In-Ground Hot Tub Cost: What to Expect for Installation and Maintenance

In-ground hot tubs add a touch of luxury to your backyard and can even increase your home’s value, but buying an in-ground hot tub is a major investment. Inground hot tub cost can range from $7,000 to $25,000 or more. Understanding all of the factors that contribute to the cost can help you to keep your in-ground hot tub project within budget. 

Highlights/ Key Takeaways

• In-ground hot tub costs can reach $25,000 or more. 
• In addition to the tub’s purchase price, installation is involved and can get expensive. 
• There are many in-ground hot tub financing options that will allow you to purchase and start enjoying your hot tub while you gradually pay it off. 

Understanding In-Ground Hot Tub Costs 

Unlike above-ground hot tubs, where the bulk of your costs consist of the hot tub purchase price, inground hot tub costs need to include both the purchase price and installation expenses, which can quickly add up. 

What’s the Average Cost of an In-Ground Hot Tub?

Angi reports that the average homeowner spends about $15,000 on an in-ground hot tub. Several factors affect the amount that you may pay. 

• In-ground tubs that hold four to six people cost approximately $3,500 to $15,000. 
• Prefabricated hot tubs cost $2,000 to $3,000 less than custom-built models. 
• Basic hot tubs can start at $3,000, but a luxury in-ground hot tub can cost as much as $35,000. 

How Much Does It Cost to Have an In-Ground Hot Tub Installed?

In addition to the hot tub’s purchase price, you need to add installation costs into your budget. It’s possible for inground hot tub installation costs to be as much as double as what you paid for the tub. 

• According to Forbes, installing an in-ground hot tub can cost $175 to $5,000 or more. 
• Factors like the size of the hot tub, its desired location, and the amount of site preparation needed can affect your installation costs. 

How Much Does It Cost Per Month to Run an In-Ground Hot Tub?

You will also need to be prepared for the ongoing costs of running your in-ground hot tub. 

• Forbes estimates that in-ground hot tubs use $20 to $40 worth of electricity each month. 
• If your hot tub is propane-powered, filling your propane tank could cost $1,000. 
• In addition to filling the tub, you will need to add water and periodically drain and refill the tub. Costs will vary depending on your hot tub’s size and what you pay for water.

Factors That Affect In-Ground Hot Tub Cost

In-ground hot tub costs can vary significantly. Many factors impact the cost of your hot tub, including its size, required site preparation, heating systems, and installation needs. 

Size

Larger hot tubs cost more money than smaller models. It’s common for in-ground hot tubs to seat at least three, though two-seater tubs are available on a limited basis. 

• Price Comparison Advisor reports that in-ground, pre-plumbed hot tubs seating three cost from $3,000 to $5,000 or more. 
• Angi estimates that in-ground hot tubs for four to six people cost $3,500 to $15,000. 
• A 10-person hot tub can cost $20,000 or more.

Prefab vs Custom

Prefabricated hot tubs cost less than custom models, but you also have less control over the finished product. Buying a prefabricated hot tub can not only save money, but may also help to speed up the project. A custom-built hot tub usually takes longer, especially if you’re adding in lots of features. 

• According to Angi, prefabricated hot tubs cost about $2,000 to $3,000 less than custom models.
• Price Comparison Advisor states that custom-built in-ground hot tubs can start at around $5,000, but most cost about $15,000. 
• When you customize a hot tub, you can choose from many finishes, as well as other elements like custom lighting and water fixtures, like waterfalls. Depending on your requests, prices for more elaborate tubs can reach $20,000 or more.

Basic vs Luxury

The overall quality of a hot tub and its features also affect its cost. Basic hot tubs have minimal features and their quality tends to be lower, too, but they’re also more affordable. Luxury hot tubs are fully outfitted with features like lighting, customizable jets, and audio systems. These luxury hot tubs tend to be higher quality, so while they are more expensive, you may get more out of your investment. 

• According to Angi, basic in-ground hot tubs can start around $3,000. 
• On the high end, luxury hot tubs can cost as much as $35,000. 
• You may get the best overall value by buying a mid-range in-ground hot tub, which balances quality and features with affordability. 

Site Preparation

Installing an in-ground hot tub requires significant site preparation. Not only will you need to plan for excavation costs, you will also need to create a hard, flat foundation, often made of concrete. Your hot tub can weigh as much as six tons once filled, so it’s important to hire a professional who can ensure that the site preparation is done correctly. 

• According to Angi, excavation costs can range from $400 to $2,500. Factors like the size of the hot tub and the condition of your yard will impact the cost. For example, a flat, level yard will require less excavation than a yard that’s uneven or on a hill. 
• Pouring a concrete slab will cost about $4 to $8 per square foot. 
• Installing concrete patio pavers is more expensive, costing about $8 to $15 per square foot. 

