By Katie Flannery | Published May 31, 2023 4:13 PM
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An inground hot tub has many benefits, such as better sleep and relaxation, increased circulation, reduced stress, decreased anxiety, and improved range of motion. For those who suffer from lower back pain, joint stress, arthritis, sore muscles, or fibromyalgia, an inground spa can help relieve pain and soreness. While installing a built-in hot tub is certainly a luxurious add-on to any home, many homeowners believe the installation cost is worth it for the health benefits and increased home value. How much does an inground hot tub cost? According to Angi, inground hot tub cost ranges from $500 to $25,000, with the national average at $15,000. Hot tub installation costs can skyrocket to $35,000 or more, depending on the size and type of hot tub, quality, brand, individual features, and difficulty of the installation. If an old hot tub needs to be removed before the installation process for a new hot tub can begin, the cost of hot tub removal will also be added to the project total.
This guide will examine the important factors that influence inground hot tub cost, additional costs and considerations that can change the final installation price, the benefits of installing a modern inground hot tub, and some helpful tips to save money on the installation process.
While many homeowners can spend between $500 and $25,000 to install a backyard inground hot tub, the overall price can vary from the national average of $15,000 due to several important factors. These can include the hot tub size, brand, site preparation, electrical work, plumbing and heating, local labor pricing, and permit fees.
The cost to install an inground jacuzzi depends on its size. Typically, the larger the hot tub, the more expensive the model and the installation costs. An outdoor inground hot tub that can fit between four and six people usually ranges from $3,500 to $15,000, not including installation costs. A small inground hot tub that can fit up to three people costs about $3,000, and large inground hot tubs that can fit up to 10 people can exceed $20,000. Hot tub manufacturers usually offer small, medium, and large options. Below are the average inground hot tub price ranges based on size.
The best hot tub brands have name recognition, provide ample access to replacement parts, deliver excellent customer service, and supply warranties for the hot tub shell, leaks, and equipment and plumbing. Below are some popular hot tub brands and the average price ranges for their inground hot tub options. Homeowners will want to check with each manufacturer to make sure its tubs can be installed in the ground.
Part of installing an inground hot tub is preparing the installation site. Homeowners will need to budget for site excavation, which typically costs between $400 and $2,500, depending on the size of the hot tub and the amount of work the area needs. It’s very important for the inground hot tub to be level so the weight of the tub and the water is equally distributed. Some of the other costs that involve site preparation include the cost to install a concrete slab, which can run from $4 to $8 per square foot, and the cost to install patio pavers, which ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot.
Many inground hot tubs require 240-volt electrical service. If the existing electrical circuits cannot handle the increased electrical demand of the hot tub, a new subpanel can cost from $400 to $1,800. The cost of electrical wiring for an inground hot tub usually ranges from $600 to $2,200.
Installing new plumbing lines for an inground hot tub can cost from $350 to $2,000. While some prefabricated hot tubs come with plumbing, custom hot tubs require additional plumbing services.
The cost for heating the hot tub depends on the type of heater used: electric, propane, or natural gas. Many homeowners will see their utility bill increase about $25 to $40 per month, depending on how often the hot tub is used. A propane heater costs approximately $1,000, in addition to the cost of refilling the propane tanks when needed.
An inground hot tub costs more to install than an indoor or above-ground option, since doing so takes more time and effort. Site preparation and new electric and plumbing systems will also increase the price. Local labor prices vary in different parts of the country; densely populated urban areas with a higher cost of living will typically have more expensive labor costs than more rural areas.
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Building codes differ in various parts of the country, but many locations require a building permit to install an inground hot tub. It’s recommended that homeowners check their local regulations to be sure. A building permit for an inground hot tub usually costs between $100 and $250.
When budgeting for inground hot tub costs, many homeowners will find that there are additional price factors and considerations that can change the overall cost. These can include delivery fees, saltwater generator installation, running costs, maintenance, repairs, and additional features and customizations.
Many hot tub installation professionals will include the cost of delivery with the purchase of the unit. If they don’t, it’s usually an additional cost of $200 to $500, and long-distance deliveries can be an extra $0.50 to $3 per mile. If the installation area is difficult to access, the hot tub may need to be delivered by crane, which can cost between $800 and $1,500 or more. It’s recommended that homeowners double-check regarding delivery fees to avoid unexpected charges.
For those who prefer a saltwater soak instead of chlorine in the water, a saltwater generator installation costs from $200 to $700 on average, with the generator itself costing as much as $1,500. This is considerably less expensive than a saltwater hot tub, which can cost between $6,500 and $18,000. Premium and luxury hot tubs can typically handle the addition of a saltwater system, but it’s important for the homeowner to check that the jets can accommodate the addition of salt to the system. Using saltwater eliminates the need for chemicals, reduces overall maintenance to the hot tub, and extends the time between water drainings by up to 1 year. Saltwater generator cells need to be replaced approximately every 3 to 6 years, and they cost between $100 and $500. Homeowners will want to be aware that some hot tub manufacturers may cancel their warranty if an aftermarket saltwater system is added to the hot tub.
Electricity costs to run a hot tub are about $25 to $40 per month, on average. The cost to fill an inground hot tub depends on the size of the tub, the frequency with which the hot tub needs to be filled, and local water pricing. A hot tub will need to be drained, cleaned, and refilled three to four times a year.
