How to Compare Hot Tub Quotes Without Missing Hidden Costs

Introduction

Comparison shopping for a hot tub means sifting through a sea of numbers: The listed price, the installation cost, delivery fees, maintenance budgets. It could make anyone’s head spin. And since most people looking to install a hot tub in their backyard are searching for a relaxing escape and not an excuse to draft up a new excel spreadsheet, this can feel especially frustrating.

To compare hot tub quotes without missing hidden costs, you’ll want to break down what each quote actually includes, and consider out-the-door prices, delivery and placement fees, setup costs, accessories, warranty coverage, and your estimated ongoing ownership costs.

The fact is, in order to compare hot tub quotes without missing any hidden costs, you likely will have to create a checklist. Frustrating, we know. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting here by breaking down exactly what you need to do to make the right choice.

Compare Three Totals, Not One Sticker Price

Walk into any showroom or scroll through any online storefront and the first thing you’ll likely see when considering a hot tub is the “sticker price”. This price is the official price of the physical unit, but it doesn’t often include setup, installation, or delivery. You can compare sticker prices, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider.

Dealer out-the-door cash total

The dealer out-the-door cash total is, as you might have guessed, the total baseline cost to purchase the hot tub and get it from the dealer to your home. This is the cost of the unit, as well as any sales tax, dealer-required delivery and set-up fees, necessary accessories, and any additional selected accessories.

Project-ready total

The project-ready total is the amount that you will need to spend on top of the out-the-door cash total to get the hot tub actually up and running. That might mean electrical installation and permits, foundation pads, cranes, and any additional accessories.

Why is this important? Well, because two dealerships might give you the exact same quote for your out-the-door cash total, and two radically different project-ready totals. Knowing that ahead of time can save you money and stress.

Ownership and financing view

Finally, you’ll want to calculate your long-term ownership and financing costs for each hot tub you’re considering.

There are two distinct categories here:

• Monthly ownership and maintenance costs: Think electricity, chemicals, filters, and other expected maintenance costs.
• Financing costs: If you did opt to finance your hot tub, make sure to consider the monthly payments and interest you will need to account for.

Looking at both of these will help you understand the true cost of your hot tub in the long run.

Make Sure Both Quotes Describe the Same Hot Tub

This might sound obvious, but it’s easier than most might think to miss the sometimes subtle differences between some hot tub models. Before you start mapping out your comparisons, make sure you are looking at the exact same configuration and model from each dealership.

Take note of:

• The number of jets, and their placement
• The seating layout
• The pumps
• Electrical voltage requirements

Note the type of model you are comparing from each dealer as well: A new unit, a floor model, a special order, or a clearance unit, as these may come with slight variations as well.

If you don’t, you could end up pulling the trigger because of a cheaper sticker price and wind up with a model that isn’t exactly what you dreamed.

Check Every Cost Required Before the First Soak

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at that “project-ready” cost we mentioned earlier. This tends to be the most complicated part of figuring out the total cost, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what to consider:

Delivery and final placement

You might see the phrase “delivery-included” listed under all of the models you are comparing and assume you don’t need to give those delivery fees a second thought. Don’t fall for it: The meaning of “delivery included” can vary greatly from dealer to dealer.

Avoid falling into the trap by asking a few key questions about what each dealership means:

• Does their delivery only include dropping the unit off at the curb? Or does it include final placement?
• What is their delivery zone? Do they charge a mileage rate for deliveries outside of that zone?
• Is there an additional fee for more difficult placements (such as yards with slopes, stairs, tight turns, or fencing that may need to be moved)?
• Will you need a crane or other rigging service that might add to the cost?

Epic’s guide on hot tub delivery methods breaks down the difference between curbside drop-off, white-glove service, crane delivery, and self-transport, along with typical delivery and setup timing.

Foundation, deck, drainage, and access work

Before you can actually place the hot tub, though, you’ll need to make sure you’re setting yourself up safely. First, check to see what kind of base your model will require. Then, look at your own space to verify if you will need to do any prep work to your backyard before installation.

Make sure to ask yourself and your dealership:

• Can your existing deck support the weight of your hot tub? If not, what will be the cost of a contractor to prepare your space for the unit?
• Will you need any grading or drainage done before installation? If so, who is responsible for those costs?
• Will you need a foundation pad for your hot tub? If so, what is the cost of the build for the base?

If you are planning a new concrete base, Epic’s concrete pad and patio services page is a great place to start.

Electrical work, permits, and inspection

Setting up a hot tub requires precise electrical work to make sure it’s safe to operate and matches the home’s panel capacity, circuit, GFCI protection, and disconnect setup. Most hot tub dealers do not include this electrical setup in their quotes: A licensed electrician will need to be hired separately to ensure your existing system can handle the hot tub, and to do any work required to get it up to par. Our guide on questions to ask a hot tub electrician lists exactly what to ask your electrician about breaker type, wire gauge, licensing, insurance, and timing before work begins.

Permits and inspections are also an out-of-pocket cost for most homeowners. The cost of these and which ones you will need vary by location, so you’ll need to confirm with your local building and codes department.

