What To Know About In-Ground Hot Tubs

Nothing says “luxury” like a hot tub, and building one into the ground adds an exclamation point. Where I live in California, the nation’s hot tub capital, I’ve seen my share of in-ground and above-ground ones. In fact, part of my daily routine includes a visit to the in-ground tub at the local health club.

But while many of my friends have joined the mass of people adding hot tubs to their humble abodes, in-ground hot tubs still aren’t as common as above-ground ones. Why? Simply put, they are more expensive, not even considering the fun hot tub accessories you can add. And there are plenty of options in that department, especially if you put in the extra effort during installation to create a true oasis around your in-ground hot tub. Some people I know have gone all-in with stone liners, atmospheric pool lights, and plenty of surrounding greenery.

So, when are in-ground hot tubs the right choice for homeowners? We spoke with experts to get the scoop on everything from the top pros and cons to maintenance costs so you can make an informed decision.

What Is An In-Ground Hot Tub?

In-ground hot tubs are similar in some ways to in-ground swimming pools. It is a waterproof container that can hold three or four people buried in the ground with the rim at ground level. However, you can choose to drop a pre-manufactured hot tub into the ground rather than building it from scratch which you can’t do with a swimming pool.

Also, similar to swimming pools, you maintain the water in an in-ground hot tub by balancing pH and sanitizer levels to keep it safe and clean. But instead of chlorine, many hot tub manufacturers recommend bromine for sanitizing because it’s gentler and lasts longer. Here are our favorite hot tub shelter ideas for a cozy outdoor experience.

In-ground hot tubs can be made of concrete, stone, tile, gunite (sprayed concrete — a common pool liner material) or acrylic. They typically include a deck around them to make it easier to get in and out. Some even have stairs, and many contemporary ones also have hydrotherapy jets.

Concrete and stone tubs usually feature flat bottoms with ledges for sitting, while acrylic ones often come with molded bottoms with strategically placed jets for a relaxing water massage. The jets, as well as the heater and filtration pump, draw a lot of power, so most in-ground tubs operate on 240-volt circuits.

An in-ground hot tub also needs water intake and output ports, a filtration system, and pipes to connect everything together. When you sink a hot tub into the ground, the hole must be big enough to accommodate all this plumbing. And you need panels or trap doors to access it so you can make repairs.

The Pros and Cons of In-Ground Hot Tubs

If you’re in the market for a new hot tub, it’s important to go in with your eyes wide open when considering an in-ground option, according to experts. You could conceivably drain your tub after every use and refill it before the next one, like a bathtub. But it’s more convenient and less wasteful to keep the water hot and clean. That’s where complications arise.

“The only true advantage of an in-ground hot tub is the clean, built-in look,” says Justin Cornforth, the owner of Ace Home Co., a family-owned plumbing, electric, heating and air company in Williamston, South Carolina. “No bulky shell, no cover sitting waist-high in the middle of your patio.”

But with that cleaner look comes more cost and more work, Cornforth says. “If something goes wrong underground, like a leaky pipe or a failing jet line, you’re not just swapping a part — you’re digging, breaking concrete, maybe even tearing up your landscaping,” he says.

Here’s a full rundown of the biggest pros and cons of in-ground tubs to help you decide if it’s right for you:

Pros of in-ground hot tubs:

• Unobtrusive. A sunken hot tub has a minimal impact on the landscape design. It’s as easy to incorporate it into a garden as a patio or deck, and won’t affect the sight line.
• Permanent. Like an in-ground swimming pool, a sunken hot tub becomes an integral part of the property, often raising the resale value of the home.
• Accessible. Climbing into an above-ground hot tub can be a chore for some. Anyone who can crouch down and sit on the deck can easily get into a sunken tub.
• Energy efficient. Because the ground provides thermal insulation, it costs less to keep the water hot.

