How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?

When you’re buying a hot tub, determining how much you want to set aside for the purchase and installation can help you to better focus your search for a tub. But how much does a hot tub cost? With hot tub prices ranging from $400 to $25,000 or more, understanding the factors that impact cost can help you to decide which hot tub is best for your needs while still fitting within your budget. 

Highlights/ Key Takeaways

• Hot tubs can cost $400 to $25,000 or more. 
• Many factors impact a hot tub’s cost, including its size, material, quality, and type. 
• Hot tub costs can even vary depending on your location within the country. 
• When calculating a hot tub’s cost, don’t forget to include expenses like accessories, installation, and maintenance. 

Hot Tub Cost by Size

Size has a significant impact on hot tub cost. Larger hot tubs require more materials and are more expensive to ship, so their retail prices are higher. Smaller hot tubs tend to be more affordable. These are some average price ranges for different hot tub sizes. 

• Hot tubs for 2 to 3 people cost $2,000 to $7,000
• Hot tubs for 4 to 5 people cost $2,000 to $12,000
• Hot tubs for 6 to 7 people cost $3,000 to $15,000
• Hot tubs for 10 people cost $5,000 to $20,000 and up

Hot Tub Cost by Material

The materials a hot tub is made of affect not only its appearance, performance, and durability, but also its cost. For example, synthetic woods tend to be more affordable than materials like brick or faux stone. According to This Old House, different materials used in the cabinet, or exterior of an above-ground hot tub, can result in these costs: 

• Synthetic wood hot tubs cost $2,000 to $9,000. 
• Wood hot tubs cost $3,000 to $10,000. 
• Brick hot tubs cost $5,000 to $12,000. 
• Faux stone hot tubs cost $5,000 to $12,000. 

The materials used inside of a hot tub also impact cost. Angi reports the following costs for hot tubs with interior shells of varying materials: 

• Vinyl-lined hot tubs cost $8,000 to $25,000. 
• Rotomolded hot tubs cost $2,000 to $6,000. 
• Acrylic hot tubs cost $4,000 to $18,000. 

Hot Tub Cost by Quality

While factors like material, type, and size all impact a hot tub’s cost, the quality of the tub also impacts what you will pay. Entry-level hot tubs are the most economically priced, but may not be as durable or offer the quality performance of a premium or luxury hot tub. Home Guide provides the following price ranges for hot tubs based on quality: 

• Entry-level hot tubs cost $2,000 to $6,000. 
• Value-priced hot tubs cost $4,000 to $8,000. 
• Premium hot tubs cost $8,000 to $11,000. 
• Luxury hot tubs cost $11,000 to $18,000. 

Hot Tub Cost by Type

Price also varies as you explore different hot tub types, including inflatable, above-ground, and saltwater tubs. If you haven’t already determined the type of hot tub that you would like to buy, comparing the costs might help you to decide. According to This Old House, you can expect to pay the following prices for common types of hot tubs: 

• Inflatable hot tubs cost $300 to $1,500. 
• Above-ground hot tubs cost $00 to $35,000. 
• Portable hot tubs cost $2,000 to $6,000. 
• Saltwater hot tubs cost $2,200 to $16,700. 
• Jetted hot tubs cost $4,000 to $16,000. 
• In-ground hot tubs cost $15,000 to $20,000. 

Hot Tub Cost by Location

Your location can also affect the cost of a hot tub. While hot tub prices are relatively consistent across different regions of the country, you may pay more for your hot tub depending on how far you live from the dealer. Some dealers will waive delivery and installation fees, but your location can affect the deal that you’re able to get. 

• If you live far from the dealer, you may need to pay delivery costs between $200 and $500 or more. 
• If you’re in a remote location that’s difficult to access, delivery may need to be performed by crane, which can cost $1,500 or more. 
• Depending on your yard, you may also need to budget for equipment rentals, like a Bobcat to prepare the site and move the hot tub

Where you live can also impact other related hot tub installation costs. Regional materials can vary in cost, so if you need to prepare a site or pour a concrete slab for the tub, your prices for that work may vary. A location can also impact what you will pay for other elements like contractors and utilities. 

• Labor costs vary by region, so if you’re in an area with a high cost of living, you can expect to pay more for the installation. 
• If you live in a rural area, you may have limited access to contractors able to perform the installation, so you may have limited quotes to choose from and may have to pay higher installation prices. 
• The climate can affect your utility costs to run the hot tub, and you will pay more to maintain the tub’s temperature in a cold climate than you will in a warmer climate. 
• You will need to contact your town to see if a permit or inspection is required, which can cost $100 to $250. 

Hot Tub Site Preparation and Installation Costs

Site preparation and installation costs can quickly add up. The installation costs will depend on the size of the hot tub you buy, whether you can do some or all of the installation yourself, and whether you’re installing the hot tub in the ground, above the ground, or even indoors. According to Bob Vila, you can expect installation costs to start at the following amounts: 

• Above-ground installation can cost $4,000 to $15,000 and requires a solid, flat surface, like a concrete slab, to support the hot tub. 
• In-ground installation can cost $15,000 or more, and requires heavy equipment and excavation. 
• Indoor installation may cost $4,500 and up, and may require the addition of a GFCI outlet and the installation of extra ventilation and floor supports. 

