Pricing for new and used hot tubs

Hot tub and spa prices vary widely, depending on the size and features. You can spend approximately $1,000 for a basic portable model that seats three or spend around $15,000 for a huge, top-of-the-line model that seats 10 and has digital lighting and sound. Most models fall somewhere in the $4,000–$7,000 range.

Don’t forget though, the purchase price isn’t the end of your expenses. Be sure to budget for shipping and installation, sanitation, upkeep, and the energy it will take to power your hot tub or spa. You can expect to pay between $10 and $60 per month in power costs—most buyers find their costs average around $20 to $40 per month. Water maintenance supplies like chemicals and replacement filters can cost from $50 to $300 per year, depending on the tub and usage. See what other BuyerZone users paid for their hot tubs.

Used hot tubs
The market for used hot tubs is relatively small, for a couple of reasons. Tubs that are permanently set into decks or belowground are not good candidates for resale, and portable tubs are often moved from one home to the next. However, if you can find a used hot tub that fits your needs, you can save quite a bit of money—potentially thousands of dollars on higher-end models.

Be sure to test it out—make sure you see the tub filled with water and up to temperature before you buy it, as small leaks or heating-element failures can be hard to spot. Most importantly, you should still buy your tub from a reputable dealer—you’ll want to be able to return the tub or get necessary repairs in case anything does go wrong.

Shipping and installation
There are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare for delivery of your hot tub or spa. It helps to have a level surface selected for the tub—usually a concrete slab, porch, or deck that has been designed to bear the hot tub’s weight. If the model you choose requires electrical wiring, it’s not a bad idea to have that work done in advance so you can start enjoying your tub or spa as soon as possible.

Delivery and setup, if not included in your price, can run several hundreds of dollars. Not surprisingly, shipping and installation costs also vary depending on the model you select. A hot tub that is assembled on site will cost a lot more to install than a one-piece plastic spa. Inset tubs or spas will cost more than aboveground models. Make sure the dealer you choose walks through the installation requirements with you carefully to give you a complete estimate.