What are the pros and cons of owning a hot tub? (Considerations, costs, features, and more)

Hot tubs can be a great tool to boost your health and have your own space for relaxation. But before committing to buying one, it’s good to know what you’re in for. Keep reading to learn all about the pros and cons of hot tub ownership.

Pros and cons of hot tubs hero

Hot tubs have come a long way since they were first introduced to the market. Many people find that soaking in a hot tub regularly has improved their health and well-being.

In this article, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of owning a hot tub and hopefully help you decide if a hot tub is right for you.

What is a hot tub?

Hot tubs often refer to simple cedar-panelled large tubs of heated water to high-tech hydrotherapy spa pools with massage jets, smart controls, moulded seats, and more.

This article refers to hydrotherapy hot tubs with acrylic or plastic shells also known as spa pools.

You can learn more about the difference between hot tubs and spa pools in our detailed article below.

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What are the pros of hot tubs?

Apart from creating a luxurious ambience in your space, a hot tub has a lot to offer. Let’s go through some of the pros of owning a hot tub.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. If you have any concerns about your current health or well-being, please contact your GP or other medical professionals for advice.

hot tub for good health

1. It can be good for your health

For thousands of years, people have used the healing powers of water and hydrotherapy to enhance their lives. Some of the potential benefits of hot tub use include:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Achieve better and deeper sleep
  • Improved cardiovascular health

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hot tubs for pain relief

2. It’s a great tool for pain relief

Hot tubs can be great for pain relief after a high-intensity exercise. Immersing your body in warm water can reduce muscle pain and allows your body to recover. If you’re suffering from arthritis, regularly soaking in a hot tub might help reduce joint inflammation – loosening joints, reducing pain, and increasing mobility.

Can a spa help with chronic pain relief? - A spa owner’s story

You can learn more about these benefits by clicking the button below.

Family hot tub

3. It brings the family together

Hot tubs are designed to be shared with your family and friends. As the digital age grows, communicating with our loved ones from afar has been very easy. But there’s nothing better than spending quality time with your family, without devices. You can disconnect your teens from their fancy gadgets, spend romantic time with your significant other, and engage in meaningful conversation while enjoying the warm water and relaxing ambience.

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Hot tubs for winter

4. You can use them all year round

Most first-time spa buyers often ask if they can use their hot tubs in the winter, and the short and simple answer is, yes you sure can! Hot tubs are designed to be used all year round. Unlike swimming pools, hot tubs have in-built insulation, temperature controls, and automatic filtration systems that allow you to enjoy a fun and relaxing outdoor soak regardless of what the weather is like.

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Small hot tub

5. Hot tubs are portable and suit small spaces

Hot tubs are portable and do not require that much space. They can be placed indoors and outdoors and can be installed in-ground or above the ground. They also come in different sizes and shapes to suit your space. Depending on the type of installation you require for your hot tub, there are a few important factors to consider.

Click the button below to learn more about factors to consider when planning for a spa pool.

Watch: Can I fit a spa pool in a small backyard?

6. It adds value to your home

Hot tubs with well-designed exterior landscapes can increase your home’s resale value. They can be a huge deciding factor for buyers, especially when there is attractive landscaping around them, such as a stone pathway, pergola, or deck.

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What are the cons of hot tubs?

A hot tub may not be the perfect choice for everyone. In this section, we’ll go through the factors that can make owning a hot tub daunting.

hot tub running cost

1. High initial cost

The initial cost of purchasing a hot tub is one of the significant factors you need to take into account. You can spend anywhere from $4,000 to well over $29,000 depending on the quality of the hot tub and any features you’re looking for. For example, if you want more water features such as laminar jets, waterfalls, and different lighting effects for added relaxation and ambience.

Click the button below and learn more about the features you need to look for when purchasing a hot tub.

When weighing up the price of hot tubs, remember that the higher the price is, the better quality and features it has. For example, an inflatable spa typically ranges from $330 to $3,000, this is a good price point if you’re after a simple soak and a temporary product. However, you may also want to consider the upkeep and ease of use of this spa.

There are a few things you want to ask yourself if you’re planning to purchase a low-priced hot tub:

  • Will I feel comfortable in it?
  • How long will it last?
  • How much time do I need to maintain it?
  • Is it ready for use whenever I want to?
  • What are the ongoing running costs?

If you’re looking for affordable and quality spas, there are many options on the market.

Click the button below to learn about the best spa pools in Australia.

If your budget isn’t enough to purchase a spa, many spa pool retailers offer different finance options as well as interest-free options.

hot tub maintenance

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2. Maintaining a hot tub can be a chore

Hot tubs require regular treatment. Maintaining hot tubs includes, cleaning the filter, testing the water’s pH level, and adding chemicals such as chlorine or bromine. While the maintenance may sound like a lot of work, you’ll find that it isn’t really hard to maintain once you create a routine.

Many mid-market spas have built-in automatic sanitising systems to help keep the water safe, clean, and clear.

Click the button below to learn tips for spa water maintenance, spa chemicals, and water treatment.

hot tub running cost

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3. High running costs

While it’s true that hot tubs may have high electricity bills, the running costs depend on several factors such as the quality of your hot tub, how often you use it, how it was installed, and the outdoor temperature. It may be enticing to buy a cheap spa, but as a general rule, the cheaper the hot tub the more you will likely pay in ongoing running costs.

For example, a well-insulated hot tub with efficient heaters installed on a concrete pad consumes less electricity than an entry-level spa installed on a deck.

Another factor to consider is a good quality hot tub or spa cover to prevent heat loss and reduce the pressure on the spa heater.

Click on the button below to learn more about spa pool running costs.

Watch: What is the most energy-efficient way to run a spa?

In Summary

When planning to purchase a hot tub (or any luxury item), it is crucial to consider both the pros and cons.

So, are hot tubs worth it? The answer depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for ultimate relaxation to release your daily stresses and a space where you can unwind with your loved ones, a hot tub can be a great addition to your home.

The benefits of hot tubs no doubt outweigh the negatives. If you need further help in determining which hot tub best fits your needs, our experts are here to help.

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We hope this article helps you decide if owning a hot is beneficial for you. Our Ultimate Buyer’s Guide is also a great resource in helping you make the best choice.

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