Acquiring a hot tub can be quite similar to purchasing a car – a hot tub price matters, yet there is much more to think of besides this number.
You may also need to pay for electrical work, a foundation, delivery, accessories, and even ongoing expenses related to water and electricity consumption.
This, however, does not mean that owning a hot tub should necessarily cost you a fortune or be a complicated experience.
It simply means that you should know all the factors that affect the total price of hot tub ownership before buying one.
At Sunset Spas, we assist homeowners in comparing hot tubs based not only on their prices but also on various factors like size, insulation, equipment, features, installation needs, and more.
Here is what you should take into account while making a budget for a hot tub purchase.
Short Answer: How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?
A quality portable hot tub can range from several thousand dollars for a smaller or more basic spa to tens of thousands of dollars for larger premium models with many seats, advanced hydrotherapy, upgraded controls, lighting, etc.
Depending on your needs and preferences, luxury hot tubs may cost significantly more.
Besides the cost of the spa itself, you need to consider installation-related expenses.
Depending on your property, they can range from several hundred dollars to a couple of thousands.
The key takeaway is simple – do not make a budget solely based on the hot tub price.
Think about the entire backyard installation.
1. Hot Tub Is the Main Part of Your Budget
Of course, the spa itself makes the largest portion of your expenses.
The price of the spa is affected by the following factors:
- Hot tub size
- Number of seats
- Jets configuration
- Pumps and equipment
- Insulation
- Controls
- Lighting
- Cabinet and shell material options
- Water care systems
- Brand and warranty
- Additional premium features
Smaller and cheaper hot tubs for 2 to 3 people are quite affordable while family hot tubs with advanced features and several pumps tend to cost much more.
However, bigger is not always better – two people using a hot tub rarely need the most expensive option available.
That is why it is better to shop for a hot tub with consideration of your needs.
2. You Need a Budget for a Hot Tub Foundation
Even an empty hot tub is quite heavy – imagine how much a filled hot tub weighs.
To withstand that weight, the hot tub needs a solid and level foundation.
Typically, homeowners opt for building a concrete pad for their hot tub, but there are other approved materials that may be used depending on the hot tub and your property specifics.
Sometimes, you can use an existing patio that is large enough for your new hot tub.
If you need a new foundation built, then prepare for additional expenses.
Typically, according to national installation guidelines, a new foundation may cost you from several hundred dollars to the low thousands depending on the hot tub size and conditions.
However, complicated properties may cost you more.
3. Electrical Work Is Another Expense You Need to Budget For
A full-size hot tub usually requires a dedicated 240V electrical circuit.
Therefore, most likely, you will need a professional electrician for installation.
The price will depend on your electrical panel location, distance to the hot tub, panel capacity, trenches, and other factors.
While electrical work may be fairly easy in some cases, it may require much effort in others.
Therefore, it is better to find out in advance what kind of work you will need based on the hot tub you are going to buy.
Different hot tubs may have different electrical needs.
4. How Much Does Delivery Cost?
The cost of delivery may differ from one dealer to another, depending on the hot tub brand and model, your property, and location.
The hot tub delivery may be included in the price, but in other cases, you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.
The access to the hot tub location also matters – sometimes it is necessary to deliver a hot tub to a remote and hard-to-reach place.
It may require an extra fee too.
Before you buy your new hot tub, discuss the access with your dealer.
5. Take into Account Steps and a Cover Lifter
Accessories may seem to be insignificant compared to the price of the hot tub, but they cost you money too.
Having steps can make it easier for you to enter and exit the hot tub, while a cover lifter will make moving a heavy cover a breeze.
Other optional accessories may include:
- Handrails
- Side tables
- Privacy screens
- Lighting
- Covers
- Replacement filters
- Water care products
- Outdoor furniture
Although you do not need to buy all of them at once, taking them into account while making your budget will give you a more realistic picture of your total costs.
6. What Is the Cost of Electricity to Run a Hot Tub Monthly?
It is one of the most frequently asked questions.
Yet, there is no exact answer.
The electricity consumption depends on the hot tub, insulation, cover quality, outdoor temperature, water temperature, electricity rates in your area, and usage frequency.
According to the current estimates, electricity to power a modern residential hot tub is usually between $20 and $60 a month.
Nevertheless, poor insulation, an old cover, cold weather, larger hot tub, or high electricity rates may make the expenses higher.
