Hot tubs provide many health benefits, but can be risky if you are pregnant. We…
Is a Hot Tub Worth It? – Expectation vs Reality
Hot tubs are a popular backyard item, and have many benefits and uses, but is a hot tub worth it for you and your family? Find out.
Have you been considering getting a hot tub for your home? Hot tubs can be a great way to bring your yard together and turn it into the ultimate hang out spot. It can be great to watch the kids splash around, have a party with your friends, or an intimate night with your significant other. All of this and more is possible with a hot tub which is why one in ten households in the U.S. own a hot tub.
But the big question remains: are hot tubs worth it? At Epic Hot Tubs, we believe they absolutely are—especially when you choose a high-quality model tailored to your needs. Whether you’re asking “should I buy a hot tub” or wondering “is a hot tub worth the money,” this guide will break down everything you need to know. From the pros and cons of hot tubs to practical tips on hot tub maintenance and investment value, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re still not convinced, read on to learn more about the pros and cons of hot tub ownership.
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Are Hot Tubs Worth It?
Let’s cut to the chase: are hot tubs worth it? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. Hot tubs from Epic Hot Tubs offer relaxation, health benefits, and a boost to your home’s appeal—making them a worthwhile investment for the right buyer. But it’s not just about luxury; it’s about value. Are hot tubs worth the money? With proper care, a quality hot tub can last 10-20 years, providing countless hours of enjoyment for a one-time cost that breaks down to pennies per soak. Still, it depends on your lifestyle. If you’re asking “is it worth getting a hot tub,” consider how often you’ll use it and whether you’re ready for the upkeep.
One key factor in determining if hot tubs are worth the investment is their versatility. Are outdoor hot tubs worth it? Absolutely—they transform your backyard into a year-round retreat, even in chilly North Carolina winters, thanks to superior insulation from Epic Hot Tubs. Are hot tubs still popular? Definitely—one in ten U.S. households owns one, and demand keeps rising as people prioritize wellness and home leisure. So, is having a hot tub worth it? If you value relaxation, socializing, or hydrotherapy, the answer leans heavily toward yes.
| Benefit | How It Makes Hot Tubs Worth It |
|---|---|
| Stress Relief | A 20-minute soak can lower blood pressure and ease tension, making it a daily escape. |
| Health Boost | Improves sleep, soothes muscles, and aids arthritis—worth it for wellness seekers. |
| Social Hub | Perfect for parties or family time, adding value to your home life. |
| Longevity | High-quality tubs last decades, spreading the cost over years of use. |
Should I Buy a Hot Tub? Pros and Cons
Deciding “should I get a hot tub” involves weighing the pros and cons of owning a hot tub. At Epic Hot Tubs, we’re here to help you see the full picture. The hot tub pros and cons below highlight why buying a hot tub might be your next best move—or why you might hesitate. Are hot tubs a good investment? They can be, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Let’s dive into the hot tub pros and cons to see if it’s right for you.
Hot Tub Pros
Pools are Great, But a Hot Tub is Even Better
Swimming pools are great for the summer, but a hot tub can be enjoyed year-round. Because of advanced materials and the right insulation, a hot tub can easily accommodate your needs any day or season of the year. Your tub keeps warm in the winter and you can simply turn off the heater in summer.
A Lasting Sleep Solution
One effective treatment for insomnia patients is a hot tub. The human body needs seven or more hours of sleep per night to function properly, less than this amount does more than make you feel tired and cranky. Here are some effects of insomnia a hot tub can help you avoid:
- Irritability
- Weakened immune system
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Researchers have discovered that a half-hour hot tub session before bed improves sleep quality and other fibromyalgia symptoms. This way you’ll be tempted into a sounder sleep.
Hot Tubs Help to Unwind
The hot tub stress relief therapy is one of the most significant advantages of hot tubs. After a long, stressful day at work and taking care of kids, hot-tubbing may be that therapeutic time-out your body needs. Spending time in the hot tub is a natural and fun way to:
- Relax your muscles
- Lower blood pressure.
- And relieve stress caused by interpersonal relations and workload.
