What are hot tub installation costs like?
Hot tub installation costs include the foundation, electrical, delivery, accessories, and chemicals. These costs vary depending on the type and size of the hot tub. The cost to install an average-sized hot tub could range between $1,000 and $3,000.
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This is no different for hot tubs as they do require certain requirements to ensure they are installed safely and are properly maintained.
In this article, I will discuss hot tub installation costs and some different variable costs that may be required for your hot tub to be set up properly.
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Hot Tub Installation Cost: Why it Matters
Hot tub installation costs matter because having a plan and knowing what the outcome will be is the most important thing in any meaningful project.
The cost of a hot tub could be more or less than what I might expect based on factors such as electrical, plumbing, delivery, accessories, water access, drainage, and a proper foundation.
However, for some people, many of these variable costs may already be taken care of. This means the final cost of installing a hot tub really depends on the infrastructure of your home and what is already included.
You may also find that when you ask this important question to those who are selling you a hot tub, they may often reply with “it depends” without being specific to a dollar amount. This is because they simply don’t know.
In this article, we’ll go through the experience of purchasing and setting up a hot tub from start to finish and list the cost ranges of installing a hot tub.
5 Above Ground Hot Tub Installation Cost Fundamentals
In this section, I will talk about above-ground, hard-sided hot tubs and the cost associated with installing them.
Above-ground hot tubs cost anywhere from $5,000 – $20,000 dollars and often require delivery, a foundation, proper electrical from your home, water, accessories, and chemicals.
I will talk about these 5 different variables below.
1. Hot Tub Foundation
Having a proper foundation is important for any hot tub. It ensures the structural stability of the hot tub, so it is not stressed in any way. Having a proper foundation is often required to ensure warranties remain intact for the hot tub itself.
It is also important to make sure the foundation is properly put together to ensure the foundation does not move or warp in any way. This is especially important to watch for when the hot tub is placed on top of the foundation or during the winter months as temperatures start to decrease.
Foundation does not necessarily mean concrete slabs, but it would certainly do the trick. However, there are foundation kits that do exist which require a core base, gravel, and a solid level of dirt that is well compacted.
These foundation kits can be found at different home hardware stores or your local landscaping retailer.
An example of a hot tub foundation kit would be this one from coregravel.ca where they break down exactly what the foundation is supposed to be made of.
Concrete slabs for a 10 X 10 foundation could cost between $4,000 to $6,000 dollars to install. However, if you already have a sturdy concrete or brick patio, then this has already been taken care of.
Wood decks are tricky… You want to be extremely careful about the type of weight your wood deck can handle. Many wood decks can hold a full-sized hot tub. If the wood deck cannot handle the weight, getting it properly enforced could cost several thousands of dollars. So, it is important to talk to a professional about weight distribution.
Another product to potentially use is an EZ Pad. EZ Pads are foundation products that distribute weight evenly over a level ground surface.
EZ Pads cost between $300 and $1,300 dollars and are easy to install.
2. Hot Tub Electrical
Electrical costs for hot tubs are probably the most significant and are often required with every installation. This is because hot tubs often require a direct connection to a circuit breaker which also connects to the main electrical panel in your home.
Depending on the length of distance between your main electrical panel and your hot tub could determine the cost of the electrical requirement. This cost is calculated based on the cost of the cable if the main circuit breaker needs to be replaced, and the paid time for a certified electrician to come and properly install everything.
What’s important to consider is many local hot tub retailers and electrical services are well aware of how much hot tub installations cost. It could range from $500 to $2000 dollars depending on the size of the project. Getting their professional opinion is important since they have probably done it more than a few times.
Getting more than one quote from professional electricians is also a good way to gauge how much a hot tub electrical installation will cost you.
Remember, electricity is no easy business. You want to get it done properly for your safety and the safety and well-being of your hot tub.
The monthly cost to maintain electricity for your hot tub also largely depends on where you are in the world. Typically your spending less than a dollar per day to maintain and heat your hot tub. So each month is between $15 and $30 depending on the size of your hot tub and how much the water needs to be heated.
3. Hot Tub Delivery
The delivery service of a hot tub can largely depend on how you purchase your hot tub.
If your hot tub is used or is being sold privately then the chances are you will have to pay for a delivery service to deliver your hot tub safely.
Sometimes this may require lift equipment like a crane and a small team of professionals to bring your hot tub into your backyard. This delivery service could cost anywhere between $500 $3000 dollars depending on the location of your home. If your home is located in a remote destination you will probably have to pay a higher price to get your hot tub properly delivered and installed.
