Our top choice is the Lifesmart Bermuda Plug-and-Play Spa, a four-person hot tub with massage jets and a color-changing underwater light. There are plenty of articles on the internet about the risks and dangers of hot tubs, including the possibility of catching a disease and of slipping and falling. We strongly recommend common sense when using a hot tub, such as keeping it clean and the water well tested and maintained; and no horseplay. With that said, here are our choices for the best hot tubs. The plug-in-play design is easy to use. It calls on a thermal-friction heating system to warm the water to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Notable features include comfy bucket seats, a waterfall, a color-changing underwater lighting system, and 13 jets. A few more jets would be nice, but they’re strategically placed around each seat. We appreciate that this hot tub comes with its own pump, filtration system, and cover. But bear in mind you’ll have to buy steps separately or build a custom set. Price at time of publish: $3,400 The plug-and-play design seats two to four people around its three-ply PVC walls. It’s easy to move around in but you may not have to since 60 jets spread the waves around throughout. You can control the temperature and jets with a convenient digital control panel. We. like that the hot tub includes a cover, to keep the water warm when you’re not using it. But we should note the Miami is intended for use in climates above 39 degrees Fahrenheit, so if it’s freezing outside, hold off. Also, we would have liked to see a longer warranty than for the pool liner (3 months), spa cover (6 months), and pump and heater (1 year). The manufacturer offers an extended warranty, up to 18 months, for a cost. Price at time of publish: $610 With a 63-inch diameter, this hot tub shouldn’t take up a huge amount of space on your deck or patio. We also like that this is a deeper spa than many we’ve seen: Its 29-inch depth may allow you to fully submerge your shoulders. The Okanagan leans on an ozone generator and Microban filtration to keep your water crystal-clear and free of bacteria with minimal chemicals. It also has a color-changing LED light, allowing you to customize the ambiance. You also get a hard-top cover. And thanks to the plug-and-play design, you don’t have to hire a professional for installation. Price at time of publish: $5,900 With an included heater and filter, all you have to do is fill it up and plug it in. The manufacturer says this hot tub can be ready to go in as little as 20 minutes. We also like that this got tub contains a system that can soften hard water, if your home has such an issue. Softer water can feel noticeably more comfortable, as well as keep the system freer of potentially corrosive minerals. Like most inflatable models, the Intex PureSpa Plus is slightly more fragile than its cabinet-based counterparts. It is also not recommended for use in freezing climates. We evaluated the four-person model, but you also can purchase a version that can accommodate up to six adults. Price at time of publish: $650 The 300 Select also flaunts a backlit LED waterfall with nine color modes, You also get energy-efficient heating with foam insulation, a patented filtration system, and a locking safety cover. In the end, the only thing this tub doesn’t have is steps. Price at time of publish: $4,300 This seven-person tub has 65 jets, including 14 with turbo-blaster nozzles and four foot massagers. The energy-efficient design features full-foam insulation, and a thermal locking cover that keeps the heat in. The Coronado also has a waterfall, a multi-colored underwater LED, a built-in filter, and an ozonator that cleans the water with minimal chlorine. Price at time of publish: $6,000 The product’s simplicity doesn’t mean you get less than a full-featured product, however. For example, you can preset the temperature up to 72 hours in advance. And with the digital control panel, you can change. the water temperature and jet flow from within the hot tub. This hot tub comfortably seats up to six people and offers a spa-level massage experience with 114 air jets. The package includes a chlorine dispenser, digital control panel, pump, filter cartridges, repair kit, and cover. Note that the manufacturer expressly says this product is not to be used in temperatures below 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Price at time of publish: $590 This plug-and-play hot tub has 25 massaging jets and an underwater ambiance-enhancing light. The user-friendly control panel makes it easy to turn on the jets, adjust the LEDs, and change the water temperature. You can opt for three programmable modes to control energy use. We note that this is either a plug-and-pplay into a standard 110-volt electrical outlet, or a 240-volt circuit. This UL-listed and CSA-certified hot tub comes with a filter and an insulated locking cover. But, like so many products we evaluated, it doesn’t include steps, which have to be bought separately. Price at time of publish: $4,300 Like all Lifesmart models, this one is energy-efficient, with foam insulation and a thermal locking cover. While it doesn’t have stairs, you can purchase those as an add-on, crafted to fit the contours of most hot tubs made by the manufacturer. The Celestial does come with its own filtration system and a thermal-friction pump. Price at time of publish: $3,360 This rectangular hot tub is made using molding technology that makes it durable but also lightweight and easy to move around, according to the manufacturer. A built-in filtration system is designed to reduce the chemical dosage. And it plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet. A few more jets would be nice, and, like most other hot tubs, you have to purchase steps separately. Price at time of publish: $3,120 Yes, this hot tub’s concave shape does remind us a little of a witch’s cauldron, especially when it heats not from electricity but a wood fire in the pit. The advanced coiling system heats up with burning firewood (aka convection)—no power cord or outlet needed. But you’re protected from the flames by extended pipes and a stainless steel windscreen panel. (Yes, you can cook over the flames while waiting for the water to heat.) Gratefully, the honey-orange color and its fiberglass-reinforced acrylic makeup remove all comparisons to anything Hansel and Gretel-ish. This four-person hot tub can be brought on the go or moved around your outdoor living space as needed. It’s undoubtedly expensive, but if it’s within your budget, it might be worth a splurge. Price at time of publish: $6,400 Inflatable hot tubs, like the Intex PureSpa Plus, are the most affordable, though they’re also more prone to wear and tear. Like their rigid-shell counterparts, air-filled models typically plug into standard electrical outlets, and they can be moved around or even taken on the go.
