Owning a Family Hot Tub: Is it Worth the Cost?
Have you been thinking about investing in a hot tub for your family but not sure if you’re ready to pull the trigger? Many homeowners hesitate when buying a hot tub because they’re worried about unexpected and unanticipated costs. They know the costs aren’t over after you buy the unit.
In addition to worrying about the costs, families worry if a hot tub is even worth the cost. In this article, we’ll address the costs associated with a hot tub and other factors to consider when determining if a hot tub is worth it for you and your family.
Upfront Costs
When you purchase a family hot tub, you’ll have a few upfront costs including possible building a platform, delivery costs, and installation costs, not to mention the price of the hot tub itself.
Hot Tub Unit
Hot tubs vary widely in price depending on how many features you want in your tub. An “entry-level” tub will typically start around $2,000 and a high-end tub can begin around $12,000.
Hot Tub Platform
In most cases, families will need to build (or have a contractor build) a cement platform reinforced with rebar. If you do this project yourself, you’ll spend $200-$400 in materials. If you want someone else to build the platform, consult with your landscaper or a local contractor.
Delivery Price
Hot tubs weigh between 500 and 1000 lbs and are cumbersome. Depending on the accessibility to your hot tub platform, you might need to pay a few hundred dollars to have people help you move it around your house or you might pay nearly $1,000 to have it lifted over your house with a crane.
Electrician
When you purchase a hot tub, you’ll need to choose between 220 volts and 110 volts. The benefit of 220 volts is the water heats up faster, the jets have more power, and the water is recycled faster. However, 220 volt tubs need to be hardwired directly into your main or sub-panel. The price on this will vary based on local electrician costs and how far your unit is from the panel. Expect to pay at least $1,000.
Ongoing Costs
Once your hot tub is installed, you’ll need to pay for additional items to keep your hot tub in top condition. Here are the costs you should expect in this category:
● Additional Electricity Usage: $10-$50/month (depends on electricity rates and any heat saving modes)
● Filters: $100/year
● UV Bulb: $75/year
● Chemicals: $150-250/year
Factors to Consider
There are tons of benefits associated with hot tubs. They promote mental and physical wellness, muscle relaxation, improved circulation, and improve sleep. Hot tubs also provide the perfect venue for hosting parties.
Among these benefits, you should ask yourself the following questions:
● What’s the average temperature where you live? If you live in a climate that stays below 70-75°F, a hot tub is a great investment for you. It allows you to get outside (and stay warm) at all times of the year.
● Do you exercise a lot or do manual labor? Hot tubs are extremely therapeutic and can help relax tight and worn-out muscles.
● Do you have the space? When you shop for a hot tub, you need to consider the available space in your yard and how many people you want the hot tub to hold.
● Can you take on the additional yearly cost? Seriously analyze your budget to determine if you can afford the initial installation costs and the following yearly costs.
Is It Worth It?
In addition to evaluating the costs and other factors above, see if you can find a friend who has a hot tub who will let you try it out a couple times. Only when you can experience the benefits of a hot tub can you really start to understand if it’s something you want for your home.
Apart from the health benefits and the hot tub acting as a hang-out or party venue, hot tubs can also add value to your home. While you shouldn’t buy a hot tub right before you decide to sell, it’s nice to know you’ll see the ROI when you eventually sell your home.
Buying a hot tub for your family a great investment for families who feel they’re in a good financial position to buy one and who will enjoy the benefits of having a hot tub.
About the Author
Scott Bland has been in the leisure industry for nearly 20 years. As a sales manager in the leisure industry he knows hot tubs inside and out. Right now he works sales while writing about consumer goods on the side. If you want to contact him, you can do so at his LinkedIn.