Electrical Upgrades

An in-ground hot tub needs an electrical supply, so plan on hiring an electrician to run a conduit through your yard to the hot tub’s location. Most in-ground hot tubs will require a 240V outlet, which means you may need to upgrade your electrical panel to handle that increased load. 

• Angi estimates that the cost to wire a hot tub ranges from $600 to $2,200.
• Factors including the hot tub’s distance from your house and whether there’s already an existing electrical panel for your pool can affect the electrical upgrade costs. 
• If you need to upgrade your electrical panel, a new panel can cost $400 to $1,800. 

Heating Systems

In-ground hot tub heating systems can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. Since prices vary for these different types of utilities, it’s important to consider what you’re paying for the utilities and which you have easy access to. Even if your in-ground pool has a heating system, you will need a new heating system for your hot tub. You can always replace or upgrade your hot tub’s heating system later on. 

• Modernize estimates that an in-ground hot tub will use $25 to $40 in electricity per month. 
• Propane prices can fluctuate greatly. According to data from YCharts, current residential propane prices are at $2.671 per gallon, but in February of 2023, propane reached $2.71 per gallon. 
• Forbes reports that If you choose a propane heating system, installing that system can cost about $1,000, plus the cost of the propane. 
• Natural gas heaters for hot tubs cost about $1,000 to $2,000. 

Plumbing

You can purchase prefabricated in-ground hot tubs with or without plumbing, but most will include the plumbing components. If you’re building your own in-ground tub or having one custom-built, you may need to install the plumbing components during the installation. 

• Angi estimates that installing new plumbing pipes can cost $350 to $2,000. 
• If your hot tub has an auto-fill option, you may decide to have it connected to your home’s water supply line. The cost of doing this will depend on the distance between the existing line and your hot tub. 

Features

The features of your hot tub contribute to the overall user experience. While it may be tempting to add in lots of luxurious features, doing so will also increase the price of your hot tub. 

• Massaging and more powerful jets can offer hydrotherapy benefits. 
• Water features like spillover waterfalls contribute to the hot tub’s ambiance. 
• Built-in audio features and custom lighting are also popular add-ons. 
• Many high-end hot tubs feature touchscreen controls and are WiFi compatible for remote monitoring. 

Required Permits

Your in-ground hot tub will need to adhere to your town’s zoning and building restrictions. Additionally, you may need to apply for several permits to install your hot tub. Consider hiring a contractor to oversee the project. The contractor can make sure that you have all of the required permits before you start work, helping to avoid delays and even fines later on. 

• The required permits will depend on your location, but your local building department can help you to determine what you need. 
• Electrical work will usually require a permit to ensure that it was installed safely and properly. 
• You will probably also need a permit for plumbing work. 
• Permit costs will vary depending on your town and the specific permits you need. 

Delivery and Installation

Delivery and installation costs will depend on many factors, including your location and the accessibility of your yard. Many dealers of prefab hot tubs will include delivery for free if you live within a certain radius of the dealership. 

• According to Angi, delivery can cost $200 to $500, depending on the distance. 
• If your backyard isn’t accessible by truck, you may need to hire a crane to complete the installation. Doing so can cost $800 to $1,500 or more. 
• Delivery and installation costs will also depend on what you pay for labor, as well as the total that you paid for site excavation, plumbing, and electrical work. Professional installation can cost $1,000 to $6,000 or more.
• For the safety of pets and people, you may also want to budget for a safety fence to surround the hot tub. 

Geographic Location

Your geographic location can impact everything from delivery and installation costs to what you will pay to run the hot tub. Generally speaking, the more remote your location, the more you will need to pay because of the distance that professionals must travel. Remote locations also mean you have fewer choices when it comes to buying a hot tub or hiring labor, so you may not be able to comparison shop for deals.

• If your location has a high cost of living, you will pay more for labor than you would in an area with a lower cost of living. 
• Your town’s permit or inspection requirements will also impact your costs, and permits can cost $100 to $250. 
• If you live in an area with an unusually cold climate, then you will pay more to run the hot tub year-round than you would in a warmer area.

Additional In-Ground Hot Tub Costs 

Once your hot tub is installed and operating, there are additional ongoing costs that you will pay to use and maintain your tub. 

Electricity Usage

In-ground hot tubs are less energy-efficient than above-ground models, because they must be preheated before each use. 

• According to Modernize, operating an in-ground hot tub will use about $25 to $40 in electricity each month. 
• You can lower your hot tub’s thermostat to help save on electricity usage. 
• Investing in a quality hot tub cover, which can range from $200 to $1,000, can also help to trap heat and reduce electricity usage. 

Water Bills

If your home is connected to a public water supply, then you will also need to budget for water usage when operating your hot tub. Homes that have private wells can avoid these water bills, but it’s also important to make sure that the well’s capacity is large enough to fill the hot tub. 

