Most hot tub prices are set by the dealer, so the best deal goes to the buyer who's easiest to sell to: one who knows the tub, takes what's in stock and is ready to sign. In our experience: let them quote you normally and get it in writing, then ask for their best price, starting at 10 to 15 percent off, and say you'll buy today.
In this lesson
Why dealers don't post prices
Which buyers get the best deals
How to make an offer a dealer takes
Why don't hot tub dealers post their prices?
Because one number would be wrong for most buyers. Only 6 of the 15 hot tub brands we track post any prices on their own websites. Hot Spring says the same model can cost more in one town than another, because of freight, the dealer's overhead and what each dealer includes. Sundance says brands show a band or a starting price so you'll talk to a local dealer, who may beat it.
So the final number moves with options, delivery and a crane, the electrical work and the base, your colors, the time of year, and you. Jacuzzi puts seasonal sales at $1,000 to $3,000 off and end-of-model-year clearance at up to $5,000, by its own estimate. More on timing in when to buy a hot tub.
Which buyers get the best deals?
Do difficult customers really pay more?
Yes. You will pay more. From our years on showroom floors: every extra visit, call and email is time a salesperson isn't spending on the next sale, and the quote reflects it. A non-standard cabinet, an unusual shell color, a rush delivery, five visits and twenty emails about small questions: that buyer gets the highest price in the building.
Hydropool, a maker, puts it politely: it's hard to get both the exact tub you want and the lowest price. You can't have it both ways. Take a lot of the dealer's time and pay for it, or walk in ready and get the better deal.
How much can you negotiate off a hot tub?
Usually some, at a local dealer. Hydropool says local stores and home shows will usually negotiate, big-box and online sellers usually won't, and paying cash often gets a better rate. Federal law lets a seller give a discount for cash. Bullfrog adds that large dealers keep standard prices, and the room is in promotions, options and floor models.
Say this
First: “I've done my homework and I'm ready to buy. I'd like the [model] in a color you have in stock, and I'm flexible on the delivery week. What's the out-the-door price?”
Once it's in writing: “What's your best price? If you can do [$Y], I'll sign right now.” Make [$Y] 10 to 15 percent under their quote.
If they can't move on price: “Is there a floor model, or something you can include?”
The full argument, with every source: why dealers don't list prices. Next: delivery day and your first year, so a good buy stays one.
Remember this
Only 6 of 15 hot tub brands post prices. The dealer sets the rest.
The ready, flexible buyer gets the best price; the high-maintenance buyer pays the most.
Custom colors, rush delivery and endless visits cost you money. You can't have it both ways.
Get a normal written quote first. Then ask for their best price, starting at 10 to 15 percent off, ready to sign.
Expect less room on a price that's already a show or season sale.
Check yourself
3 quick questions. Tap an answer.
Which buyer usually gets the best price?
In our experience, when do you ask for the best price?
Where should you expect less room to negotiate?
Want more on this?
Each of these goes deeper. They open in the library; the course will be here when you come back.
8 more lessons: how a good tub is built, what it really costs, what to ask at the showroom and how to get the best price, then your showroom cheat sheet. It opens right away.