Hot Tub Maintenance Cost: What to Expect and How to Save

Many homeowners consider buying a hot tub each year. And according to MarketWatch, the global hot tub market is expected to reach USD 2213.1 million by the end of 2026. If you decide to purchase a hot tub, you’ll join approximately 5.8 million other homeowners who are enjoying their hot tubs for relaxation, pain management, weight loss, and so much more. But hot tubs are an expensive endeavor and require ongoing maintenance for efficient operations. For this reason, many consumers want to understand the hot tub maintenance costs before they buy.

Highlights & Key Takeaways

• For most homeowners, the jacuzzi maintenance costs are about $50 per month for water, electricity, and test strips 
• The annual cost of hot tub maintenance could be as high as $2,000 or more if you hire a professional cleaner and have a maintenance contract 
• The best way to manage hot tub upkeep costs is to clean the unit once per week and do a complete drain, cleaning and sanitization, and refill once per month
• It is essential that hot tub owners keep the heater and pump in good condition as these items are the most costly to repair or replace

What’s the Average Monthly Cost of Hot Tub Maintenance? 

To determine the average cost of hot tub maintenance, you need to define what is considered maintenance and what isn’t. At FinImpact, we consider the following as necessary maintenance-related activities to keep your hot tub fully operational and enjoyable for years to come.

• Cost of water
• Cost of electricity
• Chemical treatments
• Cleaning and related supplies

And while we typically say it costs about $50 to run your hot tub each month, the exact cost can vary and depends on these factors:

• The size of your hot tub - larger hot tubs costs more to heat than smaller hot tubs
• How often you use your hot tub
• What geographical location your hot tub is in
• The chemicals you use

How to Calculate the Cost of Hot Tub Maintenance

To calculate the costs for your hot tub, you can take a couple of approaches.

• A wait-and-see approach where you make a note of your water and electricity bills for the 12 months before you purchased the hot tub, and compare the next 12 months to look at the difference. However, this assumes that no other variables have changed and that energy and water costs aren’t on the rise across the country.
• You can do some napkin math using averages for a standard mid-sized above-ground hot tub. To make this approach easier, we’ve included some helpful information below.

Cost of Electricity for Hot Tub

Determining the exact cost of electricity for your jacuzzi will vary based on several factors.

• The physical size of your tub as the more water you fill your hot tub with, the more water there is to heat
• The thermostat setting on your spa
• Outdoor air temperature and wind speeds. If you live in a colder climate, it will take more effort to heat the water to the desired temperature of 100°F to 102°F
• The quality and age of your water heater

However, most hot tub purchasers can estimate that an above-ground jacuzzi with a 120-volt heater will use about 3,000 watts while in use. If your hot tub has a larger heater, you can anticipate it will use about 7,500 watts. To get to the expected cost, multiply your spa’s kWh by the kWh rate on your electric bill. For example, say the kWh on your electrical bill is 15 cents. So, that’s $.45 to $1.13 to heat your tub each hour. This translates into approximately $30 in per month, and $300-400 per year.

Cost of Water for Hot Tub

Water costs vary by state. If you live in North Carolina, Vermont, or Wisconsin, your water costs will be less than West Virginia, California, or Oregon. And, your monthly water cost will depend on the size of the hot tub you buy. A bigger hot tub obviously requires more water than a small one. That said, an average hot tub holds about 400 gallons of water and your hot tub will lose about an inch of water per week. You can determine the cost of water by looking at your local rate per gallon and making a note of the number of gallons you use to refill your hot tub every month. 

Cost of Hot Tub Filter Cleaning 

In most cases, you can rinse out your hot tub’s filter weekly with your garden hose. But, if you are seeing an error on the panel of your hot tub, your filter might be clogged. In these cases, you may need some filter cleaner or vinegar to properly clean your filter. A gallon of vinegar should cost you less than $5, and you can pick up a five-gallon bucket at your local hardware store for about the same cost. Caring for your hot tub filter will help it last for about a year before replacement is necessary. When it comes time to replace your filter, you should estimate the cost to be about $100, give or take, depending on the type of filter required for your system.

Cost of Hot Tub Cleaning Service

Many hot tub dealers offer maintenance and cleaning packages to take the burden off the hot tub owner. These packages provide a great stress-free solution to hot tub care and ensure you can enjoy your hot tub for the long term. Most professional hot tub cleaning services run about $100 to $150 per cleaning and you should do this about three times per year, for an average monthly cost of about $42. You can also take on a DIY approach by draining, cleaning and sanitizing, and refilling your hot tub every four to six months.

Cost of Testing Hot Tub Water

You should test your spa water once per week for pH levels, chlorine, calcium hardness, and total alkalinity. Shoot for the following ranges and if your test strips tell you otherwise, add the appropriate chemicals.

