Hot Tub Prices
Buying a hot tub might be cheaper than you think, but it's near impossible to find prices online.
This is because local hot tub dealers are the ones who set the actual prices and hot tub brands don't sell directly to the consumer.
My hot tub pricing guide is here to help.
Armed with background knowledge on typical pricing, when you do visit your local hot tub retailer you'll be able to tell how their costs compare to the rest of the market.
Typical Price Ranges
1. Luxury
- $12,000 to $20,000 plus
- Last for 10 to 20 years
- Very high jet count, best quality components & insulation, leading-edge design, top energy efficiency
2. Premium
- $8,000 to $12,000
- Last for 10 to 20 years
- High jet count, durable construction, plenty of extra features available, good energy efficiency
3. Value-Priced
- $4,000 to $8,000
- Last for 8 to 15 years
- Decent number of jets, less features included the basic price, generally quite energy efficient
4. Entry-Level
- $2,000 to $6,000
- Last for 5 to 10 years
- Lower jet count, often plug-and-play so reduced installation costs, lower quality components & durability
5. Inflatable
- $400 to $1,500
- Last for 2 to 5 years
- Easy installation, fun but not very durable, lacking in features
Not sure which hot tub to get? Let us help you!
Hot Tub Cost
Luxury Hot Tub Prices - ($12,000-$20,000+)
So what makes a "luxury" hot tub? Although some hot tub brands tend to focus on larger 6 to 8 person hot tubs for the luxury end of their range, size definitely isn't everything and luxury spas can come in all shapes and sizes.
Construction
As you'd expect, luxury hot tubs employ durable construction using high-quality components and materials.
Leading-edge design, energy efficiency, excellent insulation, and hard-wearing high-gloss acrylic shells are all features you should expect in exchange for the higher price points.
With manufacturers putting so much care and attention into their luxury spa lines, you can expect these models to last much longer than entry-level hot tubs. They also come with the most extensive warranty protection.
Hydrotherapy
A luxury spa will offer the very best hydrotherapy massage, using advanced jets, powerful pumps, and other high-performance features. The best massage jets are adjustable and capable of delivering more than one type of stimulation.
Also, look out for spa seats that offer more than the standard back massage. The best hot tubs also provide neck, thigh, calf, foot, and even wrist hydrotherapy.
Extra Features
For a hot tub model to be truly luxurious, the manufacturer should have considered everything from water care to entertainment. Options like salt-water systems, in-line filtration systems with ozonators, fountains (or other water features), and Bluetooth sound systems are commonly found in top-of-the-range models.
Premium Hot Tub Prices - ($8,000-$12,000)
Although missing some of the very special features you'd find in a luxury hot tub model, a premium spa should still be a quality product with robust features, good massage functions, and quality components.
Several companies such as Hot Spring spas specialize in producing hot tubs within this category.
Build Quality
Premium hot tubs are often simpler in design than the beautiful backyard focal point offered by their
luxury counterparts. That said, you shouldn't be making significant compromises in terms of materials and construction.
When shopping within this price range, you should be able to find a hot tub with a similar glossy acrylic shell and durable construction to a luxury spa. Some of these use synthetic, wood-like cabinets similar to those found in value-priced spas, although the finish should be of a higher quality.
Hydrotherapy
Premium hot tubs usually employ the same sort of powerful pumps and advanced jets as their more expensive counterparts, although the number of jets used may be lower. The ergonomic spa seats in these models are often just as good in terms of hydrotherapy for the main problem areas (back and neck) but with fewer stations offering massage for other body parts.
Extra Features
Generally, the same extras will be available for premium hot tubs as luxury spas. The difference is that the hot tub owner is more likely to be charged for some of these as added extras, instead of their being included in the listed hot tub pricing. This is especially true for ozonators and salt-water systems, which are popular add-ons due to offering both minimal maintenance (compared to standard filtration alone) and more natural feeling water with fewer chemical additives.
Value Priced Hot Tub Prices - ($4,000-$8,000)
Although not as high-spec as premium or luxury spas, you can still get a really nice hot tub in the value price range.
Value-priced hot tubs also vary significantly in quality, so here are some of the things to look out for.
Construction
A few value-priced hot tubs use the same shiny acrylic shells offered by more expensive models, but most employ a molded (matte) version of the same material, which is initially hardwearing but not quite as long-lasting. At the lower end of the price range, you will find some spas made with less durable plastic. These are best avoided unless cheap enough that you're not concerned by the short lifespan.
Features
In terms of massage, the value range hot tubs tend to be fitted with standard jets which don't provide the same power or range of functions as premium hot tubs. They generally have more jets than their entry-level counterparts so you can experience a soothing sensation over much of your body, just don't expect deep tissue hydrotherapy.
If you're buying from a company that also produces premium/luxury spas (e.g. Caldera hot tubs), you will find most of the accessories and options are still applicable to this category. However, you are unlikely to get any advanced features included in the basic purchase price.
