Hot Tub Pricing Guide
How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?
The cost of a hot tub depends on several factors, including the size, included features, accessories, and more. At the lowest end of the budget range, a bare-bones rotationally molded hot tub can cost around $4,000. On the other end of the spectrum, the best portable hot tubs commercially available could exceed $20,000. The reason there’s such a large difference depends on many factors:
- Materials: Acrylic shell hot tubs are the most common and durable, but also the most expensive. Wood hot tubs are less expensive but require more maintenance. Rotomolded plastic tubs are the least expensive but are not as durable or energy efficient as the other options.
- Size: A hot tub designed for seven people will likely come with a higher price tag as compared to a three-person model.
- Type: Permanent hot tubs are more expensive than inflatable or portable hot tubs.
- Features: Things like jets, salt systems, and sound systems can also add to the cost.
- Warranty: More comprehensive or longer-term warranties can add to the cost of the hot tub.
- Customer Location: Shipping costs can vary, especially if your delivery location is in a remote area or contains difficult terrain.
Overview of Hot Tub Categories, Price Ranges, and Features.
Starting Price Range
Comfort
Performance
Design
Compare to
Starting Price Range
$15,000 and up
Comfort
Circuit therapy:
6-8 stations with specialized body jets
Performance
Number of Jets:
Water Care: Salt or Sanitizing System
Energy Efficiency: Best
Design
Cabinetry: Best
Shell: Acrylic
Lighting: Adjustable interior and exterior
Compare to
Utopia® Series
from Caldera Spas
Starting Price Range
$12,000 and up
Comfort
Circuit therapy:
4-6 stations
Performance
Number of Jets:
Water Care: Salt or Sanitizing System
Energy Efficiency: Better
Design
Cabinetry: Better
Shell: Acrylic
Lighting: Interior
Compare to
Paradise® Series
from Caldera Spas
Starting Price Range
$8,000 and up
Comfort
Circuit therapy:
2-5 stations
Performance
Number of Jets:
Water Care: Sanitizing System
Energy Efficiency: Good
Design
Cabinetry: Good
Shell: Acrylic
Lighting: Interior
Compare to
Vacanza® Series
from Caldera Spas
Starting Price Range
$4,000 and up
Comfort
Circuit therapy:
Basic seating and
jet options
Performance
Number of Jets:
Water Care: Sanitizing System
Energy Efficiency: Value
Design
Entire hot tub is one material as a rotomolded shell
Lighting: Limited
Compare to
Fantasy® Spas
Cost of a Hot Tub.
Luxury Hot Tubs: $15,000 and Up
A luxury hot tub like those found in the Caldera Spas Utopia Series, is for the customer who wants the ultimate personal wellness haven. This type of hot tub usually comes equipped with top-of-the-line features, accompanied by the most extensive warranty protection. It will generally offer elevated design, low operating costs, maximum comfort, minimal maintenance, the best massage jets, and efficient operation. On a luxury spa, you are likely to find:
- The best water care options. Premium water care systems for hot tubs require fewer chemicals to maintain sparkling and clean water. These systems reduce heavy chemicals so your skin feels soft and refreshed, not dried out. Our very best water care system, FreshWater® IQ, is an in-line, self monitoring salt system that tells you what it needs to maintain clean, natural-feeling water, with less time and effort from you. FreshWater® IQ comes standard on all Caldera Utopia Series spas, meaning you’ll enjoy the easiest water care on the market and longer-lasting, natural-feeling water that uses fewer chemicals than traditional water care systems.
- The best components. Luxury hot tubs are made with great care to minimize unwanted noise and maintenance. Luxury hot tub components are built to perform reliably for a long time and are backed by a comprehensive warranty.
- The best construction. Hot tub construction is directly correlated to durability and energy efficiency. On a luxury hot tub, the base pan protects the components, enhances the look of the spa, and minimizes ground contact to promote heat retention. All-climate cabinetry withstands exposure to the elements without cracking, splitting, or chipping. Acrylic resists stains, scratches, and sun damage.
