The average homeowner spends about $6,900 on a new hot tub, with most hot tubs costing $4,500 – $10,000. If you plan to install a luxury model, you may pay as much as $25,500 for all the bells and whistles, but if you are on a tight budget, you can pay as little as $1,000 or less for an inflatable hot tub.
Hot tubs are a great place to relax, rejuvenate muscles, and enjoy hydrotherapy. So, what is the cost of a hot tub? If you are serious about purchasing a hot tub, read on as we delve into the details.
In this cost guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Hot Tub Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $6,900 |
| Typical Price Range | $4,500 – $10,000 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $1,000 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $25,500 |
If you’ve ever wanted to relax and unwind in your very own hot tub but were afraid of the expense, we’ll go through how best to spend (and save) to get a hot tub that makes you say, “Ahhh.”
Hot Tub Cost Estimator By Size
Here is a quick snapshot of pricing by hot tub capacity. A larger capacity hot tub will mean more jets, more internal material and hardware, and more water to heat, which will bring a larger price tag. A jet count of 12 is fine for a small hot tub, but a large hot tub may need a jet count of 50 or more.
| Hot Tub Size | Typical Cost |
| 2 – 4 People | $1,500 – $9,000 |
| 5 – 6 People | $3,500 – $13,500 |
| 7+ People | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Other Factors that Affect Cost
The cost of installing a new hot tub is impacted by the following factors:
- Type of hot tub
- Hot tub material
- Outdoor vs indoor
- Maintenance costs
- Delivery and installation
- Brand
- Add-ons
Type of Hot Tub
Please see typical hot tub prices by type in the table below.
| Hot Tub Type | Typical cost |
| Inflatable | $400 – $1,250 |
| Entry-level | $2,500 – $5000 |
| Value-level | $6,250 – $9,750 |
| Premium | $9,750 – 13,000 |
| Luxury | $11,000 – $28,500 |
| In-ground | $10,500 – $25,000 |
When choosing a hot tub type, please keep in mind:
- Inflatable hot tubs are by far the cheapest, starting at around $400. However, if you want an inflatable hot tub with all the luxurious additions, expect to pay $1,000 -$1,500. Extras may include built-in seating and jets.
- Entry-level hot tubs are typically made of durable plastic and have minimal jets. They require only a 110V electrical connection, making installation more affordable.
- Value-level hot tubs are made out of higher-end materials than their entry-level counterparts and also include more features.
- Premium hot tubs are typically energy efficient and cost less to maintain than cheaper models. Some premium hot tubs use salt water instead of chlorine.
- Luxury hot tubs typically cost at least $11,000. They tend to be the most energy efficient and have the longest lifespan. Luxury hot tubs are packed with features including LED lights, advanced filtration systems, and spa features.
Some homeowners also opt for in-ground hot tubs to maximize curb appeal and improve their outdoor living space. In-ground hot tubs typically cost $10,500 – $25,000 and there are two types:
- Prefab in-ground hot tubs are the cheaper option. They typically cost $6,000 – $17,000 (including installation).
- Custom-built in-ground hot tubs typically cost $15,000 – $25,000.
Hot Tub Material
The hot tub material also impacts the purchase price. Please see typical pricing in the table below.
| Material | Typical Cost |
| Vinyl (Inflatable) | $400 – $1,500 |
| Wood | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Vinyl-lined | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Acrylic | $4,000 – $18,000 |
| Fiberglass | $6,000 – $24,000 |
What’s the best hot tub at your price point?
- Inflatable vinyl hot tubs are cheap but typically last no more than five years.
- Wooden hot tubs have a sleek look but are limited in features. They are also high maintenance but last up to 30 years.
- Vinyl-lined hot tubs are often made out of wood or cement. Since the lining isn’t durable, it usually has to be replaced every year or two.
- Acrylic hot tubs are pricey but have lower upkeep costs. They are energy efficient because they retain heat so well.
- Fiberglass hot tubs are smooth, low maintenance, and come in various colors. However, people with asthma may have problems when it needs to be recoated (every five years), and fibers are released into the air.
Outdoor vs. Indoor
Outdoor hot tubs may require additional site preparation because they are heavy and must go on a solid foundation, such as a concrete slab or pavers. However, indoor hot tubs may require additional ventilation and non-slip flooring.
Maintenance Costs
Plan to pay $600 – $1,000 on annual upkeep. This includes the price of chemicals, filter changes, increased electricity costs, and things like UV bulb and circulation pump replacement.
Another annual cost to consider is insurance. Ask your insurance company if your new hot tub will be covered and if that will raise your premium.
Keep in mind that a high-quality hot tub will come with high-quality insulation, which increases your energy efficiency. This helps keep energy costs low. When you are thinking about hot tub prices, consider the trade-offs of paying more upfront vs. paying more throughout the lifetime of your hot tub.
Delivery and Installation
To have a hot tub delivered and placed on your pre-made pad costs $225 – $525. For a simple installation, including wiring the hot tub to an existing electrical line, expect prices to start around $118.
