How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost in 2026?
An inflatable hot tub costs £300 to £700. A premium acrylic tub costs £5,000 to £12,000. But the purchase price is only part of the story - hot tub running costs add £50 to £100 per month for electricity and chemicals. Factor in hot tub electrical installation cost, servicing, and repairs. Here is the complete picture.
£300
Inflatable from
£5,000
Acrylic from
£50–£100/mo
Running cost
£200–£500
Electrical hookup
Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.
How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?
What different types of hot tub cost to buy, plus the extras like electrical installation and base preparation you need to budget for.
Inflatable hot tub
4–6 person, 13A plug, bubble jets, heater
£500
£300 – £700
Rotomoulded (plug-and-play)
4–6 person, moulded shell, some models 13A
£3,500
£2,000 – £5,000
Acrylic (premium)
4–6 person, built-in jets, LED, good insulation
£8,000
£5,000 – £12,000
Swim spa
4–6m long, swim current + hot tub, 32A/40A supply
£17,000
£10,000 – £25,000
Base/pad preparation
Concrete pad, reinforced base, or level paving
£500
£300 – £800
Electrical hookup (32A/40A)
Dedicated supply from consumer unit, RCD protected
£350
£200 – £500
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub?
Hot tub running costs go well beyond the purchase price. The Energy Saving Trust highlights insulation as the biggest factor in electricity costs. Here is how much a hot tub costs to run per month, plus maintenance and servicing expenses to budget for.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity (per month) | £30 – £60 |
| Chemicals (per month) | £20 – £40 |
| Filters (replacement) | £15 – £40 |
| Hot tub service cost | £100 – £200 |
| Cover replacement | £150 – £400 |
| Hot tub removal or crane access | £300 – £600 |
Hot Tub Costs by Region
Average total cost for a mid-range acrylic hot tub, delivered and installed with electrical hookup, by UK region.
| Region | Average Cost | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| London | £9,500 | +19% |
| South East | £8,800 | +10% |
| South West | £8,200 | +3% |
| Midlands | £8,000 | Average |
| East of England | £8,300 | +4% |
| Yorkshire | £7,200 | -10% |
| North West | £7,400 | -8% |
| North East | £6,800 | -15% |
| Scotland | £7,000 | -13% |
| Wales | £7,300 | -9% |
How to Get Your Hot Tub for Less
Buy ex-display or end-of-line models
Hot tub dealers clear ex-display and end-of-line stock at 20 to 40% off, usually in autumn when demand drops. These are brand-new tubs that have been on display in a showroom - they may have a few fingerprints but are otherwise unused. The warranty is the same as a standard purchase. Check dealer websites in September and October for the best deals.
Keep the cover on
An insulated cover is the single most effective way to reduce running costs. A hot tub without a cover loses heat through evaporation 4 to 5 times faster than through the walls. Keep the cover on whenever the tub is not in use, and replace it when it becomes waterlogged and heavy - a worn cover stops insulating properly. A good cover saves £15 to £30 per month on electricity.
Start with a plug-and-play model
If you are not sure how much you will use a hot tub, start with a rotomoulded plug-and-play model at £2,000 to £5,000. These run from a 13A plug (no electrician needed), are easier to move if you change your mind, and give you a genuine spa experience. If you love it, upgrade to acrylic later. If you do not, you have not spent £8,000 finding out.
Prepare the base yourself
A concrete pad or paving base costs £300 to £800 if you hire someone. Laying paving slabs on a compacted sand and gravel bed is a straightforward DIY job that saves most of that cost. The base needs to be level, solid, and able to take the weight of the filled tub (up to 1,500kg). Avoid placing the tub directly on grass or soft ground - it will sink unevenly.
What to Expect: Getting a Hot Tub Installed
- 1
Choose the right type and size
Decide whether you want an inflatable, plug-and-play, or acrylic tub based on your budget and how often you will use it. Check the dimensions and weight - a filled 6-person acrylic tub weighs over 1,500kg, so you need a strong, level base. Measure your garden access too - if there is no side gate wide enough, a crane may be needed for delivery.
- 2
Prepare the base
The tub needs a level, solid base. Options include a concrete pad (strongest), paving slabs on compacted gravel, or reinforced decking. The base should extend 300mm beyond the tub on all sides for safe access. Allow 2 to 3 days for a concrete pad to cure before placing the tub. Most dealers will not deliver until the base is ready.
- 3
Electrical work
Inflatable and some plug-and-play tubs run from a standard 13A socket - no electrician needed. Larger acrylic tubs and swim spas need a dedicated 32A or 40A supply with an RCD (residual current device) installed by a qualified electrician. All outdoor electrical work must comply with Part P electrical safety regulations. The supply is wired from your consumer unit to a rotary isolator switch within sight of the tub. This work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations.
- 4
Delivery and first fill
The tub is delivered and positioned on the base (a crane may be used if access is tight). You fill it with a garden hose - this takes 1 to 3 hours depending on water pressure and tub size. The heater brings the water to temperature over 12 to 24 hours. You add the initial chemicals, test the water balance, and the tub is ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hot tub cost?
An inflatable hot tub costs £300 to £700. A rotomoulded plug-and-play tub costs £2,000 to £5,000. A premium acrylic hot tub costs £5,000 to £12,000. A swim spa costs £10,000 to £25,000. On top of the purchase price, budget £300 to £800 for a base or pad, £200 to £500 for electrical work (if a dedicated supply is needed), and £50 to £100 per month for electricity and chemicals.
How much does it cost to run a hot tub per month?
A well-insulated acrylic hot tub costs £30 to £60 per month in electricity. An inflatable tub costs more - £40 to £80 per month - because it loses heat faster through thin walls. On top of electricity, chemicals (chlorine or bromine, pH balancers, and filter cleaner) cost £20 to £40 per month. Keeping the insulated cover on whenever the tub is not in use is the single biggest way to reduce running costs.
Do I need planning permission for a hot tub?
Usually not. Hot tubs fall under permitted development rights as long as the tub is not at the front of the house and does not take up more than 50% of the garden area. You do not normally need Building Regulations approval either. If you live in a conservation area, a listed building, or a flat, check with your local council before installing. For swim spas, check the weight loading if you are placing it on a deck or raised area.
How long does a hot tub last?
An inflatable hot tub lasts 2 to 5 years before the liner starts to degrade. A rotomoulded tub lasts 8 to 12 years. A premium acrylic hot tub lasts 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance - the shell is very durable, and the pumps, heaters, and jets can all be replaced individually if they fail. The biggest threat to longevity is poor water chemistry, which corrodes internal components.
Can I put a hot tub on decking?
Only if the decking is strong enough. A filled hot tub with people in it can weigh over 1,500kg. Standard timber decking is not built for this load - the joists and supports need to be upgraded or the tub placed on a separate concrete pad accessible from the decking. If you are building new decking, tell the builder you want to put a hot tub on it so they can reinforce that section from the start.
Reviewed by Chris Ward, Less.co.uk Home Improvement Costs Specialist
Last updated: April 2026 · Pricing based on industry data and verified contractor submissions · Methodology
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