Why Are Hot Tubs So Expensive- Explained!
When it comes to shopping for a hot tub, it’s okay for you to become overwhelmed seeing the high price tags. Entry level ones start from $3000. And let’s not even get into how much advanced ones cost. Now you might wonder, why are hot tubs so expensive?
Prices for hot tubs are determined based on several different factors. From size and designs to the number of features and level of efficiency. Many things impact the high price of hot tubs.
Dive right into the article below to know the details on why hot tubs are so expensive and whether you should get one or not!
Factors That Determine the Price of Hot Tubs
As mentioned earlier, many factors come into play in determining the price of a hot tub. Before we cut to the chase, let’s delve deep into the factors that influence such steep prices!
Size
Size actually does matter when it comes to the higher price tags of hot tubs. It is the first thing you should look out for while buying a tub. Needless to say, the bigger the size the higher the price will be.
The bigger hot tubs can accommodate more people as they have more seats. Small tubs, on the other hand, are cheaper to manufacture, store, and transport than the larger ones, making them less expensive for buyers.
Design
A cheaper hot tub does not have the beauty, features, and comfort that are incorporated into a high-quality one. With a wide range of colors, designs, and shapes available in the market, choosing the right one can be a little overwhelming.
But if you are all about getting a hot tub that seamlessly blends into your decor, you will have to pay a bit more than usual.
Type
Construction of the spa greatly impacts the pricing of a hot tub. Due to its sturdy construction and incredible temperature retention, acrylic hot tubs tend to be on the pricier side.
Vinyl hot tubs, however, are economical as they are not made from durable materials. These will get the basic job done without offering myriads of features.
Efficiency
Full foam insulation feature all over the tub is what makes it energy efficient. Unlike a regular hot tub, it takes up minimal energy consumption all the while keeping the water hot the whole time.
Although an energy-efficient hot tub requires a bit of splurge, it will help you save electricity bills in the long run.
Features
The more expensive the hot tub is, the more features it will have. High-end hot tubs are packed with features like built-in chillers, Bluetooth speaker systems, LED lights, and the list goes on and on.
In this era of technology, most hot tubs are compatible with wi-fi. Some also come with built-in coolers so you can convert them to pool temperature in summer. All these over-the-top features result in a huge spike in the price.
Brand
The better the brand, the higher the price. But choosing the store is as important as buying the right hot tub.
If you choose to get your hot tub from a widely known big store, it’s obvious that you will have to pay a lot more than the regular price. However, buying the same product through a local dealer won’t require you to break your bank.
Shipping and installation costs
It's no surprise that a product this big will require a few hundred bucks to ship to your home. If the hot tub has to travel through rough spaces, you may need to pay extra charges too.
Depending on the size of your tub and the location of the main panel, it will need an additional thousand bucks to install it. These two costs are inevitable and thus entail an overall higher price.
Are Hot Tubs Worth the Money?
If you can make the most out of your hot tub, it will definitely be worth your money, no question asked. Lying in a hot tub after a long tiring day has to be one of the best ways to unwind. Apart from being relaxing, regular hot baths can also soothe sore muscles. If you have back pain or neck strain, a hot tub will do a great job relaxing your muscles and relieving your pain.
A hot bath a day also keeps anxiety away. Dipping into the warm water can help ease the symptoms of anxiety in a minute. Warm water regulates your breathing and expands the blood vessels, improving blood circulation. This results in elevating “happy” hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin while lowering the hormones that cause stress in the first place.
If you have trouble falling asleep, investing in a hot tub would be a very smart move. Soaking in a hot tub after a long day will leave you with a sense of joy and calmness. And, when you come out of the tub, the temperature of your body drops as the warm water slowly evaporates from your skin. This leads you to fall asleep faster.
Anything that helps lift your mood and makes you healthier at the same time is an investment. Thus, it’s safe to say that splurging your money on a hot tub would be a great idea indeed!
Things To Keep In Mind Before Getting A Hot Tub
If you have made up your mind to invest in a hot tub, there are few things you should keep in mind before making the purchase. First thing first, maintaining a hot tub is a lot of work and requires tons of money.
If you do have the budget to splurge in a hot tub but not ready for the maintenance cost that comes with it, then buying it right away wouldn't be a good idea.
However, if you need to get one immediately for all the right reasons, consider opting for installment package deals. These days, many companies offer interest-free credit and small monthly payments, which makes getting a hot tub easier than ever.
Jumping on the bandwagon of buying ridiculously big hot tubs is a common mistake a lot of buyers end up making. Big hot tubs come with big prices. If you are always on the go or want to save up space, go for a small hot tub.
Hacks To Keep Hot Tub Operating Costs Down
Done installing that hot tub but concerned about the high bills that come with its maintenance? Well, sweat no more as some of the hacks to keep the operating price of your hot tub down are mentioned below!
Use a good cover for the hot tub
The covers above the tub are made of insulating materials which do not allow any heat to escape. This keeps the thermal energy of the hot tub conserved.
If your cover is not a good one with holes or gaps, through which the heat can escape into the wind, then consider changing it right away. Make sure that the hot tub is clipped, tied, or fastened to the cover properly to keep the water warm.
Keep the temperature down
The majority of hot tub users enjoy their water at 38-40 degrees Celsius. But you don’t necessarily need to keep it to that specific temperature. Decreasing the temperature by a few degrees is a great idea to cut the cost down.
Approximately a decrease in 1 degree will save up to 10% of your electricity bills! It’s a great bargain, right? This happens when the pressure on the hot tub heater drops.
When going out or not using the hot tub, consider decreasing the temperature to save up on a few more bucks.
Clean the filter regularly
Keeping the filter clean doesn’t only take your entire bath experience to a whole new level, but it also increases the efficiency of your hot tub. If your filter remains clogged most of the time, it won’t do a good job filtering away the waste. Instead, it will increase the pressure on your water heater as it will have to heat up double the amount of water.
To avoid this energy loss, you might want to clean your filter at least once a week. You can do this either using an overnight filter cleaner or you can replace it with a new one. Besides, keeping an extra filter is a smart idea because it allows you to keep your hot tub working properly even when the other one is being cleaned.
Save water
Getting an unlimited water supply doesn’t justify wasting it. It also contributes to a higher electricity bill. As you fill up the tub time and time again, for no apparent reason, the heater has to heat water which causes an increase in electricity consumption.
To avoid this, try not to waste any water. What if the water gets dirty, you ask? Well, the regular cleaning and replacement of filters will help you keep the water fresh for a long time. While using the hot tub try to avoid splashing water which might save you both the heating time and money down the road.
Protection from the wind
The majority of the vinyl hot tubs are prone to damage when exposed to wind. If your hot tub is vulnerable to wind, most of the thermal energy will be transferred along with it, causing the temperature to drop.
To avoid this try insulating your hot tub from windy areas. You may also consider putting a thin piece of plywood on top to protect it from wind storms. Installing a windbreak or fence will also come in handy in this case. It will help you conserve energy for the years to come.
If you were wondering why are hot tubs so expensive then by now you probably have gotten your answer. Hot tubs can be pricey. But, worth every penny if you intend to use it on a regular basis. Thanks for reading and until next time, farewell.