Relief for Arthritis Pains
If you are one of the 30 percent of Americans who suffer from arthritis, heat therapy in a Epic Hot Tubs hydrotherapy hot tub is the right prescription. The Arthritis Foundation describes it as an effective way to:
- Ease the weight off sore joints and relieve chronic muscular pain.
- Reduce the inflammation that accompanies arthritic joint pain
- Increase mobility in arthritic patients.
A hot tub has not been shown to lessen arthritis over time, but it can enhance your quality of life in the short term.
You Can Lose a Few Pounds (With Little to No Exercise)
A one-hour soak in a waist-high hot tub has been demonstrated to burn around the same amount of calories as a 30-minute walk.
A study led by Dr. Sven Hoekstra at the Loughborough University in London discovered that hot baths considerably lower blood pressure levels and help metabolism in the same way that exercise does.
If you need to shed a few pounds, using your new hot tub on a regular basis is an excellent route because exercising in warm water gives increased resistance, which means you burn more calories per movement. The less stressed you are, the more likely you are to make the most out of your workout sessions.
Soothes Sore Muscles
The best solution for sore, aching muscles is heat coupled with a massage. All the physical exertion from the regular routines of our daily life eventually takes its toll on the body and a hot tub can help you release the tension in those tight neck and shoulder muscles.
Quality Time with Loved Ones
Having a hot tub provides a distraction-free environment for you and your family to avoid missing out on moments that matter the most. A hot tub party or get-together is a great way to socialize and with the right décor, you can turn your tub into a home spa with scented candles and aromatherapy oils that helps you and your loved ones reconnect.
Suitable for Cold Weather
The temperature in a good tub never drops. Hot tubs from Epic Hot Tubs spas are explicitly designed for winter weather enjoyment with:
- Full foam insulation to prevent heat from escaping
- Tightly fitted covers that stay firmly closed, even on a windy day
- Advanced materials that can withstand rain and snow
All these keep your hot tub warm in colder climates and your energy bill low.
Hot Tub Cons
Cost
A hot tub can be a very expensive luxury. Though they come in sizes to fit any budget, you will need to account for maintenance and running costs. Average hot tub prices range between $3,000-$15,000 depending on their features.
Hot Tubs Need Regular Maintenance
Another downside to owning a hot tub is that most people with hectic schedules tend to ignore them. Though many modern hot tubs have self-maintenance features, you’ll need some maintenance techniques to keep a few things in order.
The Noise Level Increases
One thing that can make you regret a hot tub is getting a cheap, noisy model. Use your eyes and ears when shopping for a hot tub. Request to hear what the heating and filtering mode sounds like.
Health Risks Associated with Poorly Maintained Tubs
According to the Center for Disease Control, “When tub operators maintain and disinfect regularly the infection risk is low.” The need for regular maintenance in a tub can’t be overstated. Instead of neglecting your tub, hire a team of pros to carry out maintenance.
Hot Tubs Take a Lot of Space
The last thing you want is to bring a hot tub home only to discover it won’t fit in your intended spot. If you have a small residence, it may be difficult to squeeze one in. Your hot tub might be too heavy for your deck. To avoid this, you should know how to determine if a deck can support a hot tub.
Is a Hot Tub a Good Investment?
The short answer is “yes”. Here’s why:
Before any purchase, you should consider factors like:
- Durability
- Luxury
- Quality
Now all these factors, plus therapy, can be found in a good tub. The value of well-made, high-quality hot tubs is immeasurable. They offer a wide range of benefits and save the time and effort needed for maintenance. They can also last for decades, which makes the costs well worth it. If you want a solid investment, invest in a quality tub.
No doubt a hot tub is a terrific investment, but before you consider one as a wise purchase, it must be more than just “hot water.” We could go on and on about how the therapeutic properties and advanced materials found in all hot tubs from Epic Hot Tubs make them the best in the industry, but you’ll just have to come see for yourself.
