How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost to Install?
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Hot tub costs can range from $2,000 to $11,000. The national average for an installed hot tub is $6,000, but the final cost depends on many factors.
Highlights
- The typical range for hot tub installation cost is $2,000 to $11,000 with a national average of $6,000.
- Cost factors for hot tub installation include the hot tub size and type, its design and material, brand, site preparation, delivery, labor, and permits.
- Some of the biggest benefits of using a hot tub include stress relief, muscle relaxation, better sleep, pain and inflammation relief, cardiovascular benefits, and improved insulin sensitivity.
- Installing a hot tub is generally not a suitable DIY project, as electrical mistakes can be dangerous and even fatal. Having a professional take care of the installation will also eliminate the risk of voiding the hot tub’s warranty.
Hot tub prices vary widely. According to Angi, most homeowners will pay between $2,000 and $11,000, or a national average of $6,000. Differences in costs stem from size, materials used, location (inground, outdoors, or indoors), site prep, energy-efficiency level, and other options that make pinning down hot tub cost difficult—although the national average of $6,000 provides a guideline of what to expect. Portable hot tubs will usually cost less than inground units, but the addition of features and accessories can level the playing field.
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Factors in Calculating Hot Tub Cost
The average cost of a hot tub depends on size, features, design, materials, quality of materials, type, and location. The number of people a hot tub can accommodate will also impact the cost. The best hot tubs that are name-brand and have lots of features typically sell for more as well. Inflatable and portable styles are less expensive than permanent hot tubs.
Installation costs may vary according to the site, with an outdoor hot tub potentially requiring more site prep and thus raising the overall cost. If permits are required, that cost will also need to be factored in.
An inground hot tub will cost significantly more to install due to the added labor involved. In addition, running plumbing or electrical wiring to the location can increase the final price. Delivery is not always included in the price, but it’s a good idea to count on additional costs if a crane is required to lift and place the hot tub.
Hot Tub Size and Type
The most typical hot tub sizes are 2- or 3-person units, which generally cost $2,000 to $7,000, although luxury 2-person hot tubs can run much higher. A 4-person hot tub or 5-person hot tub typically ranges from $2,000 to $12,000, while a 6- to 7-person tub will cost considerably more ($3,000 to $15,000). It’s also worth considering that a bigger tub will require a larger pad and that delivery and installation are likely to be more expensive.
There is a surprising diversity of types of hot tubs for sale. For the ultimate in movable hot tubs, inflatable ones average as little as $400, while hard-sided portable hot tubs generally start at $3,000. Those interested in a saltwater hot tub can expect to add somewhere between $200 and $700 to convert a hot tub to saltwater.
| Hot Tub Capacity | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| 2 or 3 people | $2,000 to $7,000 |
| 4 or 5 people | $2,000 to $12,000 |
| 6 or 7 people | $3,000 to $15,000 |
| 10 people | $5,000 to $20,000+ |
Hot Tub Design and Material
Not all hot tubs are built alike. Materials can consist of plastic, wood, or acrylic (the most common). Inflatable hot tubs are the most budget-friendly options but might not have all of the bells and whistles included in more permanent models. Rotomolded plastic tubs are lightweight and portable but not well insulated. Next up the scale are wooden hot tubs, which last a long time but require more maintenance. Vinyl-lined hot tubs consist of a vinyl liner over a concrete or wooden tub; they are inexpensive but not durable and tend to fade over time. Acrylic and fiberglass hot tubs are insulated, energy efficient, and durable, but they tend to be the most expensive.
| Hot Tub Material | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Acrylic | $4,000 to $18,000 |
| Inflatable | $400 to $1,500 |
| Rotomolded plastic | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Vinyl-lined | $4,000 to $12,000 |
| Wooden | $3,000 to $10,000 |
Hot Tub Brand
While the average hot tub costs $6,000, prices can vary widely by brand. For example, Master Spas offers hot tubs at the lower end of the price range at $3,000 to $5,000. ThermoSpas prices, on the other hand, can reach as much as $22,000. Homeowners will want to weigh the style and features they’d like for their hot tub against their budget to determine which of the best hot tub brands fits their needs.
| Hot Tub Brand | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Bullfrog Spas | $5,000 to $15,000 |
| Caldera Spas | $3,000 to $11,000 |
| Hot Spring | $3,000 to $15,000 |
| Jacuzzi | $4,000 to $18,000 |
| Master Spas | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Sundance Spas | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| ThermoSpas | $4,000 to $22,000 |
Site Preparation
One of the most significant factors in the cost to build a pool or hot tub is site prep. Hot tubs are heavy. Installing them outdoors will require some sort of foundation, such as a concrete slab ($2 to $6 per square foot) or pavers ($8 to $15 per square foot). It’s also common to install a hot tub on a deck; installing a new deck costs $4,100 to $11,300 in addition to the cost of the hot tub. If there is not already electrical power in the hot tub area, adding a GFCI outlet will increase the cost. Even indoor installation may call for additional floor supports. Indoor installation also means added ventilation to handle the extra moisture, and installing a fan runs about $200 to $600. Finally, if the new hot tub is replacing an old one, hot tub removal costs $150 to $650.
