How much should a hot tub or spa cost? - We'll try to answer just that

In Other Words How Much

How Much Do Hot Tubs Cost?

Hot tubs vary in price dramatically, with a price range between $2,500 to $38,000, and an average spa
price around $6,000. Just like cars, hot tub prices reflect different levels of features, materials,
workmanship, and service. It is possible to have as few as one jet or as many as 160 in your hot tub,
while it may also have anywhere from one to five spa pumps. All of this can greatly affect the price of
your hot tub. Remember that most people who buy a hot tub are not looking to replace it in a year or
two. Often, it can be a lot less expensive in the long run to buy a quality hot tub that offers high
structural integrity and longevity, than to purchase a lesser quality, inexpensive portable spa that will
need constant repairs or need to be replaced in a couple of years. Being an informed hot tub consumer
will help you make the right spa purchase and give you years of satisfaction.

There are several factor that affect the actual retail price of a hot tub or spa. Items seldom seen are the
real hidden cost of a hot tub. For instance the plumbing lines, insulation, bottom tray, hot tub pump,
ozone system, hot tub frame construction materials and then there are the more obvious cost factors.
For instance, the cost of a hot tub cover to a dealer can vary as much as $400.00 from a basic spa
cover from a third party hot tub cover manufacturer, to the cost the actual spa manufacturer charges
the dealer. The type of jets, yes jets are always a big part of a hot tub or spa but are often just counted
and not thought of as to what they do. We have seen hot tubs with more than 60 jets cost less than a hot
tub with 40 jets. So how is that possible we are often asked. Just remember that those little pressure
point jets cost about a quarter of the more therapeutic hot tub jets.

There is a more important cost factor to look at as well. The spa dealership itself. Each hot tub dealer
determines their cost by the sheer number of hot tubs they sale every year. So a dealer that sells a
larger number of hot tubs each year is probably paying less than the dealer that only sells a few each
year. Just remember the "Walmart" principle of buying in large numbers and selling at a low margin. Of
course the spa dealership that is large may still need to retain alarge margin due to other cost factors as
well. For instance, a hot tub dealer that seldom advertises and sells only a few spas per month may
actually be able to sell you a spa for close to the same price as the larger spa retailer. Since he can
operate on a lower margin (overhead) than the much larger hot tub retailer. My suggestion is to shop
around. Don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions either, after all you're getting ready to spend a large
sum of your families income on something that hopefully will bring years of enjoyment and relaxation
to you all.

Here's a sign to avoid: CHEAP HOT TUBS OFFERED BELOW MANUFACTURERS COST! Wow,
did he just say avoid these signs? Yes folks, we have seen more problems than we care to address
because of traveling hot tub shows. There is nothing more frightening than a traveling spa dealer. They
come into a town, sell their hot tubs and scoot. Granted there are a few manufacturers that actually
have dealers in the town they come to and it is merely a marketing tactic to sell more hot tubs. Just be
careful of the traveling snake oil salesperson. Just remember if they are saying their hot tubs are cheap,
they're probably the ones that would know right.

If you are looking for a hot tub with a more Spartan look that has only the basic amenities and features,
it is still important to look for a spa that has good structural integrity, workmanship, and warranty. If
you like features, you will be astounded to see the many available features on today's hot tubs. You will
find everything from built-in stereos to towel warmer compartments. Do all of these features benefit
you? Some hot tub owners say that they would not live without them. You have to make the decision
whether or not you are willing to pay for these extra features and how much they are worth to you.

In addition, what does the hot tub dealer offer as far as service after the sale. Be weary of direct to the
public and online hot tub dealers as they cannot offer the same service as a local spa retailer. We have
several reservations when buying from someone other than the hot tub manufacturers direct dealer
network. Direct spa dealers or local hot tub retailers usually have service agreements with the spa
manufacturer and have the parts in stock. Most hot tub retailers can also guarantee their service as well
as offer a real time frame for a spa service technician to be on location. Sort of hard to get from a online
hot tub retailer or BIG BOX retailer that does not even have their own service department.

Just remember, if the price is so much lower than everyone else in town; there is a reason. To build a
cheap spa you need to use cheaper parts to do so. Don�t forget that old saying �junk in�..junk out�.