The True Cost of Owning a Hot Tub: Is It Affordable?
Carla Massey
Owner & MD | World-Class Hot Tubs, Swim Spas, Saunas & Ice Baths | Oxfordshire
Owning a hot tub can be a significant investment, with various upfront and ongoing costs that extend beyond the initial purchase. As experts in our field, we’ve put together an expanded breakdown of what it will cost to own and maintain a hot tub in your backyard:
1. Preparing Your Outdoor Area: ￡650 – ￡4500
Your outdoor area may need substantial preparation before installing a hot tub, particularly reinforcing the base. As mentioned by MyBuilder, a concrete slab costs between ￡65 and ￡85 per square metre in 2024. For a 10 square metre area, this equates to:
You then need to allow for labour/groundwork costs but can waive these if you are laying them yourself. If you plan to install your hot tub onto or around a deck, this will add to the overall preparation cost.
Adding a Decking Area: ￡1,000 – ￡4,500
A decking area around your hot tub can provide a stylish finish and easier access, especially if you choose to incorporate seating or lighting. Decking costs vary depending on materials and design, but generally, the following estimates apply:
For a typical decking area of 10 to 15 square metres, this adds between ￡1,000 and ￡3,000 for softwood and ￡1,500 to ￡4,500 for hardwood or composite. This doesn’t include any extra features like built-in seating, steps, or rails, which will raise the overall cost. A well-planned deck can also make future maintenance easier and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your backyard.
Sinking Your Hot Tub (Sunken Hot Tub): ￡1,500 – ￡6,000+
If you're considering a sunken hot tub, where the hot tub is partially or fully recessed into the ground, this can significantly add to the installation cost. Excavation work, reinforcing the area, and ensuring proper drainage are crucial to avoid structural issues over time.
A sunken hot tub creates a sleek, modern look but requires careful planning. It’s important to work with experienced contractors to ensure your hot tub is supported and water is properly drained away to prevent long-term damage.
For more information on choosing the right base, read WhatSpa’s comprehensive Hot Tub Base Guide.
2. Electrical Wiring and Installation: ￡600 – ￡1,200
Installing the electrical system for your hot tub will require a licensed electrician to ensure it’s done safely. These costs can vary and can depend on the age of your home and the complexity of the job. For example, homes with outdated wiring or the need for an underground conduit will incur higher costs.
Homes with pre-existing outdoor wiring from previous pools or hot tubs may see lower installation costs. Regular inspections will ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
3. Hot Tub Purchase: ￡5,000 – ￡25,000
The price of the hot tub itself depends on its size, model, and features. Entry-level models, which are cheaper upfront, often come with fewer jets, more basic controls, and lower energy efficiency. They usually require a 120V electrical outlet and have shorter warranties.
Higher-end models offer more customisations, better insulation, and advanced features that could save you money in the long run due to lower maintenance and energy costs.
For an in-depth look into hot tub options in Oxfordshire, check our Hot Tub Choices in Oxfordshire article which includes a breakdown on price ranges.
4. Hot Tub Delivery: Standard vs Specialist Options
Hot tub delivery isn’t as simple as dropping it off at your door. Depending on your property’s access and layout, you may need to consider different delivery methods to ensure a smooth installation.
4a. Standard Delivery: ￡500
For properties with easy access, standard delivery is typically sufficient. This includes transport of the hot tub to your home and placement in the desired location, provided the delivery team can navigate through your property without any obstructions.
4b. Specialist Delivery: ￡800 – ￡1,500+
If your property has restricted access or obstacles like walls, fences, or narrow passageways, specialist delivery services may be required. This can involve more advanced equipment such as cranes to safely position the hot tub in your garden.
Crane hire is necessary when a hot tub needs to be lifted over walls, fences, or even houses due to limited access.
For example, lifting a hot tub over your house may push costs towards the upper range of ￡1,000 or more, depending on the height and complexity of the lift. We recommend consulting a professional crane hire company to assess your specific needs.
