How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?

How much does a hot tub cost? It depends on which hot tub you are looking to purchase.  A bare-bones hot tub at the lowest end of the spectrum is about $2,500. On the other end of the spectrum, you can find a hot tub for the price of $16,000 at the highest quality.  The reason there is such a huge difference in price is due to the broad range of sizes, features, designs, materials, and performance.

Pricing can also vary depending on warranty, ongoing service, and customer location.  In short, the price of your hot tub depends on what you are looking for in your hot tub.  Here’s a quick guide to the major features available in different spas that will affect their price:

 

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Hot Tub Size

The larger the hot tub, the more expensive.  Bigger hot tubs require more materials to build and larger pumps to power the jets.  In addition, they take up more space in delivery trucks and on showroom floors. Choosing the size of your hot tub depends on what you plan to use your hot tub for.  If you want a hot tub for the purpose of only a couple of people, a small and intimate spa is ideal. On the other hand, if you are looking to entertain a large amount of people in your hot tub, a larger and more spacious hot tub is for you. Eight person Utopia®  Series Cantabria®  hot tubs are great for large amounts of people.

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Hot Tub Design

Lower-end hot tubs might be less expensive but the design may not be to your liking. For example, it may be a constant struggle trying not to float while you are sitting.  High end hot tubs are designed with ergonomic seats that keep users located within arm’s length and seats arranged spaciously. They are meant to be not only aesthetically appealing but serve as a backyard centerpiece with inviting colors, textures, lighting, etc. It is important to think about both the experience and the perception when deciding on the design of your hot tub. Testing hot tubs like Utopia® series can help to demonstrate optimum seating and jet design.

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Hot Tub Materials

Low end hot tubs are typically made of rotationally-molded plastic. These spas are easier to transport and install than high-end acrylic models and are less expensive to make. However, the higher-priced acrylic is stronger, lasts longer, and insulates better than rotationally-molded plastic. Lower end hot tubs may not have any insulation at all. Higher end hot tubs have at least one type of insulation, while top of the line hot tubs use multiple types of insulation, including full foam that double as structural support. This is more expensive than only using one type of insulation but is also much more energy efficient. The increased energy efficiency can save money in heating costs over the years. High end exterior siding is resistant to the effects of the sun, rain, snow and wind. Top of the line interior surfaces are resistant to stains, scratches and sun damage.  Therefore, if you plan to enjoy your hot tub for years to come, it is a good idea to invest in high-quality materials. Higher-end spas like the Utopia Tahitian® feature acrylic shells that are durable, fade-resistant, and insulate well.

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Hot Tub Performance

Although there are several differences between low and high end hot tubs in regards to performance. Although low end hot tubs may several jets, their pumps are likely underpowered, providing a far less satisfying hydrotherapy experience than high end hot tubs. The best hot tubs are quiet but at the same time, have powerful circulation pumps that move water through the filters and the heater. Cheaper hot tubs run on 110 volts which take a long time to heat up. Once hot these spas have difficulty maintaining temperature while powering massage jets at the same time.  Pricier hot tubs upgrade to 220 volts which can easily power jets while maintaining temperature and run an entertainment system. Higher end hot tubs are engineered more efficiently with several layers of dense foam insulation. These hot tubs included bas pans which protect interior components while keeping heat from leaching into the ground. Strong pumps that power a variety of innovatively designed gets can provide an elevated hydrotherapy experience.

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Hot Tub Features

At its simplest form, a hot tub is just a container of hot water.  However, most expect quite a lot more from a hot tub than just hot water container.  High end spas come with both functional and cosmetic features like jet systems, powerful and silent pumps, intuitive control panels, entertainment options, water care systems and more.  The more features you add, the more expensive the hot tub. It is very important to think about which features are critical for your new hot tub. For example, if you’re looking for hydrotherapy, it is important to have powerful and varied jets.

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Hot Tub Warranties and Service

While hot tubs without guarantees from the manufacturers may be less expensive up front, in the long run, you may find yourself paying far more for repairs down the line. A good hot tub warranty will cover the product for about 5 to 10 years after the purchase is made. Premium and luxury hot tubs can come with comprehensive service agreements from you dealer including installation, delivery, relocation and much more.  The more effective and easier your hot tub is to use, the more use you will get out of it. By keeping the water clean and safe with regular maintenance, the more likely you are to use your hot tub on a daily basis.