How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?
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A new hot tub costs anywhere from a few hundred dollars for an inflatable to $25,000 or more for a premium acrylic or wooden tub, and our Liberty Spas models run from $5,500 to $7,499. Then add delivery, a level pad, electrical work, a cover lifter, chemicals and about $700 a year to run it. This guide adds up the whole bill. To compare specific models, see our guide to the best hot tub for home.
If you are ready to compare real prices, start with our hot tubs for sale, which lists every model with its seating, jets and power requirement. The sections below show how to budget for the tub and for everything around it. This guide is for home setups.
What is the average cost of a new hot tub?
It depends on the type. One consumer guide puts the price of the tub itself between $329 and $25,062, with inflatable tubs at $329 to $1,814 and acrylic tubs at $2,499 to $19,000, and reports an average starting price of $3,266 for an acrylic four-seater, in its hot tub cost guide. That average is a floor, not a typical finished price. Larger tubs with more jets, a bigger pump and a better cabinet cost more, and the ranges above do not include the setup costs below.
For a new-in-box tub with a real shell, pump and cover, expect to land in the middle of the acrylic range. Our own lineup is priced as follows, with every figure taken from the product page:
| Model | Price | Seats | Jets | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LYS4500 | $5,500 | 5 to 6 | 18 | 120V, 15A plug and play |
| LYS4000 | $6,000 | 4 | 20 | 120V, 15A (field-convertible to 240V) |
| LYS5000 | $6,500 | 6 | 34 | 240V |
| LYS6000 | $7,499 | 6 | 46 | 240V, 50A |
| LYS7000 | $7,499 | 7 | 46 | 240V |
Prices change, so confirm the current price on the product page. Shop Pay Installments may be offered at checkout for eligible orders.
How much should you budget for a hot tub?
Plan on three buckets: the tub, the setup, and the first-year running cost. A simple way to budget is to take the tub price and add a cushion for setup that depends on what your yard and panel already have.
- The tub: the price on the product page.
- Setup: the pad or base, electrical work, and moving the tub into place.
- Running cost: power, water, chemicals and filters.
A useful habit is to price two or three finished setups side by side, tub plus pad plus power, instead of comparing sticker prices alone. A cheaper tub that needs a new 240V circuit can cost more in total than a pricier plug and play model that runs from an outlet you already have.
What does installation add?
The consumer guide above puts above-ground installation at $500 to $3,000 and says the average cost of installing a 220-volt outlet is $216. A 240V hot tub circuit is larger than a basic outlet, so get a licensed electrician to quote the actual job. A plug and play tub can cut this cost: the LYS4500 and LYS4000 run from a standard 120V, 15A dedicated outlet on a GFCI-protected circuit, which can mean no new wiring if you already have a suitable outlet. Our guide to plug and play hot tubs, 120V vs 240V compares the two power types in detail.
The other setup cost is the base. Liberty Spas recommends a flat, level base that supports at least 150 lb per square foot, such as a 4 to 6 inch poured concrete pad. Filled weights on our listings run from 2,050 lb for the LYS4000 to 3,280 lb for the LYS6000, so a deck needs a structural check first. Delivery is curbside, so plan help to move the tub to its pad. Each product page has the full delivery terms.
What does a hot tub cost to run?
One home-cost guide says the average cost to run a hot tub is $700 per year, with a range of $350 to $1,100, in its hot tub running cost breakdown. It lists electricity at $20 to $60 a month, chemicals at $10 to $30 a month and water refills at $2 to $10 a month. Cold climates and heavy use push electricity higher.
A well-fitted cover and good insulation are the main ways to hold the bill down. Our tubs include a hardtop cover, and the 240V models have a 5.5 kW heater against 1.5 kW on the 120V tubs, which affects how fast water heats. Heating speed is not on the product pages, so ask us about your climate before you order.
Where do buyers overspend?
- Buying more jets than you will use. A 46-jet tub costs more than a 20-jet tub, and a smaller group may not need it.
- Skipping the pad plan. Moving a tub to a pad that is not ready can cost more than the savings.
- Ignoring the circuit. A 240V tub needs a 50A circuit, and panel capacity matters. Ask an electrician before you buy.
- Not budgeting for running costs. Add a first-year running figure to your price comparison.
Our post on which hot tub to stay away from covers what to avoid at any price.
Which hot tub fits your budget?
- Lowest entry price with no new circuit: the LYS4500, if you have a suitable 120V outlet and want room for up to 6.
- Small patio and a path to more power: the LYS4000, which can be converted to 240V by a licensed electrician.
- More jets and heating power: the LYS5000, LYS6000 or LYS7000, if you will hire an electrician for the 240V circuit.
Hot tubs are for relaxation and comfort. If you have a heart condition, are pregnant or take medication, ask your doctor before soaking.
Related reading: Can You Turn a Hot Tub Into a Cold Plunge? · What Size Hot Tub Do I Need? · Do I need a concrete slab for a hot tub?
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a new hot tub?
One consumer guide reports an average starting price of $3,266 for an acrylic four-seater, with acrylic tubs ranging from $2,499 to $19,000. Our Liberty Spas models run from $5,500 to $7,499.
How much should I budget for a hot tub?
Add the tub price, setup costs such as a pad and electrical work, and about $700 a year to run it based on one home-cost guide. Get an electrician quote before you buy.
How much does it cost to install a hot tub?
One guide puts above-ground installation at $500 to $3,000 and an average 220-volt outlet at $216. A plug and play tub may need no new wiring if you have a suitable 120V GFCI outlet.
How much does it cost to run a hot tub?
One home-cost guide estimates $700 per year on average, with a range of $350 to $1,100. Electricity, chemicals and water refills are the main costs.
Do I need a concrete pad for a hot tub?
Liberty Spas recommends a flat, level base that supports at least 150 lb per square foot, such as a 4 to 6 inch poured concrete pad. Confirm a deck can carry the filled weight first.
Is a plug and play hot tub cheaper?
The LYS4500 is the lowest-priced model we list at $5,500, and it can save electrical work. It has a smaller heater and fewer jets than the 240V tubs.
Written by Logan McClure, founder of Restore Suite. Every guide is researched using peer-reviewed studies, recognized medical sources, and manufacturer specifications. This article is educational and is not medical advice. Learn about our editorial standards or contact our team.
Ready to compare? See every Liberty Spas hot tub, from the LYS4500 to the LYS7000.
