Best Hot Tub Brands

Remember, the cabinet of your hot tub is the part that everyone sees. Older and vintage-inspired hot tubs are sometimes made from wood like cedar, redwood, teak or recycled metal. Less commonly, you find tubs made of fiberglass or stainless steel. We suggest looking for an exterior cabinet constructed from weatherproof or UV-resistant materials.

The most common types of hot tub insulation are barrier, partial and full foam insulation. Some experts suggest you avoid spray foam insulation because it can quickly become waterlogged. No matter the style, quality hot tub insulation is important because it keeps the tub running efficiently and protects many of the major components. Investing in sturdier materials now could save you time and money on maintenance in the future.

Many premium hot tubs use pressure-type filter systems — they're most effective. Pressure filtration systems fit inside the tub or pump. Cartridge filters, usually made from polyester, are a popular choice for pressure filtration systems because they're easy to maintain. We suggest avoiding filters made of cotton or paper blends because they must be replaced frequently.

Hot tub sanitation systems purify water and kill bacteria. Conventional purification systems use ozone, saltwater and UV light to disinfect the water. Some hot tub purification systems require specific chemicals (chlorine or bromine, for example) to run correctly. Saltwater hot tub systems are great for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals.

• Ozone system: Ozone works in combination with chlorine and bromine to kill germs and bacteria. It also breaks down residue from soap, shampoo and makeup that finds its way into the water. Ozone systems are generally good for small hot tubs. They're easy to install and reduce the risk of common skin conditions, but they can also make your hot tub water more corrosive.
• UV-C system: A relatively new addition to the hot tub filtration market, this method uses a high-intensity UV light ray to kill germs. Hot tubs with UV-C systems oxidize water to reduce the amount of bromine and chlorine in your tub. UV-C systems work best when used in combination with an ozonator.
• Salt system: Salt systems kill germs with naturally produced chlorine. Many people prefer this method over adding chlorine or bromine tablets to the water and say the water feels softer and silkier with a salt system. Saltwater hot tub systems are often a good alternative for those who prefer natural cleaners over chemical solutions. Hot tub saltwater systems require less maintenance because they automatically generate sanitizers as needed.

• Barrier-free seats: Barrier-free seating provides seating without obstacles. You can easily move from one part of the spa to the other.
• Contoured seats: Contoured seats include armrests, neck rests and massage support.
• Bench seats: With bench seating, the hot tub usually has one contoured seat with bench seating around it.
• Lounge seats: Lounge seats are perfect for those seeking a relaxing experience. Ergonomically designed seats fit every contour of your body to provide therapeutic comfort. This type of seating allows you to lie nearly horizontal in the water, which creates an almost weightless feeling.
• Pivot seats: Pivot seats allow you to change position and adjust the type of hydrotherapy massage you receive.
• Therapeutic comfort seats: These seats provide extra massage points, usually at the neck, back and shoulders. Some companies offer deep-soak seats that put you as low as you can go to provide relief to your neck and spine.
• Cool-down seats: Cool-down seats let your body remain partly out of the water. Besides being the coolest part of the hot tub, these are good for transitions in and out of the tub and usually provide leg, ankle and foot massage jets.

• Rotary jets: Rotary jets move water in a circular pattern.
• Pressure point jets: Pressure point jets provide acupressure-like massage to relieve discomfort and strain.
• Directional jets: Directional jets can be adjusted to point in any direction.
• Kneading oscillator jets: Kneading oscillator jets provide kneading, a therapeutic and relaxing action.
• Pulsator jets: Pulsator jets have two or more holes that alternate water pressure.
• Shower jets: Shower jets provide a gentle stream of relaxing pressure.
• Cluster jets: Cluster jets, also called ozone jets, send water flow through an open center section.
• Target therapy jets: Target therapy jets can be adjusted to relax key tension points, such as the calves or lower back. For example, foot massage therapy jets provide a pulsing hydrotherapy massage to the soles of your feet.

• Sound system: Hot tubs can be equipped with a sound system. Generally, the speakers are built into the top lip, near the headrests, and they can often be controlled wirelessly with Bluetooth.
• Decorative lighting: LED light strips can add to the ambiance and increase safety. Lighting can change the mood from soft and relaxing to exciting and energetic. You can place lights above or below the water or around the rim of the tub.
• Hot tub speakers: Speakers designed for hot tubs are waterproof and can float or fit in a cup holder. Hot tub speakers easily connect to your devices through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so you can listen to music, podcasts and more.

