What is the downside of owning a hot tub?

The main downsides of owning a hot tub are the ongoing cost to run it, the weekly water care, the pad and power you need before it arrives, and the weight of a filled tub. None of these is a deal breaker, but each one is easier to plan for before you buy than to discover afterward.

If you are comparing real models, our hot tubs for sale list the power, weight and size for every tub, which makes most of the surprises below easy to spot. This guide is general planning help for home setups, not medical advice.

1. The running cost never stops

A hot tub is a monthly bill, not a one-time purchase. One home-cost guide puts the average cost to run a hot tub at $700 a year, with a typical range of $350 to $1,100, and lists electricity at $20 to $60 a month, chemicals at $10 to $30 and water refills at $2 to $10, in its hot tub running cost breakdown.

The heater cycles on and off to hold the set temperature even when nobody is in the tub, so a cold climate, a high setpoint and a weak cover all raise the bill. A review of hidden hot tub costs makes the same point and warns that the "low monthly cost" advertised by some sellers can run well above that in practice. For a full budget, see our guide to how much a hot tub costs.

2. The water needs regular care

Hot water is where germs thrive, so a hot tub needs a working sanitizer and balanced water. The CDC notes that hot tubs hold water in the temperature range most favorable for Legionella growth, 77 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, and says disinfectant residual and pH have to be maintained, in its guidance on controlling Legionella in hot tubs. That guidance is written for public tubs, but the reason behind it applies to any tub: warm, still water needs upkeep.

In practice that means testing the water every week or so, adding sanitizer, cleaning the filter and draining and refilling a few times a year. The hidden cost review above estimates 2 to 5 drain-and-clean sessions a year and notes that skipping routine care can shorten a tub's life. If you travel often or dislike chores, this is the downside most likely to bother you.

Some models take part of the work off your plate. The Liberty Spas tubs we carry list Glacier antimicrobial filtration with ozone and include a filter set. That helps with the work, but it does not replace testing and cleaning.

3. You need a proper base and power before delivery day

A hot tub cannot go on just any patch of lawn. 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, in full contact with the bottom of the spa. Building that pad is a cost and a project that sits on top of the tub price.

Power is the second hurdle. A 240V tub such as the LYS6000 needs a dedicated 240V, 50A GFCI-protected circuit installed by a licensed electrician. A plug and play tub like the LYS4500 runs from a standard 120V, 15A dedicated outlet on a GFCI-protected circuit, which may save wiring work. Our comparison of plug and play hot tubs, 120V vs 240V explains the trade-off.

4. A filled hot tub is very heavy

Water is heavy. The LYS4000 weighs 450 lb dry and 2,050 lb filled, and the LYS7000 weighs 900 lb dry and 3,500 lb filled. A deck or balcony needs a structural check before it carries that load, and once the tub is set you cannot easily move it. Measure the path from the delivery point to the pad too, because gates, steps and tight corners decide whether a tub fits.

5. Delivery is curbside and the sale is final

Liberty Spas tubs ship free curbside (tailgate) in the contiguous U.S. Curbside means the spa is set down at the curb or driveway, so you plan help or equipment to move it to its pad. Any shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours, so inspect it on arrival.

Our product pages also state that Liberty Spas hot tubs cannot be returned or exchanged once ordered. That is why we ask buyers to check the size, electrical needs and access path first, and to ask us anything before ordering. It is a real downside of buying a large, heavy product online, and it is better to know it up front.

6. The novelty can fade

Hot tubs reward regular use. If the tub sits in the yard and the cover stays on, you still pay to heat it and keep the water clean. Think honestly about how often you will use it in your climate. A smaller tub that costs less to heat can be a better match than the biggest model and a simple routine, such as a regular evening soak, makes the running cost easier to justify. If you are weighing it against other recovery purchases, our page on sauna vs hot tub compares the two for a home.

Is the downside worth it?

For many households it is. The tradeoffs above are manageable if you budget for them. To keep the downsides small, pick the smallest tub that fits your group, plan the pad and the circuit first, and choose a model with a good cover. Our checklist of hot tub red flags shows what to look for in a listing.

• Smaller group, simpler setup: the LYS4000 seats four and is 84" x 60", with 120V, 15A power.
• Up to six on a standard outlet: the LYS4500 seats up to 6 on 120V.
• More jets and heating power: the LYS5000 has 34 jets and a 5.5 kW heater on 240V.

Hot tubs are for relaxation and comfort. If you have a heart condition, are pregnant or take medication, ask your doctor before soaking.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest downside of owning a hot tub?

For most owners it is the combined cost and effort: about $700 a year to run on average according to one home-cost guide, plus regular water care, a proper pad and the right power supply.

Are hot tubs a lot of work?

They take steady, light work: testing and balancing the water, adding sanitizer, cleaning the filter and draining and refilling a few times a year. Skipping it can shorten the tub's life.

Do hot tubs add a lot to the electric bill?

One guide estimates $20 to $60 a month for electricity. Cold climates, high temperatures, heavy use and a poor cover push it higher.

Can I put a hot tub on my deck?

Only after a structural check. Liberty Spas tubs weigh 2,050 to 3,500 lb filled on our listings, and the maker recommends a base that supports at least 150 lb per square foot.

Can I return a hot tub if I change my mind?

Our Liberty Spas listings state that hot tubs cannot be returned or exchanged once ordered, so check size, power and access first.

Is a plug and play hot tub easier to own?

It can be easier to set up because it runs on a standard 120V, 15A dedicated GFCI outlet and may need no new wiring. Water care and running costs are similar.