Start by figuring out your budget so you know where to start looking. Next, think about what you want out of your hot tub experience — how you intend to use the tub will determine the features you want to look for.
1. Figure out your budget
Upfront costs to purchase and install a hard-shell hot tub range anywhere from $2,000 to $18,000. If your budget is under $2,000, start by looking online for hard-shell portable or inflatable tubs, sometimes referred to as soft tubs. (You don’t need to hire an installer for either of these types of hot tubs.)
Bargain hot tubs have a cheaper price tag, but energy-efficient models are a better investment because they are less expensive to run and require less ongoing maintenance. If you plan to enjoy the tub for many years, paying a little more upfront might be worth it to you.
Keep in mind that you can negotiate hot tub prices — the first price you see online or in a showroom isn’t always the best you can get. Dealers also offer financing specials and promotions, such as 0% financing or low interest rates. Additional low-cost options include purchasing a used or refurbished hot tub, though doing this requires a bit more research and caution to ensure you’re getting a legitimate product.
Don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs, such as chemicals and maintenance, to your budget. Typically, it costs around $1 a day to operate a hot tub. Some of the new energy-efficient hot tubs only cost about $20 per month to run.
2. Decide what size and features you want
Choose the size of your hot tub based on the number of people who will use it. Large hot tubs are better for entertaining, but smaller tubs are better for relaxing or intimate experiences.
Hot tubs designed to accommodate two to three people are considered “small.” Most small hot tubs are approximately 3 feet high, 6 feet wide and 5 feet long, holding about 300 gallons of water. Large hot tubs, which can fit up to eight people or more, are usually about 4.5 feet high with a diameter of 6 feet and hold up to 850 gallons of water.
Consider which hot tub benefits are most important to you when choosing features. For example, hydrotherapy massage jets are great for reducing pain and inflammation. If you’re more interested in entertainment, look into LED lighting packages, stereo setups and lounge seating.
Different hot tub styles can complement the environment and set the tone for bathers. For instance, exterior cabinets (the part that everybody sees) are available in a variety of materials, colors, patterns and textures. Remember, a hot tub is meant to be a seamless addition to your home decor, and the style and design of the shell and cabinet should reflect your personality and aesthetic.
Something to keep in mind
A brand might say a hot tub is made for five or six people, but pay attention to the dimensions. In general, an 83-inch by 83-inch model can comfortably fit about four adults — three if someone is using the “lounger.”
3. Compare hot tub models and reviews
As with most big purchases, it’s smart to make a list of three or four brands that appeal to you. Make notes of options that stand out, such as particular cabinet designs, styles of jets or seating arrangements.
Once you have your short list, you can learn a lot by reading reviews. Look out for red flags related to installation, warranty or customer service. With a hot tub, you don’t usually have to communicate with customer service unless something goes wrong.
To get the best deal, compare prices from multiple dealers and keep an eye out for promotional discounts. Retailers typically host sales each season, so you might wait to see if the price on a particular model you like goes down. You can also sometimes find great hot tub deals at state fairs or home and garden shows. Usually you will find the best pricing in fall and winter.
Look for companies that offer a warranty in case something goes wrong. It’s even better to “try it before you buy it.” If possible, visit a hot tub showroom and schedule a test soak.
4. Complete hot tub installation
Most hot tubs are fairly easy to get up and running with professional installation. Above-ground hot tubs are commonly placed on a concrete slab or reinforced deck. The location just needs to have enough structural strength to support the tub when full of water and people.
Decide where you want the tub to go before the delivery day. When picking a spot, consider your comfort and convenience. For instance, if you live in an area with cold, snowy winters, try to put the spa close to a door for easy access. If you have long stretches of warm months, under a gazebo might be a better place.
If your tub is going to be installed by a professional, here are a few tips to make the process a bit easier:
- Check the width of sidewalks, doors or gates that could cause obstruction.
- Check for overhead issues, including rain gutters or overhanging branches.
- Remove obstacles like plants, outdoor furniture or outdoor grills.
You might also need electrical access, depending on how much voltage the tub requires. Check your local building codes and zoning laws to be sure they allow for the installation of hot tubs without a permit.
5. Shop hot tub accessories and upgrades
Picking the right hot tub is only half the game — the other half includes outfitting the tub with the right accessories and safety measures for guests. Accessories like covers, spa pillows and steps improve the functionality and appearance of your hot tub. Accessories can be purchased at any time, so you don’t have to get everything all at once.
- Hot tub cover: Hot tubs usually come with a standard cover, but for tubs that are left unattended for long periods, such as those in a second home, a coverall can significantly increase the life of the hot tub and the tub surround. Spa covers help lock in the hot tub’s heat to reduce water evaporation, which lowers owners’ energy costs. Consider a solar-powered cover for possible additional savings on energy costs.
- Cover lifter: Hot tub covers can be heavy and difficult to put on and take off. A cover lifter makes it easy to lift heavy hot tub covers.
- Spa pillows: Spa pillows, headrests and cushions are an inexpensive way to make your hot tub even more comfortable. Hot tub pillows are usually made of rubberized plastic, with suction cups to hold them in place.
- Spa steps: Being submerged in a bubbling hot tub is a relaxing way to end the day, but getting into the hot tub can be a challenge. Hot tub steps with anti-slip material reduce the danger of accidental falls. Spa steps are portable stairs that make getting in and out of your hot tub easier. Most of the top hot tub brands also sell spa steps that seamlessly blend into the exterior.
- Hot tub surrounds: Many companies sell modular components so you can add benches, seating, tables and storage around your hot tub. Surrounds are a smart alternative if you don’t already have a deck for your hot tub.
- Cup holders: Hot tub cup holders are waterproof and inflatable. If your hot tub doesn’t come with standard cup holders, aftermarket cup holders are a smart way to prevent spills.
- Spa lighting: Even if you opt out of built-in lighting features, you can add aftermarket light strips that create a colorful environment. Many lighting accessories for hot tubs are solar-powered and float.
- Gazebo or pergola: A gazebo or pergola increases your hot tub’s privacy. A gazebo is a free-standing structure with a roof. Pergolas are open structures with vertical posts and open-lattice roofing.
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