How Much Does It Cost to Install a Hot Tub in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a hot tub is a straightforward way to turn your backyard into a relaxing retreat. You’ll pay $2,300on average for your own warm, bubbly oasis, with costs ranging from $4,200 to $1,900. The most basic models can cost as little as $1,000, while larger, more complex hot tubs can reach a maximum cost of $4,400. Hire a licensed pro for a safe, code-compliant installation.

Hot Tub Installation Costs

Installing a hot tub is more than just choosing your favorite model—it’s a multi-step process with a wide range of associated costs. From selecting between aboveground and in-ground options to preparing the site, wiring electricity, and coordinating delivery, each decision impacts your final price tag.

Aboveground Hot Tubs

Aboveground hot tubs are the most common choice because they’re easy to install and operate. Expect to spend $400 on an inflatable unit and up to $18,000 on a high-end above-ground spa, excluding installation costs. The total cost depends on the size, type, and placement of the hot tub. Many aboveground models come ready to fill, plug in, and enjoy.

In-Ground Hot Tubs

In-ground hot tubs are a more luxurious option, costing between $8,000 and $25,000 in total. They are more expensive because they require excavation and custom installation. If you're building a new pool and want to add a hot tub, you can expect an additional cost of $6,000 to $15,000 on top of the pool's base price. Installing a hot tub on a deck might cost less than a complete in-ground installation and can help preserve your landscaping, though you'll likely need a concrete pad for support.

Location

Remote deliveries add $0.50 to $3.00 per mile to the final bill. Select a location for your hot tub that is accessible from the equipment panel and at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Delivery

Standard delivery is often included in the tub’s price, but crane service is usually an additional cost. Cranes are necessary if your backyard is challenging to access.

A crane delivery runs $800 to $1,500, but large tubs or extra-long reaches can push the price to $2,500. If delivery isn’t included and does not require a crane, it will likely be in the $200 to $500 range.

The delivery team might also need to remove parts of your fence ($100 to $200) or operate a Bobcat to better access the space ($200 to $300).

Permits

Permits are rarely required for above-ground models, but are needed for in-ground spas and usually cost between $100 and $250.

Land Preparation

Your above-ground hot tub will need a solid foundation to sit on, as these relaxation amenities can weigh up to 6,000 pounds when filled with water. A concrete slab runs $2 to $6 per square foot. Based on average hot tub sizes, you’ll probably need at least 100 to 120 square feet. If you have an existing patio, you can use that as a base or opt for pavers, a reinforced deck, or gravel.

If you choose to use an existing patio, you may need to complete concrete leveling if it slopes away from your home to drain properly. This costs $3 to $6 per square foot.

Inflatable hot tubs can be placed on insulated bases, grass, or the ground.

Electricity

Wiring a hot tub costs $600 to $2,200. This depends on the model and the amperage of your existing setup. The cost to install a new subpanel ranges from $400 to $1,800. You may need to do this if your current panel can’t support the amps for the hot tub. Installing an outlet costs between $150 and $300. You may need this service if you don’t have one within five feet of the hot tub or if you need to upgrade an existing one. Most models use 50 to 60 amps and need 220 to 240 volts.

If you’d like to add an outside sound system to your hot tub area, expect to pay an electrician $250 to $300 to install it.

Decking

The cost to build a new deck averages $4,100 to $11,300, with a price range of $30 to $60 per square foot. To have a hot tub installed inside an existing deck, you’ll need to add a concrete slab underneath the deck for support. In total, expect to pay between $5,000 and $20,000.

Lighting

Lighting upgrades cost between $25 and $60 per light. Post lighting runs from $30 to over $100 each, and professional lighting installation costs $2,000 to $3,000, with higher-end installations of motion and designer lights reaching as high as $10,000.

Landscaping

Landscaping costs an average of $4 to $12 per square foot. If you want a formal landscaping design, the cost jumps to $40 per square foot.

Cost of Hot Tubs Based on Type

The price for a small, inflatable, above-ground hot tub will cost the least, starting at only $400, while prices for in-ground hot tubs will be several thousand more.

Portable Hot Tubs

Portable hot tubs cost between $3,000 and $10,000. These versatile spas can be set up on your deck, and during the winter, they can be stored in your basement or shed. While any aboveground model can be considered portable, its weight can impact how easily it can be moved. Most non-inflatable options weigh between 400 and 1,000 pounds, compared to the average refrigerator, which weighs between 200 and 300 pounds.

Saltwater Hot Tub Cost

Installing a saltwater system costs between $200 and $700, although in some cases, it may cost up to $1,500, depending on the chosen option and the type of hot tub. Built-in models require more expensive generators that range from $1,000 to $2,000. Standalone styles for aboveground units are closer to $500.

Many homeowners choose saltwater because it’s less expensive than chlorine and reduces the need for cleaning. Since salt can corrode materials like wood, it’s best to opt for alternatives like acrylic. Before committing, compare the pros and cons of saltwater vs. chlorine to decide which is right for you.

In-Ground Hot Tub Cost

To add a hot tub to your existing in-ground swimming pool, expect to spend $8,000 to $25,000. If you are building a brand-new pool and want to pair it with a hot tub, you’ll pay $6,000 to $15,000 in addition to the base price for the pool.

Swim Spa Installation Cost

Swim spa installation costs $300 to $7,000, plus $15,000 to $35,000 for the tub. This style is much larger than average, built for swimming or occupancy ranging from 15 to 20 people. As with other hot tubs, above-ground options are less expensive than built-in models.

Hot Tub Costs Based on Materials

Hot tub costs range from $400 to $18,000 or more, depending on the material. Materials range from very lightweight and portable vinyl to wood, with prices differing between shell materials.

Soft-Side Inflatable Vinyl Hot Tub

A soft-sided inflatable hot tub costs $400 to $1,500. This is the least expensive option, made of vinyl and delivered in a deflated state. Then, simply inflate it, add the motor, and fill it with a hose. Once it's plugged in, it's ready to go.

Inflatable styles are popular because they’re lightweight and relatively simple to DIY. Since the material is soft and flexible, it is more likely to puncture and require repair or replacement.

Vinyl-Lined Hot Tub

Vinyl-lined hot tubs are often in-ground models (though sometimes used with wooden tubs), with the vinyl acting as a layer between the concrete and the water. In-ground hot tubs cost between $8,000 and $25,000 to build new or add to an existing pool. Expect to spend between $6,000 and $15,000 to build a hot tub in tandem with a new pool excavation (on top of the cost of the pool itself).

Rotomolded Plastic

These “plug-and-play” models can plug into any 110V outlet to operate. Rotomolded plastic hot tubs cost between $2,000 and $6,000.

Wooden Hot Tub

Wooden hot tubs cost between $3,000 and $10,000. They feature a round design made from redwood and cedar (or teak) with seating. It comes in pieces so you can easily get it to the room or space of your choice. Wood is a traditional choice, but it’s no longer as widely available. Most options run on electricity, but you’ll find a few with a wood-fired heater.

Acrylic Hot Tub

Acrylic hot tubs are the most popular choice, ranging in price from $4,000 to $18,000. This type has a prefabricated shell with a wood, acrylic, or stainless steel surround. Homeowners prefer acrylic because it offers the greatest variety and performs best in cold weather. It’s harder to transport but often easier to install than wood.

DIY vs. Professional Hot Tub Installation

Because hot tubs are heavy and complex, hiring professional hot tub installers is the safest way to ensure the job is done correctly. When you're ready to schedule the installation, be sure to request quotes from at least three professionals and ask for references to make an informed choice. Upgrade your hot tub setup with a qualified local installer today.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.