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Cost of Hot Tubs
Initial and Operating Costs of Hot Tubs
Think About Cost
Cost is an important consideration when you decide to buy
a hot tub. The initial investment can range from $3,000 up to $20,000,
depending on the size, construction, and features of the spa you select.
Just as important, though are the ongoing costs of operating a home spa.
Initial Cost
- Understructure Construction Size of interior wood
frame materials (2x4, 1x2, 2x3, etc.), pressure treated base
- Insulation Basic single layer polyurethane,
low-density packaging foam, multi-layered high density foam
- Cabinetry Natural wood, synthetic wood, metal,
removable walls, access panels
- Shell Construction Quality and thickness of
fiberglass, quality and reliability of the manufacturing process
- Number/Type of Jets Standard numbers of jets,
customizable number of jets
- Hot Tub Heater Wattage, power used, speed of water
heating
- Controls Electronic, single or dual, pneumatic,
remote control
- Number/Type of Pumps Single, dual, or triple pumps
- Electrical Requirements 110v or 220v
- Surface/Pad Requirements Dirt, gravel, concrete
- Accessories and Extra Features Fountains, water
features, CD/stereo, lights
- Hot Tub Covers Standard, custom, high-density, with
or without automatic lifter
- Delivery and/or Installation Costs shipping from
distant supplier, delivery by local pool or spa supplier, labor to place
spa in desired location, initial spa set up
Ongoing Costs of Operating a Hot Tub:
- Chemicals What chemicals are recommended, where can
they be purchased, how much do they cost, what quantity is likely to be
needed
- Filters Capacity, recommended length of time between
changes, price and availability of replacements
- Electricity Cost per kwh from your utility, features
and insulation to conserve power and preserve heat
- Water Cost per gallon each time spa is filled, pH of
water to determine quantity/type of chemicals needed
- Repairs Local repair technicians, accessibility to
pumps and motors, warranty length and coverage
- Upkeep and Maintenance of Cabinets and Shell
Cleaning, staining, preservation
In general, it is better to put your money into some of
the hidden features that will make your home spa last longer and cost less
to operate. This includes things like effective insulation, quality heaters
and pumps, good water filtration systems, and the like.
Think About Maintenance
Another important consideration when buying a hot tub or home spa is the
maintenance that will be required. This includes not only any repairs that
may be needed over time, but ongoing upkeep and maintenance to keep your tub
clean and pleasant to use.
Other Areas
to Consider:
- Water Maintenance is the chemical and filtration
system robust enough to keep the water clean for the level of usage you
anticipate? This will have a big impact on both regular water sanitation
activities and the frequency of full water changes. Ideally, your spa
should require minimal daily attention and a minimal number of
time-consuming full water changes.
- Cabinet Maintenance if the cabinet is made of wood
and the tub is located outdoors, plan to re-stain the wood at least once
per year. If the cabinet is made of synthetic materials then periodic
spraying with a hose and/or wiping off dirt is usually sufficient.
- Repairs Pumps wear out, heaters stop heating, and
other mechanical problems inevitably come up. Read and understand the
manufacturers warranty before you buy, looking for key points like
coverage of parts, labor and other materials. Also, look for hidden fees
and other costs you may incur if, for example, a repair technician has to
travel from out of town to get to your location or if the local supplier
does not keep a specific part in stock. Some warranties even specify that
certain types of warranty repairs must be done at the spa factory,
requiring you to pay for shipping to and from the factory.
Our Advice
Buying a hot tub is an investment that should not be taken lightly. Take the
time to research and gather information, and check out several different spa
manufacturers. Careful shopping and selection of a home spa pays off in the
end, though, as you end up with a home spa that can give you years of
enjoyment.
Back < How to
Buy a Hot Tub/Home Spa
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