How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Hot Tub?
Normal range: $164 - $532
Hot tub repairs generally cost between $164
and $532
, but some larger repairs can be as high as $900
.
Few things are more luxurious than lounging in your hot tub, feeling the jets kick on and the warmth fall over you. That is until you realize nothing’s working and you’re sitting in a glorified bathtub. The average cost to repair a hot tub is around $348
, with most repairs falling between $164
to $532
.
Hot Tub Repair Cost Breakdown
Factors that determine hot tub repair costs include labor and materials. Costs for each project will vary, but this price breakdown will help you budget.
Labor
Hot tub repair pros charge between $75 to $125 per hour and repair times range from one hour to several. So, overall labor costs will likely cost you between $75 and $750 total.
Some workers also charge a diagnostic fee to assess the situation before they begin work, which will cost between $100 and $200. You may be able to get a discount if you hire the same worker who performed the diagnostic inspection to fix the problem.
Materials
On top of the labor costs associated with fixing a hot tub, you’ll also have to pay for materials. A new filter will cost up to $25, while hot tub pumps will be more costly at $200 to $1,200.
Factor in up to $1,200 in material costs when budgeting for a hot tub repair.
Hot Tub Repair Costs by Problem
Hot tub repair costs will vary depending on the type of problem that needs fixing. Some small issues, like surface leaks, may be DIYed and therefore less costly to complete. Other common hot tub problems require a professional.
Here’s a look at how much it costs to repair a hot tub broken down by issue:
Type of Repair | Average Cost of Repair |
---|---|
Leaking Water | $25 – $1,500 |
Jet | $75 – $300 |
Heater | $225 – $650 |
Hot Tub Pump | $200 – $1,200 |
Circuit Board | $200 – $700 |
Hot Tub Blower | $175 – $450 |
Frame or Cabinet Damage | $60 – $125 |
Leak
Several things could cause a leak in your hot tub, including a faulty pump, a connection issue, or simply damage to the shell. You can usually fix a small crack or leak in the shell yourself by applying sealant, which costs around $25 at most home improvement stores.
Larger leaks warrant a call to an expert hot tub repair service. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,500 for leak repair. If the leak is in a hard-to-reach spot, like near the hot tub frame, the price will increase to at least $2,000.
Jet
You need to replace your jet if it’s not turning on or off, or the water pressure is too high or too low. New jets cost $75 to $100, and the cost to replace them ranges from $150 to $200 per jet.
Feeling confident? Owners can usually replace a broken jet themselves because many models allow you to easily unscrew them. But to be safe, ask an expert for guidance on which jet type to buy before you get to work.
Heater
Run-down hot tub heaters may fail to heat the water in the tub, or they could lead to issues like improper water chemistry or burned-looking spots on the tub’s shell. Heaters usually last about five years, at which point you’ll need to replace them.
The cost to replace a hot tub heater will vary from tub to tub, depending largely on the make and model. Some hot tubs require high-end heaters to function, while others may be less expensive to replace.
Hot tub heater replacement costs range from $225 to $650, including the new heater.
Pump
Several things can indicate a problem with your hot tub’s pump. If there is no water coming out of the jets or if no water is flowing when the pump is making noise, a faulty pump is likely the culprit. Also, watch out for water leaks near the pump.
Hot tub pump replacement cost falls between $200 and $1,200.
There are two types of pumps—circulation and two-speed. Circulation pumps cost between $200 and $500 (not including installation) and two-speed pumps cost from $750 to $1,200 to replace.
Circuit Board
A hot tub’s circuit board is essentially its control center. A broken or worn-out circuit board can lead to an array of problems, including inconsistent jet function and lighting issues. Replacing the circuit board will cost between $200 and $700 and will always require an assessment from a spa or pool professional.
Blower
Issues with a hot tub blower can cause erratic jet and blower speeds or problems with the air switch. Hot tub blower replacement costs, including the cost for the replacement part, will be $175 to $450 total.
If your blower needs repair and not replacement, you will pay less. Ask an expert to determine if the issue is fixable or not.
Frame/Cabinet
Building a frame or cabinet around a hot tub gives the area a good-looking boost and enhances its privacy. Consider adding one around yours if your neighbors are too close for comfort or if you live on a busy street.
Rambunctious kids, harsh weather, and normal wear-and-tear can damage the cabinet, so you may need to repair or rebuild it from time to time. Damage to the frame’s structure could cause it to fall onto the hot tub’s shell.
To repair or rebuild your tub’s cabinet, consult a local handyperson or a contractor near you. These pros typically charge between $60 and $125 per hour and can identify weaknesses in the frame and repair them quickly.
8 Signs Your Hot Tub Needs Repair
Not all signs your hot tub is in need of repairs are visible to the naked eye. In fact, your nose might catch a whiff first before you ever notice something is wrong. Signs your hot tub may need repairs include:
The hot tub has an unpleasant odor.
The water in the hot tub is foaming without the jets active.
You see algae forming.
You notice mold or mildew on the top of the water.
The water level is low and there’s a pool of water near it.
You notice the water temperature drops even when it’s covered.
The jets don’t work, turn, or water pressure is too high or low.
An error code appears on the hot tub control panel.
Hot Tub Servicing and Maintenance Costs
Ideally, you should have your hot tub serviced at least once a year. Service calls from a hot tub professional will cost anywhere from $100 to $200. You can expect your hot tub service professional to look for things such as:
Tripped breakers
Any exterior or structural damage
Proper jets function
Malfunctioning heating element
Filter quality
A proper pump and seal
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Hot Tub Yourself?
Depending on the size of the problem, you may be able to handle repairs yourself. Small cracks and leaks, for example, are relatively easy fixes and usually only require you to apply sealant to the problem area.
Repairing a leak in the hot tub’s shell will cost between $10 and $20 to fix yourself. Find materials and supplies at your local home improvement store and ask the pros there for guidance.
Another easy-to-fix issue is a broken or worn-out filter. You should replace your hot tub filter at least once a year to prevent water quality issues down the road. Filter costs range from $25 to $50 and you can find them at most home improvement or home goods stores.
Most professional hot tub repair experts charge $75 to $125 per hour, so DIYing a small repair can save you hundreds on labor costs.
We recommend calling a pro if your hot tub requires electrical or plumbing work. Attempting a complex repair without the necessary skills risks damaging the tub beyond repair, which will leave you missing your favorite after-work activity. Afterall, installing a new hot tub can cost $16,000 or more.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Properly maintaining your hot tub will prevent serious issues from occurring down the road. You should replace the filter once a year, regularly look for and repair small cracks in the shell, and test the water quality every few months. You can do this yourself for less than $100 per year.
You can also hire a hot tub service to maintain your hot tub on an annual basis to identify problems early, which could save you money in the long run. They cost about $100 to $200 per call.
You’ll know you need to replace the pump in your hot tub if you start to hear loud or unusual noises when the machine is running or if you notice a significant decrease in water pressure. A leak or altogether failure of the hot tub may also indicate a problem with the pump, but you’ll need a professional to investigate the source of the issue.
Hot tubs will last anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on material and upkeep. Having a professional service your hot tub once a year as well as addressing issues immediately will help prolong the life of your hot tub.