What are the pros and cons of a hot tub? The key benefits of hot tub are deep relaxation, a shared social experience, and the fact that they can be used all year round. The main drawbacks are the initial cost, regular maintenance, and installation requirements.
Are considering buying a hot tub? Not sure if it’s worth the investment? Let us help you make a decision by walking you through the pros and cons of adding a hot tub to your home. What are the main benefits you can expect? And, what are the drawbacks you need to be aware of? This article covers everything you need to know, see below.
Benefits of Hot Tub
What are the key benefits of hot tub? So, you’re thinking of investing in a hot tub for your home. But, you need a little more information on the pros and cons of owning a hot tub. Below we cover everything you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of owning and using a hot tub. First up, here are the pros of hot tubs.
Relaxation
The top benefit of installing a hot tub in your home is deep and lasting relaxation. If you want to unwind and chill after a long tiring day, there’s little better you can do than spend some time soaking in the warm gushing water of a hot tub. And better still, you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.
Hot tubs are deeply relaxing for the mind. They relieve stress and have a calming effect on our souls. But, did you know they relax our bodies too? That’s right, the effect of warm water jets massaging our bodies relieves muscle tension, stiffness, and encourages recovery.
Great Social Experience
One of the greatest pros of a hot tub is how they can be enjoyed with friends and family. There’s nothing better than jumping into a hot tub with the people you like and sharing the experience together. They provide a great way of taking time out from a fast-paced world and enjoying some quality time together. It’s an opportunity to leave the digital devices behind and soak in the warm gushing water with those close to you.
Available All Year Round
Hot tubs are available for use all year round. This is a great advantage of hot tubs over the likes of a swimming pool. The water in a hot tub is easily heated – not like a pool. Swimming pools contain large volumes of water and heating them during the winter would be very costly.
However, a hot tub is a different story. They can be easily heated and provide a warm and comfortable bathing experience all year round – even during winter months. If you want something you can enjoy for 12 months of the year, you should consider investing in a hot tub.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Another great pro of a hot tub is how they increase the value of your home. While you will have to fork out for the initial investment you can expect the installation of a hot tub on your property to boost the long-term value of your property. Simply put, hot tubs are a desirable feature. And, adding one to your home will boost its value in the property market.
Party Entertainment
One of the key benefits of a hot tub is that it makes a great addition to a house party. It’s the ultimate party piece! Whether you’re entertaining friends or family – a hot tub takes a house party to a whole new level. People love the idea of soaking in hot bubbly water while sipping a cocktail and gazing up at the night sky.
And, they’re a great way of entertaining kids. If you’re having kids over or hosting a children’s party – what better way to keep them entertained than to fire up the hot tub? Hot tubs appeal to all age groups and all walks of life.
Hydrotherapy on Your Doorstep
Hydrotherapy is the use of water on the exterior of the body for therapeutic effect. And, the effects of warm gushing water are well known for their relaxation and massaging effects. The water jet streams created by the tub ease sore muscles, stimulate blood flow and have an overall relaxing effect. With a hot tub installed in your garden area, you will have access to hydrotherapy right from your doorstep.
Improved Circulation
When you relax in a hot tub, the body absorbs heat. And, this heat stimulates the cardiovascular system by boosting circulation. This means your body may experience greater blood flow when spending time in a hot tub. Blood gets pumped more strongly to the extremities of the body as the body works harder to regulate body temperature. Improved circulation is one of the best benefits of hot tub.
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Cons of Hot Tub
Ok, so now you know all the advantages you can expect from adding a hot tub to your home. What about the drawbacks? What are the cons you need to be aware of before parting with your hard-earned cash? Here are the key disadvantages of a hot tub.
Initial Cost
The greatest drawback to adding a hot tub to your home is the initial cost. Hot tubs can be costly to purchase and install. For many people, they represent a considerable investment so it’s important to balance the pros and cons before making the plunge and running with the idea.
Hot tubs vary in price depending on type, size, and quality. Small entry-level hot tubs are available for as little as $2,000-$3,000. These can be a good starting point for many. However, they are often for single-person use only and can be of questionable quality.
A standard hot tub of acceptable quality costs in the region of $5,000 to $10,000. These hot tubs allow multi-person use and treated with care – will provide many years of service. And, if you want to buy a high-end elite hot tub you can expect to pay $25,000 to $40,000.
While the cost of a hot tub may seem prohibitive, you need to consider how it will add value to your home. A hot tub can be viewed as a long-term investment that will deliver many years of enjoyment and hold value over time.
Maintenance Requirements
Another factor you need to consider when weighing up the potential drawbacks of a hot tub is maintenance requirements. Hot tubs require regular and ongoing maintenance. There’s no way around it. Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to ensuring a hot tub remains in good working and sanitary condition.
• Cleaning
The hot tub interior and exterior need to be regularly wiped down to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and algae. You’ll need to use a soft cloth to apply a hot tub cleaning solution. This keeps the surfaces clean and contaminant free. For more, read our full guide to Hot Tub Cleaning.
• Water Chemistry
Water chemistry is an ongoing maintenance requirement when using a hot tub. But don’t worry, you don’t need an in-depth background in chemistry to keep everything in good order. Just follow the instructions in your tub’s user manual. You’ll need to test a sample of water and adjust proper pH and sanitizer levels if needed.
