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Does a Hot Tub Raise Property Value?

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Hot Tub Buyer's Guides

I have owned 4 hot tubs at 4 different homes and while I love them, I’ve often wondered does a hot tub raise property value?

A hot tub does add value to your home. In-ground hot tubs hold their value better than portable hot tubs. An in-ground hot tub can add 50% of the original cost to your home value when you sell it. Portable hot tubs may bring 50% if they are under 10 years old and in good condition. But older models will bring less.

But there’s a lot more to know about hot tubs and property values! After all, some are in-ground, and some are not. Also, the age of the hot tub affects its value too.

So let’s keep going!

Enjoying a hot tub is a luxury that some people simply can’t live without. And for a lot of people, that’s where the value of a hot tub comes to an end.

So, if you were wondering if a hot tub can potentially increase the value of a home, you’re in the right place.

The short answer is yes; it can add value.

But it’s a bit more complicated than just a simple yes. So let’s make sure you leave here with everything you need to know.

So without wasting any more of your time, let’s determine the value a hot tub can add to your home.

How much does a hot tub add to home value?

When it comes to determining the value of a hot tub, many factors need to be considered.

Not all hot tubs will add value to your home. That’s because most hot tubs you see in a showroom are portable models.

What’s the difference?

There are two types of hot tubs, and they’re classified as portable or in-ground. The portable model can be relocated, moved around, and is considered to be personal property.

This means that it won’t directly add value to the home, because in this case, it’s serving the same purpose as a couch would; just a whole lot heavier!

What about in-ground hot tubs?

If the hot tub is in-ground, well then you’re in luck.

These hot tubs are generally installed in a similar way that a pool would be, and it becomes a part of the property. This means that when it comes time to sell, it will be factored into the value of the home.

So how much value does it add… exactly?

This is where things get a bit tricky because it really depends on the hot tub.

Older models will likely be worth much less than newer models, but they tend to hold their value fairly well (for portable hot tubs). In most cases, a hot tub will add about 50% of the initial investment you made on it to the value of your home if it’s in-ground.

To put this simply, if you spent $20,000 on a hot tub, when it comes time to sell, you can add on an additional $10,000 to the price of your home.

It just has to be in fairly good working condition.

Is a hot tub a home improvement?

A home improvement is when you physically and permanently add something to your home that adds value.

This could be kitchen or bath remodels, extensions, and even the addition of a pool or extensive landscaping.

So does a hot tub fall in the same category?

As we mentioned in the previous section, a hot tub really only counts as a part of the property when it’s an in-ground hot tub.

So when we examine if a hot tub is a home improvement or not, this is what needs to be considered first.

Chances are, if it’s portable and NOT fastened to the property permanently, it’s not considered a home improvement.

But a permanently installed in-ground hot tub would definitely be considered a home improvement.

Now there is still hope for anyone who has a portable hot tub.

For example, anything that forces the hot tub to remain in a fixed location will turn it into a permanent hot tub, which will then classify it as an improvement to your home.

We get more into this in the next section.

So while it might seem tricky, think of it this way: a hot tub that can be moved is not a home improvement, but one that can’t be moved is a home improvement.

Adding a kitchen table isn’t a home improvement, but adding new counters definitely is. Apply this rule to hot tubs, and you have yourself an answer.

Wondering how many years a hot tub will last?

After all, that’s a huge component of how much value it will add to your home. I get into that in a recent article. I even cover some simple tips you can use to extend the life (and value) of your hot tub.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Is a hot tub considered a permanent fixture?

Hot tubs are not considered permanent until they are made that way.

This is done by either installing an in-ground hot tub or by turning a portable hot tub into a permanent hot tub.

Now you might be scratching your head here, but there are a few methods to make your hot tub a permanent fixture.

Installing an in-ground hot tub

Any hot tub that is installed in the ground, similarly to a pool, will always be considered a permanent fixture. Can you dig it out? Sure, but that’s not a good idea and can end up wrecking it.

When it comes to in-ground hot tubs the price and labor may be extensive, but it’s considered a permanent fixture once installed. Therefore, if you had any concerns, hopefully, those were just swept right away.

Converting a portable hot tub into a permanent hot tub

If you want to make your portable hot tub more permanent, you can always build a deck or platform around it.

Once the hot tub can no longer be moved (easily) and is fully fastened to the property, it becomes a permanent fixture.

So if you already have a portable hot tub, consider building a deck around it as it could add value to your home. It will also be nicer to look at and easier to get in and out of.

Just make sure to leave easy access to the panels you remove to get to the equipment and the drain.

Do hot tubs hold their value?

Hot tubs can definitely hold their value, but at the end of the day, it depends on the hot tub.

Not all hot tubs will hold as much value as others, and when it comes to home value as we mentioned before, it can be quite tricky.

