are hot tubs a good investment

Because of the high cost, a hot tub might seem like a luxury purchase. And you’ve also likely heard horror stories of people buying hot tubs that break down on them within a year of ownership.

Today, we want to expel any fears you might have about buying a new hot tub by giving you the knowledge you need to make the most practical and worthwhile investment.

Come dive in as we explore whether or not owning a hot tub is a good idea.

Absolutely!

Of course, it’s important to note that there are many different kinds of hot tubs, and the one you buy should be based on your needs and preferences.

For example, a $15,000 luxury hot tub with all the bells and whistles might not be worth it if the only thing you’re looking for is a few simple jets and comfortable seats.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of hot tubs to help motivate your decision.

Hot Tub Benefits

Did you know that a hot tub can lower your blood pressure, increase your mental health, help you fall asleep at night and stay asleep longer?

Let’s look at more of the top benefits hot tubs provide.

Relaxation

There are plenty of ways to relax in a hot tub, whether it’s alone while listening to your favorite meditation music or with friends and family, having a nice conversation while taking a break from your electronic devices.

The bathtub is just about as close as you can get to this kind of relaxation, though most bathtubs don’t come with hydrotherapy jets, temperature controls, and contoured seating.

Relieve Pain

Gravity does quite a number on our muscles and joints. Even if you lead a sedentary lifestyle for the most part, sitting at a computer all day can leave you with unimaginable back pain.

Hot tubs use hydrotherapy jets that work wonders in healing and revitalizing sore muscles as they combine the weightlessness of your body suspended in water with the enjoyable pressure of a masseuse.

Better Sleep

You might be able to let go of your sleep medication once and for all if you buy a hot tub.

Unfortunately, many people suffer from insomnia, and you might be one of them. Even one night without sleep can lead to low energy levels, fatigue, irritation, memory loss, lousy moods, and an overall rough day.

By taking at least 15 minutes to soak an hour before you lie down to sleep, you’ll increase your chances of getting deep, sound sleep.

Energy-Efficient

Many hot tub manufacturers prioritize energy efficiency these days, so you don’t have to expect to spend a lot to keep your hot tub running. Plus, you save tons of water compared to a bathtub, which you must drain after each use. With a hot tub, you only need to drain and refill it every six months or so. Head over to our Most Energy Efficient Hot Tub article if this is something that interests you. 

Private Meditation

By having a hot tub in your own backyard, you can hop in for a moment of relaxation and meditation without having to drive anywhere.

You’ll have total access to your meditative place all the time.

We like to think of hot tubs as private retreats. 

Yes, it might cost more than going to your friend’s house who has a hot tub, though a hot tub anywhere else but the home won’t provide the same level of mental and spiritual relaxation.

Year-Round Use

Whether you have an indoor hot tub or an outdoor hot tub, you should be able to use it year-round. Think about it this way. Swimming pools are great when the summer rolls around, and the sun is beating down every day. However, when fall and winter roll around, your pool could become unusable depending on the climate in which you live.

With a hot tub, you can relax anywhere, anytime, no matter the season.

Not only can you enjoy your hot tub in summer, but you can also utilize hot tubs in the snow, as there are specialized hot tubs for cold climates.

Enhance Your Personal Relationships

By taking a break from electronics and hopping in the hot tub with your family, friends, or partner, you can enjoy time conversating and building stronger relationships. Having a strong support system lowers anxiety and enhances our sense of well-being.

Whether you want to soak with the whole family after work and talk about how everyone’s day went, or take an after-hours dip with your special someone for an intimate occasion, a hot tub can provide the perfect oasis to bond with those close to you.

The Cost Of Owning A Hot Tub

Initial & Installation Costs

The Hot Tub

A hot tub on its own will cost you anywhere between $3,000 and $20,000 depending on the size, the brand, the materials, and the features. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay based on the type of hot tub you buy:

  • Entry-Level Hot Tub: $3,000-$6,000
  • Mid-Range Hot Tub: $6,000-$8,000
  • High-End Hot Tub: $8,000-$12,000
  • Luxury Hot Tub: $12,000-$20,000

The Delivery

Without any water in it, your average hot tub weighs between 500 and 1,000 pounds. Plus, most of them don’t fit through standard doorways. This means that getting your hot tub delivered is not a walk in the park. You’ll often need a team of strong people, a ramp system or moving trolley, or a crane to get it in place.

Unless your hot tub comes with free delivery, you can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $1,500 for hot tub delivery.

The Electrical

Hiring an electrician to rewire your electrical panel for your hot tub is a must if you get a 220v hot tub. Of course, you could mitigate this cost by purchasing a 110v hot tub, which doesn’t require special power. Do note that these “plug and play”, or 110v hot tubs don’t have the same amount of therapeutic power as their 220v cousins.

Hiring an electrician to wire up your hot tub and install a GFCI box will cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000.

Ongoing Hot Tub Maintenance Costs

Chemicals

You need a few different chemicals to create and maintain the correct balance in your hot tub water. From chlorine to bromine to defoamers to pH balancers and beyond, the cost of chemicals can add up. Over the course of a single year, you can expect to spend anywhere between $150 and $250 on chemicals.

Filter Replacements

Some hot tubs have single filters while others have multiple filters, meaning the cost of changing your hot tub filter might be different from the next guy. However, on average, people spend about $100 per year on filter changes. Think of this cost like changing the oil in your car.

It’s important to note that you may not need to change your filter as often as the hot tub dealer recommended, especially if you only have a few people using your hot tub the majority of the time. 

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your filter, checking it weekly to make sure it’s in good condition. However, if you like throwing hot tub parties every weekend, your filter will likely get much dirtier much faster. See our guide on How Often To Replace And Clean A Hot Tub Filter.

Electric Bill

Wondering how much it costs to run a hot tub? Depending on the type of hot tub that you get, you can end up spending anywhere from $50-$250 per month on increased electrical costs. The cost will depend on how hot you keep your spa and how energy-efficient your spa is to start with.

Some hot tubs come with economy functions, which allow you to keep them at a set temperature when they’re not in use. This temperature is much lower than your soaking hot tub temperature.

UV Bulb

Many new hot tub systems use UV bulbs to kill bacteria. While these systems are very effective at keeping hot tubs clean, they cost a bit extra. Replacing one of these bulbs can be a bit complicated, and the bulbs themselves aren’t cheap. If you have to buy the bulb and pay someone to help you replace it, you can expect to spend around $75 per year.

In total, your cost to operate a hot tub each year will likely be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.

Of course, the last thing you want is to overpay for your new spa, which is why we provide a unique service that matches prospective hot tub owners with hot tubs based on their preferences. To save money, click the button below and get multiple quotes from dealers in your area!

Final Thoughts – Hot Tub Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

So the question becomes,

Do the benefits of owning a hot tub outweigh the costs?

Well, if you like the idea of quality family time, hydrotherapy massages, better sleep, lower stress, and the other mental and physical health benefits that hot tubs provide, then a hot tub is well worth the cost.

Whether it’s a low-cost inflatable hot tub or a high-end hot tub with a cutting-edge salt water system, tell us what you’re in the market for, and we’ll supply price quotes based on your location and preferences. Click the button below to get started!

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