What is the True Cost of Owning a Hot Tub in Canada in 2025? (An Honest, All-Inclusive Breakdown)

If you’ve ever looked into buying a hot tub, you’ve probably realized that getting a straight answer on the total cost feels a lot like asking a financial planner how much you need to retire.

The response usually goes something like, “Well, it depends… let’s talk about your requirements first.” And just like that, you’re pulled into a long back-and-forth – and you may never get a direct number.

But it really doesn’t have to be that complicated. Asking, “How much does a hot tub cost?” is a completely valid question – and one we hear constantly at Hydropool. In fact, it’s the single most asked question from our customers.

So here’s the simple answer: On average, a complete hot tub installation in Canada costs around $20,000 CAD. This price typically includes everything – the hot tub itself, the base or platform it sits on, electrical setup, a cover, and any other essentials. That’s what we see most commonly across our Hydropool retail locations.

See? That’s not so hard. (And yes – we’ve included an all-in average to make things crystal clear.)

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The three primary types of hot tubs and their average price ranges

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• Key features and considerations to look for during the buying process

By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what goes into the price of a hot tub – and whether it’s the right investment for your home and lifestyle.

What Are the Three Main Types of Hot Tubs? (and Their Price Ranges)

Wondering how much a good hot tub will cost you? Hot tubs generally fall into three main categories:

1. Inflatable Hot Tubs

These are the types you’ll often spot at retailers like Costco — they resemble oversized outdoor kiddie pools but come with a small motor attached. Inflatable hot tubs are considered entry-level and are typically priced around $1,000 CAD in Canada.

2. Roto-Molded Hot Tubs

Made from molded plastic, roto-molded hot tubs are gaining popularity thanks to their durability and lower cost. However, they often lack the high-end appearance that acrylic models offer, as plastic doesn't have the same shine. The average price range for these in Canada is about $6,500 to $10,000.

3. Acrylic Hot Tubs

When most people picture a hot tub, they’re thinking of an acrylic model — the sleek, glossy tubs with luxurious jets and an upscale feel. Acrylic hot tubs are considered the premium option and account for nearly 80% of the market.
Hydropool exclusively manufactures this type. You can find acrylic models starting from around $7,000, with high-end versions exceeding $25,000. (Hydropool’s range typically starts under $10,000 and caps around $20,000.)'

The Signature series from Hydropool is their best-selling range of hot tubs. Known for its self-cleaning technology, this line typically falls within the $13,000 to $20,000 price range, depending on the size you choose.
(Interested in learning more about the Signature collection? Click here.

How Did We Land on $20,000 as Our Average Price?

Hydropool’s most popular model, the Signature 579 Gold, is a five-person hot tub that starts at approximately $14,400.
(For comparison, the Serenity 4500, which is a similar-sized model from Hydropool’s mid-range Serenity collection, will be priced under $11,000 in 2025.)

Both of these models are consistent top sellers because they deliver many of the premium features found in high-end hot tubs — but at price points that align with where most consumers prefer to spend.
They also represent the most commonly sold hot tub size today, measuring around 80” x 80”.

What does this mean for you?

In 2025, the typical Hydropool customer will spend over $10,000 on their hot tub, with most purchases averaging closer to $15,000.

For the purpose of our guide, we’re basing our total average cost calculation on a starting price of $14,000, contributing to our overall $20,000 CAD estimate.

What Are the Fixed Costs for Hot Tub Installation?

Beyond the price of the hot tub itself, installing a hot tub comes down to two major components:

• What the hot tub will sit on
• Connecting the electrical system

Let’s walk through each of these parts.

What Kind of Base Does a Hot Tub Need?

You’ll need a strong, flat, and stable surface to support the hot tub.
This could be a deck, a concrete slab, or pavers laid over compacted gravel.

The most important thing? The surface must stay completely solid once the hot tub is in place.
Hot tubs become extremely heavy when filled with water, and if the base shifts or moves, it could cause visible damage—or worse, structural issues like warping or stress points that may harm your hot tub over time.

The cost of creating a proper foundation in Canada can vary based on whether you build it yourself or hire a professional. Typically, if you hire a contractor, you’re looking at around $2,000 CAD.

If you plan to install the hot tub partially or fully in-ground, or build a deck surrounding it, your expenses will naturally rise.
In most cases across Canada, people opt to set the hot tub on a flat surface first, and then build around it for easier installation and lower upfront costs.

(We cover this whole process in greater detail in our full article on installation.)

How Much Does Electrical Installation Cost?

Setting up the electrical connection for your hot tub generally costs about $2,000 CAD.
This amount can vary depending on where you live, but it’s important to hire a licensed electrician for the work.
Here’s what’s needed:

• A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

• An open slot in your home’s electrical panel
• The hot tub placed where wiring can reach it safely and efficiently

Some hot tubs offer a simpler option called plug-and-play. These models can be plugged directly into a standard outdoor outlet.
However, plug-and-play tubs can't run the heater and jets at the same time, which may not be ideal if you plan to use your tub in colder Canadian winters.
In that case, we recommend a hard-wired hot tub for better heating performance.

