How Much Does It Cost To Install A Hot Tub?

Hot Tub Installation Cost

Hot tub installation costs $150 to $500 for an above ground spa near the house or electrical panel. Hot tub electrical installation costs $800 to $1,600 to install a new circuit, outlet/subpanel, and wiring up to 100'. The total cost to install a hot tub in-ground is $10,000 to $25,000.

*Above-ground hot tubs only.

• Some dealers include installation free, but their 40% overhead and delivery fees may offset any savings.
• Hot tubs weigh 3,000 to 6,000 pounds when full and require either a concrete slab base, reinforced deck, crushed gravel, or pavers.
• Most spa panels require 50-amp 220V dedicated GFCI power supply. Cheaper models use a standard 120V outlet.
• A qualified electrician takes 6 to 8 hours to install a hot tub.
• New hot tubs last 5 to 20 years, depending on the quality and maintenance.

Above Ground Hot Tub Installation Cost

An above-ground hot tub costs $4,000 to $15,000 on average for the materials, delivery, electrical wiring, base, permits, and installation labor. Hot tub wiring and installation alone costs $300 to $1,600 on average.

*Extra plumbing and remodeling costs apply when installing a hot tub indoors.

Average Cost of Hot Tub

A hot tub costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average, not including delivery or installation. Hot tub prices depend on the material, quality, features, add-ons, number of jets, brand, dealer's overhead, and warranty.

Hot Tub Electrical Installation Cost

Hot tub electrical installation costs $800 to $1,600 for a dedicated circuit to the electrical panel, underground conduit and wiring up to 100', and to install a 220V GFCI outlet or subpanel near the spa. Homes with existing wiring or outlet for a replacement spa costs $150 to $500 to hook up.

Older homes with 100 or 150-amp services or installing large hot tubs may require a total service capacity and panel upgrade to a 200 or 300-amp to handle the added capacity. The average cost to upgrade electrical panel for a hot tub is $1,200 to $3,000, depending on the size required.

*Most spa panels require a 50 or 60-amp, 220V or 240V with a dedicated GFCI power supply or a 15-amp, 120-volt plug-and-play with GFCI.

The spa should be placed in the desired location before the electrical installation. The spa panel requires installing no less than 5 feet away from the hot tub and 10 feet away from non-GFCI protected outlets to prevent electrocution risks.

Trenching and installing conduit underground is cheapest when performed by a landscaper instead of an electrician before the concrete pad is installed or the hot tub is placed.

Hot Tub Concrete Pad Cost

A concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot or between $500 and $2,500 for a hot tub. Other options for a hot tub foundation pad are an existing patio, gravel base, pavers, reinforced deck, or plastic spa pad.

Existing patios sloped to drain away from the house may need releveling to prevent damaging the hot tub over time. Concrete leveling costs $3 to $6 per square foot.

An inflatable or portable hot tub requires an insulated base or can be placed on the grass or ground.

Hot Tub Delivery Cost

Hot tub delivery costs $200 to $500 on average. The cost to move a hot tub depends on the size, difficulty, if moving upstairs or to a higher elevation, or if a crane is required. Using a crane costs $300 to $1,500 to move a hot tub over the house. Moving an installed hot tub from one property to another costs $250 to $1,000.

*5% to 10% of deliveries require a crane. Long-distance deliveries may add $0.50 to $3.00 per mile to the final cost.

Hot Tub Delivery Requirements

• Access – Clear any obstacles or low-hanging branches along the route between your curb and final placement. Installing a wooden or acrylic hot tub may require removing a section of the fence and any deck railings. Without access around the house, a crane is needed to reach over the house.
• Shipping & Drop-Off – Most hot tub dealers deliver the hot tub to the backyard or installation location. Some retailers only deliver curbside on a pallet and require hiring movers.
• Moving Crew – Moving a hot tub requires two to six people depending on the size, equipment used, and distance moved from the curb.

Indoor Hot Tub Installation Cost

Indoor hot tub installations require additional alterations, reinforcement, and remodeling to handle the extra weight, moisture, and heat.

