Are Cheap Hot Tubs Any Good? What Are The Best Hot Tub Bargains?

A hot tub is a major investment and, as with anything, they are available at many different pricepoints. Most of us love to get a bargain so it’s well worth trying to find out if cheap hot tubs are any worth the money. Are the more expensive hot tubs just over priced and does it make more financial sense to get a more basic budget hot tub model?

I decided to do some research into the hot tub market and this is what I found out:

So, are cheap hot tubs any good? And what are the best hot tub bargains? Some of the cheaper hot tub models are surprisingly good even though they aren’t as fully featured or powerful as the top-rated luxury models. However cheap hot tubs may well not last as long as more expensive models and most probably will cost significantly more to run.

The key to finding a good value hot tub is to do sufficient research. The good news is that there are lots of ways to find out more about which spas are worth the money that you spend on them, and by reading reviews and checking out different brands, it’s possible to glean enough information to make an informed choice.

How Important is Cost When Choosing A Hot Tub?

Of course, if you’re on a tight budget, it only makes sense to put the cost of your hot tub high on the agenda when making a decision about which model to buy. However, it’s important that, while this aspect is kept in mind, other more important factors are taken into consideration first. Why? Well, the answer to this is that focusing solely on the initial cost of your hot tub will lead to poor purchasing decisions.

Looking only for the cheapest hot tub of all on the market today is sure to be a mistake in the long run. While it may be affordable, it almost certainly won’t be fit for purpose in the long-term.

An extremely cheap hot tub will probably lack the features that you’re looking for in a spa. It may lack the power that you need for a truly relaxing user experience, and it may not have been built to stand the test of time.

You may also find that, due to lack of insulation, a cheaper hot tub can cost a significantly higher amount in monthly running costs than a more expensive model.

A hot tub that rapidly breaks down after purchase, that requires excessive and costly maintenance to keep it functioning at an effective level, or that will ultimately need to be replaced because the experience that it offers just isn’t up to expectations is a waste of money.

That doesn’t mean that you should only consider the most expensive hot tub models either. There are plenty of excellent hot tubs out there that won’t break the bank but that still offer a great user experience that won’t disappoint.

The key to making a decision is knowing the most important factors to bear in mind when weighing up the pros and cons of the different models on the market. This will allow you to determine which models suit your needs and requirements, but which also fit within your budget.

So, how do you go about making a decision?

Do your research – The first step is to research the different types of hot tub online. Read different websites and hot tub reviews from both experts and purchasers so that you can get a good feel for the quality and performance of each model that you’re considering.

It’s especially important to research the different manufacturers of hot tubs so that you can learn which ones are reputable and reliable. First and foremost, you should be looking for a high quality hot tub that is constructed from quality materials and that has been built for durability and robustness.

Look carefully at insulation – Don’t forget to check the amount of insulation that the hot tub has, since this will greatly affect your running costs – a tub with less insulation will cost more to heat and more to keep warm over time than one with lots of insulation.

Consider the cover that is supplied along with the tub too – this will also have an impact on the cost of running your tub and it will also have an effect on how well protected from potential damage it will be.

What Size hot tub? Another key consideration is the size of the hot tub. The cheapest models are almost certainly going to be smaller, with only sufficient space for two or three bathers to use them comfortably. While this may be perfect for small households or individuals, it probably won’t tick the boxes for a family or for anyone who wants to use their hot tub for entertaining friends.

If you make the mistake of opting simply for the cheapest hot tub of all, it may turn out to be false economy as it won’t accommodate the number of people you need it to.

Check out the jet system – One factor which has an impact on the initial cost of your hot tub is the type of jets that it has. The cheapest tubs will probably only have air jets. While these provide a pleasant and relaxing bubbly experience, it won’t provide as much power or such a massaging effect as a tub with both air and water jets.

The number of jets the tub has is another important factor to bear in mind. This too will affect the quality of your bathing experience. Opting simply for the cheapest model may lead to a disappointing soak if you’re hoping for extremely powerful jets.

Longevity and maintenance – Consider the long term maintenance of your tub too. When reading reviews from previous customers and existing users, you’ll be able to determine the amount of effort and expense it will take to keep the tub in good working order.

A cheap model may look affordable at first glance, but on closer inspection it may require very frequent filter replacements, may have more expensive replacement parts and components, or may need more frequent inspections or repairs, all things that will cost you more in the long-run.

Look at the features – Remember to check out the different features that your preferred hot tubs have on offer when comparing prices. The cheapest hot tubs on the market will probably have very few features, which may suit your needs if you aren’t especially demanding or are happy with a no-frills soak.

However, if you’re looking for additional extras like seats, lights, or drinks holders, you’ll need to choose a more expensive model or pay out for them separately at a later date, and this will cause the costs to mount up.

Installation Costs – Don’t forget to bear in mind the cost of installing your hot tub too. Although you’re probably concentrating on the initial purchase price of your spa, there may well be additional expenses to pay depending on which model you need.

