The Only Hot Tub Buying Guide You'll Ever Need

29 Apr.,2024

 

The Only Hot Tub Buying Guide You'll Ever Need

Hot tubs are one of the best ways to wind down after a long day. They have several health benefits, including stress relief, pain relief and improved sleep. Owning one is like having your own personal spa.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Hot tub costs vary widely, ranging from about $2,000 to $16,000 or more. Costs ultimately depend on the appliance’s size and type as well as which accessories you opt for. Find the right hot tub for you by comparing different types, materials and features to determine which ones work best for your lifestyle and budget.

Advertisement

Build Your Dream Backyard Retreat

Custom build your pool, spa or hot tub of your dreams! Connect with prescreened top-rated contractors on Angi in your area.

Explore Options

What Is a Hot Tub?

A hot tub is a tub that’s big enough to fit at least two people that’s filled with heated water. Unlike typical bathtubs, hot tubs are designed to be used by multiple people at once. They can be used for hydrotherapy, relaxation or just for fun.

Hot tubs consist of an outer cabinet, which holds the shell in place. The shell is the inner piece of the hot tub that holds the water. Hot tubs also have pumps to circulate water in and out of the tub, jets to massage sore muscles and filters to keep the water clean.

Because hot tubs are big and tend to slosh water around, most hot tub owners place them outdoors on their deck or patio. They can be either above-ground or in-ground, with above-ground tubs being the less expensive option. Keep in mind that hot tubs need routine maintenance, so accessibility is important.

Hot Tub Shell Materials

Hot tub shells are typically made from acrylic, vinyl or rotomolded plastic. The type of shell you choose will influence the cost of the appliance, so choose the best one for your budget.

Acrylic

Hot tub shells made from acrylic are considered some of the most durable on the market. Manufacturers make them by heating a single sheet of acrylic until it starts to melt, and then placing it over a formed mold. Vacuums suck away air that gets trapped between the mold and the acrylic sheet to create a smooth, seamless finish.

Acrylic hot tubs are heavy, which means you can’t easily reposition them. Installing one is a commitment, but their durability and temperature retention abilities make them a worthy one. Acrylic hot tub shells are more expensive than vinyl and rotomolded plastic shells—they cost between $4,000 and $16,000 on average.

Vinyl

Vinyl liners are common in hot tubs attached to in-ground swimming pools. Manufacturers make vinyl hot tub liners by placing the vinyl over a frame made from cement or another sturdy material to give the liner its shape.

Inexpensive to produce vinyl liners cost between $4,000 to $12,000. While they are less expensive than acrylic hot tubs, vinyl tubs do have a few disadvantages. They don’t retain heat well, which causes the motor in your hot tub to work harder and could cause your electricity bill to skyrocket. Vinyl is also less durable than other hot tub shell materials.

Rotomolded Plastic

Made from polyethylene, rotomolded plastic hot tub molds are lightweight and portable. They’re made from plastic powder that is added to a mold and melted and typically range in cost from $2,500 to $6,000.

Rotomolded plastic hot tubs are better than vinyl tubs in terms of performance, but they still aren’t great at retaining heat. That said, rotomolded plastic tubs are a great option if an acrylic one is not in your price range.

Hot Tub Costs By Size

The bigger the hot tub, the more it will cost. Hot tubs are sized in terms of occupancy. Models range from a standard two-person tub to a party-sized tub that fits 10 people. Consider the size of your family when deciding how big of a hot tub to get.

Hot Tub Costs By Type

Above-Ground

Above-ground hot tubs cost between $2,000 and $12,000, including installation. These are the most common types of hot tubs because they generally cost less in labor to install since they don’t require excavation.

Hot tubs located above ground are also accessible, which means they’re relatively easy to maintain. But if you have mobility issues, getting in and out could be a hassle.

In-Ground

In-ground hot tubs are more expensive than above-ground ones because they require professional installation. Labor could include things like excavation, electrical work, gas hookups and plumbing.

While expensive, they’re easy to get in and out of and look stunning when built into a deck or patio. They also add value to your home.

Advertisement

Using your home's equity is an easy way to fund your new pool!

Get prequalified in minutes by clicking on your state.

Learn More

Hot Tub Installation Costs

If you purchase a prefabricated above-ground hot tub, installation costs will be minimal. You’ll likely have to pay between $200 and $400 for delivery and transport. You can do a majority of the setup yourself, but a professional will set the hot tub up for an extra $200 to $800.

You may need to lay the foundation for your hot tub if you don’t have an existing patio or deck to place it on. Laying a foundation can cost up to $2,000 in labor and materials.

Custom hot tubs are more expensive than prefabricated versions, but customizing can make your hot tub fit your home and preferences perfectly. Custom above-ground and in-ground hot tubs are more difficult to install since they need to fit your space perfectly. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a custom hot tub install. In-ground custom hot tub installations can cost more than $2,000.

DIYing your hot tub installation can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. However, you should only attempt this if you’re experienced. A DIY hot tub installation often involves electrical and plumbing work, which can be dangerous and costly to repair if you make mistakes. DIYing your installation can also void the appliance’s warranty.

