The average cost of a hot tub is $6,000, but you'll find a range of in-ground and above ground models for between $2,000 and $11,000.
Hot tubs are a great way to relax, but trying to budget for hot tub prices can feel like the opposite. The average hot tub costs $6,000, but there is a range of options depending on your budget.
You can splurge on a luxury model with high-end massaging jets or pop a wallet-friendly DIY inflatable tub on your patio. Learn how much a hot tub costs, whether you are going for no frills or all the frills.
Hot tubs come with two major expenses—buying the hot tub itself and labor for the installation. Labor generally runs from $650 to $6,100. It may be less for aboveground options, but it will slant toward the higher end if the project requires excavation and significant construction.
Here is a look at how the costs break down and which factors might affect the overall price.
There are several types of permanent hot tubs, ranging from entry-level to luxury. The most basic is the most affordable, starting at $2,000. Inflatable hot tubs beginning at $400 are the exception.
High-end hot tubs start at $11,000 but can exceed $35,000. These come with higher-quality features like advanced water filtration, energy efficiency, and superior water jets.
Hot tub prices increase with size. You could spend as little as $2,000 for a tub that holds two to three people or more than $20,000 for a tub that holds 10 people. Here are some average price ranges:
2–3 people: $2,000–$7,000
4–5 people: $2,000–$12,000
6–7 people: $3,000–$15,000
10 people: $5,000–$20,000+
Inflatable vinyl and rotomolded plastic are some of the most budget-friendly hot tub materials, but acrylic is the most common for aboveground hot tubs. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive. Expect to spend anywhere from $4,000 to $18,000 on the average acrylic tub, with prices ranging based on the type of shell.
| Material | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Inflatable | $400–$1,500 |
| Vinyl-lined | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Rotomolded plastic | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Wooden | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Acrylic | $4,000–$18,000 |
Aboveground hot tubs cost less than the average in-ground hot tub cost, though it depends on the materials, features, and filtration system. Expect to spend:
$400–$18,000 on an aboveground hot tub
$8,000–$25,000 on an in-ground hot tub
You can save if you hire a local hot tub pro to install your in-ground hot tub at the same time as your pool installation, which costs $6,000 to $15,000 (similar to a high-end aboveground spa).
Outdoor hot tubs are more common than indoor hot tubs, and you may need to install flooring support to prevent damage to your home due to the extra weight. Hot tubs also release a lot of moisture, so you’ll need added ventilation to remove excess humidity and prevent mold and mildew. These extra considerations can drastically increase the installation cost.
Most of the time, you will need to remodel the area around your hot tub before installing it. The area must be able to withstand the weight of the tub, moisture, and heat. If you are putting your hot tub outside, consider the following landscape renovations:
Deck repair costs: $800–$3,100 (including reinforcing your deck)
New deck installation costs: $4,100–$11,300
Concrete patio paver installation costs: $8–$15 per square foot
Concrete slab installation costs: $2–$6 per square foot
Area leveling costs: $3–$6 per square foot
If you want to install your hot tub indoors, you may need to budget for the following indoor renovations:
Ventilation fan installation costs: $200–$600 (or as much as $1,200 for a whole system)
Slip-resistant flooring costs: $15–$60 per square foot
Reinforcing flooring costs: $40–$60 per square foot
For most homeowners, the average hot tub wiring cost is between $600 and $2,200, depending on the amperage. If your existing electrical panel cannot accommodate the increased amperage, a new subpanel costs $400 to $1,800, and you will spend $150 to $300 if you need to install an outlet.
Most hot tubs will not need additional plumbing, but some do, especially custom designs. The cost to install plumbing pipes for a hot tub is $350 to $2,000.
If you want a saltwater hot tub, you will need to install a saltwater generator. On average, the extra equipment costs $200 to $700, but it can cost as much as $1,500. Most (but not all) hot tubs can accommodate a saltwater system, so make sure to check before you buy. It may void your hot tub’s warranty because of increased corrosion.
Sometimes delivery is included in the cost of a hot tub, but other times it is not. Expect to spend $200 to $500 on a typical delivery. If your backyard is not easily accessible and your hot tub needs to be delivered by a crane, costs could average $800 to $1,500 or more. This is a rare situation and is only required in 5% to 10% of installations.
Most of the time, you will not need a permit for an aboveground hot tub, but you probably will for an in-ground hot tub. This adds $100 to $250 to the cost of the installation.