If you’re buying your hot tub new through a local retailer, the chances are the retailer will handle the cost of delivery of your hot tub. This is usually the case in large cities where the delivery service does not need to travel long distances with the hot tub.
4. Hot Tub Accessories
Accessories for your hot tub are essential for ensuring a comfortable hot tub experience. For example, having stairs and a towel rack may be important addons to buy with your hot tub so you are able to get in and out and have a place for your towel.
However, these accessories do tend to add up costing hundreds of dollars during the purchase process.
High-quality steps for your hot tub could range between $100 to $300 depending on the brand and materials.
A towel rack might cost $100 or more.
A proper got tub cover could cost $200 to $400 depending on the brand and thickness.
It is important to keep in mind that hot tub accessories are often included with the purchase of a new hot tub.
With a warranty, the hot tub retailer may even provide discount deals on these accessories to ensure the best experience possible.
5. Hot Tub Chemicals
Hot tub chemicals are a necessary expense to ensure your hot tub remains clean, usable, and enjoyable, but it does come with a cost.
Chemicals for water care often include chlorine, PH balancer, spa softener, testing kits, and other chemicals based on the manufacturer and their requirements.
These products also contribute to the running cost of a hot tub as they are constantly needed to keep the hot tub usable.
When first filling up your hot tub, these chemicals all together may cost between $50 to $150 depending on the size of your hot tub.
Expect to use up to $20 of chemical each month to keep your hot tub clean. This amount also depends on how much your hot tub is being used.
Hot tub filters are also a consumable accessory that adds to the running cost of your spa. They range between $20 and $60 per filter depending on the size of your hot tub and how much you use it. It is generally a good idea to replace the filters every couple of months but check with the manufacturer to make sure.
Another hot tub accessory might be a sump pump and hose to drain your hot tub. A small sump pump might cost between $50 and $150 depending on how amazing it is and how much time it takes to drain your hot tub. Generally, the cheaper ones are just fine.
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Learn MoreAbove Ground Hot Tub Installation Cost: How Much?
The hot tub installation cost for an above-ground hot tub could range between $1,000 to $3,000 typically. The running cost of the hot tub is then added on top of the cost of installing the hot tub which is anywhere between $30 to $100 per month.
In-Ground Hot Tub Installation Cost
In-ground hot tub installation is significantly more money than installing an above-ground hot tub or integrating an above-ground hot tub into a wood deck or patio.
The cost to construct and install an in-ground hot tub will involve planning, landscaping, excavation, electrical, plumbing, the hot tub shell, tile and coping, a maintenance cost.
Below I will discuss some of these costs in more detail.
In-ground Hot Tub Excavation
According to Home Advisor, the typical amount for land excavation and grading is between $1,437 and $5,073.
This cost reflects the excavation of a small area of land where the in-ground hot tub would be constructed.
Any grass, trees, rocks, and other obstacles would have to be cleared for the hot tub to be properly constructed.
The added labor costs would also be significant.
In-ground Hot Tub Concrete
According to Fixr, the typical concrete pool costs about $55 to $75 per square foot depending on the construction type. For example, if the pool is a simple square shape, the cost per square foot would be cheaper. But if the pool is larger with different shapes, then it would cost more to construct. This is no different for hot tubs.
In-ground Hot Tub Shell
Crafting a shell for an in-ground hot tub is probably the simpler way to go if the hot tub has a basic shape.
A 4-person seated hot tub shell might cost $4,000 dollars to be properly constructed.
In-ground Hot Tub Tile and Coping
Tiling your hot tub is usually the most common way people go about finishing their hot tubs. A 4-person hot tub may cost anywhere between $800 to $1,500 to be properly finished.
Coping a hot tub may also be an option and is usually done for larger pools. Coping can range between $10 to $60 dollars depending on the material used which includes paver, brick, and stone.
Electrical and Plumbing
Installing electrical and plumbing for your in-ground hot tub will cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on the size of the hot tub and how complex the electrical and plumbing requirements are.
This cost figure would be relatable for a 4-person hot tub. But if you have multiple pumps, a sound system, lighting, and a high-performance heating system, then the cost tends to get larger.
Hot Tub Installation Cost Conclusion
Hot tub installation costs can be significant but are worth it in the end.
Everything from delivery, accessories, electrical, and water maintenance all adds up to a quality hot tub experience.
I hope you found this article helpful when it comes to pricing out the installation of your hot tub.
If you’re thinking of maybe buying an inflatable hot tub because of the cheaper costs, check out our article for the best options!
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James Brockbank
Stop wasting time and money with hot tub maintenance and confusing water chemistry! Get Instant access to this easy-to-use book and video course so you can spend less time cleaning and more time soaking.
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