How Much Does a Hot Tub Really Cost?

A hot tub is something that everyone wants in their backyard, a place to relax, unwind and even socialize. If this is your first time looking for a hot tub, then the first question in your mind is, “How much does a hot tub cost?” Well, there are two answers to this question.

The first cost is the basic retail price of the hot tub; the other more nuanced cost is the cost of operating and maintaining the hot tub. Today, we will discuss how much it costs to run a hot tub, as it may vary depending on your location, usage, and more.

The Hot Tub

Before you start, you have to purchase the hot tub of your choice. Hot tub prices can vary depending on special features, size, energy efficiency, etc.

Hot tubs fall under broad classifications that help you select the hot tub best suited for your house and budget.

• • The first type is a base, entry-level hot tub; these generally have fewer jets and are usually made of less expensive plastic or acrylic. These tubs also provide base-level insulation (This is an area of concern if you are purchasing your hot tub for colder climates)
  • Next, we have the value for money, budget-friendly hot tubs. These are a noticeable upgrade from the entry-level ones. They have a higher quality acrylic and better insulation. Their jets also have higher pressure and target focal points. At this range, you also get enhanced features like water spouts, LED lights, and more, depending on the company.
  • Opt for premium quality if you want to splurge a little and get the best hot tubs. Yes, it will be a bit more expensive due to their build and premium-grade materials. You will not need to shell out on repairs and maintenance often. They have numerous jets that provide hydrotherapy massages; some models might even include air jets to focus on your sore muscles. With LED lights, Bluetooth speakers, and electronic controls, these hot tubs are all about comfort and convenience.
  • You can step it up a notch and go for the cream of the crop, luxury hot tubs. With all the features imaginable, these hot tubs are basically created to replicate your vision of the perfect hot tub. Luxury hot tubs are generally customizable according to the customer’s needs; therefore, this pricing ultimately depends on the customer.

Installation Of The Hot Tub

One thing that you possibly cannot DIY is the installation of your hot tub. Leave this task to the professionals. Depending on which company you have decided to buy your hot tub from, they might offer installation services. Always opt for installation provided by the company. But for the installation process, estimate a minimum of a few hundred dollars.

The price might vary depending on how far your home is, ease of transport, and installation. The cost can fluctuate from anywhere between $150 to $500.

Installation Preparation

Site preparation is where it can cost a little more money than anticipated. If you already have a deck or a patio, you are lucky. You just need to ensure that the deck/patio can tolerate the weight of a filled hot tub. But if you need to build it from scratch, the cost can rise substantially. The same goes for in-ground hot tubs as site preparation can cost you more money.

Electricity

Electricity is a crucial factor in the operation of hot tubs. The first thing that you need to know is that the insulation of your hot tub can play a massive role in the cost of electricity. A well-insulated hot tub can consume less electricity than cheaper-built ones. Depending on your model and usage, your monthly electricity costs can range from $20-$40.

You also need to ensure that you have a proper electrical outlet installed, which has to be a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) that automatically shuts off power when any ground fault occurs. Several hot tub companies offer electrical services to give you the best results.

Water Needs

Surprisingly, water is not one of the most significant expenses for hot tubs, as one may suspect. Depending on the size of your hot tub and the number of refills, you can do a quick average on how much your water cost might increase. Also, you do not need to drain your hot tub every time; instead, it is only done every two to three months. So, an average-sized hot tub can increase your water bill by only a few dollars.

Chemicals For Your Hot Tub

The word chemicals tend to scare many people, but when you have anything like a hot tub, you need chemicals to keep your hot tub clean and sanitized. The primary sanitizing chemical that is required is chlorine. You also require tester strips that ensure that you can monitor the pH, alkalinity, calcium, and chlorine levels of your water at least twice every week.

If there are fluctuations in the water levels, the entire hot tub experience is not enjoyable. Depending on the size of your hot tub, you can estimate approximately $15-$25 on the chemical maintenance. Companies often provide water services for their hot tub; you can also choose to avail of that option.

Maintenance and Repair

Maintenance and repair are essential if you want to keep your hot tub running for years to come. Ideally, you should not require a lot of repairs for brand-new hot tubs, but you shouldn’t overlook maintenance as it can cause damage if ignored.

Some include cleaning and replacing filters every 5-6 months to ensure proper functioning. You should also invest in cleaning supplies such as vacuum cleaners and more. This is where you can rack up a few hundred dollars depending on what maintenance or repairs are needed on your hot tub.

Where To Get The Best Hot Tubs In Toronto

Now that we know the answer to “how much does it cost to run a hot tub?”,

let us look at the best providers of hot tubs in Toronto. Get premium quality hot tubs only from Northern Spas and enjoy a luxurious escape in your backyard. Northern spas also offer quick delivery and an efficient installation team that ensures quick installation.

They also have chemical service to maintain the pristine quality of the water and a service team who are there for any repair and maintenance needs. To learn more about Northern Spas, contact us at 905-503-0049 or mail us at sales@northernspas.ca.