Buy & install a hot tub.

Hot tub supply and installation in the UK typically costs £3,000–£12,000+ depending on hot tub size, brand, and site complexity. The hot tub itself: £2,000-£10,000 retail. Installation (concrete or paving base, electrical hookup, water plumbing, delivery): £1,000-£3,500 typically. Premium / built-in hot tubs and swim spas can run £15,000-£40,000+.

The largest variable is electrical hookup. Hot tubs need 32A or 40A dedicated supply on RCD-protected circuit; in most older UK homes, this means a Part P registered electrician installing new cable from the consumer unit. £400-£1,200 for the electrical alone.

Typical UK costs

What's involved

1. Site selection — level, accessible to power and water, screened for privacy, near house for convenience.
2. Base preparation — concrete pad (£300-£1,200) or paved base (£500-£1,500). Must support 1.5-3 tonnes of water + tub + occupants.
3. Electrical hookup — Part P registered electrician installs 32A/40A circuit from consumer unit, typically armoured cable in trench. Notifiable work, certified.
4. Water connection / fill — sometimes from outside tap; can fill via hose. No permanent plumbing usually needed.
5. Delivery — typically by hot tub specialist with crane or specialist trolley. Garden access matters; some need access via house!
6. First fill and chemical balance — supplier usually does first fill and water balance, hands over with brief instruction.
7. Cover and surround — insulated cover essential; surround / pavilion optional.

Running costs

• Electricity — £40-£120/month for typical use (depends on tub size, insulation, ambient temperature, frequency of use).
• Water — £20-£50 per fill (typically every 3-4 months).
• Chemicals — chlorine / bromine / pH balance: £15-£40/month.
• Filter cartridges — replace every 6-12 months: £20-£60 each.
• Annual service — £100-£300.
• Insurance / extended warranty — £100-£300/year (recommended for premium tubs over warranty period).

Things people often miss

• Permitted development for hot tubs — most domestic gardens are permitted. Conservation areas, listed buildings, very large or built-in installations may need planning permission.
• Building Regs for built-in hot tubs — if integrated into structure (sunken into deck, conservatory installation), Building Regs apply.
• Foundations matter — hot tub full of water + people can be 2-3 tonnes. Cheap base preparation cracks within years; quality concrete or paving is non-negotiable.
• Insulation matters more than people think — well-insulated tubs (full foam insulation) cost 30-50% less to run than budget tubs (cabinet only insulated). The £500-£1,500 premium pays back in running costs.
• Cover essential — uncovered hot tubs lose £50-£100/month in heat. Quality covers last 5-7 years; replace when worn.
• Children safety — locked covers and pin-locks essential. Drowning risk is real, particularly for unattended young children.
• Septic tank load — for properties on septic tanks, regular hot tub fills can shock the system. Drain to garden / soakaway instead.

Frequently asked questions

Want a local pro to handle this? A hot tub specialist for supply, base, and commissioning; Part P registered electrician for hookup. Worth comparing 2-3 quotes for the same spec — pricing on identical hot tub models can vary £500-£2,000.