Running Total So Far:

• Hot Tub: $14,000 CAD
• Platform/Base: $2,000 CAD
• Electrical Work: $2,000 CAD

Current Total: $18,000 CAD

What Are the Variable Costs of Owning a Hot Tub?

So, if our fixed costs are sitting at $18,000, where does the remaining $2,000 come from to reach the average total of $20,000?

These extra costs can vary significantly depending on your preferences and setup — but they're worth mentioning because most people don’t just place a hot tub in their yard and leave it at that.

Owners usually invest in maintenance products and accessories to keep their spa running smoothly and help it fit naturally into their outdoor living space.

We’ve included these items to give you the full picture, so you’re fully prepared — no hidden costs, no budgeting surprises.

Here are some of the most common things new hot tub owners typically spend on right after installation:

• Startup chemical costs

• Delivery charges

• Hot tub cover and a cover lifter

• Steps 

• Other accessories around your hot tub

Let’s take a closer look at each of these items in the next section.

What Chemicals Do You Need to Start Using Your Hot Tub?

When setting up your hot tub for the first time, you’ll need to make an initial investment in water care products. The exact requirements can vary, but here’s a general list of what you’ll likely need:

• pH increaser and pH reducer

• Water stabilizer

• Chlorine or bromine tablets for regular sanitizing

• Shock treatment (also called oxidizer or chlorine shock)

• Additional products may depend on your specific hot tub system.
  For example, if you own a saltwater hot tub, you’ll need saltwater-compatible tablets that convert into chlorine or bromine. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a chemical-free hot tub — all models require some type of water treatment.

It’s also helpful to have a spare filter on hand so you can swap it in while cleaning the main one — something we often recommend at Hydropool.

Some retailers may include a starter chemical kit with your hot tub purchase, which can help cut down on initial costs.
However, we suggest budgeting around $200 CAD for your first-year supply of chemicals — and it’s smart to have them ready before your hot tub arrives.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Hot Tub Delivered?

In most cases, hot tub delivery will cost less than $500, but the final price will depend on your location and how far the dealer needs to travel.
Some dealers may even include delivery as part of the total package, especially if you negotiate it when purchasing.

What Will You Spend on a Hot Tub Cover?

A good-quality hot tub cover typically runs around $800.
You may also want a cover lifter, which makes removing the cover easier — that usually adds about $250 to your cost.
Like delivery, many retailers bundle these into the overall deal when you buy your hot tub, but this can vary.

Are Steps Necessary for a Hot Tub?

That depends on how your hot tub is installed.

• If your hot tub sits above ground, you’ll likely need steps for safe entry and exit.
  At Hydropool, steps are priced at roughly $350 — though this is another item you might be able to negotiate into your purchase.

• If you’ve installed your hot tub partially or fully in-ground, you’ll probably be looking at custom decking or concrete work around it.
  These costs are much more variable and should be planned based on your specific setup — we recommend discussing it with a local dealer or contractor.

Are There Other Optional Hot Tub Expenses?

Absolutely. Most homeowners invest in accessories and outdoor elements to enhance their hot tub space and make it more comfortable and functional.

Common additions include:

• Outdoor chairs or benches

• Tables or side tables

• Robe hooks or towel hangers

• Cozy outdoor towels and bathrobes

To give you a real-world example:
One customer who purchased their hot tub in late 2023 added a metal side table, an Adirondack chair, a smaller table, and wall-mounted robe hooks — all for a total of around $400.

Other possible upgrades include:

• Towel warmers or hanging racks

• Outdoor rugs

• Extra seating or bar stools

• Lighting features

• Audio/visual setups like speakers or TVs

• Pergolas, gazebos, or overhead covers

The cost of these enhancements varies based on personal style and budget — but it's worth noting that many owners do include them as part of their backyard spa transformation.

What’s the Real Cost of a Hot Tub in Canada?

In this guide, we've broken down all the major and hidden expenses that come with purchasing a hot tub in Canada. From the basic unit to the finer finishing touches, we’ve included every common cost that most homeowners encounter when setting up their hot tub space:

• The price of the hot tub itself

• The foundation or base it rests on

• Electrical installation and setup

• Startup chemical supplies

• Delivery charges

• Covers, steps, and basic accessories

• Optional features and backyard styling upgrades

When we add it all up, most Canadian buyers end up spending around $20,000.
That figure covers everything you need to get your hot tub running — and to enjoy it properly in your backyard.

Of course, every situation is a little different. You might find a better deal or want to add extras we didn’t cover here. But overall, this should give you a clear, realistic picture of what a full hot tub setup typically costs in 2025.