Hot tub on a wooden deck overlooking a lake at sunset.

March 29, 2025

Are Hot Tubs Worth It? A Relaxing Investment or Just Bubbles?

Hot tubs: dreamy oasis or pricey puddle? Short answer—yes, they can be worth it! From soothing sore backs to stealing the show at garden parties, they offer more than bubbles. But are they right for you? Dive in to weigh the costs, perks, and steamy secrets before taking the plunge.

Introduction: The Allure of Hot Tubs

Brief overview of hot tubs and their popularity

There’s something undeniably tempting about sinking into warm, bubbling water while the rest of the world carries on. Hot tubs have crept into British gardens everywhere—from suburban patios to countryside decks—and it's easy to see why. They’ve become a modern comfort, offering a slice of spa-style living right at home.

Some go all-in with built-in lighting and speakers. Others start with a simple inflatable from the local garden centre. Either way, they’re now a firm favourite in the UK’s home improvement wish list.

The question of value: Is a hot tub a luxury or a worthwhile investment?

Let’s cut to the chase—are hot tubs genuinely worth it, or are they just a fancy way to spend money on bubbles? The honest answer? Yes, they can be worth it, especially if they suit your lifestyle and you’ll actually use it.

They’re not just for showing off. Many find real benefits in pain relief, better sleep, and family bonding. Still, they do come with a few strings attached—so let’s weigh up both sides before you splash out.

The Pros: Unveiling the Benefits of Hot Tub Ownership

Health and Wellness Advantages

Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Life’s hectic. Between work, school runs, and endless notifications, finding a moment to unwind feels impossible. But step into a hot tub and everything slows down. The warm water relaxes your muscles while the jets massage away tension—like a personal spa at home.

Some say it’s better than therapy (and in many ways, it is).

Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation (including arthritis, sore muscles)

Ever woken up with a back that sounds like a crisp packet? Or hobbled inside after leg day at the gym? A hot tub works wonders on stiff joints and sore muscles.

The buoyancy takes pressure off your body, while the jets target all those tight spots. It’s especially handy for arthritis sufferers or anyone in recovery mode.

Improved Sleep Quality

Tossing and turning all night? A soak before bed can do the trick. It helps your body wind down, eases aches, and improves circulation—perfect for prepping your body to switch off.

No need for sleep apps—just 15 minutes in warm water and you’re sorted.

Potential Cardiovascular Benefits

While it’s not going to replace your morning run, relaxing in a hot tub can raise your heart rate slightly and promote better blood flow. Think of it as passive cardio. It’s gentle, soothing, and ideal if you need a break from high-impact exercise.

Weight Loss and Fitness

Let’s be real—you won’t drop a dress size by sitting in bubbles. But hot tubs do help with recovery, flexibility, and easing movement, especially if you’ve got stiff joints or old injuries.

Some people even stretch or do light exercises in the water. It’s a good boost alongside regular activity.

Social and Lifestyle Enhancements

Creating a Gathering Place for Friends and Family

Hot tubs have a funny way of bringing people together. One minute it’s a casual visit, the next you’re all sat in swimwear chatting under the stars. They turn weekends into events—perfect for birthdays, BBQs, or just Friday night with mates.

Enhancing Quality Time with Loved Ones

They’re a screen-free haven. No phones, no telly—just actual conversation. Couples use them for date nights, while parents say it’s one of the few places they get real chats with their teens.

It’s quality time with fewer distractions.

Year-Round Enjoyment, Even in Cold Climates

You might think they’re a summer thing, but hot tubs shine in winter. Picture it: snow on the patio, steam rising, drink in hand. It’s cosy, comforting, and surprisingly addictive.

Most tubs are built for year-round use, even in frosty British weather.

Turning Your Backyard into a Retreat

Add some fairy lights, a few plants, and suddenly your garden feels like a boutique spa. It doesn’t take much to transform the space—and it makes you want to spend more time outdoors, whatever the season.

The Sheer Pleasure of Hydrotherapy

Sometimes, the best reason is the simplest: it just feels amazing. Warm jets on tired muscles after a long day? Yes, please.

