In 40 seconds
Buying a hot tub in the UK in 2026 typically costs anywhere from under £1,000 for an inflatable to roughly £2,500–£5,000 for an entry-level solid (hard-shell) model, with most people spending around £6,000–£9,000 once delivery, a cover and electrics are included. Running a well-insulated solid tub usually works out at about £40–£90 per month in electricity, while a poorly insulated or inflatable model can run £85–£150 per month, assuming a UK electricity unit rate of around 27p per kWh. Most full-size solid tubs need a dedicated, RCD-protected electrical supply fitted by a qualified electrician, and the work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations. Chemicals and filters add roughly £10–£30 a month. The honest answer is always a range, because it depends on the model, how well it is insulated and how often you use it.
Most hot tub guidance is published by companies selling them, so the headline price tends to be optimistic and the running cost glossed over. The pages below give honest cost ranges for buying and running a tub, compare inflatable and solid models fairly, and set out the electrical rules — before you take a single quote.