Which hot tub is best?
Imagine walking into your own backyard at the end of the day to relax in your personal spa. You can easily achieve that fantasy with a hot tub. Soaking in a hot tub whenever you desire in the privacy of your backyard not only feels luxurious, but it’s also a good investment for relieving stress, relaxing after a long day and even lowering blood pressure.
To get the most out of your hot tub, review essential features and select a model that makes the most sense for your household.
What to know before you buy a hot tub
Not all parts of the hot tub are made from the same material. Knowing its structure could be beneficial in providing proper maintenance in the long run.
Plastic
Hot tub liners, which are the inner part of the hot tub that holds the water and supports your body, are made from durable, waterproof plastic.
Wood
The frame of a hot tub is often made of wood. Wood looks high-end and warm and blends well into other design elements of an outdoor space, such as the deck or landscape. However, it requires maintenance, can fade in the sun and isn’t as moisture resistant as composite.
Composite
Composite frames lack some of the beauty of wood, but they’re more durable, require less maintenance and last longer.
What to look for in a quality hot tub
Size
When shopping for the best hot tub, one of the most important things to consider is what size is right for you. Hot tubs come in a variety of sizes to allow households of all sizes to get the most out of their purchase. Select the hot tub that makes the most sense for your space and budget.
If you plan to use your hot tub with guests, you may wish to opt for a larger size. Consider, though, that larger hot tubs cost more than two-person hot tubs and require more patio space. They’ll also require electricity to heat and cost more to run.
Two-person tubs are great space savers and work well for small households, while three- or four-person tubs work well for larger households or those who often host guests.
Five- or six-person tubs and seven- or eight-person tubs are good for larger households or those who regularly host many guests. These also require quite a bit of flat yard or deck space.
Seating
Look for a hot tub whose liner features a lounge seat that allows you to spread out your legs and benches that allow multiple people to soak at once.
Jets
Tubs with high-quality jets spread throughout the body of the tub provide users with a relaxing massage. If you’re buying a hot tub for muscle relief and joint therapy, check the reviews to ensure the jets are satisfactory.
You should also look for models with adjustable jet direction and force to allow you to target specific muscles.
Purification
Your hot tub should have a high-quality, easy-to-clean filter to keep dirt out of your hot tub and make it easy to maintain.
Most hot tubs also include an ozonator, which is a device that cleans your tub’s water naturally, allowing you to use less chemical sanitizers like chlorine in your tub for a cleaner, safer hot tub.
Insulation
Be sure to select a hot tub with good insulation to keep your electricity costs down. This will keep your tub hot and your electric bill down. For the most energy-efficient option, select a hot tub with full-foam insulation.
Cover
Select a model with a durable and secure hot tub cover to prevent debris from entering your hot tub. This is especially essential if you intend to use your hot tub all year round, and bear in mind that when thermal insulation and protection from the elements is crucial.
Extras
There are a number of added features that can add to your hot tub experience. If you plan to have drinks in your hot tub, opt for a model which includes cup holders so you’ll have someplace to rest your beverage. Some models also include LED lights underwater in various colors to add to the spa-like ambiance of your hot tub. Finally, waterfall elements in a hot tub create a soothing, natural audio effect that sounds like cascading water.
Warranty
Because hot tubs are a large financial investment, select a model with at least a five-year structural warranty. You should also only purchase a hot tub with a two-year parts-and-labor warranty and a one-year cabinet warranty.
How much you can expect to spend on a hot tub
Hot tub prices vary widely based on size, materials and included features. Expect to pay at least $2,000 for a basic, two-person hot tub and up to $12,000 for a large, luxury hot tub with numerous features. $5,000 is the average price for a two- or three-person hot tub with all essential features.
Hot tub FAQ
Q. Are hot tubs safe to use?
A. Hot tubs are safe if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re pregnant, have a heart condition or have any other health concerns, ask your doctor if hot tubbing is right for you. Hot tubs are generally considered unsafe for children.
Q. How do I maintain my hot tub?
A. Some hot tubs may have slightly different care instructions, so be sure to consult the guide that comes with your model. Generally, caring for a hot tub requires routinely checking the chlorine levels and pH in your hot tub. You’ll also need to clean the tub’s filter periodically. Lastly, you’ll need to drain and clean the interior every few months.
Q. Can I use my hot tub all year?
A. Many hot tubs are intended for year-round use and designed for safe operation during the coldest months, even when it snows. Many people enjoy using hot tubs in the winter as a way to warm up. If you intend to use your hot tub in the winter, make sure you check your model’s specifications and use a thick, durable, cold-weather cover.
What’s the best hot tub to buy?
Top hot tub for the money
AquaRest Spas Premium 300 2-Person 20-Jet Hot Tub
What you need to know: This is a relatively affordable option for users who need enough space for two people. It requires no installation.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to use and maintain. It heats quickly and includes foam insulation to save money on maintaining a high temperature. It features 20 stainless steel jets and a durable body shell. It also includes an LED waterfall.
What you should consider: It’s only large enough to fit two adults comfortably.
Worth checking out
Lifesmart Spas 5-Person 28-Jet Plug and Play Hot Tub
What you need to know: This large, easy-to-use, energy-efficient hot tub is available at a reasonable price point for its size.
What you’ll love: It includes a lounge seat and two beaches. It is insulated to save energy and money on heating and can fit five people comfortably. It features underwater LED lights and three cup holders.
What you should consider: This hot tub can take a while to heat up due to its size.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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