For example, you may need to pay for a professional to come out and install it in your garden. You may also need to reinforce decking or pay to have a concrete surface fitted on which to place the tub. You may also need to pay for an outdoor electricity supply to be installed so you can run the tub.

If you choose a larger model, you may also need to pay extra to have to transported into your garden as special equipment may be necessary to safely move the spa into position. All of these things can add a considerable sum to your purchase price.

Consider, too, that paying for your hot tub won’t end when it’s installed in your chosen spot. There are ongoing costs to keep in mind too. The cost of filling your tub with water and heating that water, electricity to power the pump, replacement filters and sanitising chemicals and ongoing professional maintenance and repairs must also be borne in mind.

Remember that you may get a great deal in a flash sale on a larger model than you need, but then the ongoing expense of its upkeep and running can end up being far more than you can afford to pay.

It’s only when you’ve considered all of these things with respect to each hot tub model that you research that you can make a well-informed choice about which one is right for your needs – it may not be the one with the lowest initial price tag.

What Should I Know About Cheap Hot Tubs?

If you’re considering buying a cheap hot tub, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems and pitfalls that could lie ahead if you decide to purchase one of the more affordable models on the market.

Knowledge is power, and while it isn’t necessarily a bad idea to invest in a cheap hot tub, it could be a costly mistake if you don’t go into it with the right expectations. If you go ahead with buying one of the cheapest hot tubs on the market and expect to enjoy the same experience as you would in a top-rated, top-price model you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

This is why knowing what you’re likely to get for your money is so vital so that you won’t end up wasting money on a spa that doesn’t meet your needs.

It stands to reason that a low priced hot tub won’t offer the same quality as a higher priced model. So, knowing where the differences lie is imperative so you can have a realistic idea of what you can expect when you make your purchase.

Bear in mind that a budget hot tub may be cheaper to buy, but it may also be more costly to run. A higher quality hot tub may cost around £20 – £35 per month in running costs but budget hot tubs may cost as much as £100 or even more during the same period due to inferior insulation.

This represents a difference of up to £80 per month and over the lifetime of the hot tub this could add up to way more than the money you saved in the first place by buying the cheaper model.

As long as you’re prepared for this, it won’t come as a shock when your energy bills are substantially higher than you’re used to after the first few months of usage.

Keep in mind, too, that a budget hot tub won’t be made from such high-quality construction materials. If it’s made from acrylic, it could be thinly stretched and this will only allow the tub to be as strong, chemical resistant and thick as a regular household bath tub.

Hot tubs are subject to pressure fluctuations and constant heat and this could, in time, lead to cracking of the acrylic shell which will result in leakage. Repairs could be costly and, in some cases, impossible, which would necessitate an expensive replacement.

Again, this may not be a problem as long as you’re aware of the fact that it could happen. You may only be looking for a cheap hot tub as a stop-gap solution before investing in a higher-quality model, or you may only need it for a couple of years. In either of these cases, the longevity of the tub you choose may not be a primary concern.

The length and type of warranty that you receive with your hot tub model will also vary between manufacturers and those supplied with cheaper models will almost always offer an inferior level of cover. The warranty period may be very short, or only limited parts and components may be covered.

This could lead to a lack of protection when you need it most and you could end up paying out for unexpected repairs sooner than you anticipated. You should also be aware of the potential problems in sourcing replacement components and parts for a budget hot tub.

If you’re getting a deal that appears too good to be true, it could be because the model is no longer being manufactured and parts are in short supply or only available at high cost.

If it’s difficult or impossible to get hold of the parts you need, or even a professional with the experience and knowledge to carry out inspections and repairs, you will end up having to replace the entire hot tub earlier than you anticipated. Being aware of this is essential if you’re considering investing in a discounted model so that you don’t end up out of pocket in a short space of time.

Budget hot tub companies may also not offer the same level of service when it comes to delivering your purchase. Keep in mind that if you’re getting a low price, it may not cover delivery to the point of installation.

If you’re keen to have your hot tub installed in your back garden but only kerbside delivery is on offer from your chosen company, you’ll have to find a way of getting that tub to your preferred location and this could present a challenge as spas are often very heavy.

You could end up paying out even more money just to have your tub relocated and installed. If you’re prepared for this eventuality and figure the possible extra costs into your budget this may not be a problem for you, but it’s something you need to be aware of before making a purchase.

Are Inflatable Hot Tubs The Cheapest?

If you’re looking for the cheapest hot tubs of all on the market, you’ll find that almost all of them are inflatable models. This is because they are cheaper to produce and boast less features than acrylic traditional models. Yet, just because inflatable spas are cheap doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re poor value for money. In fact, they could be the perfect solution for you depending on your requirements.

An inflatable hot tub is portable and easy to set up and maintain. This could make it an ideal choice for many people. If you lack sufficient space for a permanently installed spa, an inflatable model allows you to enjoy the relaxing spa-like experience at home without having to worry about finding a suitable permanent installation location.