If you hire an electrician to install a 220V line to support your new hot tub, expect to pay $750 – $1,400 to install the new line and hook up the hot tub. Ask the electrician if permits or inspections are required. Check your warranty requirements as well. Some warranties must be signed by a licensed installer for them to be valid.
Hot Tub Brands
Please see typical pricing by brand in the table below.
| Brand | Typical Cost |
| Bullfrog Spas | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Caldera Spas | $3,000 – $11,000 |
| Hot Spring | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Jacuzzi | $4,000 – $18,000 |
| Master Spas | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Sundance Spas | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| ThermoSpas | $4,000 – $22,000 |
Add-ons
You may want (or need) some of the add-ons in the table below.
| Add-on | Typical Cost |
| Salt water system | $500 – $1,700 |
| Bluetooth audio | $150 – $500 |
| Privacy screen | $150 – $600 |
| Spa vacuum | $80 -$100 |
| Fresh water filter | $20 – $60 |
| Thermometer | $10 – $20 |
| Hot tub cover | $350 – $500 |
| Lighting | $1,000 -$6,000 |
Also, expect hot tub models with powerful jets or intricate water features to cost more.
Related Services
Consider these related services to make your hot tub area more comfortable and inviting:
Outdoor Tile Installation
You may want to place your new hot tub on tiles. Outdoor tile installation typically costs $1,380 – $3,520.
| National Average Cost | $2,450 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,380 – $3,520 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $600 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $14,000 |
Pergola Installation
Placing a hot tub beneath a pergola or a gazebo extends its lifespan. The partial sun of a pergola helps protect your tub while you enjoy some sunshine. The average cost of a pergola is $4,000.
| National Average Cost | $4,000 |
| Typical Price Range | $2,100 – $6,000 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $1,050 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $11,000 |
Gazebo Installation
If you want your hot tub completely shaded, you may want to install a gazebo. Gazebos are more expensive than pergolas with the average gazebo cost around $7,600.
| National Average Cost | $7,600 |
| Typical Price Range | $5,358 to $9,058 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $325 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $27,000 |
Fire Pit
A fire pit is a great outdoor fixture that is used for warmth, light, cooking, and ambiance. Fire pits typically cost $240 – $2,400. Small prefabricated above-ground fire pits are the most affordable.
| National Average Cost | $850 |
| Typical Price Range | $240 – $2,400 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $200 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $5,0000 |
Cost of a Hot Tub by Location
Labor costs vary widely by location, affecting how much you’ll pay for someone to install your hot tub. Also, try to find a dealer nearby so that your delivery fees will be less.
One note on safety: Check your municipal or state building codes to determine what kind of safety barrier you need for your hot tub. Some will require fencing while others may allow other options, such as a safety cover or wall.
FAQ About Hot Tubs
Consider buying used. Some hot tub dealerships (just like car dealerships) sell manufacturer-certified pre-owned hot tubs.
Certified pre-owned hot tubs may not be a steal, however. For example, one dealer mentions that their certified pre-owned models are only about $1,000 less than their entry-level new tubs.
However, you may get a more expensive model in a pre-owned condition for much less than it would be new. Plus, you get the peace of mind that the product is in good working order and has been inspected.
Hot tubs are even cheaper on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, but they come with no guarantees.
When purchasing a used hot tub consider:
• Cover and other accessories
• Filter condition
• Interior and exterior cleanliness
• Chemicals
Unless you’re a licensed contractor or electrician, it’s probably best to leave above-ground, exterior hot tub installation to an expert.
Here’s why: First, you may void your warranty. Second, you don’t want to create electrical hazards that could cause harm. For these above-ground 220V models, check your warranty and wiring requirements to determine whether you can make this a DIY job.
If you are buying an inflatable hot tub or another type of plug-and-play model, a DIY install may be just fine. Everything you need should come with the hot tub, whether it is an inflatable model or hard-sided.
Just be sure you have a proper hot tub pad, patio, concrete slab, or paver structure for the hot tub to sit atop.
Many experts say that fall is the best time to buy a hot tub if you’re looking for a deal. If the shop has an ample supply of that year’s inventory, they need to offload those hot tubs before the new stock arrives.
You may be able to negotiate on the cost of a hot tub, but that depends on the dealer. However, you can ask about freebies that you usually would have to pay for, such as stairs and accessories or discounts on installation and delivery. It never hurts to ask.
There are many options for buying hot tubs. You can go to your local home improvement store, wholesale club, or shop from a large online retailer. And then there are local dealers as well.
With so many options, how do you choose? Decide what type of hot tub you want and what level of support and education you’ll need.
For example, if you are looking for an inflatable, temporary hot tub, you probably won’t buy from a dealer. However, If you want to make a long-term investment, consider a store that will offer repair service, ongoing support, product education, and sales. Consider a reputable, well-established dealer.
Final Thoughts
Remember, if you are interested in buying a new hot tub, expect to pay $4,500 – $10,000 on average. If you’d like to spend less, look for refurbished models or consider buying in the fall when retailers try to clear their inventory. No matter your budget, there is more than one way to buy a new (or gently used) system without draining your bank account.
Michelle Selzer contributed to this article.
Main Photo by: pxhere
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