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When Is The Best Time To Buy A Hot Tub in 2025?
What to Consider When Buying a Hot Tub and How to Get the Best Deal

Planning your hot tub purchase and delivery timing can be really exciting. If you plan things right with your hot tub dealer, your new tub can be in place for your football tailgate parties, summer BBQs, winter retreats, and spring spa sessions. The timing comes down to your priorities for the purchase in the first place.
Before you get too far into your search, be sure to sit down and decide ‘Is a hot tub is worth it?’ for you. For many people, hot tubs can provide a wide range of benefits, but be sure that you are getting one for the right reasons. Let’s go through some priorities and then figure out when to buy a hot tub.
Why Timing Matters When Buying a Hot Tub
Deciding when is the best time to buy a hot tub can make a big difference in your wallet and your overall experience. Hot tub prices fluctuate throughout the year due to seasonal demand, new model releases, and major sales events. By choosing the right moment, you can score significant savings, whether you’re eyeing a brand-new spa or a discounted floor model. Plus, timing your purchase can align with your lifestyle—imagine soaking in your new hot tub just in time for winter relaxation or summer parties. Let’s dive into how to plan your purchase for the best deal possible.
What’s Your Budget?
A new spa model costs on average between $5,000 and $15,000. The price depends on the size of the hot tub, the water features, and the hot tub manufacturer. While price is obviously a significant factor in your purchase process, consider that hot tub price should not be the leading determinant. Make sure you are getting a hot tub with the features that suit you and your family.
Here’s What You Can Do With This Information:
- Pick out your ideal hot tub with all the features you want.
- Check your local hot tub retailer and decide if you can afford their price.
- If you cannot afford the full price, then you can look at other options.
It’s important to know why you are buying a hot tub and what purpose it will serve to suit you family’s needs and wants. Then, you can decide how to afford it.
Major Sales Events for Hot Tub Purchases
Wondering when do hot tubs go on sale? Specific sales events throughout the year offer some of the best opportunities to save big. Major holidays and retail events often bring deep discounts, special financing, or bundle deals from hot tub dealers. Here’s a quick guide to the top sales events to mark on your calendar for 2025.
Sales Event | When It Happens | What to Expect |
---|---|---|
Black Friday | Late November (November 28, 2025) | Significant discounts on new and floor models, special financing offers, and bundle deals with accessories. |
Memorial Day | Last Monday in May (May 26, 2025) | Spring clearance sales, discounts on last year’s models, and promotions for backyard upgrades. |
Labor Day | First Monday in September (September 1, 2025) | End-of-summer sales, deals on new models, and incentives to clear inventory before fall. |
Year-End Clearance | December- February | Deep discounts on floor models and overstock to make room for new inventory. |
Timing your purchase around these events can help you snag a great deal, but don’t worry if you miss them—there are other ways to save all year long, especially with local dealers like Epic Hot Tubs.
The Best Time of Year to Buy a Hot Tub
So, when is the best time to buy a hot tub? The answer depends on the season, as dealers and manufacturers offer different deals throughout the year. Let’s break down each season to help you plan your purchase and score the best deal possible.
Season | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Fall | Discounts on new models, special financing, high demand for backyard upgrades. | Can be busy for dealers, so book installations early. |
Winter | Clearance sales on floor models, great for hydrotherapy needs. | Limited selection as new inventory arrives. |
Spring | Package deals with pool installations, ideal for backyard renovations. | Fewer discounts compared to fall or winter. |
Summer | Deals during slow months, cold water hydrotherapy models available. | Not the peak season, so fewer promotions. |
Fall
The fall is a great time to look for deals on new models. As the chilly season sets in, many families want a new choice for their backyard. Dealers and manufacturers know this, so they offer discounts and special financing. You can take advantage of this if you’re ready to pull the trigger on a purchase.
Winter
During the winter, you can find discounts on floor models. After the holiday season finishes, dealers look around their showrooms and think about how to make space for the incoming models.
Another thing to think through is how you’ll use a hot tub. In the winter, many people benefit from hydrotherapy for muscle aches and their mental health. So, a new spa in your backyard can help you in a few different ways during the colder seasons.
Spring
Spring is a key time for people kicking off backyard renovation project. Fitting a hot tub installation into a garden makeover could be a great idea. Also, if you can find a dealer that also sells pools, they might offer package deals for installing both at the same time.
Summer
The summer isn’t the busiest time of year for hot tub purchases, but that means there are some deals available from dealers and installers looking to turn a profit during the slow months. Also, there are many new models that feature cold water hydrotherapy, meaning you can benefit from a small, cool pool in your yard during the hottest months of the year.
How to Maximize Savings Any Time of Year
Finding the best time of year to buy a hot tub doesn’t always mean waiting for a big sale. Savvy shoppers can save year-round by staying proactive. Subscribe to newsletters from dealers like Epic Hot Tubs to get early alerts on promotions. Visit showrooms during quieter months, like summer, to negotiate better deals when dealers are less busy. Don’t hesitate to ask about unadvertised specials or clearance items—many local dealers, including Epic Hot Tubs, offer exclusive discounts to move inventory. By staying flexible and informed, you can find a great deal whenever you’re ready to buy.