Upgrades like lighting, waterfalls, pillows, decking, steps, and entertainment systems deliver a custom experience. Depending on the upgrades you choose, you can spend between $500 and $10,000 or more for customization.
| Hot Tub Upgrades | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Lighting | $25–$60 per light |
| Water features | $300–$2,000 |
| Umbrellas and shades | $200–$800 |
| Pillows and headrests | $20–$60 |
| Specialty water care accessories | $25–$250 |
| Decking | $30–$60 per square foot |
| Cover lifts | $150–$250 |
| Spa steps and railings | $150–$500 |
| Speakers | $30–$150 |
| TVs | $400–$2,000 |
| Entertainment systems | $500–$2,500 |
The cost of your hot tub installation is largely dependent on the type of hot tub you buy. Most people spend between $2,000 to $35,000, but you can get a hot tub for less if you choose an inflatable option. Set your budget based on the features you want.
| Type of Hot Tub | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Inflatable | $400 – $1,500 |
| Portable | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Entry-Level | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Value-Level | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Premium | $8,000–$11,000 |
| Luxury | $11,000–$35,000 |
Inflatable: Inflatable hot tubs are the most affordable option, starting at about $400. Higher-end options might have built-in seating and jets, but most inflatable tubs are bare-bones. The good news is that you won’t have to pay for professional installation. Just blow it up, fill it with water, and enjoy.
Portable: Portable hot tubs, or aboveground spas, are not fixed in place. You can take your hot tub with you if you move, or move it to a new location in your yard or patio. They come in different materials and sizes and cost less than in-ground spas. They tend to have more powerful jets, more features (including sound systems, mood lighting, and water features), and more comfortable seating than in-ground spas.
Entry-Level: Entry-level hot tubs made of lightweight plastic cost between $2,500 and $5,000. With minimal jets, they require only a 110-volt connection. You’ll save on the installation, but the energy costs are higher because they’re not well-insulated.
Value-Level: Value-level hot tub prices range between $5,000 and $8,000. These tubs have a hard acrylic shell and come with additional jets and waterfall spouts.
Premium: Premium hot tub spas fall between $8,000 and $11,000. While the up-front cost is higher, they’re more energy efficient and come with additional jets, lights, filtration, and water features.
Luxury: At $11,000 to $35,000, luxury hot tubs have the highest price tag. These durable tubs are the most energy-efficient and have advanced water filtration systems. Some models last 20 years and have high-end jets with massage capability.
After installation, your hot tub will incur additional costs as you use it throughout the year. It is important to consider the overall cost when deciding on a model. For example, a rotomolded plastic hot tub may save you money upfront, but if you use it daily and live in a cold climate, the lack of efficiency and durability may actually increase costs longer term. Here is what you need to know about the cost to run hot tubs.
On average, expect to spend $20 per month on electricity for an aboveground hot tub and $30 per month for an in-ground hot tub. The cost depends on the average temperature where you live, how hot you keep the tub, how often you use it, the type of cover, and other insulation.
Water costs are not cut-and-dry. It all depends on the size of your tub, how often you need to fill the water, and the price of a gallon of water in your area. Expect to fill your tub about four times a year.
Maintenance is key to the longevity of your hot tub and typically costs $500 to $1,000 per year. You will have to test the water regularly to make sure it has the right level of chemicals (hot water is a breeding ground for bacteria, otherwise), clean it, and repair components as needed. Maintenance costs include:
Cleaning products: You will spend $80–$100 on a spa vacuum and $15 for a cleaning solution. Hiring a pro to clean your tub will cost around $300.
Chemical testing: Budget $20 per month for chlorine and test strips.
Filters: You should change the filter at least once a year. Filters cost $20–$60.
Repairs: Most hot tub repair costs run between $160 and $500. You can DIY small repairs but you may need to hire a local hot tub repair pro.
If you purchase an inflatable hot tub or a rotomolded plastic “plug and play” model, you may be able to install it yourself. This means saving on installation costs and only paying for water, chemicals, and the hot tub. However, even a two-person tub holds 200 gallons of water. In most cases, hot tub installation is best left to a local hot tub company.
Most people spend $650 to $6,100 on labor to install a hot tub, and in-ground tubs tend to be the most expensive. It may seem like a lot upfront, but installations often require electrical work, excavation, and/or other renovations that rely on precise knowledge or, in some cases, an actual license. Generally, it is best to skip the DIY and use a professional.
Want a hot tub on a budget? There are a few ways to help shave dollars off your hot tub installation.
Go Portable: An inflatable hot tub doesn’t require professional installation, which can save thousands. Rotomolded plastic plug-and-play tubs are more permanent. Since most options plug into an outlet, you won’t need electrical work.
Install a Hot Tub With Your Pool: If you plan to install an in-ground pool and are thinking about adding a hot tub, you can save $2,000 to $10,000 by installing them at the same time.
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Most outdoor hot tubs last between five and 20 years, excluding inflatable tubs, which last five to seven years. High-quality, maintained tubs can last decades, while low-quality, poorly maintained tubs may not hit five years. A good warranty, professional installation, quality materials, and proper maintenance will help a tub last longer.
Hot tubs can use a lot of electricity, depending on age, size, heater wattage, usage, and the thermostat setting. Running electricity for a hot tub costs about $20 to $30 per month. Invest in an energy-efficient model, an insulated cover, a thermal blanket, and a solar heater, and keep the filters clean.
Most newer hot tubs are not expensive to maintain. Hot tub maintenance costs about $500 to $1,000 per year. You can DIY, but a pro can clean and treat your hot tub with chemicals and save you time. The biggest hot tub expenses are heating and repairs, but you can preserve your investment with regular maintenance.