• Chlorine: 1.0-3.0 ppm (when using with a mineral sanitizer or Ozonator)
• pH: 7.2-7.6
• Total Alkalinity: 125-150 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 100-200 ppm 

Test strips cost less than $15 for 50 strips. 

Cost of Chemicals for Hot Tub

Sanitizing and cleaning your hot tub needs to be a high priority as a spa owner. And, you’ll need various chemicals from your local pool and spa supplier. Most hot tub owners like having the following chemicals on hand.

• Hot tub sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine
• Hot tub shock treatment
• Alkalinity increaser
• pH increaser and pH decreaser 
• Calcium hardness increaser
• Line flush cleaner
• Water clarifier, metal sequestrant, filter cleaner (optional)

Getting the hot tub chemicals mentioned earlier will likely cost between $300 to $500 for a season’s supply. Once you have invested in these items, you can expect to spend about $25 monthly on chemical treatments.

Cost of Hot Tub Equipment Issues

Hot tubs take on a lot of wear and tear to keep that water temperature at the ideal 100°F to 104°F. And, several things can malfunction, some of which can lead to costly equipment repairs or replacement. The most common reasons for a hot tub repair include:

• Leaking water
• Broken jet
• Heater malfunction
• Pump malfunction
• Circuit board malfunction
• Hot tub blower is not working
• Frame or cabinet damage

Per Angie’s List, the average cost to repair a hot tub is around $348, though most repairs fall between $164 to $533. However, the most expensive repair for a hot tub is for the pump and these repairs can cost $750 to $1,200 for the pump alone, not to mention the labor. Most hot tub repair professionals charge between $75 to $125 per hour and the repair itself will take three to four hours over the course of two visits. We suggest you budget $350 per year for hot tub repairs.

Cost of Hot Tub Plumbing Problems

As we said, hot tub equipment issues do happen, and some of the most expensive repairs involve the hot tub’s plumbing. Here are some average costs that you can anticipate, based on the type of plumbing or related failure.

Most of these items should last you several years before a repair or replacement is necessary, especially if you are cleaning your hot tub regularly. For this reason, it is hard to estimate a monthly or annual cost as these expenses come up as needed.

Cost of Emergency Treatment for Hot Tub

A hot tub emergency treatment would be one when immediate sanitization is required. An example might include a young child having an accident in the tub, or some sort of medical emergency that left the hot tub with human excretions. If this happens, a shock treatment is recommended. 

First, ensure all people are out of the hot tub, and plan that the hot tub will not be usable for 24 to 48 hours. Then, follow the manufacturer's directions on your shock treatment chemical packaging. Shock treatment chemicals should be kept on hand and typically cost about $25 for a one-kilogram or two-pound bucket. And, many hot tub owners prefer to do a shock treatment once per week for basic sanitization. As you only need one to two capfuls, you should only need to buy shock treatment about once per year.

Cost of Hot Tub Maintenance Visit,

A maintenance visit from your local spa professional, is a bit different than a cleaning. For a maintenance visit, the representative will check over all of the working components of the hot tub to ensure the system is working safely and efficiently. And, some maintenance professionals will also test your water to ensure it is in balance. These visits can vary in price depending on the provider and your location, but typically the costs are about the same as a cleaning at about $100 to $150 per visit. We recommend a professional maintenance visit about once per year.

Hot Tub Maintenance Costs: A Summary

Hot tubs cost about $50 to run per month, though this might be more or less depending on the type of hot tub you have, it’s size, and your geographical location. If you are using your hot tub regularly, you can anticipate an annual cost of approximately $2,000 if you elect a professional maintenance service, and about $1,100 annually if you DIY and have no issues.

Why Is It Important to Maintain Your Hot Tub?

Aside from protecting your hot tub and all of its functioning components, it is important to maintain your hot tub to protect your health. When water is left untreated, it can grow mold which is harmful to the body. Further, soaking in dirty water can increase your chances of developing the following health concerns.

• Skin irritations
• Rashes
• Bacterial infections
• Nausea (if ingested)

For these reasons, it is critical that you take the proper steps to clean your hot tub once per week. At a minimum, plan to do the following:

• Test your spa water once weekly with a spa test strip to check for pH levels, chlorine, calcium hardness, and total alkalinity.
• Maintain the water level
• Wipe down the hot tub’s shell, waterline, and jets once weekly with a non-abrasive sponge and approved cleaner
• Remove the filter once per week and rinse with hose water 
• Use a marine vinyl cleaner and conditioner to wipe down your spa’s cover at least once per month

What Are the Signs Your Hot Tub Needs Maintenance?