Year-Round Deals at Epic Hot Tubs
While the best time of the year to buy a hot tub often ties to seasonal sales or major holidays, hot tubs are a year-round luxury, and many dealers offer specials no matter the month. At Epic Hot Tubs, we pride ourselves on providing consistent deals to help you find the perfect hot tub for your family. Whether it’s a promotional discount, financing offer, or a clearance sale on floor models, our team in Durham and Raleigh is here to make your hot tub dreams a reality any time of year.
Our year-round specials mean you don’t have to wait for a specific season to get a great price. Contact us to learn about current promotions or visit our showrooms to explore models that fit your budget and lifestyle. With Epic Hot Tubs, the best time to buy a hot tub is whenever you’re ready to start enjoying its benefits!
Floor Model Discounts and Minor Defects
Floor model hot tubs, as long as they have been taken care of, are a brilliant option for a deal. You might even find a discount on the exact model you set your sights on. As the sale season gets into swing, a local hot tub dealer could find themselves with excess inventory they need to move out to make room for the next season’s models.
You can also contact dealers to ask about models with minor defects. Dealer websites often have a stock of inventory they try to move through clearance sales. These may have minor defects, such as a finish blemish or an easily repairable crack; however, they may also come with a great deal.
The key to buying a floor model or defective unit successfully is to work with a reputable dealer. They can help you understand and evaluate any issues to make a smart decision.
Choose a Second-Hand or Used Model
Hot tubs have a selling season, just like most other things. You can take advantage of this to find the right hot tubs for sale from another person or one of your local spa retailers. The hot tub season begins in the autumn when new models come on the market.
You can also look for local dealers who have offered discounts to customers who will let them reclaim their old hot tub. So, someone else bought a new hot tub, the dealer took their used one, and you can get your hands on it for a deal.
When Looking at a Used Model, Keep an Eye on a Few Things for Maximum Peace of Mind:
- Look for issues that go beyond cosmetic damage. During the removal process, it’s possible for hot tubs to be damaged by the installers. Minor issues could be repaired easily, but more serious cracks and leaks might be liabilities too great to take on.
- You should also be careful about taking on used models without inspecting their physical equipment, such as their water pumps and heaters. If you buy a used hot tub that constantly breaks down, you’ll suffer a great deal of frustration with a cheaper product that doesn’t work when you want it.
- Newer models are enormous improvements over older tubs. As electricity costs go up, look for a well-insulated used model to keep your heating costs down. Buying a used model is a good idea, but be sure to aim for a higher-quality used model so the performance gap between your used model and newer models isn’t so large.
So, buying a used hot tub can be a brilliant choice, but you should always do your homework to get the best deal you can.
Look For the Best Finance Rates
Financing is usually available for new models all year round. Many dealers and manufacturers don’t pull their financing options at any point, so you can generally rely on them. However, there may be some introductory offers or special rates when new models come on the market.
The main benefit of financing your hot tub is avoiding a single large expense. You can use this flexibility to lower other costs, such as installation. You may find an installer who offers discounts for installations during the offseason when they are not as busy.
Pro Tips for Your Search
Savvy buyers want to find the most features for price points that match their budget. The way to do this is to know when, where, and what to look for when you’re shopping.
When to Look For the Best Deal
New hot tubs will be discounted in the fall when they are featured in introductory offers and again late the following summer when next year’s models start arriving. The winter is a great time to look for used hot tubs because lots of installations will happen in the late autumn.
Where to Look For Deals
Here’s a list of the places you can look for a nice discount on your purchase:
- Brand websites
- Dealer websites
- Local home magazines
- Coupon mailers
- Radio ads
- Signage in and outside stores
- Billboards
- Social media
- Local digital bulletin boards
- Manufacturer promotions
What to Look For in a Good Deal
Buying cheap doesn’t mean buying poor. So, check out these tips for things to look for when you’re searching for your best deal.
- Find a model with jet configurations that matches what you want. Don’t settle for less than what you want just because you’re trying to save a few bucks.
- The most important features are probably the flow of water around the tub, improved water filtration, and excellent running costs. So find the model that includes these.
- Don’t be scared off by minor damage. Many hot tubs are repairable with acrylic and fiberglass kits. If a $50 repair can shave $500 off the purchase price, then it’s well worth considering .
Knowledgeable dealer staff can help you evaluate whether the small compromises you might make on a cheaper hot tub can make the purchase an excellent option for you.
Pick the Right Hot Tub and Then Look For the Best Deal
Put yourself in the strongest position possible by being able to walk away. Find the model you really want and then look for when it will be available at a discount. Choosing a hot tub is a big decision that should be researched and thoroughly prepared for. If you really must buy a model immediately, then you could limit your ability to find a deal.
Whichever you choose, find a local dealer who can help you through the process. Their knowledge, experience, and connections with installers will make sure you get something more important than a good deal: a great hot tub shopping experience.
If you’re in NC | Epic Hot Tubs is your local Durham and Raleigh Hot Tub Dealer. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get the best hot tub for your family.
Manny Brambila
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.