Best spa pools under $10k in Australia 2024 (Comparisons, Pros, Cons and More)

Would you love to own a spa pool but wondering if you can afford it? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we review the top spa pools in Australia under $10k including pros, cons, features and more.

Spa World spas

Everybody benefits from some down time. One of the best ways to unwind is with a long, relaxing soak in a hot spa pool.

Spas are not only ideal for relaxation, they’re also great for bringing family and friends together for fun and socialising. With a spa or hot tub in your backyard or on the deck, you and your family will always have something to look forward to after a busy day!

Looking for spas on a budget?

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re one of many people dreaming of owning a spa.

You may also be wondering “can I afford a spa pool” or “how much does a spa cost”. You may have even been searching for spas online and trying to decide how much to spend.

In this article, we cover the essential info to know when shopping for spas on a budget. To make things even easier, we’ve also reviewed our pick of the best cheap spas in Australia under $10k.

After reading this, you should have a good understanding of how much you need to spend on a spa to get value for money, and which spa might suit you best.

What to look for in a spa pool or hot tub

Buying a spa can be a daunting task. There are lots of things to consider like how much to spend, what size spa you need, what brand to buy - and that’s all before getting technical on features and extras.

2 ProEdge Waterfalls

In this in-depth article we explain the top 9 features you should look for in a spa and why they're important.

Top 9 spa features to look for:

  1. An automated sanitising system
  2. Good levels of insulation
  3. A heavy-duty cover with tapered sides
  4. Jets and set-up designed for hydrotherapy
  5. A circulation pump
  6. A treated timber or injection-moulded plastic frame
  7. US-made acrylic shell
  8. A recognised brand of control system (with wireless technology)
  9. Strong warranties and after-sales service

Click the button below to read the full article that explains why each of these is important.

Watch: Running cost of a spa

How much does a spa pool cost in Australia?

Now you know what to look for in a spa, the next consideration is cost and how much to spend.

So how much do spa pools normally cost? And what should you expect to get for your money? After all, you can spend $2,999 on one spa or $29,999 on another and – on the surface, they look pretty similar. But are they?

spa pools

The truth is, when building a spa, manufacturers have choices to make to hit a price point.

We’ve broken down all the factors that go into building and pricing spa pools in this detailed article.

It gives you a good idea of why some spas cost so much more (or less) than others.

If you’re shopping on a budget, it will also help you decide which parts of the spa you’re willing to compromise on to get the best value for money.

How much power does a spa pool use?

When deciding how much to pay for a spa pool, you should also factor in the ongoing running costs. As a general rule, the cheaper the spa - the more you will likely pay ongoing running costs.

The cost to run a spa pool varies depending on several factors, such as, the quality of your spa, how often you use it, how it was installed, and the outdoor temperature.

To give you an example, an entry-level spa pool installed on a deck typically uses more electricity to maintain the spa temperature than a good quality spa pool installed on a concrete pad. In fact, depending on your climate, the quality of your spa, and where it’s installed – you could be spending 30-40 cents per day or $4-5 per day to keep your spa hot. That’s quite a difference and will soon add up!

Click the button below to read our detailed article on spa power use and how to reduce energy bills for a spa pool.

Can you get finance to buy spa?

Another thing to consider is financing. Many spa pool retailers offer different finance options as well as interest-free options. Financing isn't for everyone, but if you are on a budget but want to buy a quality spa that will last for many years, then financing could be a wise move for you.

What’s the cheapest spa pool or hot tub?

Possibly the cheapest spa pool you can buy is a blow-up or inflatable spa pool. Inflatable spas typically cost from $599 to around $2,000 depending on brand, quality, size, outer shells, and built-in seats.

inflatable spa

An inflatable spa has air-filled walls in order to hold heated water. Inflatable spas can be packed up and easily transported, making them a good option if you are renting or looking for a portable spa to take to the bach or holiday home.

The control box and spa pump are attached to the outside of inflatable spas, and they are typically circular, square, or octagonal in shape.

