Deciding between hot tub hire and buying your own tub can feel like choosing between renting or owning a car. Each option has pros and cons depending on how often you use it, your budget, and your flexibility needs. In this blog, we’ll compare both sides and help you pick what’s best for your UK lifestyle.
Advantages of Hot Tub Hire
1. Lower Upfront Cost
Renting or hiring a hot tub means you avoid the large initial investment required to purchase one. You pay for the period of use rather than the full cost of ownership.
2. No Long‑Term Commitment
If you only want a hot tub for a few weekends a year, hiring is ideal. You get the experience without the ongoing responsibility.
3. No Maintenance or Upkeep
The rental company handles delivery, setup, cleaning, servicing, and collection — you don’t worry about filters, chemistry, or breakdowns.
4. Try Before You Buy
Hire lets you test different models, sizes, and setups in your own setting before deciding to purchase. It’s a low-risk way to determine preferences.
5. Flexibility & Variety
You can choose different tub styles, capacities, or features for different events or seasons. If your needs change, your hire can change too.
Advantages of Buying a Hot Tub
1. Long-Term Cost Efficiency
Over many years, the cost per use becomes lower than hire. If you use your tub often, purchasing often makes more financial sense.
2. Always Available
With your own hot tub, you’re ready to use it whenever you like — no booking or scheduling. Spontaneous evening soaks? No problem.
3. Customisation & Upgrades
You can choose features, insulation, heater types, lighting, and layout. You’re not limited to what a hire company stocks.
4. Asset Value
Even though depreciation matters, a well-maintained tub can retain resale value. It becomes part of your home’s enhancement.
5. Emotional & Aesthetic Ownership
You can design the area around it, integrate it into landscaping, and use it as a long‑term focal point of your wellness space.
Key Factors to Compare
Here’s how the two options stack up:
- Initial Cost: Hiring requires a much lower upfront payment than buying.
- Ongoing Maintenance: With hire, the provider handles maintenance. With ownership, you’re responsible for upkeep and water care.
- Availability: Hired tubs are only available during your rental window. A purchased hot tub is always ready when you are.
- Flexibility: Hire allows for different models for different occasions. Buying means committing to one model.
- Long-Term Value: Hired tubs offer no asset value. Purchased tubs may have resale potential.
- Commitment: Hire is short-term. Buying is a longer-term lifestyle choice.
When Hire Is the Smarter Choice
- You only want to use a hot tub occasionally (e.g. weekend getaways, parties).
- You’re unsure what size or style you prefer.
- You want to test whether having a tub fits your routine.
- You live in temporary accommodation or rent your residence.
- You don’t want the responsibilities of maintenance, water treatment, and repairs.
When Buying Makes More Sense
- You plan to use the hot tub many times per year.
- You’re investing in long-term wellness or home appeal.
- You have space and are happy handling maintenance (or hiring a service).
- You want full control over design, location, and features.
- You anticipate resale or want to amortise over many years.
Practical Tips Before You Decide
- Estimate usage — calculate how many times you’ll realistically use it per year.
- Request hire quotes — find providers near you and compare costs (delivery, setup, collection).
- Factor ongoing costs — electricity, water treatment, repairs, parts.
- Check for hidden fees — delivery, damage deposits, cleaning charges.
- Test in your garden setup — see how layout, access, and exposure affect usability.
- Inspect maintenance support — if buying, ensure parts and service are available.
Choosing between hot tub hire and buying comes down to your usage, budget, and lifestyle. If you want flexibility, minimal commitment, and a low-risk way to enjoy spa time, hire may be ideal. But if you see yourself soaking often and want control, buying becomes more compelling long term.
Browse our Hot Tub Hire options or explore tub models for purchase at Total Hot Tubs. We’ll help you choose the best path for your wellness journey.
Hot Tub Hire FAQs
Q1: How much does hot tub hire cost for a weekend?
A1: Prices vary by region, tub size, and delivery distance — typically ranging from a few hundred pounds inclusive of setup and collection.
Q2: Are there hidden costs with hot tub hire?
A2: Yes — cleaning, damage deposits, delivery or collection surcharges, and water treatment may add to the base price.
Q3: Can I switch from hot tub hire to ownership later easily?
A3: Yes — many customers start with hire to trial, then upgrade to purchase once they know their needs.
