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Yeah $10K is a lot of money. Â But that's the price point of some of the premium quality units- you're looking at ballpark of $7 - 10K, or even more. Â Plus the costs of site prep, and electrical. Â Less expensive spas are less expensive for a reason. Â One is that they cut corners to keep the costs lower. Â Cheaper components, less insulation, things like that. Need service? Â Who's gonna do that? Â Costco, et al, do not service hot tubs. Â Need advice on water care? Â For sure Costco won't be able to help you there. You pay more for a good spa, but you get what you pay for, in my Opinion.
There is a BIG difference between a $5K to $7K spa and a cheapo "value" spa. Â I see others on here touting the requirement to spend $7K to $10K for a "quality" spa. Â That is not accurate. Â You CAN get name-brand, high-quality spa's from mfgs such as Hot Springs (Tiger River products) and Jacuzzi (300-series units) and any number of other respectable mfgs. Â I do agree howevet that MOST tubs under $5K are not worthy and are also often very expensive to run (due to poor insulation)