Inflatable spas are becoming a popular option for people looking for a cheap and simple spa pool. However, it’s important to bear in mind that they are not built to last. Plus, their soft shells make them vulnerable to punctures and UV damage.

Click the button below to read our detailed article about inflatable spas and if it’s worth buying one.

What is the best cheap spa pool in Australia?

Now you know all about spa pool prices and what to expect – it’s time to find out which are the best cheap pools under $10,000.

Listed below, in no particular order are our top spa pools under $10,000 in Australia.

Our decision is based on a range of factors including design, build, durability and reliability – and of course, our 30 years of selling and servicing many different brands of spas and swim spas.

1. Sun & Soul™ SOUL500SE™ Spa Review (Price, pros, cons and more)

If you are looking for a small and functional spa pool, the SOUL500SE™ could be a great choice.

Its dimensions of 2.0 x 2.0 x .84m makes it ideal for those who have limited space. But don’t underestimate this model, as it comes with a full length hydromassage recliner you'd expect to find in a larger spa.

The SOUL500SE™ is perfect for families looking for a supreme hydrotherapy massage. With its 5 hydrotherapy seating capacity, there's room for everyone in the family to find their favourite spot.

Sun & Soul™ SOUL500SE™ Spa | Prices

Prices start at $8,490 (AUD)

Sun & Soul SOUL500SE™ Spa | Main Features

  • Hydrotherapy seating for 5
  • Stainless Steel Massage Jets
  • Chromotherapy Lighting
  • Ozone Clarifier
  • Insulated, upturned tough base - No rot, plastic frame with lifetime guarantee
  • Non-timber frame
  • Tech Pack & Sound System (optional)
  • SV SmartLINK™ Wifi Module (optional)

Sun & Soul™ SOUL500SE™ Spa | Pros

  • Ideal for family use.
  • Doesn’t require a lot of space.
  • Uses a programmable circulation pump to reduce energy consumption.
  • Best value for money.
  • Offers great features that other expensive models have.
  • 10 Year Non pro rata shell Warranty
  • 5 Year Plumbing Warranty
  • 2 Year Pump and and Controls Warranty

Sun & Soul™ SOUL500SE™ Spa | Cons

  • Offers limited shell colour options (Pearl shadow, Sterling Silver)
  • Does not have a child/cool down seat.

2. Vortex™ Eon™ Spa Review (Price, pros, cons and more)

If you are looking for a budget friendly but spacious spa pool, the Vortex ™ Eon™ should definitely be on your wish list.

Like the rest of the Vortex™ spa range, this model is equipped with top-of-line heating, filtration, pump and control systems.

The Vortex™ Eon™ is 2.00 x 2.00 x .82m spa pool, accomodating up to 6 people with its open seating arrangement including a spacious wraparound seat.

Should I upgrade to the Vortex™ Eon™ Avante?

If you are willing to go beyond your budget, Eon™ Spa Avanté™ could be worth the extra investment, depending on your needs.

At $11,883 it is a little more than you may have planned to spend, however it does come with extra features such as Hydroflow™ Perimeter and Cabinet lighting and PureZone™ UV-C Water Purifier, all designed to make your spa experience that much better and costs less than it would if you bought each of these features individually.

Vortex™ Eon™ Spa | Prices

Prices start at $7,990 (AUD)

Vortex™ Eon™ Spa Main | Features

  • Seating for 6
  • Purezone™ Ozone water clarifier
  • SpaNet™ Integrated Heat Pump Interface
  • SV SmartLINK™ Wifi Module (optional)
  • Premium SpaNet™ Controller
  • LED flood light
  • Insulated upturned base

Vortex™ Eon™ Spa | Pros

  • Ideal for family use. This model has one child/cool down seat which is perfect for families with kids.
  • Comes in a variety of shell and cabinet colours.