• A home ventilation system costs $300 to $1,200 to handle excess heat and steam, remove the chlorine smell, and protect the home from moisture damage.
• Home remodeling costs $15 to $60 per square foot to use slip and water-resistant building materials to prevent rot and mildew.
• Plumbing installation costs $450 to $1,800 to run new plumbing pipes for filling and draining water.
• May require flooring reinforcement to support the extra weight of the hot tub.
• Requires demolition and construction to install in-ground.

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In-Ground Hot Tub Installation Cost

The average cost to install a hot tub in-ground is $8,000 to $25,000, including the excavation, plumbing, and electrical wiring. Below ground hot tub costs depend on the material (concrete, gunite, vinyl, or acrylic shell), delivery, labor and prep work, and if it's built-in an existing pool.

Installing an above ground hot tub takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the contractor, permitting process, and inspections. Inground hot tubs add value to a home but cost up to $100 per month operate.

Cost To Add Hot Tub To Existing Pool

The cost to add a hot tub to an existing pool is $12,000 to $25,000, depending on the size and if it's level with the pool beam or raised. When building a hot tub, the existing pool needs resurfacing to seal the structure. Pool resurfacing costs $6 to $10 per square foot.

Adding a hot tub to a new inground pool costs $6,000 to $15,000 if built at the same time.

Below Ground Hot Tub Cost Factors

• Location – The area needs enough space for excavation equipment, the pad, cover lifter, and walkway. Budget for repairing damage to existing landscaping from using heavy equipment. Costs increase if the ground is rocky or on a hill. The minimum excavation depth is 46” from the surface.
• Electric & Plumbing – A 50-amp dedicated electrical panel with a GFCI circuit breaker is installed within 100 feet of the hot tub. A spa panel with emergency shutoff is installed within five feet of the tub. Plumbing includes fittings for the jets and lines for water flow. The pump is either housed with the hot tub or separately.
• Material – Below ground hot tubs are either poured concrete, gunite, or a pre-fabricated acrylic or fiberglass shell.
  • Concrete is sprayed over rebar at high pressure around jet holes. A plaster or a natural stone blend is used as the finish.
  • Some shells require a poured and leveled concrete pad. Other shells have a support frame that requires a 10” gravel bed for drainage and a backfill mix of dirt, gravel, sand, or road base filled around the shell.
• Size – The size of the hot tub is one of the main factors that affect the cost. Standard in-ground hot tub sizes are:
  • Small: 5’x5’ for 2 to 4 people
  • Medium: 6’x7’ for 5 to 6 people
  • Large: 9’x8’ for 7+ people
• Waterline Tile, Coping, and Surround – Waterline tile costs $600 to $800. The coping between the hot tub and deck costs $10 to $50 per linear foot for tile or natural stone. Add a concrete, natural stone, or brick surround for $5 to $40 per square foot.
• Features – Adding custom upgrades like waterfalls, entertainment systems, lighting, JetPaks, and covers add $500 to $10,000 to the total cost.

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Installing Hot Tub Accessories

After installing the hot tub, consider add-ons, accessories, and special features such as:

Hot Tub Cover Cost

A hot tub cover costs $50 to $700 to block debris, depending on the size, quality, and brand. Upgrading to a locking cover adds $15 to $130 more to increase safety. A cover lifter costs $150 to $400, which helps lift the cover on and off easily.

Hot Tub Salt Water System Cost

A hot tub saltwater chlorine generator system costs $500 to $1,700 on average, depending on the manufacturer and type of hot tub. Saltwater systems convert dissolved salt into chlorine automatically, which lowers maintenance. Salt costs less than chlorine or bromine and removes the need to use chemicals.

• Saltwater is softer and kinder to clothes and skin.
• Using salt extends the time between drainings to up to 12 months, but the initial costs are high.
• Some hot tub manufacturers decline warranty coverage when installing an aftermarket salt system.
• Salt causes corrosion of internal metal components, resulting in repairs, poor performance, and a shorter lifespan.
• Salt water can stain decks and damage surrounding plants and shrubs if it's not washed down after use.

