Is an expensive hot tub worth it? | Jacuzzi® Help Center

Owning a hot tub is a great way to bring relaxation, comfort, and entertainment into your home or backyard sanctuary. A hot tub can provide you and your loved ones with fun and soothing serenity. These experiences are truly invaluable. When shopping for a hot tub, you will want to get the best product for your investment.

Hot tubs can range greatly in price, based on the quality of the product and the features it includes. Some hot tubs, such as inflatable, or blow-up hot tubs, can start at just a few hundred dollars. On the other hand, top-of-the-line luxury hot tubs from premium brands can cost between $18,000 and $25,000 or more.

If that number sounds expensive, you may be wondering, “Is an expensive hot tub worth it?” When it comes down to it, the investment in a high-quality luxury hot tub is one that is designed to last for many years and to provide you and your loved ones with the best hydrotherapy and effortless hot tub ownership.

These aspects are truly worth it when it comes to your comfort, peace of mind, and preservation of your precious time. Read on to learn more about high-end, luxury hot tubs and why an expensive hot tub is worth the investment.

How expensive is a hot tub?

Hot tub models can range in price, based on the type and the category. For example, most portable, above-ground hot tubs fall into the following categories, with these general price ranges:

Budget—$400-$3,499

These typically include blow-up hot tubs or rotomold hot tubs that can be purchased from big box stores. These do not typically have true hydrotherapy jets for soothing massage and they may not stand the test of time or hold up well to the elements.

Entry Level—$3,500-$7,000

An entry-level hot tub is a great way to dip your toe into the world of hot tub ownership. Generally, entry-level spas will offer a variety of seating choices, standard jets, and a basic water management system.

Mid-Level—$7,000-$12,000

Moving up a notch, mid-level hot tubs can deliver high-performance hydrotherapy with a variety of jet options. You may also enjoy amenities such as waterfalls and LED lighting that will create a multisensory experience. Mid-level hot tubs will offer a variety of seating configurations and will have a more advanced water management system than a budget or entry-level spa. Mid-level hot tubs may also be compatible with optional smart technology, such as the Jacuzzi® SmartTub® System, which makes maintaining and managing your hot tub a breeze.

Premium—$12,000-$18,000

A premium hot tub can provide an upscale look and additional features, including more jet variety, specialty jets, and the latest technology. You can also expect premium accents, LED lights, soothing waterfalls, an advanced touch-screen control panel, the best water management system available, and compatibility with smart technology.

Luxury—$18,000-$25,000 and up

The crème de la crème of hot tubs, your luxury hot tub will be complete with all the bells and whistles and the very best hydrotherapy available. Luxury hot tub models will include high-end design features for a stunning aesthetic, a comprehensive variety of specialty jets for truly customized hydromassage, a greater variety of seating options, the best water management system on the market, smart technology for easy and convenient hot tub management and monitoring, and the best hot tub cover available, which is an invaluable way to protect your investment.

Luxury Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs will also offer exclusive, first-to-market advancements, such as Infrared and Red Light therapy, which takes your hydrotherapy to new heights, combining relaxation and rejuvenation in a whole new way.

Swim Spas—$13,000-$48,000 and up

A swim spa delivers next-level hydrotherapy while also providing a large area of turn-free lap swimming and playing. This combination of fun, fitness, and relaxation is ideal for you if you are a fitness enthusiast or if you want to combine your aquatic fun with hydrotherapy and relaxation. Jacuzzi® Swim Spas offer a variety of models to suit your needs, combining the best aquatic fitness with the fun of a play pool and the hydrotherapy of a spa.

Cost versus value

When determining which hot tub is right for you, cost will likely be a factor. However, it’s important to consider the initial cost and value of a high-quality hot tub from a premium hot tub brand versus a lesser quality product from a subpar brand.

If you purchase a lesser quality hot tub in the name of saving money, you should consider some of the hidden costs that can develop. For example, the initial price tag of an inferior hot tub may be lower than an expensive, top-notch hot tub. However, you may end up paying more over time in the way of monthly operating costs, supplies, repair and replacement bills.

A superior hot tub will be high-performing in multiple ways. You can count on a high-quality hot tub to have excellent equipment—including the finest water management system. This alone is worth the cost of an expensive hot tub. That’s because an excellent water management system works harder to maintain your hot tub water, so it’s ready when you are, with little effort on your part.

An expensive, luxury hot tub will also be highly energy-efficient. All Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs, for example, exceed the California Energy Commission standards for spa energy consumption. The insulation in all Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs completely surrounds the shell and fills the cabinet. This results in lowered operating costs, and also ensures quieter operation and reliability, even in the coldest of climates.

While utility costs based on usage and other factors will vary, estimates in California Energy Commission ratings suggest many major hot tub brands will cost between approximately $10 and $21 to operate each month. However, the most efficient models will only cost $15 or less per month to run. These numbers are dependent upon your utility company, as well as where you live. Costs may also fluctuate through the various seasons.

Other hidden costs that can add up over time are chemicals to manage water care. Oftentimes, lesser quality hot tubs don’t have high-level water management systems. Therefore, if you purchase a subpar hot tub, you may end up spending more in chemicals to properly keep your hot tub water chemically balanced and safe for soaking.

Your overall maintenance costs over the life of your hot tub will also be affected by the craftsmanship and quality of your hot tub. Factors such as insulation, durable materials, brand reputation, water management systems, and other factors will contribute to keeping your ongoing costs of ownership as low as possible.

What is the most expensive hot tub?

The most expensive hot tubs are models from premium, reputable hot tub brands that have proven to provide the best quality products. Top-of-the-line luxury hot tubs are designed and engineered with you in mind, ensuring your hydrotherapy is second to none. These models will also encompass all of the features and amenities to make your hydrotherapy session effortless and incredible, while making your job as a hot tub owner easy and straightforward.

Is an expensive hot tub worth it?

A superior hot tub can enhance your life in countless ways. There are proven wellness benefits of hydrotherapy. For example, an article on USAToday.com explores the wellness perks of hot tub use, including, “improved cardiovascular health because hot tub water can help with circulation, lower blood pressure and reduce[d] artery stiffness.”

The article also states that hot tub usage before bedtime can help you get a good night’s sleep. Enjoying your hot tub one to two hours before you go to bed first heats the body, then stimulates the body’s natural cooling process upon getting out of your hot tub. As your body begins this process, it signals your brain that bedtime is near and starts to prepare your body for sleep.

Hot tub use can also improve your mental wellbeing. Your hot tub’s warm water can temporarily calm your nervous system and soothe your senses, thus reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The article states that a hot tub is also an ideal place to practice mindfulness and decelerate from the stress of your day.

Jacuzzi® Hot Tub owners agree that a soak in their hot tubs can help them feel relief, both mentally and physically. While touting both stress relief and pain relief as perks of using their Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs, they also report they enjoy having a place of their own in which to indulge in comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation after a hard day of work or play. They also report that soaking in their Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs helps them forget about the stressors in their lives, adding they feel as though a weight has been lifted off their shoulders after a hydrotherapy session. These feelings are irreplaceable, and invaluable.

Ultimately, your hot tub will serve as an investment in your own wellbeing and that of your family, friends, and loved ones. When you consider how valuable those things are, the answer to the question, “Is an expensive hot tub worth it?” should be a resounding yes. After all, you deserve the best care for yourself and your loved ones, and a high-quality hot tub can provide you with the benefits of hydrotherapy for many years to come. Be sure to visit a hot tub dealer near you to view the many luxury hot tub options to ensure you choose the best model for your needs.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.