Adding a Luxury Bathtub–What’ll It Cost You?

Lindsay ~ 18 February 2006

One of the items people enjoy adding during bathroom remodels is a luxury bathtub. Depending on what you like, this can mean a big soaking tub or perhaps a whirlpool tub with massaging jets. Here’s a break down of what you can expect to pay for each (keep in mind this doesn’t cover installation–and with the bigger-than-average tubs, there may be some walls that need knocking down):

Soaking Tubs

For a basic, 5-foot enameled steel or fiberglass model, you’ll pay $90-$175.
A cast iron tub will run you $250-$1,300.
Acrylic tubs cost $300-$1,000.
A freestanding soaking tub (ie. claw-foot, pedestal, slipper-style) costs $1,600-$3,700.

(For more on the pros and cons of these materials, check our recent post on Choosing a Bathtub–Which Material Is Best?)

Whirlpool Tubs

A basic 5-foot model with a 1-1.5 horsepower motor will cost you $600-$1,500.
For a large, luxurious model with 4-10 jets, internal heater, and a 2-3 horsepower variable-speed motor, you’ll pay $2,000-$5,000.
Want more? For a whirlpool tub with exotic water elements (i.e. shiatsu massage, waterfall feature), the price can be as much as $5,000-$7,000+.

Source: HGTV Baths