How Many Years Does an Outdoor Hot Tub Last?

When it comes to the significant investment you need to make to purchase a hot tub, you’ll want to know approximately how long it will last. How many years does an outdoor hot tub last? As we’ll see below it’s dependent on many variables, but hot tubs can last anywhere from five to 20 years. The main factors involved with hot tub longevity are its quality and the care and maintenance you provide. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of tips and to help make the most of your hot tub.

You Get What You Pay For

It’s a saying that gets bandied around again and again, but when it comes to hot tubs, you indeed get what you pay for. The prices of hot tubs can vary wildly, but if you pinch pennies when you make your purchase, don’t be surprised if your hot tub starts giving you problems after a few years. If you’re looking for a short-term hot tub, that’s not a problem, but if you want a hassle-free, long-lasting, quality piece of equipment you should be expecting to pay the higher end of the available price range.

Surface Care and Maintenance

The more you care for and maintain your hot tub the longer it will last. If you think about it, the combination of hot water, chemicals, and the bodyweight of the users can cause a lot of stress on the plastic and metal parts of the hot tub. Keeping the water chemistry properly balanced and maintaining a regular cleaning schedule will ensure these parts last as long as possible. You should consider draining your hot tub and giving it a deep cleaning every three months or so.

Water Pump and Heater

The water pump and heater are the two main motorized components of your hot tub that need to be kept in good working order. Without these essential components, all you have is a cold plunge pool. Following the warranty, maintenance routines set out by the manufacturer is your best line of defence against failure. Keeping your water clean and chemically balanced will also reduce wear and tear on these components.

Hot Tub Cover

Although it may seem like an afterthought, a well fitted hot tub cover can add years to the life of your hot tub. Not only will it save your water heater from having to constantly run at top speed it will prevent dirt and contaminants from getting into the water, messing with the chemistry and plugging up the lines. Hot tub covers also require their own care and maintenance regime which allows them to effectively do their job for longer.

Shell and Cabinet

The hot tub shell and cabinet end up taking a beating not only from the outdoor environment but from the chemicals in the water as well. Over time they may start to fade, crack and generally wear away. Patching and filling cracks as they appear will ensure the cabinet is able to last as long as the other components.

Hot Tub Trade-Ins

Similar to people who like to always have a newish car, you can trade in a still-functioning hot tub and upgrade to a new model ensuring that you never experience problems associated with wear and tear or the hot tub’s age. The ideal time to consider a trade-in is when your hot tub is between 5-7 years of age as it still has a good resell value and the latest models on the market will have newer features. Look for dealers who will help get your hot tub onto the used market while providing you with a new model. Trading in your old hot tub for something new will ensure you that never have to worry about your hot tub letting you down.

For more information on how many years an outdoor hot tub lasts, download a free buyer’s guide today.