Delivery, Labor, and Permits
Most homeowners don’t know how to move a hot tub themselves or don’t have the equipment to do so. Delivery can cost $200 to $500, although the actual cost depends on the size and difficulty of moving the hot tub. If a crane is required to get the hot tub moved over the house to the backyard (about 5 to 10 percent of installations need this), the cost can escalate to $800 to $1,500. Using a Bobcat or removing fencing to get the hot tub situated can also elevate the cost. Moving a hot tub often requires anywhere from two to six people, who must all be paid for their time. Permits can run from $100 to $250, depending on where you live. Most cities don’t require a permit for an above-ground hot tub, but an inground hot tub will probably require a permit.
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Additional Costs and Considerations
Additional costs and considerations abound when it comes to purchasing a hot tub. The type of hot tub selected, accessories, and any upgrades affect the cost of the hot tub. The bigger the hot tub, the bigger the price tag. It’s important to keep in mind that larger units will also consume more electricity and require more water, increasing expenses. Installation charges can vary depending on where the hot tub will be located and how much effort is required to set it up in the chosen site.
Delivery and hot tub installation are merely two aspects of the cost of ownership. The ongoing costs of routine maintenance and upkeep—including any chemicals and cleaning products, along with the potential expense of periodic repairs—must be factored into the total hot tub cost.
Above-Ground vs. Inground
Above-ground hot tubs range from the least expensive inflatable portable versions to costly custom units. All will require some sort of pad for support as well as access to electricity. Depending on the style and materials, they can cost $400 to $18,000. Inground hot tub costs begin at $8,000 and go up to $25,000. This is because excavation is required, usually involving heavy equipment and skilled manpower. Inground hot tubs are often next to or connected to inground pools, and they’re built in place using a rigid pre molded or flexible liner.
Need a hot tub installed?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from hot tub installers near you.
Add-Ons and Customizations
Numerous accessories can add fun and function to a hot tub, along with some additional costs. A filter, which costs $20 to $60 and should be changed annually, helps keep the water clean. It’s a good idea to invest in a cover and cover lift for times when the hot tub isn’t being used. A vacuum to clean the tub costs $80 to $100 and may require a special solution, which will cost an extra $15. Other convenience items include stairs, railings, and headrests.
Custom upgrades such as water features, lighting and sound systems, TVs, and other fun factors can add anywhere from $25 to $2,500 to the cost of a hot tub. Bluetooth, smart speakers, and a hot tub TV are popular, if pricey, upgrades. Even a refinished wood exterior or new cover can be considered an upgrade.
| Add-On | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Cover lift | $150 to $250 |
| Decking | $30 to $60 per square foot |
| Entertainment system | $500 to $2,500 |
| Filter | $20 to $60 |
| Headrests | $20 to $60 each |
| Lighting | $25 to $60 per light |
| Speakers | $30 to $150 |
| Stairs and railings | $150 to $500 |
| TVs | $400 to $2,000 |
| Umbrellas | $200 to $800 |
| Vacuum | $80 to $100 |
| Water features | $300 to $2,000 |
Running Costs
Homeowners who are interested in installing a hot tub may be wondering, “How much does it cost to run a hot tub?” Hot tub use can add as much as $20 to $30 to your electrical bill each month, depending on climate, usage, model, and size. Some of the higher-end hot tubs are more energy efficient and will actually use less electricity than some entry-level models that aren’t well insulated. However, hot tub electrical installation such as a new electrical panel costs $400 to $1,800. If it’s necessary to add or upgrade an outlet, there may be an additional charge of $150 to $300.
Need a hot tub installed?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from hot tub installers near you.
Maintenance and Repairs
Depending on the model, annual hot tub maintenance costs to clean and replace filters or add chemicals can run from $500 to $1,000. In general, a hot tub should be drained and refilled every 3 to 4 months because of chemical buildup. Heavy usage could decrease the interval.
Many homeowners learn how to clean a hot tub so they can take care of this task themselves. The water chemicals need to be checked two to four times a week, using a test strip to verify the proper pH, alkalinity, calcium, and sanitizer. A monthly supply of test strips typically costs about $20. The filter needs to be replaced annually and costs $20 to $60. The unit itself should be cleaned every other month. You can hire a company to do this work for $300 per visit to save time. If any part of the hot tub breaks down, the cost of repair depends on the issue at hand but tends to average $160 to $500.
Hot Tub Cost by Type
Hot tub prices aren’t a one-size-fits-all proposition, and there is a surprising variety of units on the market for varying tastes and budgets. Whether a homeowner wants a basic hot tub to soothe their muscles after a long day, or a luxury model that is suitable for entertaining, there are plenty of options on the market to choose from.
| Hot Tub Type | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Entry-level | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Inflatable | $400 to $1,500 |
| Luxury | $11,000 to $35,000 |