High-end premium hot tubs can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance and care. Knowing how to clean a hot tub, making regular repairs, and testing chemical levels are all part of having a hot tub. Yearly maintenance can cost between $500 and $1,000, and repairs can run from $160 to $500 per individual repair.
The more features an inground hot tub has, the more expensive the overall cost. Including extra features will provide a personalized experience while homeowners and guests are using the inground hot tub and can increase the enjoyment factor. Below are some additional features and customizations that are available for an inground hot tub.
The best hot tubs typically come in two types: prefabricated and custom built. Prefab models are more budget-friendly, and custom-made hot tubs can be built in any shape and design. Below are the features of each type of inground hot tub.
Prefabricated hot tubs usually have an acrylic shell, but they can also be made from stainless steel. They’re priced on the lower end of the price range for inground hot tubs, and they only come in standard shapes, such as oval, square, or kidney-shaped. The benefits of a prefabricated hot tub include a price point of about $2,000 to $3,000 less than a custom option and the fact that plumbing and delivery costs are typically included with the cost of the unit.
Custom-built inground hot tubs can be built to any size, design, and shape. Homeowners can choose exactly what they want regarding materials, number of seats, type of jets, and additional features. Custom inground hot tubs are usually larger than prefabricated options and have a higher price tag.
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Soaking in an inground hot tub can help relieve stress, massage sore and achy muscles, and provide a space to wind down at the end of a busy day. There are many benefits of choosing an inground hot tub, which include easier access than an elevated hot tub, relaxation and recreation, pool and spa integration, improved backyard aesthetics, and multiple customization options.
Those with mobility issues may find that an inground hot tub is easier to get in and out of than an above-ground option. Since inground tubs are usually larger than above-ground hot tubs, many people find that it’s easier to access an inground hot tub.
Soaking in a spa can improve range of motion and decrease anxiety and stress. Not only is an inground hot tub a source of relaxation, but it can be used to entertain family and friends. Inground hot tubs provide an option to sit on the edge of the tub and just soak the feet, and others who choose not to get in the tub can sit around the edge to socialize.
An inground hot tub can be integrated with the swimming pool to create a cohesive look. A spillover hot tub is a popular choice with many homeowners, since the warm water from the tub helps heat the pool water. Having an integrated pool and spa on the same filtration system can also help save money on cleaning and chemical costs. Some of the best home warranties for pool coverage may include spa coverage as well, but it’s always recommended that homeowners double-check the information to be sure.
Inground hot tubs can blend into the design of an inground pool and backyard scenery. Since there are many different hot tub designs and additional style options to choose from, they can be styled to match any backyard aesthetic.
There are a variety of features and customizations available when homeowners are designing an inground hot tub. Homeowners can choose what features work the best for them and design the hot tub according to their needs and overall style.
Making a DIY project out of an inground hot tub installation is not recommended. The main reason is that building permits are typically needed for the project, and they can’t be obtained unless a professional contractor is installing the hot tub. Working with plumbing and electricity lines also requires experienced professionals to ensure the correct installation and to avoid potentially serious injuries. Homeowners hoping to use inground hot tub kits and DIY this project may want to look into above-ground hot tub kits; these are more accessible for DIY homeowners.
Installing an inground hot tub can turn an ordinary backyard into a relaxing oasis, but the costs can quickly add up. Below are some money-saving tips for homeowners who want to save as much money as possible on inground hot tub costs.
Before choosing a hot tub or hiring an installation company, there are some important questions that homeowners will want to ask about inground hot tub cost and the hot tub installation process. Below are some important questions to ask before starting the project.
Hot tubs can turn an ordinary backyard into a mini resort space and can provide a relaxing area to unwind and entertain. Before deciding on installing an inground hot tub, it’s important to have all the necessary information about owning a hot tub—from the purchase price to the best pool cleaning services, how to drain a hot tub, and how to get the most out of your backyard spa. Below are some frequently asked questions about inground hot tubs.
It’s recommended that homeowners keep a hot tub at least 5 feet away from the house or any structure. This can prevent damage to the home if the hot tub leaks.
A well-maintained and cared-for hot tub in an attractively landscaped area can be an appealing feature for some potential homebuyers, while others may not be interested in the cost or maintenance required in running a hot tub. Overall, it depends on the buyer and what they’re looking for in a home.
You can typically use a hot tub between 24 and 48 hours after installation. Homeowners are advised to leave the freshly filled tub overnight to balance the chemicals; the water usually takes between 4 and 8 hours to warm up to the desired temperature.
Inground hot tubs are not hard to maintain, but they do need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good shape. While some hot tubs have an automatic circulation cycle that runs the water through the filtration system to keep it clean, others do not have that option. Hot tub owners should turn on their hot tub for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day, to filter and clean the water. Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule and regularly cleaning the water filters can keep larger problems at bay.
Hot tubs should be drained at least three or four times a year for a deep cleaning.
Yes, hot tubs can be installed in the ground. An inground hot tub can create a seamless design with an inground pool installed by one of the best pool installation companies and the surrounding landscape.
Sources: Angi, HomeGuide, Modernize, Swim University
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