Hot Tub Maintenance Costs

Maintaining your hot tub means checking water chemical levels, cleaning the filter and cleaning the inside of the tub. Check water chemical levels at least once a week, more if you use your tub every day. Clean the filter every two or three weeks and fully clean the inside of the hot tub every two months. Between interior cleanings, use a skimmer to remove dirt and debris that makes its way inside the tub.

Maintaining your tub yourself means you won’t need to pay for labor, just materials. Cleaning materials will cost you about $20 per month. Pool companies offer professional hot tub maintenance services, which range from $50 to $200 per month, depending on what needs to be done.

A properly maintained hot tub can last up to 25 years.

Hot Tub Extras

You can increase the enjoyment you get out of your hot tub by customizing it. Not only can you customize the seating and layout of the tub, but you can also add accessories to make the soaking experience more fun.

How To Choose The Right Hot Tub For You

First, assess the space where you will install your hot tub. If you don’t have a foundation for it, factor that into the cost. Consider how often you’ll use the hot tub and how many people you need it to accommodate—if you have a big family or like to entertain guests, choose a large hot tub.

Those factors will allow you to set a budget for your hot tub. You can then choose which material you would like it to be and consider adding accessories. Make sure to factor in monthly (or annual) maintenance costs, too. The right hot tub for you will incorporate all of the materials and accessories that meet your needs while falling within your budget.


(Note: All details and prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)

What You Need To Know About Modern Prefab Pod Homes

NAVIGATION

Living in a pod home is one of the most enticing forms of alternative living because they come in so many different styles, sizes, shapes, and types. With many benefits like straightforward pricing, quickly being able to develop a piece of land and self contained systems, there’s a lot that appeals to someone considering this style of housing.

Hi, I’m Ryan

I’ve lived in a tiny house for years, and have recently considered adding another prefabricated pod home onto my homestead to use as an office. The portable nature and easy installation of pod homes is super alluring to me.

What Is A Pod Home?

A pod house is a prefabricated home that is built in a factory and delivered to the homeowner as an entire compact unit. People use pod houses for an array of different reasons, including as a rental property, backyard dwelling unit, guesthouse, or even a small office.

As the tiny house trend gets more and more popular, lots of alternative housing options are becoming popular right along with them, like living in a van, cargo trailer, skoolie, teardrop trailer, and many more. Pod homes are just another example of a classic way to live small!

While pod homes are typically prefabricated and ship out from the factory, there are also pod house kits out there that you can order to build a pod house on your own. Whatever you style, budget, skill level, or desired use, I am sure there’s a pod house out there for you to fall in love with!

History Of Pod Houses

One of the very first times the idea of a modular pod house caught on was in 1908 and seemed to originate with the founder of Sears department stores: Richard Sears. He came up with the idea to sell “kit homes” in the Sears catalog right at the turn into the 20th century. These kit houses were very popular in the early 1900s, and later in 1950, pod house popularity began to skyrocket.

Directly after World War II, prefabricated modular homes became essential to meet the stark rise in housing demand. But these starter modular houses began to decrease in popularity once again as the baby boomer generation came into the picture and families needed larger homes to accommodate rapidly growing families.

In the 1960s, pod homes saw a resurgence as a popular housing solution for couples and small families. Some people today still use pod homes as their full-time place of residence, but their functionality has expanded in a lot of cool ways. Many people today order pod homes and use them for something entirely different like an art studio or guest home!

Modular Pod Home Elements

What makes a pod house what it is? Pod homes can be designed in a variety of ways. However, there are some elements that most pod houses tend to share, including portability and prefabrication. To sum it up, pod homes are designed to be simple to build and easy to move.

What Makes A Pod House

  • Prefabricated
  • Portable
  • Composed of premade units
  • Contain one to three rooms
  • Sustainable
  • Low square footage

Visit Vessel Pod HousesLEARN MORE HERE

jiaqiang contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

Pod House Pros And Cons

Like any kind of alternative or traditional housing, there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to consider when thinking about living in a pod home. I have several friends who live in a modular pod off-grid, in the middle of the woods, or in their own backyards. However, this housing style isn’t for everyone, so it’s important to consider what you want before investing a pretty penny into a brand-new pod home.

Pod Home Pros Pod Home Cons Eco-friendly Not easy to use as traditional home Installed in a couple of weeks Not as durable as a traditional home Can be off-grid or grid-tied Prefab means less design freedom Cost-effective Extra HOA hoops to jump through

Where To Get Your Own Pod House

If you are feeling ready to commit to a pod house of your own, there are several different ways you can make that dream come true. While pod homes are pre-fabricated, there are different levels of pre-fabrication when it comes to getting your own.

What I mean by this is, some pod homes come entirely pre-built and are shipped cross-country as an entire house. Some pod houses, however, come as individual pieces that you assemble yourself DIY style. Whether you choose to buy or build your grannie pod, it won’t be long before you have a modular home you love in your own backyard.

