Soaking in a hot tub has several health benefits, such as improved sleep, better cardiovascular functioning, improved muscle recovery from injuries, and better skin health. That said, before buying a hot tub, one needs to consider what features they want, where they will place the tub, and how they will use it. These tubs also come in various types, each with different prices, so one must consider these factors to make an informed decision.
Features
As one would expect, the more features a given hot tub offers, the higher its price will be. Models with fancy, high-end functions such as filtration, temperature control, water sanitation, and hydrotherapy tend to be costly and may be over the budget of many buyers. Such tubs also raise power costs when used frequently.
Size
Larger tubs that offer greater comfort and have more storage capacity are quite pricey. For instance, a regular inflatable hot tub usually costs around $4,000, while a large one that can accommodate six to eight individuals can cost more than $25,000.
Materials
Hot tubs are made using different materials, such as wood, plastic, vinyl, and acrylic. Acrylic tubs are incredibly popular because they are durable and easy to clean. But at the same time, they are the most expensive, with hot tub prices usually ranging from about $4,000 to $18,000, sometimes even more.
Hot tubs, on the other hand, made using wood are not far behind in the price race. Wooden tubs usually cost between $3,000 and $10,000 but can be more expensive depending on size and features. Also, hot tubs made out of wood need regular maintenance all year, which increases their cost further.
Rotomolded plastic and vinyl are other common materials used for manufacturing hot tubs. The hot tub prices usually range between $2,000 and $6,000 for rotomolded plastic models, while vinyl ones are normally priced between $4,000 and $12,000. While the prices may vary, every material has unique benefits, which should also be considered when purchasing.
Types
Another major factor influencing hot tub prices is the category under which they fall. Certain types are pricier than others, so one should compare the options available and pick the most suitable model that falls within their budget range.
Inflatable hot tubs
As the name implies, users can inflate these tubs by pumping either air or water. Inflated tubs are portable, so users need not worry about permanent installation. On the flip side, these hot tubs do not have many features and usually do not last very long either. Inflatable hot tubs are generally priced between $300 and $1,500.
In-ground hot tubs
People generally build in-ground hot tubs next to or as a part of an outdoor swimming pool. These tubs are costly, as they tend to be custom-made and need extensive permits from local authorities before owners can build them on their property. They also need to be installed by professional contractors. All these factors can raise the expenses associated with in-ground tubs. These can push their average cost to anywhere between $8,000 and $25,000.
Swim spas
These unique installations combine the concept of hot tubs and full-fledged swimming pools. In other words, they combine the functionality of swimming pools with the benefits of conventional hot tubs. Swim spa hot tubs are large and voluminous, with an expansive swimming area to give users all the space they need when they bathe or relax in the hot water. These tubs also have powerful jets to create a current to swim against. Given the many features they come with, swim spas tend to be quite expensive. The average price range of these hot tubs is generally between $20,000 and $40,000.
Dual-temp swim spas
These hot tubs amplify the comfort and luxury of standard swim spas by offering separate zones for hot and cold water. Users can personalize how and where they need these zones to be in their tubs. Besides the option to swim in either hot or cold water, dual-temp swim spas offer many other advantages, such as a luxurious finish, LED lighting, waterfall features, and advanced water panels for accurate temperature regulation. The hot tub prices in this category usually range between $10,000 and $70,000.
Wood-burning hot tubs
Those longing for a more organic or natural experience can install a wood-burning hot tub on their property. These tubs offer the natural essence of wood and the comfort and space of swim spa tubs. One of the key reasons many consider wood-burning hot tubs is their insulation properties. These tubs naturally help keep the heat in the water, reducing power bills over time. The average cost of these tubs ranges between $7,500 and $18,000 on average.
Besides these factors, hot tub prices depend on market trends and demand. Their sales usually increase during winter when the temperature falls and decrease during summer when the temperatures start to rise. Some also prefer to customize their hot tubs and add more features and elements, which influences the final cost.
