How Much Does A Hot Tub Cost
Isn't it nice to have a hot tub at home to greet you just whenever you need to take a break from your busy and tiring life? A hot tub is basically a very great investment that will pay you off with extreme fun and relaxation every now and then. However, a lot of people think that hot tubs can very well break the bank. The truth is that there are hot tubs that are on the cheaper end. In fact, if you survey the market, you'll end up finding a lot of hot tub models that is of low cost. This article will introduce you to the cost of hot tubs available in the market today.
The Cost Of A Hot Tub
The typical cost of a hot tub is $1,500 to $7,000.
This price includes a hot tub as well as its shipping, installation, and warranty. Upon purchase, the retailer will do a site inspection to check out the access route. The hot tub is then delivered using a small trailer and then installed professionally to the area of your choice.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of A Hot Tub
Type. There are basically different types of hot tubs these days. The quote mentioned above refers to a regular hot tub. There are luxury hot tubs these days with prices ranging from $8,000 to $25,000. Inground outdoor hot tubs, usually installed together with inground pools, cost around $10,000 to $15,000.
Size. Two-person hot tubs are the cheapest of all options when speaking of sizes. Their prices usually range from $1,500 to $2,500 only. Five to seven-person models usually start from $3,000 to $7,000.
Amenities. If you want more amenities in your hot tub, expect to pay more for the purchase. Jets, for instance, already make a hot tub more expensive. Some tubs have as few as six jets but you can get as much as 160. The more jets the hot tub has, the higher its cost goes. Other amenities that add to the cost of the hot tub include built-in seats, underwater lighting, enclosing gazebo, drink holders, and the like.
Brand. The cost of a hot tub also affects prices. Some established brands like Jacuzzi have more expensive models most of the time.
Additional Costs
If you are installing an outdoor tub, the tub requires to be installed on a level deck or concrete pad. If you don't have any of these, expect to spend on the cost of building one of them. For instance, the cost of building a wooden deck can add $500 to $15,000 to the cost of the purchase. The cost can go higher or lower depending on the size and complexity of the deck you are trying to build. On the other hand, a concrete pad will cost you around $1,000 to $3,000.
If the site for the hot tub is not yet wired or plumbed, expect to spend extra on wiring and plumbing. Extensive wiring and plumbing can cost from $1,000 to $2,000 while a simple electrical outlet addition can cost you anywhere from $75 to $800.
If you are installing the hot tub indoors, you may need to remodel the room for extra ventilation and humidity control. Tiling the floor may also be necessary. The cost of remodeling the room varies depending on the extent of the renovation you are open to do at home.
Some local building departments may require you a permit with the installation, especially when you are adding a concrete pad or deck and doing some electrical wiring and plumbing.
You may need to purchase a hot tub cover as a safety and energy efficiency feature. Depending on the type and size of the cover, this can cost you from $50 to $400 or more.
Daily operating costs of the hot tub are also extra. The cost to operate a hot tub is detailed below.
The Cost Of Running A Hot Tub
Chemicals. There are various chemicals required when operating a hot tub for sanitizing and balancing purposes. Bromine tablets will cost you from $20 to $80 a month. This depends on the size of the tub, how often it is used per month, and how many people are using it. Adding balancing chemicals every three months when water is refilled will cost around $5 to $10.
Electricity. Heating costs are also major operating costs when having a hot tub. This can vary per utility company. However, the heating cost is usually 40 cents per heating hour.
Lighting. Lighting will also consume electricity as you use the hot tub. This includes outside lighting in the deck, patio, or walkway for safety purposes.
Water. The hot tub requires a complete change of water every three months. The cost varies depending on how many gallons of water you need for the hot tub and how much the cost of water per gallon is in your city.
Extras. Aromatherapy and spa fragrances can also be an added cost when running a hot tub.
Cleaning. Hot tub cleaning products include clarifier, waterline remover, cover cleaner, defoamer, surface cleaner, and the like. Purchasing these products will cost you $5 to $10 a month.
Parts. Part of the operating costs of a hot tub is the occasional wear and tear of some of the parts of the unit. This includes the thermostat, pumps, heating elements, high limit switches, cartridges, and the like. Buying replacement parts will be necessary once they begin to wear.
Some Tips Before You Buy A Hot Tub
Always know the right hot tub that is best for you and your needs. Here are some of the things you have to think about to know which hot tub is right for you:
- number of people who will be using it
- frequency it will be used
- amount of space you have
- amenities you want
Get a hot tub from a trusted manufacturer and retailer only. It is best to get a tub that is tested for reliability and safety and is protected by warranty.
Find a hot tub that is easy to maintain and clean. A hot tub that is also easy and cheap to operate is a good choice.
Find a tub that is backed up with sufficient manufacturer's warranty. The longer the warranty is, the better. Take note that the warranty is a manufacturer's statement of confidence in their product. Hence, if a manufacturer offers a long warranty period, expect that the manufacturer is confident that their product will last for such length of time.
Don’t be blinded by the amenities being offered in a particular hot tub model. Most of the time, customers are deceived by features over quality. When buying a tub, always make sure that you get something that is of great quality than something that is packed with great features that you don’t actually need.
Most hot tub suppliers will offer you a lot of freebies just to close a sale. Don’t be fooled by these sales ploys. Always focus your attention on finding the perfect quality hot tub with the right features for your needs.