• Beninati Pools explains that four- to six-person hot tubs often hold about 300 to 450 gallons of water, while seven- or eight-person hot tubs hold 475 to 650 gallons. 
• In addition to filling the hot tub, you will need to top it off with water. Using the tub frequently will mean that you’ll have to add water more frequently. 
• You should empty and clean your hot tub three to four times a year, which means you could use about 2,600 gallons of water simply filling your eight-person hot tub each year.

Saltwater

Saltwater hot tubs can be appealing because they don’t have the strong chlorine smell of other tubs. However, keep in mind that while you may save on chlorine, you will need to regularly add salt to maintain appropriate levels. 

• A 10-pound bag of salt, which is enough to treat about 1,000 gallons of water, costs approximately $35 to $45. 
• Depending on the size of your hot tub and how often you change the water, you could spend $150 or more on salt per year.

Maintenance 

Maintaining your hot tub can be surprisingly time-consuming, but it’s essential in maximizing your hot tub’s lifespan. You can hire companies to maintain your hot tub for you, and if you already have a company maintaining your pool, you may be able to easily add your hot tub on. According to This Old House, hiring out your hot tub’s maintenance can cost $50 to $300 per month. 

• Plan to clean out the filter once or twice per month, and replace it annually. New filters cost about $25 to $40. 
• Test the alkalinity, calcium, pH, and sanitizer levels of your water two to four times per week. Angi estimates that you will need to spend about $100 on chlorine per year to maintain your hot tub.
• You also need to drain and clean your hot tub every three to four months. You will spend about $25 per year on cleaning products. The cost of refilling your hot tub will vary depending on its size and what you pay for water. 

Repairs

While regular maintenance will help to minimize the chance of your hot tub breaking, sooner or later your tub is likely going to need repairs. 

• Angi reports that you’re likely to pay between $75 to $125 per hour for a professional hot tub repair technician, so a single repair job could cost between $75 and $750. 
• In addition to an hourly fee, a repair expert might charge a diagnostic fee of $100 to $200 before they begin working on fixing the problem. 
• Materials, such as a new pump, can cost about $200 to as much as $1,200. 
• Leaks can cost $200 to $1,500 to repair, new jets can cost $75 to $100, replacement heaters can cost $225 to $650, and new circuit boards can cost $200 to $700. 

Add-Ons

Beyond the basic hot tub purchase and installation, you will probably want to purchase some add-ons. 

• Hot tub covers can cost $200 to $1,000, but are important tools in protecting your tub and keeping debris out of the water. 
• Landscaping the area around the hot tub can enhance its beauty and help to repair any damage caused during the installation process. 
• Accessories like food and drink holders, towel holders, and even an outdoor stereo system can all enhance your enjoyment of the hot tub.

Inground Hot Tub Financing Options

Buying an in-ground hot tub requires a significant investment, but you don’t have to save up the full purchase and installation price before buying a hot tub. There are several hot tub financing options that can allow you to buy and start enjoying your hot tub now while you pay it off over the coming years. Keep in mind that it’s important to check the interest rates, terms, and fees of financing options before deciding if an option is right for you. 

• Lenders including Upgrade, Best Egg, and Discover offer personal loans that you can use to buy a pool or a hot tub. 
• Home equity loans allow you to use your home equity as collateral, so you can borrow a lump sum to pay for your hot tub. 
• Credit cards are another potential financing option, especially if you have good credit and qualify for a credit card with a long interest-free introduction period. 
• Hot tub dealers may offer retail financing, which can streamline and simplify the process of financing your hot tub. 
• Some hot tub dealers may offer a rent-to-own option where you gradually pay off the balance of your hot tub while being able to enjoy it, too. 

Tips to Save Money on In-Ground Hot Tub Costs

While buying an in-ground hot tub can be expensive, there are several ways that you can save money on in-ground hot tub costs. 

• Set a budget. Before you start looking at hot tubs for sale, set a budget for the entire project. Use that budget to guide your purchase decisions so you don’t overspend on the project. 
• Choose a smaller hot tub to save money on the purchase price and installation costs. Alternatively, you could buy a larger hot tub that has fewer features to save money. 
• Shop around for the best hot tub prices. Be sure to compare prices between several dealers, and try to shop in the fall, when dealerships want to move inventory and may be willing to negotiate a lower price. 
• Get multiple quotes for installation services, too. At least three quotes can help to ensure that you’re getting a good deal on the installation. 
• Consider a DIY installation. If you’re handy with some basic construction techniques, you might try to install - or even build - the hot tub yourself and save money. 
• Look at your financing options. Comparing different financing options, especially when it comes to interest rates, can help you to save money on your hot tub. 

Final Word

In-ground hot tub costs can quickly add up, especially when you factor in expenses like installation and maintenance. But in-ground hot tubs also offer many benefits, including being an aesthetically pleasing addition to your home that can increase its value. If you’re ready to buy an in-ground hot tub, be sure to consider the many financing options available that can help you to cover the costs.