When you’ve finished using it, you can just empty it, pack it up and store it away in a shed, garage or loft until it’s time to set it up and use it again.

Likewise, if you’re likely to be moving home in the near future, your inflatable hot tub will allow you to easily move your spa between locations – something that is very difficult or even impossible with a traditional tub.

It’s also very simple to set up your inflatable tub. Unlike a permanently installed model that will require a professional to install it and set it up, anyone can set up an inflatable model without any kind of help or extra cost.

On the downside though, an inflatable tub has some drawbacks. For a start, the vinyl construction of an inflatable spa means that it can very easily be damaged or punctured. If the spa is handled roughly, stored incorrectly, or has an encounter with household pets, it could become unusable and need to be replaced within a short space of time.

Even with good care and careful handling, you’ll find that an inflatable tub won’t last anywhere near as long as a permanently installed model and it will require replacing in any event far more quickly.

Also, of course, an inflatable hot tub will almost certainly lack the features associated with permanently installed spas. Usually, inflatable spas have no integrated seating, lighting or drinks holders which are usually found in acrylic models, and if you want these additional extras, you’ll need to purchase them separately at extra cost, causing the overall price to go up.

Inflatable tubs also usually have fewer and less powerful jets than acrylic tubs. The majority of inflatable models, and especially those at the lower end of the market, only have air jets and no water jets and this equates to a less powerful experience for the user.

There are a few other disadvantages of inflatable hot tubs to consider too. They aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as permanently installed acrylic models and won’t add any value to your property. They are also often smaller and less comfortable than permanent tubs and this can lead to a cramped and somewhat less pleasant bathing experience depending on how many people you want to cram into the water.

Nevertheless, all of these downsides doesn’t necessarily mean that an inflatable hot tub is a poor purchasing decision. As long as you’re aware of all the pros and cons of these cheaper models, you can make an informed choice about whether one is right for you.

For many people, an inflatable spa is quite adequate for their requirements and represents good value for money when taking into account the initial purchase price, ongoing running costs and the amount of usage they get from their tub.

For others, an inflatable model is false economy in the long run since they require something a higher quality, longer lasting, harder wearing tub that will stand the test of time and be capable of withstanding very regular, rigorous use.

Knowing your own requirements from a hot tub is key to determining whether or not an inflatable spa will tick your boxes or whether a permanently installed acrylic spa would be the best choice for you.

How Much Can I Expect To Pay For A Cheap Hot Tub?

Knowing how much a cheap hot tub could cost is important if you’re on a tight budget. It’s possible to purchase the most affordable inflatable spas for as little as around £300. These low cost models offer no-frills, so you’ll get no steps, seats, lights or cushions, just a basic vinyl shell which is large enough to accommodate around 2 or 3 bathers.

You’ll still need to invest in the chemicals you require to sanitise the water which cost about £30. This takes your initial investment cost to about £330. Of course, that’s before taking into account the cost of water and electricity and ongoing maintenance.

If an inflatable tub isn’t right for you, you could consider a cheap acrylic model. These are permanently installed in your chosen location and tend to offer more features such as inbuilt seats and adjustable jets so you can enjoy a massage of different intensities.

These tubs are more long-lasting and robust and can be used all through the year, but, of course, they’re far more expensive than inflatable tubs.

You can expect to pay about £3500 for a cheap acrylic tub with minimal frills, but then you’ll also need to figure in the additional cost of installation by a professional and, potentially other costs such as transportation and delivery, and work to install a suitable base on which to place it. This could cause the costs to increase to over £5000.

Weighing up your own requirements alongside both the initial purchase price and ongoing running costs of your chosen hot tub will help you to decide whether a cheap hot tub is right for you and, if so, which one would best fit the bill.

Related Questions

Which accessories can I add to my hot tub? A cheap hot tub will probably come with very few, if any, additional accessories. However, it’s possible to buy these things aftermarket to add to your tub at additional cost.

You can buy steps, attractive wooden surrounds, drinks holders, lighting, seats and cushions and even sound systems to add to your hot tub, but remember that all of these things will cause the costs to rise.

Remember that your hot tub will be perfectly usable without any of these extra accessories, but they may add extra pleasure to your bathing experience.

How can I reduce the cost of running my hot tub in the long term? Not only do you need to bear in mind the initial cost of purchasing your hot tub, you also need to consider the ongoing costs of running it.

These costs include buying chemicals to sanitise the water, replacement filters, and potentially paying for servicing and repairs by a professional as well as the cost of energy and water. There are a few things you can do to reduce the cost of running your tub though.

First, you can turn the temperature down on your thermostat so you’ll use less energy on heating the water. You can also switch your tub off and drain it in between uses if there’s likely to be a period of 2 weeks or more when the tub isn’t being used. This will save on your ongoing costs.

If you’re planning to use your tub regularly though, leaving it permanently on is the best way to minimise your running costs as there will be no need to heat the water up from scratch each time you want to use the tub.