In warmer climates like Arizona and Las Vegas, winter heating expenses may be lower than in cold regions of the country, but energy efficiency still matters.
7. Energy-Efficient Hot Tub Saves Money Over Time
The least expensive hot tub may not be the most economical one to own.
Insulation is critical for keeping the heat inside the hot tub.
A hot tub spends much of its time heating the water, so any heat leakage requires extra energy to maintain the set temperature.
Thus, a good-insulated spa and a quality cover help save electricity.
When you compare hot tubs, pay attention not only to the power of motors and jets but also to insulation.
Energy efficiency may not look as exciting as colorful lights or waterfalls, but you will definitely thank your hot tub for it every month of your ownership.
8. You Will Spend Money on Spa Chemicals and Water Care
To maintain water quality, you will spend money on various chemical treatments like sanitizers, pH and alkalinity regulators, tests, and other products.
Most of the owners spend roughly $15 to $40 on chemicals and water treatment monthly, but the costs may vary depending on the system and usage.
With time, you will be able to balance the water easily, test its parameters regularly, clean the filters, and use the recommended products.
This also helps to extend the life of the equipment.
9. Water Expenses of Owning a Hot Tub
Water is usually not an expensive component of hot tubs ownership.
You do not need to fill your hot tub with water every week; instead, you replace it from time to time according to usage, water condition, and manufacturer recommendations.
The cost of water you will spend on maintaining your hot tub depends on the water rates in your area and the volume of the hot tub.
For most families, the cost of water is negligible compared to other expenses like electricity and chemicals.
Nevertheless, it should be taken into account too.
10. Filters and Regular Maintenance Require Some Money Too
Hot tub filters do a great job cleaning your hot tub water, so you need to rinse them regularly.
Eventually, filters will need to be replaced.
It is better to take into account filters replacement and occasional maintenance as regular expenses while making your budget.
Besides, you may decide to order maintenance from professionals from time to time.
At Sunset Spas, we provide maintenance services to help you enjoy your hot tub.
What About Repairs?
Eventually, yes.
A quality hot tub can provide you with years of trouble-free use, but it still consists of different components like pumps, heaters, control boards, plumbing, jets, and others that can need service over time.
Having a warranty covering the period of the first years of the hot tub use can save you money during this time.
However, sooner or later, you will need to spend money on repairing or replacing some parts.
This is another factor why it pays off to buy your hot tub from an established dealer.
Don’t Forget Your Backyard
Some people invest as much time and effort in designing the surrounding area as they do in purchasing the hot tub itself.
You may also include the following upgrades into your backyard:
- Improvements of a patio
- Landscaping
- Privacy fences
- Pergolas
- Outdoor lighting
- Seating areas
- Pathways
- Shade structures
These upgrades are optional – you can have your hot tub installed on a simple prepared surface, but if your goal is to create a complete relaxation area, take it into account in a separate budget.
This way, you will not mix your spa price and backyard renovation price.
How to Reduce Ownership Expenses
You can influence your expenses.
First of all, purchase an energy-efficient spa with a good-insulated cabinet.
Then, always close the cover when you do not use the hot tub.
Also, maintain your cover properly – if it gets damaged or waterlogged, it will not perform well enough.
Keep the water balanced and filters clean – proper water flow ensures correct hot tub operation.
And lastly, buy the appropriate size hot tub.
Heating hundreds of gallons of water that you will never use is pointless.
Get the Whole Picture While Comparing Hot Tubs
When you compare different hot tubs, don’t ask only:
“How much is this spa?”
Instead, ask:
“What will I need to have this spa installed and working in my backyard?”
It will give you a clearer picture.
Discuss the delivery, electrical requirements, foundation, accessories, water care, warranty, and other aspects with your dealer.
Only then you will be able to compare the hot tubs based on the total cost of ownership.
Create a Budget for a Hot Tub That Suits Your Needs Best
A hot tub is an expensive, yet long-term purchase for you and your family.
The hot tub price matters, yet so do comfort, energy efficiency, hydrotherapy, seating, reliability, warranty coverage, and other features.
Take your time and try several different hot tubs.
Sit in the seats, inspect the equipment, ask about insulation, discuss your property, and calculate expenses related to installation and maintenance.
Sunset Spas offers a wide selection of premium hot tubs and swim spas for homeowners in Arizona and Las Vegas.
Our experts can help you compare hot tub sizes and features, energy efficiency, installation requirements, financing options, and other aspects.
