If you’re in the market for a new hot tub to make your leisure time extra luxurious, your first instinct might be to check the prices. But you might see an extremely wide price range, with hot tubs that can cost as little as £2,000 to models that go for over £30,000. It’s not an unusual sight, but it makes you worried: What exactly makes hot tub prices so volatile?
Look no further than this guide to find out. We’ll discuss the most common factors that go into hot tub pricing and how to look out for tubs that might just be too good to be true.
What Affects the Price of a Hot Tub?
Much like many other products, especially those designed to provide luxury, hot tubs can vary greatly in terms of overall build and availability. However, there are five broad categories to determine whether a hot tub is worth its cost.
Material and Build Quality
Four different materials form the bulk of modern hot tub options: rotomolded plastic, acrylic, wood, and faux wood. Out of those, wood and its imitations are typically reserved for the siding on the outside of the hot tub, or the cabinet, rather than the internal shell (i.e., the pool that is filled with water).
Wood has a higher R-rating than faux wood, so it doesn’t leak as much heat from the hot tub to the outside. As a result, a wooden casing makes a hot tub more energy- and cost-efficient, especially if you plan on using it multiple times per week. Plus, wood just looks much better than the alternative.
In terms of internals, rotomolded plastic is generally reserved for less expensive and entry-level models. While the actual material is sturdy enough, it lacks the characteristic sheen and glossy look that acrylic plastic has. Furthermore, some rotomolded hot tubs lack the wood cabinetry completely. This helps bring down the overall cost, but just doesn’t look luxurious.
Size and Capacity
Capacity is often directly correlated with size, and the size of the hot tub will arguably be the biggest factor that determines its cost.
In general, there are four different size categories for hot tubs:
- A 2-3 person hot tub is the smallest, sometimes entry-level model that functions as affordable spas. These models can be found for as little as £2,000, but luxury models can cost up to £10,000.
- Hot tubs for 4-5 people fall in the mid-sized category, with prices ranging from £3,000 to around £15,000.
- Hot tubs for 6-7 people are considered large, with prices starting at around £4,000 and going all the way up to £20,000 or more for premium hot tubs.
- “Mega-sized” hot tubs start looking more like swimming pools, fitting 8-10 people. Prices of these hot tubs can vary greatly, but they generally start at £7,000 and go up to £25,000.
There’s another, somewhat special category of hot tubs called a swim spa, which allows adults to comfortably swim inside them. Depending on whether the hot tub is integrated into the spa pool section, you can find the price of hot tub swim spas start at £15,000 and easily go to £30,000 or more.
Features and Technology
Hot tubs are relaxing by themselves, but why not make the experience even more special? Add-ons that directly influence the hot tub include smart filtration systems and remote controls, allowing you a much greater level of control over the hot tub (at a price).
Additionally, swappable jet systems allow you to modify the hydromassage capability of your spa. These are often only available on more advanced models, ramping up the hot tub price, but also its overall comfort and health benefits.
Finally, if you want to enjoy the benefits of technology, consider adding integrated LED lighting, surround sound systems, or app connectivity. These won’t make the hot tub more comfortable per se, but they add a level of luxury and convenience.
Energy Efficiency
Typically, the energy efficiency of a hot tub depends on the material it’s made from, and the insulation put into the build. Additionally, more powerful (and expensive) pumps and filtration systems often come at a premium, which is evocative of general hot tubs prices.
An energy-efficient model is indeed more expensive initially. However, more durable materials and pumps often mean that the tub won’t need as much electricity to keep the water at a comfortable level. With lowered upkeep and maintenance costs, you might be looking at decent savings over the tub’s decade-long lifespan.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
A high-end or premium brand will provide a more seamless customer experience from start to finish, not to mention deliver a better product overall. This is usually indicated by glowing reviews and a long history of positive customer service, which you should be able to easily find online.
On the other hand, if you stumble upon a relatively unknown brand, you might not get what you bargained for. Some entry-level hot tub manufacturers might not even provide any installation assistance or warranty. What you get shipped to your doorstep might just be what you get, which can make for a frustrating time.
Price Ranges for Hot Tubs
With so much variety between one hot tub manufacturer and the next, it can be useful to get a broad picture of what you should be expecting for your money. There are three categories that hot tubs generally fall into.
Entry-Level Hot Tubs
- Price range: £3,000–£6,000
- Basic designs with fewer jets and features
- Often made with less durable materials like rotomolded plastic
- Limited insulation and energy efficiency
- Ideal for first-time buyers or budget-conscious shoppers
Mid-Range Hot Tubs
- Price range: £6,000–£10,000
- Higher-quality materials and improved insulation
- Increased number of jets and adjustable seating options
- Enhanced energy efficiency for lower long-term operating costs
- May include basic lighting or sound system features
Premium Hot Tubs
- Price range: £10,000–£20,000+
- Luxurious finishes like acrylic shells and stainless-steel jets
- Advanced features like app-controlled systems, waterfalls, and aromatherapy
- Superior energy efficiency with multi-layered insulation
- Extensive warranties and customization options
Hidden Costs to Consider
There’s more to hot tub costs than the price tag that you see in the store (or on the website). Hidden costs can quickly pile up and, in some cases, add a decent chunk to the final amount. These extras represent a few different categories.