- The best and most advanced jets. In addition to greater numbers of jets, the best hot tubs offer jets that are well-placed, more powerful, and customizable, allowing you to adjust the strength, sequence, or combination of jets in use depending on your desires for each soak.
- The best energy efficiency. An energy-efficient spa costs less to run. Often, lower utility bills offset a higher purchase price over time. Luxury spas will be designed to run as efficiently as possible with the help of special insulation, energy-efficient pumps, sealing covers, and more.
- Advanced design. Relaxation and rejuvenation involve all five senses. Elegant lines and colors complement the flow and calm of the water. A luxury spa is an aesthetic focal point, with colors, textures, and lighting to enhance the mood.
- Enhanced control options and entertainment. Luxury hot tubs often include secondary control panels on the bar top, wireless controllers, and even apps that let you set your spa’s temperature from afar or adjust the jets and lights. Advanced features include audio and visual entertainment systems.
- The strongest warranties. The various components of your spa will have different warranties, but you can generally expect warranty coverage to last between five and ten years for top-quality hot tubs.
Premium Hot Tubs: $12,000 & Up
On a premium spa like the Caldera Spas Paradise Series, you’ll see advanced engineering and robust features for long-lasting owner satisfaction. These spas don’t come prepackaged with every bell and whistle available, but they are designed for the hot tub owner who wants a higher-end hot tub and the option to add preferred upgrades.
These are some of the features you might see on a premium hot tub:
- Energy-efficiency. Dense, multi-layered insulation preserves heat in most premium hot tubs, reducing the energy it takes to keep your water at the temperature you desire.
- Water care options. All Paradise Series models come FreshWater IQ ready.
- High jet counts. Depending on the model, some premium hot tubs have a large number of jets, run by a powerful pump. Instead of looking simply at jet counts, pay attention to the locations of the jets on a hot tub. A Caldera spa has jets that are designed in the most ideal locations to target specific muscle groups.
- Control system options. Control systems on premium models will be easy to use and conveniently located. However, they may not be as advanced as luxury controls, and wireless apps may not be available.
- Comfortable interior. At the premium level, well-designed seats will keep you from floating to the surface, even when powerful jets are on.
- Beautiful exterior. Streamlined cabinets make premium hot tubs aesthetically pleasing, serving as the centerpiece of a backyard or porch.
Value-Priced Hot Tubs: $8,000 & Up
Value hot tubs might be a good fit for you if you are new to hot-tubbing, or are not looking for a hot tub that has every bell and whistle available. The Caldera Spas Vacanza® Series uses the Frog @ease In-Line System with pre-filled cartridges to maintain clear water for your spa. Rest assured that the Vacanza Series includes many of the comfort, design, and performance details you come to expect from Caldera hot tubs.
On the other hand, the lower sticker price on a value-priced hot tub might come with trade-offs for some brands. There are some value-priced spas with enticing features but poor performance, and those with quality performance likely lack flashier features. For example, a spa in this price range may feature a glossy acrylic shell and multicolored lighting or a high jet count, at the cost of less powerful jets or louder operation. The best value-priced hot tub models will have excellent performance but few flashy features—not the other way around.
Entry-Level Hot Tubs: $4,000 & Up
Entry-level hot tubs are usually rotationally molded, meaning the cabinet and shell are a single piece. The surface may be durable, but it may not have the shiny appearance and smooth feel of acrylic. Options at this level are very much scaled back, with fewer lights and water features, less powerful pumps, and basic water care options.
Many entry-level spas are plug-and-play, which means you can plug one into any existing electrical outlet with no upgrade to your wiring. Their durability makes rotationally-molded spas a big quality step above inflatable hot tubs, while still being fairly portable. These hot tubs give you the opportunity to enjoy a spa without investing heavily.
How to Choose the Right Price Range.
A spa is an experience that you will share and enjoy—hopefully for years to come. When choosing the right hot tub, picture yourself soaking in it early on a weekend morning five years from now, or hosting summer barbecues with your friends over and over again through the years.
