Hot Tubs: Creating a Budget

You have to know all the costs associated with buying and operating a hot tub before you can create a budget. Here’s where to start.

Cost of Owning a Hot Tub Upfront: You can spend anywhere from $3,500 for a modest two-person tub to more than $50,000 for a 10-person tub equipped with a host of amenities, such as a gazebo, TV, snack bar, towel warmers and more.

Down the road: Insulated cabinets are a must-have for colder climates. They’ll save you substantially on costs to operate; in fact, a well-insulated tub only will increase your electrical bill by $10 to $40 a month, depending on the tub’s size and amenities.

Additional Costs

In addition to the tub’s cost, you’ll invest in other materials and construction services. While prices by region will differ, these ballpark estimates for typical extras will give you a starting point.

• City/county building permit and inspections: $25 to $100 or more
• Creation of a concrete pad, pavers or wood deck: $2,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on size and style
• Engineer to certify a wood deck is structurally sound: $100 to $250
• Electrician to run a 220-volt line to tub: $250 and up
• Insulated vinyl hot tub cover: $300 to $500
• Cover lift system (recommended): $125 to $350
• Floating thermal blanket to save energy: $50 to $100
• Floating bubble blanket to save a little energy: $15 to $25
• Wooden steps to get in and out of the tub: $100 to $350
• Wood deck counter space around tub: $600 or more
• Lighting for walkway and tub: $500 and up
• Gazebo enclosure, since many folks grow weary of snow or rain on their heads: $5,000 to $9,000 or more, depending on size and features
• The cost of chemicals and cleaning tools