Accessories, setup, and startup supplies

When considering the potential additional cost of accessories, the first thing you need to do is check the initial quote for the out-the-door cash total. Some of these might include basic accessories as part of that price, while others may not.

Knowing exactly what you are getting for that base price will help you budget for any other accessories you know you want for your spa. If the initial price does come with accessories, compare each of those pieces. Take note of the covers, handrail, cover lifter, any filters, and startup chemicals for water care, and then consider how they stack up to each other.

Finally consider the initial setup of the hot tub and all of those extras. Some hot tub prices include setup but don’t specify exactly what they mean, so make sure to ask so that you can compare.

Compare Warranty, Service, and Ongoing Ownership

It’s easy to get caught up in the initial cost of your spa, but it’s equally important to consider the long-term investments you’ll need to make for warranty, maintenance, and other ongoing ownership aspects.

Warranty and local service responsibilities

Some dealerships will build a warranty into your overall price, while others will offer you the option to select the type of warranty you’d like at varying price tiers. When you’re weighing the pros and cons of a few different warranty options, here’s what to take note of:

• Length of the warranty
• Total cost of warranty
• Labor costs
• Shell coverage
• Cabinet coverage
• Plumbing coverage
• Electronics coverage
• Coverage for jets
• Circumstances that might void a warranty

Just because one warranty is longer doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. Just because both warranties cover shell damage doesn’t mean they cover it to the same extent. Look at the details of each carefully when making your choice.

While you’re discussing the warranty, ask about what the local service path and responsibilities look like. Ask questions like:

• Who will I call if something breaks?
• Who will diagnose the problem?
• Who will coordinate with the manufacturer?
• Will labor be included?
• Will travel or call-out fees be billed separately?

Understanding the exact process that you’ll be part of if something goes wrong is crucial to making an informed decision about your warranty.

Energy, water care, filters, and maintenance

These costs, the ongoing costs of hot tub ownership, won’t be a part of any initial quote, but they are important to take into account when comparing the cost of hot tubs. These include any uptick in your monthly energy bill, water-care chemicals, replacement filter cartridges, and draining and refilling costs.

These are harder to pin down, and any estimations you make will obviously not be pitch-perfect every time, but getting a general idea is helpful.

There are some things you can look for in a hot tub that can affect these long-term costs, though, including:

• Insulation
• Cover material and quality
• Filter type

While a hot tub with more energy-efficient features might cost more upfront, it can save you in the long run.

Compare Financing Without Letting the Monthly Payment Hide the Cost

If you are thinking about opting for a financing plan for your hot tub, you’ll want to compare more than the monthly payments. To really understand the costs you’re agreeing to, compare:

• APR
• Any fees
• Total loan amount
• Total of all payments

This gives you a better picture of what the better deal is, and what you’re actually paying in total.

Use This Hot Tub Quote Comparison Checklist

When comparing two hot tub quotes, go through each using this checklist.

• The exact spa and configuration: Brand, make, model, and trim
• Dealer out-the door cash total: Spa sticker price, any dealer fees, your selected options, included delivery and setup
• Delivery coverage and additional costs: Included delivery zone, cost for extra mileage, specifics of placement, packaging removal, any return trip charges
• Foundation and site prep: What site prep is included, what additional site prep you will have to cover (concrete pad, reinforced decking, grading and drainage, etc.)
• Electrical work: Cost of a licensed electrician, circuit work, GFCI and disconnect requirements
• Permits and Inspections: Cost of your municipalities required permits and inspections to run the hot tub
• Accessories: What accessories are included, and what they might cost to purchase and install separately if they are not (cover, handrail, filters, etc.)
• Warranty and service: Component coverage, labor costs, travel fees, length of warranty, and steps of service
• Ongoing ownership costs: Maintenance, filters, and electricity
• Financing: If financing, consider the down payment, APR, additional fees, and length of the term
• Quote terms: Expiration date of the quote, written exclusions, and cancellation terms

Red Flags That Mean the Quote Needs Another Question

If you notice any of these things, it’s time to take the quote back to the dealer:

• No exact configuration listed
• Vague promises like “installation included” or “delivery included” without a breakdown of the specific services or delivery zone
• No review of the site before the quote was finalized
• No warranty information
• Any missing items that you were promised would be outlined

These don’t necessarily mean the quote isn’t any good at all, just that it will take a bit more conversation with the dealership before the quote can be taken seriously.

Conclusion

Hot tub comparison shopping is a time-consuming task, but with a thorough checklist you can save time without compromising on your final investment.

If you’re ready to start comparing hot tubs, or you have any questions about a make or model, Epic Hot Tubs has you covered. Contact us today for your comprehensive quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions, or want to see options in person? Stop by any of our five North Carolina showrooms and talk it through with our team: Raleigh, Durham, Sanford, Charlotte, or North Charlotte. We are open 7 days a week, no appointment needed.

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About The Author:

Jordan Rash

Jordan Rash - Pool & Spa Expert