Other Cost Considerations

Additional cost factors when installing a backyard hot tub include:

• Steps – Installing weatherproof stairs cost $60 to $400 to allow easy access into and out of the hot tub.
• Deck – The average cost to build a deck for a hot tub is $4,000 to $10,000 or between $15 and $30 per square foot.
• Gazebo – Installing a gazebo costs $3,500 to $10,000 to add privacy.
• Screen – Installing a basic privacy screen costs $150 to $600. A screened-in porch costs $600 to $3,500 to install.
• Landscape – Landscaping around a hot tub costs $50 to $100 per hour Repair your landscape and complement your new outdoor hot tub for $500 to $750.
• Fencing – Some cities' building codes require a set distance between the hot tub and the property line and a fence or safety barrier. Fence installation costs $13 to $25 per linear foot, depending on the type.
• Independent Heater – An independent heater for a hot tub costs $150 to $1,500, depending on the size and wattage. These heaters help heat the water quicker and raise temperatures about 5 degrees per hour.
• Tax Rebate – Those with a medical condition qualify for a tax deduction, reducing the cost of ownership by 25% to 40%.

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What Is Needed to Install a Hot Tub?

Requirements to install a hot tub are:

• An accessible location for delivery and placement.
• A concrete slab base, reinforced deck, or compacted soil with crushed gravel or pavers.
• Spa panel and emergency shutoff switch within 5 feet of the hot tub
• Dedicated electrical connection. Most spa panels require a 50 or 60-amp, 220V with a GFCI power supply or a 15-amp, 120-volt plug-and-play with GFCI.
• Nearby water access from a garden hose. A 300-gallon hot tub takes 1 to 2 hours to fill.
• Chemicals such as a pH balancer, sanitizer, alkalinity, calcium harness balance, and a chlorine or MPS spa shock.

Cost To Install 220V Outlet For Hot Tub

The average cost to install a 220V electrical outlet for a hot tub is $300 to $1,000. Hiring an electrician costs $40 to $100, plus a $75 call-out fee for hot tub wiring installation.

Removing Old Hot Tub

Hot tub removal costs $150 to $350 for moving and disposal, depending on the size of the hot tub, accessibility, and complexity of removing. Costs increase if a crane is necessary to access the hot tub. Prices typically include disconnecting and capping the wiring and hoses, and draining the water.

The cost to fill in a pool and built-in hot tub is $2,000 to $10,000 on average. Some hot tubs are eligible for a trade-in or can be sold used.

Do I Need A Permit To Install A Hot Tub?

Most cities do not require a building permit for an average above-ground hot tub. Most in-ground or custom-built hot tubs added to an existing swimming pool need a permit. A building permit costs $100 to $250 to install a hot tub.

How Long Does It Take To Install A Hot Tub?

After the hot tub is delivered and in place, it takes a qualified electrician 6 to 8 hours to install a hot tub. Be sure the professional inspects the electrical wiring after installation to prevent safety issues.

Can You Put A Hot Tub On Gravel, Pavers, or Grass?

A hot tub base requires a stable surface such as a concrete slab, reinforced deck, or compacted soil with crushed gravel or pavers. A hot tub should not be put on grass as the hot tub may sink into the bare ground over time or may not stay level.

How Much Does A Hot Tub Weigh?

A small two- or three-person hot tub weighs 500 pounds empty and 3,000 pounds when filled with water. A six- to seven-person model weighs 900 pounds empty and 6,000 pounds when full of water.

Should I Buy A Hot Tub?

Hot tubs have numerous health benefits, relieve stress, reduce pain, provide entertainment, and can be used all year long. However, many homeowners dislike ongoing maintenance and high upfront and long-term costs.

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DIY vs. Hiring A Hot Tub Installer

A DIY spa installation is complicated and may void the warranty. Installing a hot tub, spa, or jacuzzi requires electrical wiring and needs to follow local building codes to ensure safety. A professional installation eliminates any chance of electrocution, potential fire hazards, or plumbing leaks.

Before hiring a contractor, be sure to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for longer than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Ask for an itemized contract and warranty in writing.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.

Questions To Ask Installers

1. Can I see a portfolio of your past installation jobs?
2. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
3. How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
4. Who's the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
5. What hours do you and your crew work?
6. What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
7. What does your warranty policy include?
8. What’s your payment schedule?
9. Will you remove or dispose of my old hot tub?

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