Best Time to Buy a Hot Tub: Expert Timing Guide for Smart Buyers

Timing your hot tub purchase can make a big difference in price, availability, and overall value. We’ve found that when buyers plan ahead, they’re more likely to get a great deal, faster delivery, and access to high-performing models.

Late fall and winter tend to bring the deepest discounts, while spring and summer offer the broadest selection. Knowing these seasonal trends can help you choose the right moment to buy, and ensure you get the most for your budget.

The Best Time of Year to Buy a Hot Tub

The best time to buy a hot tub often falls in late fall or winter, when demand slows and dealers offer more substantial discounts. Spring and summer offer broader selection and quicker setups. The ideal timing depends on whether you prioritize price, availability, or immediate enjoyment.

Timing Depends on Your Priorities

There’s no single “perfect” time for every buyer. It comes down to what matters most. Whether you're focused on savings, speed, or selection, different seasons bring different advantages.

1. Spring: Wide Model Variety

Spring marks the beginning of the hot tub season. Manufacturers release new models, showrooms are fully stocked, and selection is at its peak.

If you’re interested in the latest features or want specific color and seating options, this is your best shot. Be prepared to pay closer to full price, as demand is high and discounts are rare.

2. Summer: Convenience and Quick Setup

Summer offers the most practical path to immediate use. Installations are easier in warm weather, and many buyers time their purchase to match backyard upgrades or family vacations.

If your goal is to enjoy the tub right away, summer provides fast turnaround. Just know that convenience may come with a higher price tag.

Many buyers who install a spa in summer also look for inspiration to upgrade the surrounding area. Our collection of hot tub surround ideas can help you create a setup that looks cohesive and welcoming.

3. Late Fall: Best Time for Bigger Discounts

Late fall is when we see dealers most eager to move inventory. With the busy season behind them and new stock on the way, pricing becomes more flexible.

Buyers willing to shop in this window often score significant savings, especially on floor models or high-spec tubs left over from spring.

4. Winter: Quiet Showrooms, Solid Negotiation Power

Winter brings a natural slowdown in foot traffic, which works in your favor. Dealers have more time to engage, and fewer competing buyers give you room to negotiate.

Many offer off-season incentives or bundled extras. While you might wait a bit longer for installation, planning now sets you up for a relaxing spring soak at a better price.

If you want to buy a hot tub perfect for the winter season, check out our guide: Best Hot Tubs for Winter.

Best Months for Deals

Hot tub deals peak from January to March and again in late fall, especially October through December. These months offer lower foot traffic and dealer incentives to clear inventory. September also brings substantial discounts as showrooms shift from summer to winter stock.

Seasonal Deal Timing: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Period	Deal Strength	What to Expect
January – March	High	Quiet showrooms and strong negotiation potential. Great for practical savings.
April – August	Low to Moderate	High demand and less predictable discounts. Best for quick setup and wide choice.
September	Moderate to High	End-of-summer clearance. High value with timely delivery.
October – December	High	Aggressive discounts on older models as dealers prep for new stock.

Holiday Sales to Watch

Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday often bring dealer promotions on the best hot tubs. These events are key opportunities to save money, access bundled deals, or negotiate extras. While not all sales are steep, well-timed shopping can unlock real value.

Why Dealers Use Holidays to Promote Sales

Hot tub dealers often build promotions around holidays to manage showroom space, clear seasonal stock, and drive interest. These events offer:

Lower prices on older or overstocked models
Bundled packages with free accessories or delivery
Better negotiation potential during slower seasons

Here’s how each major holiday stacks up for hot tub buyers:

Memorial Day: Early Season Convenience

What to expect: Occasional discounts and early promotional offers
Best for: Buyers who want fast delivery and summer use
Why it matters: Kicks off peak season, but high demand may limit negotiating room

Labor Day: End-of-Season Clearance

What to expect: More frequent sales and bundled package deals
Best for: Shoppers seeking value without waiting for winter
Why it matters: Dealers begin clearing remaining summer stock before traffic slows

Black Friday & Year-End: Reliable Deep Discounts

What to expect: Some of the biggest markdowns of the year
Best for: Buyers looking to maximize savings or score bonus accessories
Why it matters: Dealers are eager to clear inventory before new models arrive in early spring

Regional Notes for European Buyers

While the best buying seasons follow similar patterns worldwide, European buyers face unique timing challenges shaped by climate, delivery logistics, and energy costs. These factors don’t change what matters in your purchase, but they do influence when it makes sense to act.

Key Considerations for European Shoppers

Cold Weather Delivery: In northern regions, snow and frost can delay winter installations. Book early to avoid seasonal backlogs.
Terrain & Access: Limited space or rugged terrain makes spring and summer the safest times for deliveries.
Energy Prices: With electricity costs rising across much of Europe, energy-efficient hot tubs are a top priority. These models often debut during seasonal resets, making timing even more essential

For buyers considering indoor installation to avoid weather risks, our guide on installing a hot tub in a garage outlines all the ventilation, flooring, and moisture requirements you need to plan for.

Why Timing Matters for Your Hot Tub Purchase

The timing of your hot tub purchase directly affects cost, availability, and long-term value. Seasonal demand, stock levels, and new model releases all influence pricing. Planning ahead helps you find better deals, improved energy efficiency, and a smoother installation process.

How Seasonal Demand Shapes Price

Demand peaks in spring and early summer, often limiting discounts and stretching delivery timelines. As interest slows in late fall and winter, dealers become more flexible on pricing.

We've consistently seen the best savings during the off-season, when promotions and clearance events are more common.

Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Costs

Energy-efficient hot tubs lower both monthly utility bills and overall hot tub maintenance and energy costs. According to Energy.gov, efficient appliances can significantly reduce household energy consumption. Choosing the right time to buy often means better access to these models, at a price that fits your budget.

The Hot Tub Selling Season Explained

Hot tub sales follow a seasonal pattern. Demand rises in spring and summer, while fall and winter slowdowns lead to deeper discounts. Understanding how dealer priorities shift throughout the year helps you spot the best moments to buy.

What Actually Happens Behind the Scenes

Dealers don't just respond to demand, they manage inventory, floor space, and manufacturer shipments. Here’s what changes during the year:

Stock Rotation: Dealers move older models off the floor to make room for new arrivals.
Storage Pressure: Limited space during the off-season pushes dealers to prioritize inventory clearance.
Sales Staff Flexibility: During slower months, staff have more time to negotiate and work with individual buyers.
Incoming Shipments: New stock creates urgency to free up space, often prompting unadvertised discounts.

If you want to compare models with accuracy before visiting a showroom, our guide to hot tub dimensions explains how to assess the available space and choose the right size for your home.

How Manufacturers Release New Stock

Manufacturers typically release new models early in the year, just before peak season. When these shipments arrive, dealers need to move older inventory.

That creates limited-time windows where pricing becomes more flexible, especially for models with high performance but older styling.

When Excess Inventory Leads to Bigger Savings

Extra inventory builds up when new shipments collide with slow sales periods and dealers are left with overstocks. At this point retailers often use heavy markdowns to clear space for incoming stock.

For example, consultancy McKinsey reported that US retailers had around $740 billion in unsold goods and turned to significant discounting to amanage the load. Similarly, logistics provider ShipBob explains that markdowns are a key tool for moving slow-moving or excess inventory and making room for new products.

New Hot Tub vs Used Hot Tub

Both new and used hot tubs offer benefits. New hot tubs come with updated features, warranties, and fresh components. A used hot tub can provide substantial savings if inspected properly. Seasonal timing affects both options, especially when older models are cleared to make room for new stock.

	New Hot Tub	Used Hot Tub
Initial Cost	Higher price for modern features and warranty	Lower cost, ideal for value-focused buyers
Condition	Fresh components, no prior use	May include minor defects from prior ownership
Warranty	Full manufacturer coverage	Often limited unless sold by a reputable dealer
Purchase Timing	Late fall/winter discounts on older models	Best deals during slow seasons from refurbishers
Peace of Mind	Backed by testing and brand-new reliability	Depends on inspection, seller transparency

Timing Advantages for New Hot Tubs

Late fall and winter often bring discounts on older models and showroom units. These new spas are typically well-maintained and undergo rigorous testing before sale.

When Used Hot Tubs Provide Substantial Savings

Used hot tubs offer high value when bought from a reputable dealer. Look for refurbished models with verified history, especially during off-peak months. Minor defects may reduce price without affecting performance.

Floor Models and Blemished Units

Floor models and blemished units are often priced well below their original price because of cosmetic damage or minor defects. These units usually undergo rigorous testing and can offer significant discounts. Knowing when dealers rotate floor models helps you secure a great price without compromising performance.

Unit Type	What to Expect	Why It’s Valuable
Floor Models	Gently used in showroom, tested and cleaned	Priced below original price, full size
Blemished Units	Minor defects or cosmetic damage	Significant discounts with full function

When Floor Models Become Available

Dealers typically clear inventory at the end of a season or before new shipments arrive. Late fall and early spring are common times for rotating floor models, making them available at reduced prices.

These units may have light wear but are fully functional and often maintained in-house.

How to Inspect Minor Defects Before You Buy

Always examine the shell, cabinet, and control panel closely. Ask about the source of any cosmetic damage and whether the unit has been serviced or tested.

Buying from a reputable dealer ensures the hot tub was inspected and that any defects don’t affect performance.

Financing, Negotiation, and Retail Options

Timing your hot tub purchase can improve financing options and lower long-term costs. Many hot tub dealers offer low interest rates, better deals, and flexible terms during slower seasons. Comparing prices, models, and stock levels helps you stay within budget without sacrificing quality or service.

How to Get the Best Deal for Your Budget

Many hot tub dealers adjust their offers throughout the year. When stock is high and traffic is low, you're more likely to find:

Low interest rates on financing options
Reduced purchase prices on both new hot tub and used hot tub models
More flexibility from local dealers on service packages or included accessories
Better deals when comparing offers from more than one reputable dealer

Planning ahead allows you to align your budget with the best possible value, especially when you weigh the long-term and ongoing costs of hot tub ownership.

Big-Box vs. Local Dealers: What to Consider

Large retailers may offer appealing prices on streamlined models, but service and warranty support can vary. Here’s how they compare:

Big-Box Retailers:

Lower upfront price
Limited selection and minimal support

Local Dealers:

Competitive purchase prices in a broader range of models
Better financing options and long-term service
Better support when buying a used hot tub or high-efficiency unit

For buyers focused on total value, not just the sticker price, a reputable local dealer is often the best choice.

Next Steps: Find the Best Hot Tub Deal Near You

If you're ready to take the next step, use our store locator to connect with a reputable local dealer. Many hot tub dealers offer exclusive savings and limited-time deals depending on the season.

Whether you’re shopping for your first spa or upgrading to a new spa for long-term comfort, timing your purchase well can help you maximize value and support your well-being for years to come.

Find out more about hot tub use from our experts:

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