Entry Level Hot Tub Prices - ($2,000-$6,000)
Entry-level hot tubs are the most basic option for a rigid backyard spa. Aimed more at warm water relaxation than hydrotherapy, products in the lower price ranges generally feature a basic heater and pump setup with a handful of standard jets. Because this doesn't require much power, the hot tub electrical requirements
are less complicated. These models are usually run off a standard 110-120V wall outlet instead of being hard-wired. This means an electrician will not have to be hired, and owners can get their new spa running with zero hot tub wiring, and very little installation effort.
Durability
Expect one of these entry-level hot tubs to last longer than an inflatable spa due to the solid plastic construction. That said, direct sunlight or extremes of temperature will reduce their lifespan significantly and you will be lucky to get 10 years of use out of one regardless.
Inflatable Hot Tub Prices - ($400-$1,500)
It's the low upfront price and ease of installation that make inflatable portable hot tubs commercially successful. The option to simply inflate, plug into a standard 110V mains outlet, fill from the garden hose, and enjoy, is certainly a tempting one. However, there are two main drawbacks to all but the very best portable hot tubs.
Features
The need to keep both costs and weight down limits the pump and heater power, number of jets, lighting options, etc for inflatable hot tubs. They can be a fun place to relax but you're unlikely to get anywhere near the hydrotherapy massage experience available in a fixed hot tub.
Durability
Inflatable pools are generally made from coated fabric and, whilst fairly robust on a day-to-day basis, do not last as long as rigid hot tubs. Don't expect to get more than five years of use out of an inflatable spa, whilst exposure to harsh weather or regular inflating and deflating further reduce their lifespan.
Overall, an entry-level hot tub is often a better bet if you can afford the step-up in cost, as the actual prices over time (factoring in maintenance/replacement/repair) often work out to be lower.
Type of Hot Tub | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Common Construction | Hardened High-Gloss Acrylic Shell | Hardened High-Gloss Acrylic Shell | Molded Acrylic Shell | Plastic Shell | Coated Nylon |
Durability | 10-20 Years | 10-20 Years | 8-15 Years | 5-10 Years | 2-5 Years |
Features | Highest Number of Advanced Hydrotherapy Jets Targets Multiple Areas Seating for up to 7+ People Lighting & Water Features Wide Accessory Range | Advanced Hydrotherapy Jets Advanced Water Care Seating for up to 6 People Lighting & Water Features | More Jets Than Entry-Level Seating for 2-5 People Sanitizing & Filtration Systems | Plug-and-Play Operation Basic Jets Seating for 1-3 People Bottled Chemical Sanitizer | Portable & Light-weight Plug-and-Play Operation Fewer or zero Jets depending on brand Bottled Chemical Sanitizer |
Price Range | $12000-$20000+ | $8000-$12000 | $4000-$8000 | $2000-$6000 | $400-$1500 |
FAQ
Swim Spa Hot Tub Combo Prices
Are swim spas worth it? Most modern swim spas feature at least a couple of hydrotherapy spa seats at one end. However, the best swim spa hot tub combos have separate hot tub and swim spa zones within the spa interior. This is important because you don't generally want the water in the swim spa to be heated to the same temperature as in your hot tub.
These dual-zone pool alternatives start from around $15000 but you can expect to pay up to $30000 if you're looking for high performance in terms of both the swim jets and hydrotherapy massage.
How Much Does It Cost To Run A Hot Tub?
Depending on the size of the hot tub and type of water care system, running costs can vary anywhere between $20 and $100 per month. The price range is dependent on energy costs, hot tub sizes, and the requirements for chemical input and maintenance.
If you can keep your energy costs low by buying an efficient model and reduce your maintenance spending via a decent water care system, you'll find this makes more difference overall than the size of your new hot tub.
How Much Is A Salt Water Hot Tub?
The price ranges for salt-water hot tubs are slightly higher than an equivalent specification standard spa, with an overall range between $6500 and $1800. However, many spa brands offer a salt-water system conversion and luxury spas often include salt cells as a standard feature. If you want to convert your existing hot tub, expect to pay between $500 and $1700 depending on the brand and size of salt cell required.
Can I Try Out A Hot Tub Before I Buy?
It's totally understandable to want to try out products before making a major purchase. This is especially true of spas, where the ergonomics, jet placement, etc. need to be just right to provide the best hydrotherapy massage experience.
Luckily, most spa manufacturers are aware of this. Once you have a short list of the hot tubs you are interested in, ask your local dealer for a "test soak". Exactly as it sounds, this is an opportunity to relax in the spa and get a feel for how well it suits you. To see the manufacturers we recommend, visit our Best Hot Tub Brands guide.
Now that you've reviewed general hot tub costs, get more precise pricing based on exactly what you're looking for. Whether you're ready to purchase, or just ready to see the lowest price quotes in your area, click the button below!
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About The Author
Bobby Gifford // Staff Writer
Bobby Gifford has over 17 years of experience with hot tubs and swimming pools. He has owned one pool and several hot tub brands over the years and has a wide scope of knowledge including buying information, maintenance and industry trends.
