Why quality spas cost what they do and the pitfalls of buying low end

It’s easy to get swept up in the appeal of a “good deal”. But before making a decision, ask yourself—and the salesperson—some basic but revealing questions:

How is this tub insulated?

A quality hot tub should be fully insulated, wrapped up like a mummy with layers of insulation from the base of the spa, around the plumbing, and either a fully foamed or perimeter insulated cabinet.  It  should come with an insulated tapered, locking cover. If the answer is vague or the question is dodged, you can expect that hot tub to be an energy vampire, causing scary high utility bills due to heat loss in cooler months.

What’s the warranty, and who handles repairs?

A reputable dealer and sales staff should be happy to share the warranty details with you, provide you with a full warranty document if requested, and the warranty work should be backed up by in-house technicians. You should never be expected to go searching for service for your new spa. A good warranty should be all treats and no tricks.

What’s the hot tub shell made of?

Candy coating and chocolate shells are great for handing out on Halloween, but hot tubs should have an acryllic interior shell that is backed with a thick layer of fiberglass for rigidity—not cheap plastics that will crack, stain, or warp after one season in the sun. Ideally a spa will have a Rigid Bond shell that features a third layer that allows it to remain durable in a wider range of temperatures. 

What if I Need Parts in The Future?


A Dealer that is selling a specific brand of spa will have some parts in inventory, and have access to manufacturers parts. You can count on never being ghosted by a good dealer. It is not unsual for a dealer to be able to repair a spa that is decades old with brand name, original parts. Items like filters, cleaners, and water care products should be readily available from the dealers store or showroom. The ideal situation as a shopper is to buy a brand that has a long standing relationship with the dealer you buy it from. A supportive and experienced dealer is nearly as vital as the brand you buy. 

What a Quality Hot Tub Really Costs—And Why It’s Worth It

There’s a reason most established spa dealers don’t carry $5,000 tubs. It’s not that they want to sell you something more expensive—it’s that they want you to enjoy it for more than a year. Quality hot tubs typically start in the $8,000 to $12,000 range for good reasons:

Better materials: A quality shell, full insulation (including base), weather durable cabinets that don’t warp in the sun, and full frame mean the tub will hold up to the elements and daily use.


Reliable components: Pumps, heaters, and control systems are NOT all created equal. Components from trusted brands last longer and are easier to service, saving you money on repairs in the long run.

Real warranties: Reliable coverage, local service techs, and in-person support from a dealership make a huge difference when you need help.

Paying more up front often means less hassle and fewer expenses later. It’s not about “bells and whistles”—it’s about function, durability, and peace of mind.



Short Lifespan, Long Regret: What Happens After Year One?

The biggest surprise for many cheap hot tubs is that the very thing it is expected to withstand-the weather-is its downfall. That’s where early failures usually begin—warped cabinets, faded shells, brittle plumbing, deteriorating covers, or mysterious leaks. By the time you notice something is wrong, you may be horrified to find:

Customer service has all but vanished.

Replacement parts are unavailable, unidentifiable, or unfixable

You’re on your own to coordinate and pay for repairs.

Even tubs with long advertised warranties can leave you with little actual support. Some companies go out of business, regularly change thier brand name, or shift blame to third-party vendors. You might find yourself spending big money out of pocket just to keep the thing running—or worse, giving up and hauling it away.

When the water stops flowing and the repair bills start stacking up, that $5,000 price tag doesn’t feel so affordable anymore.

The “Too Good to Be True” Test: How to Spot a Red Flag Hot Tub

Once you know what to look for, you may notice cheap spas lurking around every corner. Here is a list of those red flags:

No local service or ‘third party’ service – Who will fix it if it breaks?

Gapped, crooked or misaligned cabinetry-those gaps are invitations to pests and weather wear, and crooked outside panels are indicative of rushed, shoddy construction that will haunt you. 

Jet overload – 100 jets on a tiny tub? It’s a marketing gimmick, not a sign of quality.

Pushy discounts with no product detail – “Only $4,999 today only!” is not a feature but a scary story…

Lots of reviews that…don’t say anytihng specific-reviews are more and more incentivized, and the more vague they are, the more likely that they are cookie cutter reviews by paid posters.

A better test? Visit a local dealer. Ask all the questions you have, get a number or email to ask more questions later. Inquire about wet testing a model. Feel the jets. Ask how long they’ve been in business and how they handle service calls. Reputable dealers welcome these questions—and they’re happy to build trust instead of just closing a sale.

Final Thoughts

A $5,000 hot tub can be tempting, especially when it looks the part online or at a show. But behind the smooth shell and even smoother salesperson,  the real value lies in how it’s built, how it weathers, and how you’re treated after the sale.

Spending more doesn’t mean overspending. It means investing in a product you’ll actually enjoy using for years—without the stress, the hidden costs, or the buyer’s remorse haunting you forever.

Choose wisely, soak well, and know that real relaxation doesn’t come from cutting corners.