Every great relationship starts with an introduction. To get acquainted with our current models, take a look through the variety of spas offered by Caldera and request a brochure. If you’d like to get a feel for our spas in person, find your local dealer’s showroom to take a test soak or shop virtually.
Accessories and Add-Ons.
Once you've chosen your spa (or the price range you’re comfortable with), don’t overlook important accessories such as cover lifters, steps, and water care supplies. While these do add to the cost of the hot tub, they’re critical items that make spa ownership easier, safer, and less stressful.
There are also optional add-ons that elevate your hot tub experience, such as speakers, umbrellas and even wireless control and monitoring systems. While these items are not required, they allow you to personalize your hot tub and help you get the most out of each soak.
Installation.
The costs for delivery and installation of your hot tub can vary depending on the following:
- The size and type of hot tub. Delivery and installation of a larger, heavier hot tub could cost more than a lighter, plug-and-play spa that doesn’t require any special electrical connection.
- In-ground versus above-ground installation. An in-ground hot tub requires more extensive preparation and specialized delivery requirements, so installation of these spas will be more expensive.
- Location. If your delivery location is remote or far away from your dealer, the delivery and installation costs will likely be higher.
- Complexity. Similarly, if your delivery location is surrounded by difficult terrain, tall buildings, or uneven ground, this often requires more (or specialized) delivery crew members and will increase the cost of the installation. In some cases, a crane is needed to lift the spa over obstacles, landscapes, or buildings, which will be added to the cost of the installation.
- Electrical installation. If your spa has a 230v electrical connection, you will be required to install specialized electrical equipment by a certified electrician. The cost of this installation and final hook-up can vary based on your existing electrical set-up, how much electrical wire you require and the contractor you choose to work with. To get an estimate for installation costs at your property, reach out to your local dealer.
Maintenance.
Regular maintenance is critical to keep your hot tub running like it should, so it’s important to consider the cost of maintenance and cleaning items.
Important maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning and changing the filter. Clean your filter once a month by removing it and spraying with a garden hose to remove debris or dirt. If you stick to this monthly cleaning schedule, Caldera spa filters should last up to 3 years before you need to replace them. You may want to replace them sooner if maintenance has been sporadic or your hot tub has seen heavier than normal use. You can purchase replacement filters from your local dealer.
- Cleaning the interior and exterior of the spa. Over time, your spa can easily accumulate dirt, dust, or other natural particles that can damage components if not removed. Wipe down the cabinets and cover using a wet rag with plain water or approved Caldera external cleaning products. These can be found at your local dealer. The shell should only be cleaned with a wet rag using plain water or approved Caldera shell-safe cleaning products (such as CALDERA Spa Shine, Brillianize® or Soft Scrub®). NEVER use alcohol or other household cleaners on your spa’s shell. Refer to your owner’s manual for more information about the cleaning process.
- Draining and refilling. If your spa uses a salt water system, you can drain and refill your spa water once a year. However, if you’re on a traditional (non-salt) water system, you’ll need to drain the water every 3 months. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on draining and refilling your spa.
- Testing and balancing your water. Depending on your water system, water care could require test strips, filters, and approved chemicals. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific water care instructions.
How Can You Get Personalized Hot Tub Pricing?
As you can see by all of the above, these factors can cause the price of a hot tub to vary dramatically, so your best bet to get a price quote from your local dealer. They can help you find a spa based on your preferences and budget, and you can compare the spas in person during the shopping process.
Explore Our Series.
Utopia Series
The pinnacle of hot tub design. Featuring a visually stunning exterior, powerful jets, and touchscreen controls, the Utopia Series delivers a top-of-the-line hydrotherapy experience like no other.
Models starting at
$281/mo for 75 mos1
Paradise Series
A beautiful blend of practical and premium, designed to deliver your daily Caldera® Spas ritual in a remarkable way.
Models starting at $215/mo for 75 mos1
Vacanza Series
Caldera comfort. Caldera details. Caldera quality. All available at an exceptional value.
Models starting at $141/mo for 75 mos1
Find a Dealer.
Find a Dealer.
Count on your local Caldera Spas dealer to help make your experience easy and enjoyable.