• Filter Maintenance
Filters are used to remove dirt and debris from the water inside your tub. They are essential for keeping the water clean and keeping you safe while you relax inside the tub. Filters may need occasional cleaning – such as rinsing. And, they will need to be replaced when they come to the end of their lifecycle.
• Water Replacement
The water inside a hot tub needs to be occasionally drained and refilled with fresh water. The frequency at which t needs to be replaced will depend on usage and the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Hot Tub Cover
A hot tub cover is used to protect the hot tub when it is not in use and to prevent debris and pests from getting into the water in the tub. You’ll need to occasionally inspect the cover and make sure it’s in good working order. Look out for signs of wear and tear and patch up any damage to prevent it from becoming a problem further down the road.
- For more see: Hot Tub Maintenance – 8 Simple Steps
Installation Requirements
Installing a hot tub is a significant job. It will need both an electrical and plumbing connection. For most of us, this will involve hiring professional electrical and plumbing tradespeople. You’ll also need to install a drainage facility that allows you to drain the water inside the tub once it has reached the time to be replaced.
In addition, you’ll need to factor in the size and weight of a hot tub. Especially the larger high-end units. They’re big and they’re heavy. Delivery will most likely occur via forklift. And, you’ll need to position the tub in an area that can safely support its considerable weight. The best hot tubs come with installation provided, so you can pay for this service upfront when you’re purchasing the tub.
On-Going Energy Costs
Hot tub usage comes with a substantial ongoing energy cost. There’s no way around it. The water inside needs to be heated and there’s an ongoing electrical cost associated with doing this. If want to kick back in luscious warm water, you’ll have to pay the price of the heating costs. However, there are steps you can take to minimize heating costs, such as the use of a thermal blanket and the installation of a wind barrier.
Potential Health Risks
Using a hot tub comes with potential health risks. Although the risk level is low, it’s something you need to be aware of. The main risk is the potential to pick up an infection in a hot tub that has not been properly cleaned. If sanitary water chemistry has not been observed the water in the tub can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microbes. And, the last thing you want to do is spend time relaxing in water that could cause an infection and make you sick.
Insects & Rodents
One of the often overlooked cons of owning a hot tub is the potential attraction of insects and rodents. Adding an outdoor water feature to your home, such as a hot tub or swimming pool, can have the effect of attracting unwanted visitors to your backyard – insects and rodents.
These pesky creatures won’t see your hot tub as a neat new relaxation device. Instead, they’ll see it as an easy and attractive source of water. While the likelihood of encountering an insect and rodent problem is low with a hot tub – it’s still something you should be aware of.
Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize the chances you’ll be paid a visit by any unwanted visitors. Keeping the tub covered and sealed when not in use is an effective way of keeping little creatures at bay. You can also install anti-rodent bait boxes and take mosquito-repelling measures to further protect your hot tub.
Should You Buy a Hot Tub?
So, should you buy a hot tub? Now you know all the pros and cons of owning a hot tub you can make an informed decision as to whether it is a good fit for your home. The decision to buy a hot tub or not comes down to your individual preferences, your lifestyle, your budget, and the space available in your home and outdoor area.
The best way to decide if a hot tub is right for you and your home is to weigh up the pros and cons as outlined above. Once you are aware of all the aspects of owning and using a hot tub you can make an informed decision. A hot tub comes with some incredible benefits such as deep relaxation, a social fun experience, potential health benefits, they’re available all year around, and they add value to your home.
On the other hand, they come with several responsibilities and drawbacks such as a considerable price (especially for high-end devices), regular maintenance requirements, considerable installation requirements, potential health risks, and an ongoing energy cost.
Hot Tub vs Sauna
What about a sauna? Now that we’ve covered the benefits of hot tub – let’s take a look at what’s better, a home sauna or a hot tub? Have you considered adding a sauna to your home? Considering the cost and installation requirements of a hot tub many people decide instead to add a sauna to their home.
Saunas come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose from traditional, infrared, steam, and outdoor saunas. They have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages when compared to a hot tub. Check out Sauna vs Hot Tub for more information.
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About the Author
MAGNUS KARLSSON (BSc, MSc)
• Senior Editor at Home Sauna Heaven
As a native Swede, Magnus developed a deep fascination with the art of sauna bathing from an early age. Born and raised in the picturesque landscapes of Småland Sweden, he grew up in a family where sauna was deeply embedded in the community and daily routine. He graduated from Linnaeus University with a Master of Science in Health Science with a special focus on the “Comparative Analysis of Traditional Saunas vs. Infrared Saunas”.
Moving to the United States in his late twenties, Magnus worked as a health and fitness advisor in a well-known spa and wellness retreat in Malibu California. Over the next 12 years he became the spa’s leading sauna consultant and mentored colleagues on the benefits and applications of sauna therapy.
In 2019 he relocated to Florida to open his own wellness retreat in the Tampa Bay area. Here he continues to inspire others with the restorative power of sauna therapy. In 2020, he became senior editor of Home Sauna Heaven where he shares his deep understanding of infrared sauna and offers expert advice on its applications, benefits, and periodic product reviews.