Buy A Pod Home: Vessel Houses

If you choose to buy your pod house instead of building it, there are a couple features you should keep in mind to ensure that your home will be durable, high quality, and stand the test of time.  Recently I was able to learn about this style of housing from a company called Vessel Houses.

You’re going to want to choose a builder who has good handle on the manufacturing process of their homes and consider their approach to materials and engineering.  Some of Vessel’s designs are made with a particularly strong carbon steel that can resist earthquakes over level 8, hurricanes over level 12, and typically last 70 years or longer.

Additionally, pod homes are energy saving, thermally insulated, and include smart technology system. Different models each bring something unique to the table that can satisfy different lifestyles. Some of these feature panoramic windows for those who want to be more connected to nature while others have thicker walls and a patio on the back, front, or side of the building.

Vessel House Models To Purchase

Build Your Own Pod Home

For those who seek to have more control over the design of their pod house, you can easily buy a pod house kit that comes as independent pieces for assembly on site in your own backyard.

Depending on the type of pod home kit you buy, there could be any range of methods to assemble all the compact units together.

However, I am a huge believer that anyone with the will can get into DIY construction projects and building houses on their own. In fact, assembling a pod houses kit is probably a great place to start if you’re new to the building world, since you’re mostly just putting pre-assembled pieces together like a puzzle.

Prefab Cabins Use And Design Ideas

Like I said before, the category “pod house” encompasses many different styles and elements. Some have a completely open concept, some are surrounded in glass, and still others are covered with wood or shingles. Pod homes are also made into different shapes. They can be rectangular, spherical, dome shaped, A-frame, or another shape.

Additionally, pod homes have many different uses in people’s daily lives. Some people want to turn their pod house into a permanent mobile home, while others hope to keep it stationary and turn it into a space for relatives or friends to stay when they visit. Many small business owners use pod homes as a mobile storefront or office. The possibilities are endless!

The Benefits Of Modular House Pods

At the end of the day, there are numerous reasons to try out living in a pod house of your own. I think one of the most enticing elements of pod homes as a whole is that they come in so many different shapes, styles, and forms. I truly believe anyone could find a pod house they’d like living in.

It Doesn’t Take Long To Build A Pod Home

One major benefit of living in a pod house is they do not take long to assemble. If you choose to buy your pod home from a manufacturer, it’ll ship right to your door, ready to be placed on your property. If you decide to build your own pod house, it will still ship as prefabricated pieces that are simple to assemble on your own.

Pod Houses Are Cost-Conscious

In the realm of housing costs in our modern world, pod homes really aren’t that expensive. They tend to range anywhere from $5,000 to $500,000 depending on the size of the home, the quality of the materials, how easy it was for the manufacturer to create it, and more. However, pod homes tend to be a lot smaller than most traditional housing options, so that’s something to factor in.

Modular Pod Homes Are Eco-Friendly

Modular pod homes are usually built in a way that is highly conscious of the environment. Many pod homes feature things like solar panels, water catchments systems, and solar generators to be as eco-conscious as possible. The smaller size of the house also helps use less waste and reduce the carbon footprint of both the builder and homeowner.

Pod Homes Are Portable

One of my personal favorite elements about any kind of pod housing is that it’s portable. While it’s not entirely legal to park your pod house just anywhere, there are many parks and campsites all across the US and the globe that allow you to do so.

Owning a pod home, tiny home, or any sort of mobile housing brings with it the freedom of location, the ability to move about as you please and take your entire home with you. The freedom to travel anywhere I please is one of my favorite aspects of living life on the road.

There Are Many Kinds Of Pod Homes

Another thing I love about pod housing is that there are so many different styles, shapes, and types of buildings to peruse through, and there really is a type of house out there for every possible lifestyle.

Whether you envision yourself in an off-grid pod house in the middle of a remote forest, totally isolated, or inside your pod house on your own acreage by the lake, playing board games with family, there’s a way to let a pod home improve your life and match your personality.

Pod House Living Will Bring You Back To Simplicity

If I’ve learned anything from living in a tiny house for over a decade, it’s that you can gain so much by reducing the size of your material life. Your house does not have to be gargantuan to feel like a home and provide you with the space you need to be happy and fulfilled.

In fact, for me and many others intentionally seeking simplicity, living in a smaller space with fewer possessions has only added to that pursuit. I feel more content than I ever have in my smaller house.

How Much Do Pod Homes Cost?

A pod house averages around $90,000 depending on your model and finishes. Because pod homes really just refer to any factory-made or pre-fabricated house that’s mobile, pricing can really vary. It’s likely that your pod house could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $300,000, depending on several factors.

If you buy directly from a pod home manufacturer, the features you choose will determine your overall price. I really do feel that Vessel Homes is one of the best options out there for a high-quality pod house. If you build your pod house yourself, the upfront cost of the DIY house kit is the only cost you’ll really need to account for.

Your Turn!

  • Will you buy or build your own pod house?
  • What will you use your pod house for?

By

Ryan Mitchell

on March 23, 2023

 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Space Capsule House. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.