So let’s take a look at the two different types of hot tubs and examine how well each type holds their value.

Portable hot tubs

Portable hot tubs, as mentioned before, are hot tubs that can be moved if you move or are upgrading to a better one.

These are typically the most popular, and the least expensive. When it comes to holding value, you need to take how long you’ve had it into consideration.

Most used hot tubs will net you 50% of the price you paid for it, and this is typically what people will offer you for a used hot tub.

It just has to be in good condition and under 10 years old.

If, however, a hot tub is 20 years old, the value might drop down to around 25% of your original cost. If it’s not in great shape, the value goes down even further.

The hot tub I owned before where we live now I bought used on Craigslist. The guy selling it said it was in good shape and 10 years old and I think initially he was asking $1,000.

After seeing it (obviously closer to 20 years old with cracks in the shell and rat-chewed wiring) I offered him $150 bucks and he took it.

BUT, I replaced all the equipment filled the cracks and that thing still works great today!

What about in-ground hot tubs?

In-ground hot tubs tend to hold their value pretty better over time, and there are many factors that play into this.

In-ground hot tubs tend to stay about 50% of your original costs, even if they’re on the older side.

The issue, of course, is with the in-ground hot tub is that you can’t sell it on your own. So until you decide to sell your home, there’s no real value to it other than enjoyment.

So think of an in-ground hot tub as an ROI piece instead of quick cash you would make in a sale.

Is a hot tub worth the investment?

When you consider if a hot tub is worth the investment, there are a couple of things you need to consider.

In most cases they are, but it depends on what you’re looking to get out of a hot tub.

When is a hot tub worth it for ROI purposes?

If you’re wondering whether or not your hot tub will produce a decent ROI (return on investment), then it ultimately comes down to what you interpret as a good ROI.

Chances are you’ll be using it regularly and enjoying it. But when it comes time to sell your property the ROI of a hot tub (in-ground) is typically about 50%.

So, if you think 50% is a solid ROI (which is definitely good for something you’ll be frequently enjoying), then a hot tub is a great investment.

Just looking to add some quick value to your home right before a sale? A hot tub is not a great choice in this case.

When my family and I lived in Dallas, we had a hot tub put in. But when we sold our home, the buyer asked us to remove it.

So in that case, not only did it not add value, it costs us money to get rid of it. But of course, that will vary from buyer to buyer too.

Is a hot tub worth it if I’m just trying to enjoy it?

If you’re not too concerned about adding value to your home, then a hot tub is a worthwhile investment.

You’ll be able to relax, unwind, and enjoy the seasonal changes all from your cozy hot tub. Portable hot tubs are fairly inexpensive. And you’ll be able to find many on the market for between $1,500 or $2,500.

To really keep costs down, you could also look for one that can just be plugged in like an appliance.

I spent almost $1,000 on my previous hot tub just paying electricians to hook it up. So being able to just plug it into a wall socket on your patio is awesome!

The best one of these is the Lifesmart Plug and Play 4 Person Hot Tub Spa With 13 Jets (click to see the current price on Amazon).

It’s an Amazon’s Choice product with almost 100 near-perfect reviews.

Free shipping and an awesome price too! Just move it where you want it. Then fill it up from your hose and plug it in. In no time you’ll be soaking in that relaxing warm water!

CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ON AMAZON

Or consider an inflatable hot tub.

Inflatable hot tubs are actually pretty durable and can hold quite a few people. They are not nearly as flimsy as you might think! And they are easily moved too once you drain them.

If that seems like a good way to go, the best one on the market, by far, is the Coleman SaluSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub (click to see the current price on Amazon Prime).

Hundreds of great reviews and free Prime shipping and comes with the cover. Because it’s inflatable, it’s also really well priced at just a hair over $500 bucks.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ON AMAZON

So is a hot tub really worth it?

That answer depends on you, but most people tend to enjoy the experience that a hot tub provides. There are plenty of health benefits (muscle recovery), and the ROI is not bad at all.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, a hot tub is more than just a warm pool of water.

It might seem like a hot tub isn’t worth much once you have it up and running. But there are plenty of people that would be more likely to purchase a home if a hot tub came with it (like me!)

So does a hot tub raise property value? Is it significant?

Not every hot tub is going to substantially raise the value of your home. While you might think that bigger the better, this isn’t always true either.

The thing about hot tubs is that there are so many types, styles, and sizes. So you need to make sure that you know which one you’re looking at.

Luckily, most of the time, a hot tub will add plenty of value to your home. So, not only is a hot tub a great place to unwind, but the return on investment (ROI) of a hot tub is pretty good compared to some other fixtures.

Whether you’re looking to sell your home and make some extra cash, or if you’re just curious about the value your hot tub adds to your home, hopefully, this helped you.

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Jeff Campbell
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