How much does a spa cost in New Zealand in 2025? (Spa prices, considerations and more)

Thinking about buying a hot tub or spa, and wondering: "How much does a spa cost?". You may also be asking: "Why is there such a huge range in spa pool pricing?”.

After all, you can spend $2,999 on one spa or $29,999 on another and on the surface, they look pretty similar. But are they?

This guide from Spa World™ explains what really drives spa prices, and why looks and jet counts don’t tell the full story. You’ll also see example prices from value, premium and luxury spa ranges to help you decide what’s worth paying for.

What is the best spa for the money?

You can buy a spa for around $2,999 or spend closer to $29,999. On the surface, many models look similar, about the same size, similar seating and plenty of jets.

To explain the differences, let’s look at three similar-looking spas from Spa World™. They may look alike but in reality, they sit in very different price brackets.

Three similar looking spas, three very different prices:

• Fisher^® 3™ Spa from our value range has an RRP of $7,490
• Vortex^® Mercury™ from our premium range has an RRP of $14,490
• Jacuzzi^®J-225™ from our Luxury range has an RRP of $16,490

All three of these spas are:

• Around 2 metres by 2 metres
• Designed to seat 4–5 adults
• Fitted with a circulation pump (filtration pump) and a single jet pump
• Built with roughly 35–40 jets

So why the big price difference?

Well, if you look at the technical specifications of the spas mentioned above, you'll see they have some key differences that set them apart. We explain more below...

Why are spa prices so different?

When a manufacturer designs and builds a spa, there are a lot of choices to make, and each choice affects the final price.

Some of the big ones include:

• Where the spa is made
• How it is made (design, testing and quality control)
• What parts are used – pumps, controls, frame, shell, plumbing and so on
• Which features are included and which are left out
• What warranty and after-sales service you get

In short, spa prices are different because the build choices are different. Two spas might look the same on the outside, but the country of manufacture, the way they’re built, the parts inside, the features included and the backup you get all add up to very different price tags.

Watch the video below as Andrew Pullen, Spa World’s Managing Director, explains the differences in spa prices.

Why does it matter where a spa is made?

Spa pools are very labour-intensive to manufacture. Most of the work is not automated, so labour costs in the country of manufacture have a big impact on the final price.

Many of the best quality spas in Australia, and many of the best value options, are made in China, Mexico and Eastern Europe, where labour costs are lower than in some developed countries.

Some examples:

• Jacuzzi^® Spas and HotSpring^® Spas have plants in Mexico.
• Oasis Spas™ and Vortex Spas™ are made in China.

It is important to note that where a spa is made is not a guide to quality.

Oasis Spas™ and Vortex Spas™ are made in China.

Should I upgrade to a spa with more features?

The short answer: yes, if you can.

The more useful features your spa has, the more enjoyment you’re likely to get out of it. As with anything, better components and extra features will cost more upfront – but can save money and hassle later on.

Here are some top features to look for in any spa you buy.

A circulation pump

A circulation pump (separate from the main jet pump) can mean:

• Cheaper running costs
• Better water quality
• A quieter spa compared with a two-speed pump

A spa with a circulation pump would normally be at least $1,000 more than the same spa fitted with a two-speed pump.

An automated sanitising system

An automated sanitising system helps keep your water clean and clear with less effort.

Key points:

• Ozone, which helps clarify the water, is a must.
• UV, which sanitises the water, is preferable.
• Any spa with multi-stage filtration will be easier to maintain than one without.
• A very good automatic sanitising system can easily add $2,000 to the price of a spa, compared with the same model without it.

Good levels of insulation

• Insulation has a big impact on how much your spa costs to run.
• At the very least, there should be insulation on both the shell of the spa and the inside of the cabinet.
• Ideally, choose a spa with full-foam insulation. These spas generally have the lowest running costs.
• Full-foam insulation can add around $2,000 to the retail price of a spa. Over time, the savings on power bills can be much more, making good insulation a smart investment.

A heavy cover

• A thicker, higher-density cover is better at reducing heat loss and cutting running costs.
• Adding a cover lifter makes it much easier to get the cover on and off, which means you’re more likely to use the spa as often as you’d like.

A treated timber or plastic frame

• This one is so important it’s worth repeating.
• Ask the retailer to remove the side of the spa and show you the frame.
• You want to see proper treatment or plastic framing, not just painted timber or cheap metals that may rust.

Big water jets

• Jet counts can be misleading.
• Many brands boost the number by adding lots of small water or air jets.
• In general, bigger, well-placed jets give a better massage.
• Some top hydrotherapy spas, like Jacuzzi^®, HotSpring^® and Bullfrog^®, have relatively low jet counts.
• What really matters is jet size, position and overall design, not just how many there are.
• Good design and engineering add to the cost, but you feel the difference every time you use the spa.