Delivery and Installation Costs
When determining delivery, look at where the manufacturer or supplier is based. If the hot tub needs to be imported from overseas, you might be looking at shipping costs in the range of a few hundred pounds.
However, that can be nothing compared to last-mile delivery and installation costs. If you need a crane or helicopter to place the hot tub inside (yes, helicopters are an option), you’ll need to add another £500 to £1,000, with helicopter drops costing as much as £6,000.
Additionally, don’t forget that you’ll often need to modify your deck or room where the hot tub will be installed. Most hot tubs will need a professional electrician to run the lines, but some entry-level models come with “plug-and-play” capability. Regardless, a filled tub can weigh a significant amount and release a lot of moisture, so the area it’s in needs to be reinforced and waterproofed.
Maintenance and Chemicals
In terms of maintenance, expect to shell out around £40 to £50 in various chemical and tester kits to ensure the water is safe for your skin. The price for hot tub maintenance might seem insignificant compared to the overall cost, but it can ramp up quickly if you plan to use the tub daily. Remember, hot tubs can last for well over a decade, so the upkeep cost can be a drop in the bucket compared to getting a whole new tub because your existing one has turned brown due to hard water.
If you plan on using the hot tub frequently, and for large parties, you can even offload the maintenance to a third-party company. This will give you premium services for a few hundred pounds per month, but the peace of mind is invaluable.
Energy Consumption
An average hot tub uses between 90 and 225 kWh of energy per month, depending on how often you use it. This is the energy needed to heat the water and keep it at that temperature. At the current variable charge rate of 24.86p/kWh, that’s between £22 and £55 per month.
Accessories and Add-Ons
A thermal cover can cost quite a bit, in the range of a few hundred pounds. However, it makes maintenance much easier, as it prevents most debris from falling into the water. A cover also keeps the internal temperature more stable and slows evaporation, improving the hot tub’s overall energy efficiency. Therefore, adding one can actually lower your monthly hot tub costs.
Accessibility add-ons like steps and railings can also add a few hundred pounds to the total cost, but the added safety is practically priceless. Beyond that, optional hot tub accessories can quickly start hiking up the price, from entertainment options to aromatherapy features.
How to Choose the Right Hot Tub for Your Budget
With all these price ranges in mind, how could you possibly find one that fits you? Well, start with your total budget and work from there.
Prioritize Features
If you have a budget in mind, then you might already have specific limits to how many different types of jets you can have in the hot tub. Make sure to determine exactly what you must have in the hot tub before going over the add-ons and “nice-to-haves.” If you think you won’t get much use of a particular feature, it might be better to ignore it for now and look for an independently installed alternative later.
Evaluate Space and Capacity Needs
Hot tubs can be deceptively large, with even the smaller models being at least 2 metres by 1.5 metres in size. That means that you’ll likely need to plan the space for the hot tub meticulously, especially depending on how you want it to fit in your house or outdoors. Adding steps or ramps for accessibility will just increase the space demands.
Additionally, check the nominal capacity of the hot tub against your plans for it. If you want to spend some quality time relaxing with your partner, you might not need anything more than the small-sized 2- or 3-person hot tub. However, if you want to host parties and include your friends and family, then go for bigger models.
Consider Long-Term Value
It’s best to think of a hot tub as an investment rather than a cost. After all, it’s a luxury item to provide a premium service at home. When carefully maintained, a hot tub can last for up to 20 years, but you might be more willing to upgrade after 10 or so years of use. That means that you’ll be spending 10 years’ worth of electricity and maintenance costs on that hot tub. With that in mind, it’s clear why energy-efficient high-end hot tubs can be much more valuable than they seem.
Set a Realistic Budget
Once again, there’s far more in the cost of the hot tub than the price tag you see on the item. Therefore, when setting your budget, make sure you’re accounting for the hidden costs of installation, delivery, and any add-on features. For easy reference, about two-thirds of your hot tub cost will go to the tub itself, with the rest being the special features, routine energy costs, and maintenance expenses.
Test Before You Buy
If you have the opportunity, visit in-person showrooms to check out exactly what features are available for hot tubs and how each will fit with your vision of a perfect model. Test out various jets and massage modes to see which ones are the must-haves in your hot tubs, then cross-reference them with your wish list. If you’re buying online, check customer reviews or general company information, as it will allow you to determine whether you’re getting your money’s worth.
Why Choose Wellis for Your Hot Tub?
Wellis is Europe’s premier hot tub and personal spa manufacturer, with customers both in Europe and across the pond. Our designs focus on delivering the perfect blend of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and feature-rich experiences to bring the luxury of a high-end spa right into the comfort of your home. Whatever you need from your luxury hot tub, you can find it with Wellis, all at an affordable price.