Are Hot Tubs Worth It? A Complete Pros and Cons List

You may be in the initial phase of adding a hot tub to your home and wondering if it’s worth it. Purchasing a spa is a big decision. We want to help determine if a hot tub is right for you.

 

Let’s go through some of the hot tub pros and cons and see if hot tubs are worth it.

 

Why Hot Tubs are Worth It (Pros)

 

There are many reasons why a hot tub could be right for you. Here are a few pros to owning a hot tub.

 

Daily Relaxation

 

 

Having a spa at your home is like having a personal massage therapist ready 24/7 to release your daily stresses.

 

Many hot tub owners rave about the ability to jump into their hot tub each night for a bit of relaxation to get their bodies right before going to bed.

 

Health Benefits

 

Speaking of sleeping, hot tubs can help you sleep better. They can reduce anxiety and stress, ease pain in the body, and once out of the hot tub, your temperature drops, resulting in better sleep.

 

There are other hot tub health benefits we can mention, such as:

 

• Relaxation & Stress Relief
• Muscle Pain Relief
• Joint Pain Relief
• Improved Heart Health
• Improved Athletic Performance
• Weight Loss

 

These health benefits stem from the ancient practice of hydrotherapy.

 

Hydrotherapy

 

 

So what is hydrotherapy, and why is it a reason to purchase a spa?
Hydrotherapy, by definition, is ” The external use of water in the medical treatment of certain diseases, conditions, and ailments.”

 

Meaning hydrotherapy treats everything from sore muscles to stress or even conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Boosting your health through hot tub use can be a huge deciding factor when purchasing a spa.

Adds Value to a Home or Rental

 

There are more pros to owning a hot tub than just health benefits. Hot tubs also can add value to your home or rental property.

 

Homebuyers typically do not require a hot tub when they move, but it is a bonus to buyers when they see a home with a well-kept hot tub.

 

The same goes for rental/vacation properties. Hot tubs can be a massive plus for vacationers when looking for a place to stay. People love using a hot tub on vacation, after installing a hot tub, you can expect higher revenues per night and increased occupancy.

 

Family Time

 

 

You may want your spa all to yourself and your family. Hot tubs are an easy way for all family members to disconnect from their devices and spend quality time.

 

As the digital age grows, it is essential to have time with your family to engage in meaningful conversation, and a hot tub is a perfect place to do so.

 

Why a Hot Tub Might not Be Worth It (Cons)

 

There are many pros to buying a hot tub for your home, but what are some cons?

 

In this section, we will discuss a few determining factors that may make a hot tub not worth it.

 

Maintenance

 

 

Maintenance can scare potential spa owners away from purchasing a spa. Maintenance on a spa often gets a bad rap.

 

The last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours taking care of their spa each week, but you may be surprised by how quick, and easy spa maintenance is.

 

So do hot tubs require a lot of maintenance?

 

Not necessarily, depending on the hot tub you purchase. If you buy a lower-end spa, keeping your hot tub water safe with balanced chemicals may be challenging.

 

On the other hand, if you buy a quality spa, maintenance can be a breeze. If you plan a maintenance schedule, it is easy to keep your spa in tiptop shape and safe for you and your guests.

 

FROG@ease System

 

 

Bullfrog Spas offers a maintenance system called the FROG@ease System, which provides an automated water care experience that is super easy.

 

With FROG@ease, you can enjoy hot tub water that is clearer, cleaner, softer, and much easier to maintain than traditional di-chlor or bromine systems.

 

Costs

 

Another element to consider when owning a spa is the overall costs, from the initial costs of purchasing a hot tub and preparing for one to the ongoing costs of energy and chemicals.

 

Cost of the Hot Tub

 

 

You first have to consider the price of the hot tub. Hot tub prices can range drastically based on the type and quality of the hot tub.

 

Here are some average costs for each type of spa:

 

• Swim Spa: $25,000 – $40,000
• Elite Luxury: $20,000 – $25,000
• Luxury: $15,000 – $20,000
• Premium: $10,000 – $15,000
• Value: $5,000 – $10,000
• Entry-Level: $2,000 – $5,000
• Inflatable: Under $2,000

 

 

It may be enticing to purchase an inflatable or entry-level spa, but you will be cutting yourself short.

 

You will miss out on powerful therapeutic experiences and ultimately spend more on energy costs and maintenance.

 

Installation

 

Once you’ve decided on a spa price, there are a few costs in preparing for a spa. You have to have two things ready for installing a hot tub at your home.

 

1. Creating a level space for your hot tub may require a lot of work.

 

Whether hiring someone or doing it yourself, building a suitable deck or laying cement for a hot tub can cost a lot in materials and labor, so when purchasing a spa, you have to consider where you will be placing your spa.

 

2. Electrical

 

Most of us are not electricians, so you may need to hire an electrician to install a 240V electrical outlet for your hot tub.

 

Energy

 

Because hot tubs use a 240V outlet (which is similar to the outlet used by ovens, clothes dryers, and water heaters) it can cause the electrical bill price to go up.

 

Don’t fret; there are things you can do to keep your energy consumption down while having a hot tub.

 

• Keep Your Hot Tub on to Retain Heat
• Keep Hot Tub Cover Closed When Not In Use
• Install a Wind Barrier
• Use a Floating Thermal Blanket
• Lower the Temperature
• Perform Regular Maintenance

 

Also, if you are planning to purchase a Bullfrog Spa, you’ll use up to 28% less energy when compared to other top spa brands.

 

So Are Hot Tubs Worth It?

 

Yes! If you can afford the costs and are willing to maintain the hot tub, the benefits are well worth it.

 

Making Sure You Get a Quality Hot Tub

 

 

When planning for a hot tub, it is crucial to consider both the pros and cons.

 

If you decide that a hot tub is right for you, we recommend purchasing a high-quality spa from a reputable dealer.

 

Buying a spa from a reputable dealer can cut the risk you may face from buying online or at a large retail store.

 

You can find a dealer local to your area on our Find a Local Hot Tub Dealer Near You page.