Thinking About a Hot Tub? Here’s What You Need to Know

• Steve Jost September 30, 2025

Adding a hot tub to your backyard isn’t just about relaxation — it’s about transforming the way you live at home. But before you get into some hot water, you should have some questions. At Dover Pools, we’re here to make the buying process simple with our expert team members. Here are answers to some of the most common hot tub questions we hear from hot tub shoppers every day.

What Are the Health Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub?

Hot tubs offer more than just a place to soak, relax, and unwind. They can improve your health and well-being. Regular soaking can help reduce stress, ease sore muscles, improve circulation, and promote better sleep. Many people use their hot tub as part of a recovery routine after exercise or physical activity. And because warm water soothes joints, it’s also a favorite therapy for those with arthritis or chronic pain. Hot tub owners all say that they notice a difference in how they feel and sleep after a good soak.

Where Can I Place My Hot Tub?

A solid base is essential for a hot tub. Most homeowners choose a concrete pad, reinforced deck, or paver patio. Most tubs may work on a prepared level gravel base.  Dover Pools also offers resin 8’ x 8’ pads designed for hot tubs that can be placed on level ground. The key is to ensure your surface can support the tub’s weight when it is full of water and people, which can be 3,000 to 5,000 lbs. or more.

What’s Included in the Price — Delivery, Cover, Steps, or Installation?

This depends on the model and retailer, but at Dover Pools, we make it easy. Most hot tubs include a high-quality insulated cover, delivery to your home, and standard placement. Our premium line of American Whirlpool and Vita Hot Tubs includes an upgraded Weather-Shield cover, lift, and steps. Our team will walk you through everything included upfront so there are no surprises. 220V hot tubs require a licensed electrician to provide electricity and wire the tub. 110V Plug and Play hot tubs can be plugged directly into a GFCI outlet.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub Monthly?

Hot Tubs offered by Dover Pools and most dealers are very energy efficient, compared to tubs found online and through mass merchants. The average monthly cost to operate a hot tub ranges from $15 to $30 in most local areas. Actual costs vary depending on your tub size, usage, outside temperature, and local utility rates. This estimate includes electricity to heat the water, water refills, and routine chemical care. Choosing an energy-efficient model with proper insulation can help keep operating costs at the lower end.

What’s the Difference in Price Between Entry-Level and Premium Models?

Hot tubs come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points. Entry-level models often start around $5,500 – $8,000 and include essential features for hydrotherapy and relaxation. Our entry-level lines are quality hot tubs built to last and provide the benefits of relaxing in hot tub water. Entry-level price point tubs usually feature a single pump, which provides solid hydrotherapy in smaller tubs with fewer seats and jets. Premium models with advanced jet placement, custom lighting, water care features, and luxury seating typically range from $8,000 to $15,000+. These tubs will typically have two or more pumps to provide more power and therapy to all seats in a hot tub. The right choice depends on your space, budget, and how you plan to enjoy your hot tub. Our team can help provide you with information to select the perfect tub.

How Hard Is It to Maintain My Hot Tub?

It’s easier than most people think. Today’s tubs are designed to make water care simple and manageable. With a few minutes of attention each week, you can adjust pH and alkalinity. Many tubs have UV and Ozone systems to help keep the water clear and to use fewer chemicals. Dover Pools offers and guides you through several easy-to-use systems, so you spend more time relaxing in your tub. We also offer services like free water testing and filter cleaning.  After your new hot tub is delivered and filled, we are here to help make maintaining the hot tub easy.

Ready to Soak, Relax, and Unwind?

Whether you’re dreaming of stress relief, backyard fun, or daily hydrotherapy, a hot tub can transform your home life. And with Dover Pools, you’re never alone — our experts are here to guide you from selection to installation and beyond.

About Dover Pools

Since 1976, Dover Pools has been Delmarva’s largest pool, hot tub, and swim spa dealer. Dover Pools has five locations conveniently serving Delmarva from Salisbury Maryland, Seaford, Milford and two locations in Dover. Dover Pools offers exceptional customer service, expert advice, free water testing, and quality chemicals, supplies, accessories, games, and toys for your backyard pool and hot tub. Whether you already have your own backyard oasis of are looking for a new above ground pools, hot tubs, or power pool swims spas; Dover Pools is here to help.