Cons of in-ground hot tubs:

• Expensive. It costs more to install than an above-ground tub. Repairs are also more costly because of limited access to the plumbing.
• More vulnerable to debris. Because the lip is at ground level, it’s easier for leaves and other debris to blow in, so it needs more frequent cleaning.
• Difficult to cover. Custom-built in-ground hot tubs need custom covers. Because the cover is at ground level, it can be inadvertently displaced.
• Permanent. You can’t take it with you when you move.

How Much Does an In-Ground Hot Tub Cost?

Compared to an above-ground hot tub, a sunken one is a major investment. Expect to pay $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the size of the tub and the type of material. An above-ground tub runs from $3,000 to $12,000.

You may opt to buy an above-ground tub, then have it sunken or partially sunken into the ground. If so, you’ll pay from $3,000 to $5,000 for excavation and installation, along with the cost of the tub itself.

When it comes to maintaining an in-ground hot tub, there are additional costs to consider. While chemicals to keep your tub clean aren’t too pricey, maybe $15 to $30 a month, electric costs can add up, Cornforth says.

“You should expect to spend around $1,000 a year, give or take, and around $1,600 to $2,200 if you want a tech to handle everything for you,” Cornforth says. “Most of that goes to electricity, especially if you live somewhere cold and want to use the tub year-round.”

Over time, you should also expect occasional repairs, which will come with a cost. “Even if you keep up with maintenance, things like pumps, heaters, or control panels can start acting up more year after year,” Cornforth says. “The heater is usually the most expensive part to replace and can cost you about $500 with labor.”

In-Ground Hot Tub Installation

Installation of a factory-made in-ground tub calls for planning and preparation. Go to www.call811.com to get necessary underground utilities marked, choose a suitable location, get building permits and excavate.

After excavation, you need to install a drain with plumbing and construct a foundation that can support the tub. Finally, there’s the installation of plumbing and electrical circuits for the tub equipment, often positioned in a nearby outbuilding.

When the tub arrives, it needs to be positioned in the hole, which usually requires a crane. Then a professional installer connects the plumbing and completes the electrical hookups.

Once all that work is done, fill the tub with water and check out the operation of the equipment. Now you’re ready to add sanitizers and start enjoying your new backyard retreat space. Looking for more? Here are our favorite backyard hot tub privacy ideas.

FAQ

Are in-ground hot tubs hard to maintain?

An in-ground hot tub will not be completely hands-off, but maintenance shouldn’t be something that will stop you from installing one, Cornforth says. “If you’ve ever had a pool, it’s pretty similar — you test the water a couple times a week, keep the chemicals balanced, clean or replace the filter regularly, and refill it a few times a year. With in-ground hot tubs, it’s more about staying consistent and doing things on time than anything complicated.”

The real issue is what happens when something breaks. “Unlike portable tubs, where everything’s accessible under the shell, in-ground systems usually have equipment buried in a pit or hidden behind walls or landscaping,” Cornforth says. “If there’s a leak, a cracked pipe, or a pump problem, you’re not just swapping a part — you’re possibly digging, breaking concrete, or pulling up part of your yard.”

Does an in-ground hot tub connect to my home’s plumbing system?

No. In-ground hot tubs are closed systems that have their own pump, filter, and heater, Cornforth explains. “You fill them with a garden hose, and when it’s time to drain, it usually goes into a yard drain or clean out,” Cornforth says. “But you do need to run electrical and sometimes gas for the heater, which requires permits.”

With this in mind, Plus, you’ll need a solid drainage plan. Some people forget that the equipment area where the pump and heater sit can collect water if it’s not graded correctly or drained — and that’s where problems start.

Expert

Justin Cornforth is the owner of Ace Home Co., a family-run plumbing, electric, heating and air company in Williamston, South Carolina. Since 2017, Justin has overseen countless outdoor plumbing installations, as well as helped countless homeowners navigate plumbing and electrical challenges that can arise with choosing to invest in a home hot tub.