Hydrotherapy’s been used for centuries to relax the body and clear the mind—and once you’ve felt it, you’ll understand why.

The Cons: Considering the Drawbacks of Hot Tub Ownership

Financial Implications

High Initial Cost (including different models and customisation)

Hot tubs aren’t exactly cheap. You can grab an inflatable for under a grand, but a decent hard-shell model can set you back £5,000 to £15,000—especially if you want custom features.

And don’t forget extras like delivery, base prep, and electrics. That alone can add £1,000–£3,000.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs (chemicals, filters, repairs)

Running a hot tub isn’t a one-off expense. You’ll need to budget for chemicals, filter replacements, and the odd repair.

Most owners spend around £200–£500 a year just on upkeep. It’s manageable—but worth keeping in mind.

Energy Consumption and Utility Bills

They’re cosy—but also power-hungry. Expect a monthly energy bill increase, anywhere from £100 to £150, depending on how well your tub’s insulated.

Eco settings and insulated covers help, but don’t be surprised when the next bill arrives.

Practical Considerations

Space Requirements

A hot tub needs space—and not just for the unit itself. You’ll want room to move around it, access the panels, and ideally a bit of privacy from the neighbours.

Not every garden is ready-made for one, so measuring up is essential.

Installation (including electrical and levelling)

It’s not quite plug-and-play. Most permanent tubs need a level base—like decking or concrete—and a proper electrical setup with its own breaker.

That usually means calling in an electrician or builder, and those costs can stack up quickly.

Time Commitment for Maintenance

This isn’t a fire-and-forget investment. You’ll need to check water balance weekly, clean the filter, and give the tub a proper scrub now and then.

It only takes a few minutes each week—but consistency is key.

Potential Health and Safety Risks (if not properly maintained)

Neglect your tub and things can get murky—literally. Poor water care can lead to skin irritations, infections, or worse.

And for children or people with heart conditions, high temperatures may not be ideal. Stick to the guidelines, and safety won't be an issue.

Hot Tub Maintenance: Keeping Your Spa in Top Condition

Essential Maintenance Tasks

Weekly: check chemicals and clean filters. Monthly: deep clean. Yearly: service or replace parts if needed.

It’s like car ownership—stay on top of it, and it’ll last much longer.

Water Chemistry and Balancing

Balance the water and everything else gets easier. That means testing pH, chlorine or bromine levels, and keeping it all in the right range.

Test strips make the job easy, and once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes second nature.

Cleaning and Filter Replacement

Rinse filters weekly, clean them monthly, and change them out every year or so. Wipe down the shell, and don’t forget to keep jets clean too.

It’s quick—but essential.

Tips for Efficient Energy Use

Use a high-quality insulated cover, avoid constant temp changes, and run cycles during off-peak hours if possible.

Newer tubs have smart systems you can control from your phone—making energy-saving a breeze.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Hot Tub

Your Lifestyle and Needs

Will you use it often? Do you suffer from joint pain or need stress relief? If it’s just for the odd soak, maybe try a rental first.

But if wellness is high on your list, it could be your best purchase yet.

Budget and Long-Term Costs

Look past the price tag. What’s the total cost over five years? A higher-quality tub might cost more upfront but save you money (and stress) in the long run.

Be realistic, not just optimistic.

Space Availability

Is your garden ready for one? You’ll need level ground, access for installation, and maybe even planning permission depending on your location.

Measure twice, buy once.

Hot Tub Features and Options

Massage jets, recliner seats, LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers—there’s a feature for everything these days. Decide what matters to you and avoid paying for bells and whistles you won’t use.

Function over flash wins every time.

Making the Decision: Is a Hot Tub Right for You?

Weighing the Pros and Cons in Your Specific Situation

Think about your life. Do you need relaxation? More family time? Pain relief? A hot tub ticks all these boxes—but only if you’ll genuinely use it.

Compare the joy it brings against the effort it needs.

The Importance of Choosing a Quality Hot Tub

Cheap tubs might save you money now but cost more in stress later. Go with a trusted brand, check reviews, and make sure after-sales support is solid.

A bit of research now can save you a world of hassle.