features that require professional installation and are difficult (and expensive) to move once situated. Moving an in-ground hot tub is rare and not advisable. 

You'll often find in-ground hot tubs surrounded by stone, wooden decking, or tile or sunk into a patio. The area around the hot tub is also often heavily landscaped to finish off a relaxing, high-end aesthetic. Properly installing an in-ground hot tub and adding beautiful and sympathetic landscaping and hardscaping can boost your home's curb appeal. 

In-Ground Hot Tub Installation Cost by Size

You can have a custom hot tub of any size, but, in general, the larger the hot tub, the more you'll pay. The bigger the tub, the more materials used, the heavier it is when full, and the more ground that needs excavation. For a standard hot tub shell, you'll pay toward the lower end of the range, while custom-built hot tubs will run you toward or beyond the upper end of the typical range.

In-Ground Hot Tub Cost by Type

You have two main options when it comes to in-ground hot tub types: prefab or custom. Prefabricated shells cost less and are faster and easier to install. You can even find pre-plumbed shells, but they restrict aesthetics, shape, occupancy, and design. Custom hot tubs are significantly more expensive and more time-consuming to build and install, but the design options are unlimited.

Prefab In-Ground Hot Tubs

Prefab in-ground hot tubs cost between $8,000 and $20,000 to install. Most commonly, prefabricated shells are made of acrylic or stainless steel. The jets, seats, lighting, and other bells and whistles are pre-installed with these shells. Some are also pre-plumbed. This makes installation comparatively quick and easy. But remember, you're restricted on size and shape. Most prefabricated shells are round, oval, or square and don't usually accommodate more than eight people. 

Custom In-Ground Hot Tubs

Custom hot tubs typically cost between $15,000 and $25,000. These hot tubs are built on-site and in situ, most commonly from poured concrete. Pros install seating, jets, lighting, and other extras during construction. The installation is more complex and takes longer because pros build the hot tub in situ, but it's also a more permanent structure that increases your home's curb appeal. Plus, you're unlimited in terms of shape, style, and size.

In-Ground Hot Tub Cost Breakdown

Split between parts and labor, the cost to install a hot tub varies substantially based on the type and size of hot tub you want and how much extra work—like plumbing, electrical, and construction—is necessary.

Materials

Prefab shells start at around $2,000, although larger shells with high-end features can cost up to $15,000.  And custom units are most commonly built from concrete, which costs up to $20,000. A custom inground fiberglass hot tub costs between $10,000 and $20,000, although fiberglass is most often used in prefab shells, priced at $5,000 to $15,000. You'll also need to budget for the cost of extras like covers, built-in steps, extra lighting, jets, and water features. 

Labor

Labor to install an in-ground hot tub costs between $5,000 and $10,000. Just like installing an in-ground swimming pool, costs quickly mount. You'll need to pay for excavation, at around $2,000, depending on the hot tub’s size and location. Preparing the base material and pouring a concrete pad adds another $1,000 to $1,500 to the labor cost. 

Remember, too, that you have to budget for electrical wiring and plumbing. Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $150 per hour and hiring a plumber costs $45 to $200 per hour. In total, running the wiring and pipework below ground will cost around $2,000. Hooking up the wiring costs around $500, on average. And, if you need to upgrade your electrical panel, expect to pay an extra $550 to $2,000.

Other In-Ground Hot Tub Cost Factors

Many other factors impact the cost of a hot tub, aside from shell type and occupancy. Heating method, the surround you choose, and the add-ons you want all influence price. 

Heating Method

Every hot tub needs a heating method, and you're not limited to electric. You can use natural gas heating if you have (or are willing to pay for) a natural gas line. Alternatively, you can have a propane heater installed that operates via a propane tank system. Electric heaters are the least expensive to install, but they take the longest to heat the water. Natural gas and propane cost more but heat the water faster.

Surround

The surround, or deck, for your in-ground hot tub is the same as the cost of an in-ground pool deck, at $3 to $40 per square foot, installed. How much you'll pay depends on the materials you choose. Take a look at some of the common hot tub decking materials and their associated costs.

Add-Ons

Outside of the standard seat and jet configuration your hot tub comes with, you may want to consider adding extra touches that elevate your hot tub’s look, function, and feel. These add-ons range in price, like a relatively inexpensive drink holder for every seat, or more costly enhancements, like additional built-in steps, a cover, and a cover lifter.

Running Costs

A hot tub's running costs depend on how often you use it and its size, heat source, and the cost of water and utilities in your area. However, in general, it costs between $25 to $50 per month to run a hot tub. 

Because most people don't keep their hot tub open year-round, annual in-ground hot tub running costs are between $75 and $500. But remember, if you have a hot tub suitable for year-round use and intend to run it all year, you'll pay more for energy.

Maintenance Costs

Hot tubs require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition and prevent bacteria growth. While you can do the maintenance yourself, many people choose to hire a local hot tub maintenance company for ease, convenience, and safety. Maintenance professionals charge between $50 and $300 per month, and the service is similar to what you get when you pay for pool maintenance. They'll check water chemical levels, clean the filter and inside of the tub, and air out the cover. 

They'll also be able to spot potential issues so you can get them fixed before they become significant ones. You may also be able to get an annual inspection, helping you catch minor repairs before they become significant ones, saving you money on the cost of hot tub repair.

DIY In-Ground Hot Tub vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing an in-ground hot tub is not a DIY job. It requires heavy machinery to perform the excavation and grading plus the right equipment to lift the shell into place (or to put together the concrete form to pour the custom tub). Plus, because electrical, plumbing, and potentially gas work is required, by law, in most states, you'd need a licensed pro for the job anyway. 

Putting in an in-ground hot tub is a complex affair. It has to sit perfectly level on the foundation pad and requires electrical and plumbing line connections. Therefore, it's best to hire a local hot tub installation pro rather than attempt the job yourself.