So, is buying a hot tub worth it? Beyond relaxation, hot tubs can increase your home’s appeal, though they don’t always boost resale value directly. Are hot tubs a waste of money? Not if you choose wisely—cheap models might drain your wallet with repairs, but Epic Hot Tubs’ durable designs ensure long-term value. Why buy a hot tub? For the hydrotherapy, social benefits, and sheer enjoyment that make it a standout addition to any Raleigh or Durham home.
Still wondering “is a jacuzzi worth it” or “is a spa worth it”? The terms are often interchangeable with hot tubs, and at Epic Hot Tubs, our spas deliver the same premium experience—think hydrotherapy, sleek design, and energy efficiency. Are spas worth it? If you prioritize self-care and quality time, they’re a fantastic choice.
Hot Tub Pros
Hot Tub Cons
Common Mistakes New Hot Tub Owners Make and How to Avoid Them
Common Mistakes New Hot Tub Owners Make and How to Avoid Them
Buying One Because “It Looks Good”
There’s a lot more to buying a hot tub than picking a model that will look great on your patio. You’ll need to determine what use your hot tub is for you. Do you need a hydrotherapy tub? Is it for health reasons? Or are you looking to host weekly parties in your spa?
For example, if you’re buying one for entertainment reasons, you’ll need a hot tub with many seats. To know what aligns with your needs, check out our step-by-step guide on how to choose a hot tub.
Not Considering Maintenance
As a tub owner, you need to make time for basic upkeep. Although, when it comes to maintenance, not all tubs require the same level of attention.
For example, a hot tub with a bad filtration system will need extensive maintenance measures to keep your water and spa in good condition. On the other hand, the spas at Epic Hot Tubs come with advanced filtration systems that save the time, money, and chemicals required for extensive maintenance. If you’re gone all day and only around for a dip at night, you’ll want one of those.
Jumping at “Cheap Buys”
With a limited budget, you might be tempted to look for “cheap buys” when it comes to home renovation projects, but you should never buy a hot tub based on price alone. Why?- For instance, a cheap tub might cost roughly $700-800 a year to maintain, whereas with a higher quality tub, you can expect a $1 per day. Though the purchase price is significant, a hot tub is not a one-time expense. For long term worth, opt for an energy-efficient tub with quality parts.
Choosing the Wrong Jet Structure
Simply having more hot tub jets does not guarantee a powerful massage. Many novice hot tub buyers get carried away thinking about the massage they prefer, then purchase a hot tub based on the number of jets within.
Here, quantity does not equate to quality and you may end up with improperly sized jets that are neither adjustable nor correctly positioned.
For a superb massage, pay special attention to how the jets are situated and opt for flexible jets that offer a variety of massage programs.
Ignoring Installation Costs
The most typical blunders people make when installing hot tubs are:
- Underestimating installation costs
- DIY installation
If not properly installed, your hot tub can be rendered useless. For correct installation, you’ll need to consider the costs it would take to:
- Hire a professional electrician
- Get a base that can handle the weight of your tub, as well as any chemicals or accessories your hot tub needs (steps, cover lifter, etc.)
As a solution to high installation costs, many tub owners risk causing damage to their homes with DIY installation.
Wrong Placement
Before you go shopping, decide where your hot tub will be to avoid unwelcome surprises. Keep the following in mind:
- Avoid setting up your indoor tub in a poorly ventilated room.
- Don’t place outdoor tubs in sandy areas/areas prone to flooding.
- Check with a structural expert to see if your deck can handle the weight of your tub when filled with people and water.
- Ensure the surface is level, preferably on a flat concrete pad.
Dealing with Unreliable Brands
The biggest mistake people make when buying hot tubs is dealing with unreliable brands. With a reputable dealer, you can avoid 80% of the common mistakes individuals make when purchasing hot tubs.
Will I regret buying a hot tub? Not if you avoid these pitfalls. Is a hot tub hard to maintain? It doesn’t have to be—Epic Hot Tubs’ advanced filtration cuts down upkeep time. Is it hard to maintain a hot tub long-term? With regular care (think weekly filter cleaning and quarterly draining), it’s manageable. Need hot tub repair near me? Our Raleigh and Durham team has you covered with expert service.
In Summary
About The Author:
Manny Brambila
Manny Brambila - Pool & Spa Expert
Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018.
