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In-Ground Hot Tub Cost in 2022

In-Ground Hot Tub Cost in 2022
Lauren Ward
Lauren WardUpdated July 28, 2022
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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.
The cost of an in-ground hot tub can range anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, and possibly even more if you opt for a high-end, custom-made tub. In-ground hot tub costs are determined by a number of factors, including labor, size, and special features.If you’re in the market for an in-ground hot tub, here’s what you need to know. 

In-Ground Hot Tubs, Explained

A hot tub, or spa, is a pool of warm circulating water that users can soak in for relaxation or health reasons. Many hot tubs also have jets that shoot currents of water for a massaging effect.Once installed, an in-ground hot tub becomes a permanent fixture in your yard. A well-constructed hot tub can increase your home’s value when you decide to sell.  Because the cost to purchase and install in-ground hot tubs can be expensive, many homeowners use hot tub financing. And a personal loan preapproval can expedite the process and help you find the right lender for your borrowing needs.

Average In-Ground Hot Tub Cost

Depending on the size and manufacturer, the average price for an in-ground hot tub can be anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. Professional installation can cost between $1,000 and $6,000.In-ground hot tub costs can vary widely, depending on what you choose. For instance, you might be considering an in-ground pool-hot tub combination. Just be aware that in-ground pool-hot tub combo costs can be $50,000 or more. Fortunately, funding home improvements through personal loans can help with this. Recommended: Loans for Swimming Pools: What to Know

How Are In-Ground Hot Tub Costs Determined?

There’s no fixed price for an in-ground hot tub because the final cost is determined by a range of variables, many of which are determined by the buyer’s needs and wants. They include:

Labor

The amount of labor involved in getting your in-ground hot tub installed can significantly affect the total price. Things like clearing the land for the pool and doing the wiring can add to the labor costs.

Heating

Many factors can affect how quickly your hot tub heats up, and how well it is able to maintain that heat, which in turn, can impact the cost. These include the system you install to heat the hot tub, whether you have a cover for your tub, and the landscaping surrounding it. 

Permits

Depending on where you live, you may have to get a permit before you can get an in-ground hot tub installed. The cost of the permit varies by location, but expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $100.  

Electrical Installations

Your hot tub will need its own separate wiring, which will require the work of a professional electrician. A separate breaker will also be needed, as will underground wiring.   

Padding

You will need a pad or base for your hot tub to help support it and keep it level. There are a number of options at different price points, including concrete, which tends to be the more expensive option (costing $4 to $8 per square foot), gravel (costing $4 to $7 a square foot), and synthetic spa pads (about $600 for an 8x8 base), which you can move if you need to. 

Features

You can add lighting, jets, controls, a cooling system, and many other types of additional features to your in-ground hot tub for additional costs.  

Size

The bigger the hot tub, the more it costs. A three-person acrylic tub runs about $3,000, while one that fits 10 people starts at about $5,000.  

Shape 

Hot tubs come in a variety of shapes, including round and square. Square hot tubs tend to be more popular, and you may have more options to choose from, but they can be more expensive.  

Location

The slope of your yard can drive up costs depending on how much work needs to be done to level the area to make it safe and functional for your hot tub.

Materials

The materials you choose can affect the total cost of the in-ground hot tub. Hot tub shells come in materials like acrylic, vinyl, fiberglass, and stainless steel. 

Condition

Certain components of a hot tub, including the pump, can be purchased used. This may help lower the total cost of your in-ground hot tub. 

In-Ground Hot Tub Pros

In-ground hot tubs can be fun and relaxing. They can even offer health benefits. Pros include:
  • Great way to entertain friends
  • Soaking in the tub can relieve stress, ease aches and pains, and increase blood circulation
  • Adds to the value of your home

In-Ground Hot Tub Cons

But there are some downsides of a hot tub, including the cost and maintenance. Cons include:
  • Can be expensive
  • May need to clear and level your yard to install it
  • Maintenance and cleaning required (bacteria can breed if the pool isn’t cleaned well)

Hot Tub Financing Options

There are a few different ways you can finance an in-ground hot tub.Personal loans: Home improvement is one of the many ways to use a personal loan. Plus, the application process is fast compared to other loan options, as is the loan disbursement once you’ve been approved.Personal loans typically come with repayment periods between two and five years and loan amounts up to $50,000, depending on your credit worthiness. Many personal loans are also unsecured, which means you won’t have to use any of your assets to secure the loan. Home Equity Loan: Like a personal loan, a home equity loan provides you with a lump sum of money. While the interest rate on a home equity loan tends to be lower, the loan requires you to use your home’s equity as collateral to secure the loan. If you default on payments, the lender can foreclose on your home.Cash-Out Refinance: With a cash-out refinance, borrowers receive a lump sum of money from any equity they have in their home when they refinance their mortgage. The downside is that you may not receive a lower interest rate, and your loan’s maturity date will be reset.HELOC: A HELOC is a home equity line of credit. Like a credit card, it’s a type of revolving credit. But unlike a credit card, a HELOC uses your home’s equity as your credit limit. HELOCs come with low interest rates, but if you don’t make the loan payments, you could lose your home. Personal lines of credit: This is also a form of revolving credit. The line of credit you receive is determined by your creditworthiness. If you have a strong credit score and a good income, you may be able to borrow a significant amount.   

Personal Loans With Lantern

Many variables can affect the cost of an in-ground hot tub, including the size of the hot tub and installation costs. Be sure to shop around. Consider the different features and purchase options to get your hot tub at the price point you’re most comfortable with.    If you’re considering a personal loan for your in-ground hot tub, you can easily see current personal loan rates with Lantern by SoFi. It can help you compare multiple loans quickly to help you find the right lending option for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are in-ground hot tubs?
How much does it cost to build an in-ground hot tub?
What are ways that I can cover the cost of building an in-ground hot tub?
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About the Author

Lauren Ward

Lauren Ward

Lauren Ward is a personal finance expert with nearly a decade of experience writing online content. Her work has appeared on websites such as MSN, Time, and Bankrate. Lauren writes on a variety of personal finance topics for SoFi, including credit and banking.
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