Size
Hot tubs come in various shapes and sizes. Capacities range from one- or two-person models, like the Aquarest Spas 300 Select, to seven or more people, like the Lifesmart Coronado. Before buying a hot tub, carefully measure your space and check the overall assembled dimensions to ensure it’ll fit.
Material
Hot tubs are often made of polyethylene, an exceptionally durable and weather-resistant thermoplastic. They can also be constructed from high-strength fiberglass or UV- and freeze-resistant acrylic, as with the Alfi Brand Wood Fired Hot Tub. Inflatable models, like the Coleman Saluspa Miami are usually made of puncture-resistant vinyl.
Extra Features
To make the most of your lounging hot tub experience, consider spending some extra money on a model that has the features you want. This can include jets, multi-colored lights, and even built-in speakers. Lounge seating is another popular feature, although it does often make the hot tub larger. Some manufacturers even offer customized hot tubs that you can design yourself. When looking into extra features, consider those that increase the lifespan of your hot tub. Balancing chemicals, a hot tub cover, or routine maintenance can all come as part of a hot tub package or purchase. While an extra cost up front, getting these extras may save you money in the long run.
Maintenance
Also consider the maintenance requirements of a hot tub before buying one. Many, like the Lifesmart Coronado, come with built-in filtration systems and ozone generators (aka ozonators). This helps keep the water clean and free of bacteria, while using lower amounts of chlorine and other chemicals. Still, you need to change the filter cartridge regularly and drain and refill the water periodically. Also, make sure your hot tub is always covered when it’s not in use to prevent debris from getting in.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was originally researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. For this list, Katie considered top recommended products that had popular features like jets and lounge seating as well as those with customizable setups. She also consulted with St. Louis-based hot tub salespeople to find out which hot tubs their customers like and which they use themselves. In the case of an inflatable hot tub, take extra steps to ensure that there are no objects on the ground that could puncture the lining. Remove any rocks, sticks, and debris before inflating the hot tub. A ground cover is often included with inflatable hot tubs and serves as an additional layer of insulation and protection, but it is no substitute for a careful site evaluation before setup. Before you break out the hose, turn off the power to the circuit in your breaker box. Clean the hot tub using a mild, nonabrasive formula. Verify that all jets and knobs are in place. Open gate valves and close drain valves, then install the skimmer and filter. Next, use a garden hose to fill the tub with water. Restore power to the breaker. Power on the hot tub, and prime the pump (usually, there will be an option for this on the hot tub’s control panel). Finally, set the hot tub to your desired temperature and begin heating the water inside before dispensing chemicals into the water for proper hygiene and water maintenance. You should also remove the filters occasionally and spray them with a garden hose or hot tub cleaner. Rinse well before reinstalling. This should be done more frequently—even up to once per week for frequent hot tub users.
PH adjusters: Muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate are used as pH decreasers. Muriatic acid (or a replacement product) also can lower alkalinity. Sodium bisulfate can raise alkalinity. Alkalinity increaser: Alkalinity and pH are closely related, so adjusting the pH levels of your hot tub can also impact alkalinity. If you need to raise the alkalinity of your hot tub, use an alkalinity increaser. Shocking agent: Use either chlorine or a non-chlorine treatment that breaks down organic compounds in the water and also converts chloramines back into the active form of chlorine.Sanitizer: The most popular options include chlorine and bromine. Bromine is sometimes recommended for people with more sensitive skin. Other sanitizing options for your hot tub include biguanide (a non-chlorine and non-bromine chemical sanitizer), a salt system, or an ozone generator. Calcium hardness increaser or decreaser: Depending on your water hardness, you might need an additive to increase or decrease the amount of calcium in your hot tub water. This gives you clearer water while prolonging the life of mechanical components.Enzymes: While not an absolutely essential chemical for your hot tub, enzymes help to slow the buildup of hot tub scum. Filter cleaner: This is a special cleaning formula that helps to purge debris and buildup from the filter, extending its life. Use it when you do a deep clean of your hot tub, every 3 to 4 months.
The lifespan of inflatable tubs is much shorter. If you’re lucky enough to avoid a non-repairable hole, you can expect an air-filled hot tub to hold up for 3 to 5 years. Theresa Holland, who frequently reviews products for The Spruce, provided updated information and research about the latest products. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019.