Bargain hot tubs are cheaper in price, but energy-efficient models are a better investment because they're less expensive to run and require less ongoing maintenance. If you plan to enjoy the tub for many years, paying a little more upfront might be worth it to you. For more information, read about hot tub costs.

Keep in mind that you can negotiate hot tub prices — the first price you see online or in a showroom isn’t always the best you can get. Dealers also offer financing specials and promotions, such as 0% financing or low interest rates. Additional low-cost options include purchasing a used or refurbished hot tub, though doing this requires a bit more research and caution to ensure you’re getting a legitimate product.

Don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs, such as chemicals and maintenance, to your budget. Typically, it costs around $1 a day to operate a hot tub. Some of the new energy-efficient hot tubs only cost about $20 per month to run.

Hot tubs designed to accommodate two to three people are considered small. Most small hot tubs are approximately 3 feet high, 6 feet wide and 5 feet long and hold about 300 gallons of water. Large hot tubs, which can fit up to eight people or more, are usually about 4.5 feet high with a diameter of 6 feet and hold up to 850 gallons of water.

Consider which hot tub benefits are most important to you when choosing features. For example, hydrotherapy massage jets are great for reducing pain and inflammation. If you’re more interested in entertainment, look into LED lighting packages, stereo setups and lounge seating.

Different hot tub styles can complement the environment and set the tone for bathers. For instance, exterior cabinets (the part that everybody sees) are available in a variety of materials, colors, patterns and textures. Remember, a hot tub is meant to be a seamless addition to your home decor, and the style and design of the shell and cabinet should reflect your personality and aesthetic.

Once you have your short list, you can learn a lot by reading reviews. Look out for red flags related to installation, warranty or customer service. With a hot tub, you don’t usually have to communicate with customer service unless something goes wrong.

To get the best deal, you should compare prices from multiple dealers and keep an eye out for promotional discounts. Retailers typically host sales each season, so you might wait to see if the price on a particular model you like goes down. You can also sometimes find great hot tub deals at state fairs or home and garden shows.

Look for companies that offer a warranty in case something goes wrong. It’s even better to try it before you buy it. If possible, visit a hot tub showroom and schedule a test soak.

It’s a good idea to decide where you want the tub to go before the delivery day. When picking a spot, consider your comfort and convenience. For instance, those who live in an area with cold, snowy winters should try to put the spa close to a door for easy access. If you have long stretches of warm months, under a gazebo might be a better place.

If your tub is going to be installed by a professional, here are a few tips to make the process a little bit easier:

• Check the width of sidewalks, doors or gates that could cause obstruction.
• Check for overhead issues, including rain gutters or overhanging branches.
• Remove obstacles like plants, outdoor furniture or outdoor grills.

You might also need electrical access, depending on how much voltage the tub requires. Check your local building codes and zoning laws to be sure they allow for the installation of hot tubs without a permit.

• Hot tub cover: Hot tubs usually come with a standard cover, but for tubs that are left unattended for long periods, such as those in a second home, a coverall can significantly increase the life of the hot tub. Spa covers help lock in the hot tub’s heat to reduce water evaporation, which lowers owners’ energy costs. If you’re looking for a replacement, understand what factors are important to look for when comparing the best hot tub covers.
• Cover lifter: Hot tub covers can be heavy and difficult to put on and take off. A cover lifter makes it easy to lift heavy covers.
• Spa pillows: Spa pillows, headrests and cushions are inexpensive and can make your hot tub even more comfortable. Hot tub pillows are usually made out of rubberized plastic, with suction cups to hold them in place.
• Spa steps: Being submerged in a bubbling hot tub is a relaxing way to end the day, but getting into the hot tub can be a challenge. Hot tub steps with anti-slip material reduce the danger of accidental falls. Spa steps are portable stairs that make getting in and out of your hot tub easier. Most of the top hot tub brands also sell spa steps that seamlessly blend into the exterior.
• Hot tub surrounds: Many companies sell modular components so you can add benches, seating, tables and storage around your hot tub. Surrounds are a smart alternative if you don’t already have a deck for your hot tub.
• Cup holders: Hot tub cup holders are waterproof and inflatable. If your hot tub doesn’t come with standard cup holders, aftermarket cup holders are a smart way to prevent spills.
• Spa lighting: Even if you opt out of built-in lighting features, you can add aftermarket light strips that create a colorful environment. Many lighting accessories for hot tubs are solar-powered and can float.
• Gazebo or pergola: A gazebo or pergola increases your hot tub’s privacy. A gazebo is a free-standing structure with a roof. Pergolas are open structures with vertical posts and open-lattice roofing.