How much does a plunge pool cost?
It’s one of the very first questions a prospective plunge pool buyer will ask. You want to make sure that you can afford the pool, and you don’t want to overpay. The risk comes when you ask a slightly different question: what’s the cheapest option?
The cheapest plunge pools rarely stay that way. Lacking the quality and technology of a higher value option, they can cost more to run, they won’t last as long, and the experience they offer won’t be as good.
Ultimately, you end up paying far more to run, repair and replace a cheap pool than you would’ve if you’d chosen a premium option from the get-go.
In this guide we’ll break down the difference between cost and value, to help you find a plunge pool that will deliver a truly refreshing and revitalising experience, long into the future, while costing you far less.
What influences the cost of a plunge pool?
Six things drive the price: materials, temperature control, filtration, durability, aesthetics and after-sales support. The bigger the investment in these, the lower your running and repair costs tend to be.
When comparing the price of different plunge pool options, you should carefully consider the following factors:
- Materials: The build quality of the tub, whether basic plastic or fully insulated acrylic.
- Temperature control: Whether you have the ability to actively cool (and perhaps even heat) the water.
- Filtration: The quality and cleverness of the water care systems, including how clean they keep the water, how long the water lasts, and how much of the upkeep is automated.
- Durability: How robust and weatherproof the tub is, and how comprehensive the warranty is.
- Aesthetics and ease of use: How beautiful, customisable and easy to use the plunge pool is.
- After-sales support: How much assistance the seller provides in terms of setup, ongoing maintenance and advice.
Not all plunge pools are created equal. Some are quite literally built differently and have price tags that reflect that fact. But it’s important to note that the upfront cost only ever tells part of the story.
What are the hidden costs of buying cheap?
The hidden costs are the ones that arrive after purchase: higher power bills, repairs or replacement within 12 to 24 months, daily maintenance hassles, and low resale value. A $1,000 saving upfront can become a $3,000 cost over the machine's life.
Smart plunge pool buyers will look beyond the sticker price of the machine and consider the total cost of ownership, including the ongoing costs that are incurred long after your plunge pool leaves the showroom.
If you buy cheap, you might spend less at first, but you can end up paying far more in the long run. You might face:
- A lack of build quality leading to repairs or replacement within 12-24 months (warranties on cheap plunge pools are often limited to 12 months).
- Poor temperature control, which leads you to use your plunge pool less, so you fail to capitalise on the incredible health and wellness benefits of these machines.
- Subpar water care systems leading to hygiene issues and daily maintenance hassles.
- A lack of after-sales support, so you don’t maximise the returns on your investment.
- Low resale value forming a long-term sunk cost – cheap secondhand plunge pools often end up as giveaways on online marketplaces.
While saving $1000 upfront by opting for a cheaper option might seem tempting, it won’t be the wisest move if it ends up costing you an extra $3000 over the life of the machine.
And if your cheap plunge pool only lasts half as long as a quality model, you may have to make that purchase twice instead of once.
Key takeaways
- A cheap plunge pool often costs more over time through power, repairs and replacement.
- Warranties on cheap pools are usually just 12 months; quality models last far longer.
- A $1,000 upfront saving can become a $3,000 cost over the life of the machine.
What should a quality plunge pool include?
A quality plunge pool should include an energy-efficient chiller, high-quality insulation, easy filtration, a user-friendly design, robust build quality with a multi-year warranty, and a proven brand with local support.
It makes sense to invest in quality. But what exactly does a quality plunge pool look like? Here’s a checklist of features that smart buyers see as non-negotiables:
- An energy-efficient chiller system
- High quality insulation for consistent temperatures and greater efficiency
- Effective, easy to maintain filtration
- A user-friendly design (e.g. no ice loading required)
- Robust build quality backed by a comprehensive, multi-year warranty
- A proven brand that offers local support
One brand that ticks every one of these boxes: Cold Plunge by Hot Spring:
- The Energy Smart® System means our pools cost <$1/day to run
- No-Bypass Filtration means 100% of the water is filtered 100% of the time
- Zero noise SilentFlo™ Circulation keeps water fresh, 24/7
- Ultra-efficient multi-density full foam insulation keeps temperatures even
- The closed cell acrylic shell is non-porous, stain-free and super long-lasting
- Smart water care can make your water last 4x longer than other brands
What real-world benefits does a quality plunge pool deliver?
A quality plunge pool delivers lower ongoing costs, a better soak, real health and wellness gains, an elevated backyard and strong resale value. In short, it becomes part of your lifestyle rather than part of your shed.
- Lower ongoing costs: Energy efficiency and smart water care can see you paying far less for power, water and chemicals.
- An enhanced experience: From precision temperature control to more comfortable seating, high quality plunge pools offer the precise soak you’re looking for.
- Health and wellness: Minus worries about running costs, and with a quality soak right in your backyard, you can enjoy the proven health benefits of a daily cold plunge.
- An elevated backyard: A plunge pool is a unique and ultra-luxurious addition to your property – particularly a stunning premium tub.
- A long-term investment: Backed by a comprehensive warranty, you can enjoy your plunge pool for years to come. And when the time comes to upgrade, you’ll enjoy a far higher trade-in value.
It's simple: the right plunge pool becomes part of your lifestyle – the wrong one becomes part of your shed.
Key takeaways
- A quality plunge pool lowers running costs and delivers a better daily soak.
- It supports proven health and recovery benefits, guilt-free.
- Backed by a warranty, it holds value and offers strong trade-in potential.
Frequently asked questions on cold plunge pool
Can you finance a plunge pool?
Yes, you can finance a plunge pool and spread the cost into manageable monthly payments. Hot Spring offers flexible finance through Finance Now, so you can enjoy a quality Cold Plunge without paying the full amount upfront.
Does a plunge pool add value to your home?
A plunge pool can add appeal to your property, though it's best seen as a wellness investment rather than a guaranteed resale return. Its impact on value depends on a few things such as quality, buyer demand, and probably. So while the financial return varies, the daily health and lifestyle value is where a quality plunge pool truly pays off.
Is a plunge pool cheaper than an in-ground pool?
Generally yes. A self-contained plunge pool avoids the excavation, consent and construction of an in-ground pool, making it cheaper to buy, quicker to install and far less costly to run.
Do you need to add ice to a cold plunge pool?
No. A quality cold plunge pool with a built-in chiller holds your chosen temperature automatically, with no ice loading required.
How long does a quality plunge pool last?
A well-built plunge pool with a durable acrylic shell and a multi-year warranty can last many years, while a cheap model may need replacing within 12 to 24 months.
Plunge pools: choose value over price
A plunge pool is so much more than just a tub of cold water.
It’s a tool to help you feel better, recover faster and build resilience. It’s an investment in your health and wellness, and one that pays increasing dividends the more you use it.
As such, you need a machine that offers an unrivalled soaking experience. You need a machine that minimises running costs, for a guilt-free soak. You need a machine that is built to last and that has a warranty to prove it.
You need a Cold Plunge pool.
Exclusive to Hot Spring, Cold Plunge pools are premium machines designed to seriously enhance your physical and mental health, by delivering the ultimate cold plunge experience in a stunning, robust and energy efficient package.
Ready to experience the Cold Plunge difference? Get in touch with your local Hot Spring dealer today.
