It’s practical to want to know how long an outdoor hot tub will last to ensure that you’re making the right investment. In reality, the average life of a hot tub depends on many things including how much usage it receives as well as how well you maintain it.
Below you’ll find out about the factors that determine any hot tub’s lifespan and how you can make yours last as long as possible.
Typical Life Span
The typical life span of a hot tub varies widely and can be anywhere from 5 to 20 years. Higher quality hot tubs are more likely to last longer, but only if you properly maintain them. Lower quality hot tubs are more prone to breakdowns and expensive repairs. To make sure your hot tub lasts as long as possible you’ll need to buy a good quality model and make sure you take care of it.
Key Components
There are several components within your hot tub that can break down if they aren’t properly cared for. The most common, and somewhat unavoidable, issue is the plastic parts. Over the course of your hot tub’s lifetime, they will endure a lot of everyday wear and tear which will eventually break them down. Contact with chlorine and other chemicals causes them to dissolve. Still, if you clean and wipe them down each time you drain and refill the hot tub, you can help to extend their life.
Replacing Parts
Pumps, heaters, and covers all require routine maintenance and will likely have to be replaced at some point. If you adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and replace these parts on schedule, your hot tub will last longer. This is because when one part malfunctions, it often damages other internal parts which can lead to the demise of your hot tub.
The cover should also be properly cared for by cleaning it with a protectant every few months to keep it from breaking down due to UV damage from the sun. The cabinet and shell can also break down over time. Draining your hot tub completely each winter can prevent exterior damage and cracks can also be patched. Eventually, however, every hot tub owner must ask: When should I replace my hot tub? Once your hot tub is costing you more to repair than it would cost to buy a newer model, it’s time to consider upgrading.
Now that you’ve learned a bit about the average life span of your hot tub, you can download our buyer’s guide and start searching for a quality hot tub to meet your needs.