Additional Factors That Affect Hot Tub Cost

Several additional factors affect hot tub cost. Keep in mind that a hot tub’s retail price isn’t necessarily the price that you will ultimately pay, so it’s important to weigh these additional factors if they apply. 

• Hot tub base prices can vary depending on the brand, so comparison shopping between different brands may help you to save money. 
• Upgrading or customizing a hot tub with additional features will increase the cost, and can also increase the lead time before delivery. 
• Labor costs, including delivery, installation, and site preparation can also vary. You may be able to find a vendor that offers free delivery and installation. 
• Permit requirements and costs will depend on your town’s laws.

What Is the Average Hot Tub Cost?

According to HomeAdvisor, hot tub prices range from $2,000 to $35,000. Angi reports that the average hot tub costs $6,000. Installation costs can drive that price up significantly, with most people spending between $650 and $6,100 on installation labor, alone. 

• These are average prices and ranges, and what you’ll pay will depend on the type, size, and quality of the hot tub you purchase. 
• While $6,000 may be the average price for a hot tub, there are more economical options, including smaller or inflatable hot tubs. 
• There are also plenty of more expensive options, including luxury hot tubs, larger hot tubs, or hot tubs with extra features like waterfalls and custom lighting. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Hot Tub?

Offer information on how much homeowners should expect to pay for hot tub installation.

How Much Do Hot Tub Accessories Cost?

Hot tub accessories can not only enhance your hot tub’s operation and your enjoyment of the hot tub, but may also extend its lifespan. These accessories typically aren’t included in a hot tub’s cost. 

• Water filters help to keep the water clean and cost $25 to $100. 
• A vacuum can help to clean the hot tub and can cost $25 to $90. 
• Hot tub covers help to protect the tub and keep the water clean and cost $200 to $1,000 or more. 
• Hot tub stairs make it easier to access the tub and can double as storage. They can cost $50 to $500 or more. 
• Hot tub snack holders keep your drinks and snacks within easy access and can cost $25 to $75. 

How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost Per Month On Average?

The cost of buying and installing a hot tub is only your initial investment. It’s also important to factor in the monthly costs that you will pay to maintain and operate your hot tub. 

• According to HomeAdvisor, an above-ground hot tub will use about $20 in electricity per month, while an in-ground tub will use about $30 of electricity.
• Water costs will depend on your utility costs, the size of your tub, and how often you change and add water. 
• Chlorine and chemical testing materials cost about $20 per month. 
• Cleaning products like cleaning solutions cost $15 to $25. 
• Repairs can cost $160 to $500, and the price will depend on the type of repair needed and your location. 

Hots Tub Financing Options

Financing part or all of your hot tub purchase and installation costs can help you to start enjoying your hot tub sooner. There are several different ways that you can finance your hot tub. The best option will depend on the amount of money you need, how quickly you will be able to repay your balance, and your credit score. 

• Personal loans allow you to borrow a fixed amount of money and repay it over a set term. Personal loan applications tend to be relatively simple when compared to financing involving home equity, and it’s possible to get approved in a day or two. Personal loan interest rates can be high, sometimes reaching from 10% to 20%. 
• If you own your home, you might consider a home equity loan. With a home equity loan, your equity in your home serves as collateral. You will repay the fixed amount over a set term. Home equity loans tend to have lower interest rates than personal loans, but if you can’t repay the loan, you could risk losing your home. 
• A home equity line of credit works similarly to a home equity loan, but instead of repaying a fixed amount, you can repay your balance and repeatedly borrow more money. A home equity line of credit may be ideal if you’re unsure of how much money you will need for your hot tub project. For example, you could borrow enough for the purchase price and installation, then borrow more money if the installation costs more than you had anticipated. 
• Dealer financing may also be an option. Many dealers have established relationships with lenders, which can simplify and streamline the purchase process. Financing rates start at 0%, and you can often get approved on the same day that you apply. 

How To Save on a Hot Tub Costs

Buying a hot tub can be expensive, so it’s expensive to take your time shopping and determine exactly what you want and need in a hot tub. There are several ways to save money on your hot tub. 

• Take the time to get estimates and quotes from multiple retailers and see how the prices compare. You may be able to save money on the same or a similar model by buying it from a particular retailer or hot tub dealer. Take the time to get quotes for site preparation and installation, too. 
• Try to negotiate. Many hot tub dealers mark their prices up significantly, and you may be able to negotiate that price down, especially if you can pay cash for the hot tub. 
• Focus on smaller hot tubs. Hot tub prices increase significantly when you start looking at larger models. If a smaller hot tub will work for you, then you can save money by only shopping for smaller hot tubs. (Plus, you’ll save money on water, chlorine, and electricity.) 
• Shop at the end of the season and you might get a great deal on a hot tub. Hot tub prices drop in the fall as demand decreases. If you can find an end-of-year or closeout model that a dealer wants to sell, you could potentially save hundreds. 

Final Word

So how much does a hot tub cost? While the average hot tub costs about $6,000, prices can range from $400 to $25,000 or more. Don’t forget that in addition to the hot tub’s purchase price, delivery and installation can increase the total cost. With factors like brand, hot tub size and type, and even your location affecting what you’ll pay, it’s helpful to carefully consider the right hot tub for your needs so you can look for the best deal.