Installing a Hot Tub In Your Garage: The Pros & Cons

Putting a hot tub in your garage is a great solution if you're looking for somewhere to put it that is out of the elements. It can be a convenient place to have a spa if you want it indoors but lack the space in another area in your house.

That said, it's important to consider multiple factors before installing a hot tub in your garage to make sure that your hot tub will fit properly in your space.

To decide whether installing your hot tub in your garage is right for you, you need to consider the pros and cons. This will help you to decide whether the garage is really the best place for your hot tub.

So, what are the pros and cons of installing a hot tub in your garage?

Pro: enjoy in any weather

The biggest draw to having any indoor hot tub is that you don't have to check the forecast before deciding to take a relaxing dip. Indoor hot tubs mean that you can enjoy them regardless of what Mother Nature is doing outside.

Because your garage is an enclosed space, you get to enjoy all the perks of having your hot tub indoors.

Garage hot tubs are very popular in regions where there is extreme weather—especially long, cold winters. You can take a dip even when it's below zero outside, or when it's raining or snowing.

Con: lose valuable garage space

Before you decide to install a hot tub in your garage, you have to make peace with the fact that you will have to part with some of your garage space. Depending on how big your garage is and how many vehicles or other things you store in it, this may be more or less of a concern.

Take a tape measure and map out how much space your hot tub will take up inside your garage so you can see what space you have left. If you can work with the space that is leftover, you would be able to enjoy your garage hot tub.

Pro: convenient to go for a dip whenever you want

Most garages are attached to your home or at the very least just a few short steps away from it. This makes it incredibly convenient to take a relaxing dip in your hot tub whenever you want.

If your garage is attached, you don't even have to worry about going outside and bumping into neighbors on your way!

Having your hot tub so close and easy to access means that you are more likely to get more use out of it as well.

Con: humidity and water damage is possible

Hot tubs run on average at 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit, so they generate a lot of steam and humidity. This is something to consider for any indoor hot tub, including a hot tub in your garage—and especially if you have things like tools or bikes which could rust.

There is also always a risk of hot tubs leaking or overflowing, which can cause significant water damage to your garage and the rest of your home. This is uncommon if your hot tub is good quality, but it's still important to consider when choosing where to put your hot tub.

To avoid humidity and water damage, make sure your garage is well-ventilated. Ensure that there are windows near your hot tub and consider installing a fan to extract moisture outside as well.

Pro: garage door makes installation a breeze

One of the biggest concerns when installing an indoor hot tub is how the installers will get the hot tub into your home. Sometimes they have to do some pretty crazy gymnastics just to get it where you want it, or you are simply limited by the size of hot tub you can buy.

With a garage installation, your hot tub installers can walk it right in through the large garage door usually without any issues. This makes the installation process so much easier and more straightforward, plus it minimizes the risk of damage to your home.

Con: size matters

Hot tubs come in different sizes, so it's important to select one that will fit your garage space best. The last thing you want is a hot tub that is the wrong shape or size for your garage and makes it difficult to use the hot tub—or any of the other storage space.

Measure the space and try to find a hot tub that will work well for your needs without having to compromise on the features that are important to you. Usually, the best hot tubs for garages are the smaller, more compact models that don't take up as much room

Pro: wiring and plumbing are easily accessible

One great thing about installing a hot tub in your garage is that you shouldn't have to do any special electrical or plumbing work to install it.

Most garages are already accessible to plumbing and electrical, so it should be as simple as just hooking everything up. On the off chance that your garage is not fully ready for a hot tub install, it's usually not a difficult or disruptive job to add electrical outlets or proper plumbing since you already have them in your home.

That said, most garages do have a sloping floor for drainage, but hot tubs need a flat surface. Check out my post on how to level a hot tub for a few options that could help you.

Con: no picturesque view

Although it's incredibly convenient and easy to install a hot tub in your garage, you certainly won't be raving about the picturesque view.

If your hot tub is in the garage, you won't be gazing up at the stars or out at your beautiful backyard. Instead, you might be looking at your car or a wall full of tools while you relax and enjoy your hot tub.

Depending on your preference, not having a beautiful view while you soak in the hot tub might not be a big deal, but for others, it could be a deal-breaker. So it's important to consider if you want to spend a lot of time in your garage or not!