Hot Tub Prices: How Much Does it Cost to Own a Hot Tub?

 

 

Hot tub pricing depends on many different factors.

If you’re in the market for a great HotSpring hot tub this year, we’re here to answer any and all questions you may have about the process and purchase.  We’ll be covering hot tub design, prices, where you should be shopping, and other factors to consider.

If you’re in East Texas and want us to go over this in person, or over the phone, don’t hesitate to contact us!

What Makes a Great Hot Tub?

The first question we want to ask is what goes into making a great quality hot tub? Just like shopping for a car, shopping for a hot tub should be viewed as an investment. It’s important to do your research and decide what types of features you may want and need. It’s possible that after all of your research you will decide that a basic hot tub is a good fit for you. But, you also might decide that having a high-quality build, extra jets, and LED lights is something you care about. Either way, you won’t really know how you feel until you do your research. A well-thought-out decision is one that will never leave you wondering.

Size

It’s pretty much the same with everything in life — big things cost more than small things. This is true of hot tubs, cars, and even hamburgers! But that’s not to say bigger is always better.  For example, a large hot tub may take up more room on your deck and cost a few bucks more to run, so if the spa will be for just you and a spouse you might want to opt for a hot tub made for 2-3 people.

Features

Apart from finding a hot tub that doubles as a time machine, you can pretty much have the hot tub of your dreams, but know that it’s going to cost you.

Engineering, Quality, and Design

While you’re doing your research, you’ll begin to notice that some hot tubs just look a little sturdier and a little swankier than others. You want to be aware of the range of quality builds available on the market.

Hot Tub Prices

ENTRY-LEVEL HOT TUBS

Range of $3,000 to $5,000

This category of hot tubs typically offers very few features. The upside of this equation, however, is that they’re very affordable, making them an ideal choice for first-time home buyers or anyone on a budget. Most entry-level hot tubs are rotationally-molded. This means the exterior has been molded out of durable plastic. While plastic isn’t always aesthetically as pleasing as other materials, it does have the positive benefit of being very lightweight, which makes these tubs easy to move and transport. The price range frequently features a “plug and play” electrical set-up, which means that heating your tub is as easy as plugging in your cell phone. Just fill the tub up with a garden hose and you’re ready.

VALUE-PRICED HOT TUBS

Range of $4,000 to $8,000

This is the category of trade-offs. In this price range, we see either one of two things. In the first scenario, we see tubs including visible features that would be considered upgrades to owners of entry-level tubs. Features are nice, of course, but look closely. Some manufacturers will design tubs that are great on the outside but lacking in essential features like good insulation, causing monthly costs to be higher than necessary.

In the second scenario, we see tubs that are very similar in appearance and function entry-level tubs, but are actually sturdier on the inside. They may be built with components that keep the tub running for a long time, or may offer excellent customer service and/or warranties.

PREMIUM HOT TUBS

Range of $6,000 to $10,000

Premium is premium. You’re going to have to shell out for it! This is the category of no trade-offs. Have your cake and eat it too. Enjoy numerous jets, lighting features, top-notch filtration systems, water care options, etc, and rest assured that your tub is healthy on the inside, too. Your new tub will also likely include excellent customer service and warranty coverage.

LUXURY HOT TUBS

Range of $9,000 to $16,000+

Hot tubs in this price range are the Maseratis of spas. We’re doubtful of its existence, but if you look hard enough you may even discover that hot tub time machine you’ve been looking for.  Keep the dream alive.  A hot tub of this value will likely last 10 to 20 years, so keep that in mind. For 10 or 20 years you will enjoy incredible hydrotherapy massages in a gorgeously-designed tub, the lowest in energy costs, purified water, and other features that enhance the overall experience.

Other Factors

Geographic Location

Monthly energy costs can vary based on your physical location and its climate. Because hot tubs are hot, you’re going to spend more heating your tub in Alaska than Longview, Texas.

It costs more to buy citrus fruits in Minnesota than it does near the shade groves of central Florida, right? Well, you can expect dealer prices to vary depending on your location based on the following:

  • Dealer location and freight costs from the manufacturer
  • Dealer overhead and other store costs
  • Dealer-provided services included with the sale

If you’re in East Texas, there’s no doubt that the best hot tub prices in Longview, Tyler, and elsewhere will come from East Texas Spa!

Find the Best Spa Dealer in Texas

When purchasing a product that can last up to 20 years, it’s important to choose a dealer wisely. It’s almost like entering a marriage! A dealer should provide excellent service that makes owning a hot tub easy, affordable, and stress-free.

Here are a few questions to consider when evaluating local dealers:

  • Do they offer service, as well as sales?
  • How long have they been in business?  Fly-by-night or established business?
  • How large is the dealership?  Is it a one person shop or are there are a few folks behind the counter?

If you’re looking for a hot tub dealer in East Texas, give us a call today or stop by a showroom!

More Affordable Options

With all this in mind, it’s time we cover another couple of options – pre-owned hot tubs and financing.

Pre-Owned Hot Tubs

If you’re not excited about the idea of buying a hot tub off of Craigslist, you’re not alone. Lots of dealerships actually buy back used hot tubs from previous customers, shine them up so they’re almost good as new, and put them back on the local market.

Financing

Making monthly payments can be a great option for a wide variety of reasons. If you think financing may fit your budget, check out our article on the benefits of paying for a hot tub with monthly payments.