Garden Fence Access
If your garden access is restricted by fences, you have two options:
Crane lift over the fence: If you prefer not to dismantle your fence, a crane can be used to lift the hot tub over the fence, although this will add to your overall costs.
领英推荐
4c. Site Survey and Recommendations
We strongly recommend arranging a site survey with your hot tub provider or a specialist delivery company. They will assess your property’s access points and determine the best route for delivery, helping you avoid unnecessary costs or complications. A professional assessment ensures a seamless and stress-free installation.
5. Added Accessories: Custom Costs
You can personalise your hot tub with a variety of accessories, including:
You can further customise the cabinet (e.g. oak, mahogany) and shell materials (e.g., porcelain, platinum), but keep in mind these extras will add to the total cost.
6. Chemical Maintenance: ￡20/month
Maintaining water quality in your hot tub requires monthly chemical treatments. These include:
The total cost for these chemicals averages around ￡20 per month, or ￡240 per year. If you use the hot tub frequently, these costs may increase as you'll need to maintain higher water quality levels.
7. Increased Energy and Water Bills: ￡30 – ￡250/month
This is the big one and often one that Hot Tub salespeople don’t talk about enough. The increase in your energy bill depends on factors like your hot tub's size, model, insulation, and how often you use it. Below are the key contributors to energy consumption:
Energy Consumption Factors:
For an energy-efficient hot tub used three to four times per week for 30–45 minutes, the estimated cost is ￡1.00 to ￡1.30 per day.
Source: What Spa
Less efficient models or frequent usage can push these costs significantly higher, potentially five to six times more if the hot tub has poor insulation.
To make the best decision, it’s important to consider purchasing a brand of hot tub certified by the California Energy Commission. This certification ensures that the hot tub meets strict energy efficiency standards, potentially saving you money on operating costs in the long run. You can learn more about these certifications at California Energy Commission.
In this article, we haven’t touched on Air Source Heat Pumps, but we will explore this in a future piece, so watch this space. It’s important to note that although Air Source Heat Pumps involve upfront costs, they could greatly reduce energy consumption and operating expenses over time, making them a valuable long-term investment.
8. Servicing and Repairs: ￡150 – ￡500/year
Regular servicing is crucial to extend the life of your hot tub. Costs vary based on the type of maintenance required. Common services include filter replacement, deep cleaning, and water pump maintenance. According to Checkatrade, typical servicing costs are:
For more serious repairs, such as fixing heating elements or faulty pumps, the price can rise. Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of costly repairs and ensures the hot tub stays in good condition. Checkatrade offers a detailed breakdown of these costs.
Much like keeping a car, the more you maintain and service it, the longer it will last. Staying on top of regular upkeep not only extends the life of your hot tub but also improves its performance over time.
When it comes to repairs, warranty coverage is key—the devil is in the detail. A good manufacturer's warranty will save you money and provide peace of mind, covering certain repairs and helping you avoid unexpected costs.
Total Cost Breakdown
Total annual costs are between ￡800 and ￡3750.
Conclusion
While a premium hot tub may cost more initially, the investment invariably pays off in the long run. Superior insulation, more efficient heating, and better build quality often result in lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and less maintenance over time. Over 5 years, the upfront cost of a high-end model could balance out or even save you money compared to a cheaper, less efficient model. So, while the first-year investment may be greater, you could find yourself spending less on upkeep and running costs over the lifetime of the tub.?
Remember a good quality well maintained Hot Tub can last 20 years and beyond.
To wrap things up, we couldn't resist sharing another great crane image to close out the article.
#HotTub #HomeInvestment #LuxuryLiving #OutdoorSpaces #HotTubMaintenance #HomeImprovement #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableLiving
Business Matchmaker | Sassy Pitch delivering passionate professional persistent B2B Telemarketing & Telesales for SME's. Converting connections & conversations into Sales.
1 个月Great article Carla Massey and so much to think about prior to buying a hottub. But I guess it's down to the individual....can you put a price on your health and wellbeing? Afterall, it's more expensive to be ill than not. I'm still working on Mr W...watch this space!