Shell: Gypsum, Sterling Silver, Pearl Shadow Cabinet: Chocolate, Coastal Grey, Natural

  • 10 Year Non pro Structural Warranty
  • 5 Year Non pro rata Acrylic surface Warranty
  • 5 Year Plumbing, Heater and Jet Warranty
  • 2 Year Pump and Equipment Warranty

Vortex™ Eon™ Spa | Cons

  • Doesn’t have a lounger
  • Doesn’t have a neck and shoulder therapy seat.
  • Less hydrotherapy options than other spas in the Vortex™ range.

3. Alpine Spas™ Vermont™ Review (Price, pros, cons and more)

If your goal is to spend some quality time with your family and friends while refreshing in a hot tub, then Alpine Spas™ Vermont™ could be a great fit for you.

With its 201 x 201 x 86cm dimensions, it could be a good option for smaller spaces. This model has 2 massage loungers, making it a good choice for couples who love recliner seats.

It also has three shoulder and back massage seats, and multicoloured LED floodlight for the entire family’s relaxation.

Alpine Spas™ Vermont™ Spa | Prices

Prices start at $8,995 (AUD)

Alpine Spas™ Vermont™ Spa | Main Features

  • Hydrotherapy seating for 5
  • WhisperQuiet™ Circulation Pump
  • Programmable Filtration
  • SpaNet® Control System
  • Multicoloured LED floodlight

Alpine Spas™ Vermont™ Spa | Pros

  • Ideal for couples.
  • Doesn’t require a lot of space.
  • 10 Years Structural Warranty
  • 5 Years Acrylic Shell Warranty
  • 5 Year Heater & Jets Warranty
  • 2 Years Equipment Warranty

Alpine Spas™ Vermont™ Spa | Cons

  • Offers single cabinet colour option (black)

4. Fun Spas™ Fun For Five Spa Review (Price, pros, cons and more)

If you enjoy hosting parties or have a big family, Fun Spas™ Fun For Five can be another good option for you.

This model can accommodate up to 5 people, its dimensions 201 x 201 x 86cm has 2 recliner loungers and 3 massage seats.

If you are looking for one of the most affordable spas on the market, Fun Spas™ Fun For Five might be worth considering.

Fun Spas™ Fun For Five Spa | Prices

Prices start at $6,989 (AUD)

Fun Spas™ Fun For Five Spa | Main Features

  • Hydrotherapy seating for 5
  • Standard Control System
  • Hydro Massage Jets
  • ABS Sealed Base
  • Ozone Santisation System

Fun Spas™ Fun For Five Spa | Pros

  • Ideal for family use
  • Lifetime Support Australia Wide
  • 10 Year Warranty
  • Build Warranty
  • 2 Year Pump & Equipment Warranty

Fun Spas™ Fun For Five Spa | Cons

  • Does not have a cool down seat which is important for families with children.
  • Offers limited shell colour options (Marble sterling and Slate grey)
  • Does not have LED light features like other spa pools in the same price range. (You may add $495 for LED lights)

In summary

Overall, as we often say – buying a spa pool is a very personal experience. It comes down to your own unique preferences and needs. The best way to know if the spa or hot tub is right for you is to try it for yourself.

Most Spa World™ stores have dark rooms away from the main area where you can ‘wet test’ the spa you're interested in. You can also talk to the salesperson about trying one out after hours if that suits you better.

We hope this article has helped you understand more about buying a spa pool on a budget and what to look for.

For more information, visit the Spa World™ product pages where you see all of our spas, swim spas and prices. Our Ultimate Spa Buyers Guide is also a fantastic resource for anyone interested in purchasing a spa or swim spa.

As always, please contact us if you have any questions or want to learn more about buying a spa pool. Our Spa World™ experts are here to help!

Disclaimer:

In this article we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Spa World™, Sun & Soul™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd, the parent company of Spa World™ All information including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice.

The following registered trademarks are owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd: Alpine Spas™ trademark is owned by Alpine Spas Limited. Fun Spas™ trademark is owned by Allseas Leisure Products Co. Pty Ltd

Five Star Trust Pilot Rating

We are proud that Spa World customers have given us a Five Star Trustpilot rating.