Though weekly cleanings and a deep cleaning every four to six months are often sufficient enough to keep your hot tub fully operational, occasionally, there may be signs that your unit needs maintenance. Here is what to look for.

• Foul-smelling water
• Murky or discolored water
• Cold water with little circulation
• Faulty jets
• Water leaks (this may be a problem if your hot tub is losing more than one inch of water per week)

If you are experiencing any of these items, consider a shock treatment to see if the problem clears up. If not, this could indicate you need a visit from a spa maintenance professional.

Types of Financing Available for Hot Tubs

There are four primary ways that homeowners choose to finance the purchase, delivery, and installation of their new hot tub.

• Personal loans - Personal loans are a great option for those seeking hot tub financing. However, before taking out a loan to pay for your hot tub, shop for the best rates and loan terms.
• HELOC loan - HELOC stands for a home equity line of credit. In these cases, your lender gives you a revolving line of credit based on the equity in your home. You can use this line of credit as you wish, including for investments such as a hot tub, swimming pool, etc.
• Home equity loan - When done right, hot tubs can actually add value to your home. But this assumes your hot tub is high-quality and is properly maintained. For this reason, many homeowners will take out a home equity loan to pay for their hot tub and the associated costs. A home equity loan allows you to borrow money using the equity in your home as collateral.
• Credit cards - Though a credit card can be an expensive way to purchase a hot tub and all that comes with it, occasionally, you might be privy to a special offer that makes it worth the time and expense. This said, ensure you are cautious of your utilization as a high credit card balance could ding your good credit score.

Tips to Save Money on Hot Tub Maintenance Costs

Operating a hot tub can be expensive, especially if you are unprepared for those hidden costs. Thankfully, there are things you can do to save on hot tub maintenance costs. 

Follow a Consistent Cleaning Schedule

Your hot tub contains hundreds of gallons of water, and is subject to scale build-up, mold growth, and corrosion. Cleaning your hot tub weekly and emptying, sanitizing, and refilling every four to six months will help keep your spa in the best possible working order. 

Purchase a Cover for Your Hot Tub

A hot tub cover can help ensure that the heat that your heater has worked so hard to create, stays where it should - in your hot tub. But hot tub covers have other advantages too. Hot tubs covers keep rainwater, bugs, dirt, and debris out. Further, a locked hot tub cover provides an added layer of security for pets and children. Be sure to check with your insurance carrier, as they may require a locked cover to ensure your policy stays valid. 

Close the Jets When Not In Use

Closing your air jets when your hot tub is not in use will help keep the water temperature steady. This means your heater won’t have to work as hard. And, adding air to the water in your hot tub raises its pH and can cause you to need more sanitizer.

Heat During Off-Peak Times

In most suburban areas, peak electricity hours seem to be between 3 PM to 8 PM. And, electricity tends to cost more when there is more demand. So, try heating your hot tub during off-peak hours to save not only on costs, but on overall energy use too.

Maintain Ideal pH Levels

pH is a measurement of how acidic or basic your water is. The ideal pH for most hot tubs is somewhere between 7.2 and 7.8. Maintaining a balanced pH level in your above-ground or in-ground jacuzzi is necessary for the other chemicals to do their job. In fact, chlorine, which helps keep your hot tub safe, is much less effective at higher pH levels.

Use a Low-Watt Pump

The secondary energy drain in a hot tub after the heater comes from the pump. Your pump likely draws about 1,500 watts. As such, a low-watt pump can save you in electrical costs.

Opt for LED Lighting

LED lighting is far more efficient than incandescent or halogen lights. And because LED lighting consumes less energy, it generates very little heat. The use of LED lights can save you money because it is more shock and vibration resistant.

Add Extra Insulation

Most standard hot tub covers are made out of dense foam and marine-grade vinyl and don’t necessarily have the necessary thermal properties to help maintain heat. For this reason, we recommend that hot tub owners invest in a thermal cover to provide extra insulation and temperature maintenance.

Keep Up with Necessary Repairs

Whether you invest in professional maintenance or take a DIY approach, keeping an eye on all of the components in your hot tub is a must. With proper cleaning and maintenance, your hot tub will last longer, thus saving you money in the long run. So, if you do take the DIY approach, be sure you add these tasks to your list.

• Clean the filter regularly
• Run a spa flush on occasion
• Install a new filter at least once per year
• Clean the inside and both sides of the cover with a mild, pH neutral cleaner at least once a year (preferably more)
• Check all fittings for corrosion

Final Word

Hot tubs can be a delightful addition to a home patio or appropriate indoor space. However, homeowners must be prepared for the additional costs of operating the tub itself. Homeowners should estimate about $2,000 annually in maintenance costs, or a bit less for those that wish to do the work themselves.