Choosing the Best Hot Tub

Hot tub, Jacuzzi^® and spa are often used interchangeably, although they’re not exactly the same. Jacuzzi^® is a brand, not a product, that sells hot tubs, swim spas, bathtubs, faucets and other bathroom products. Hot tubs, also called hot tub spas, are above-ground tubs that hold heated water and are designed for relaxation and recreation. They range in size and type and offer a variety of features including hydrotherapy jets, head rests, LED lighting and more. Spa is a broad term for a body of water that offers therapeutic benefits, known as hydrotherapy. There are spa resorts you can visit for their health benefits but there are also spas that can be used at home, which are either above ground or built into the ground. Spas are custom built and more expensive than hot tubs. In this buying guide, we’ll use the terms “hot tub” and “spa” interchangeably.

Hot tubs offer many benefits, including stress relief, hydrotherapy, increased circulation, alleviation of sore muscles and body aches, comfort for arthritis, relaxation and entertainment. However, they can be a big investment, so you should consider several factors before you buy one.

Review codes, permits and safety barriers before purchasing or installing a hot tub. Check your state and municipality for applicable plumbing, electrical and building codes. If you live in a community with a homeowner's association, find out if they permit hot tubs; some communities might prohibit them. Additionally, many states and municipalities have residential codes that require fences or other safety barriers around the hot tub to restrict access and help prevent accidents. Finding the right hot tub means considering the size, capacity, shape and materials you want. Think about available space as well as initial and long-term costs.

Inflatable hot tubs have become popular in the last few years for several reasons. One of the biggest draws is that they’re more budget-friendly than their non-inflatable counterparts. Many inflatable hot tubs can be purchased for under $500. Because they’re more lightweight than non-inflatable tubs, they’re also more portable and can be set up in just a few hours. If you ever need to move the tub to a new location, you can drain the tub and set it up in a new location. Depending on the manufacturer, you will just have to wait several hours to a day or two for the water to reach a comfortable temperature. So, if you enjoy RVing or rent a home instead of owning, an inflatable hot tub is ideal.

Non-inflatable, hard-shell hot tubs have been on the market a lot longer than inflatable hot tubs. Typically, these traditional hot tub spas offer a larger number of jets with more power that can target specific areas of the body. And often, these jets can be adjusted to offer your preferred amount of pressure.

Hot tubs come in four main shapes: round, square, rectangular and triangular. Round hot tubs are the most popular choice for small tubs that seat one or two people. Round is also the best shape for inflatable hot tubs because this shape allows for an even distribution of water pressure. Square hot tubs provide even seating and jets, while rectangular tubs offer the most variety of seating options. Both square and rectangular tubs are popular choices for families and entertaining. Triangular tubs are a good choice if you have limited space and need to fit the hot tub into a corner, especially for a 1- or 2-person tub.

The average hot tub size is 7-1/2 by 7-1/2 feet, but there are many hot tub sizes available. For traditional portable and in-ground hot tubs, a standard small-size hot tub is around 6 by 6 feet, with a height of around 2-1/2 feet. A standard medium hot tub is around 7 by 7 feet, with a height of around 3 feet. Large hot tubs are around 8 by 8 feet, with a height of around 3 feet. Inflatable hot tubs are available in smaller hot tub dimensions than traditional hot tubs, though large models are also an option.

The larger the hot tub, the more seats it usually has. Smaller hot tubs usually have a heater and one pump, and typically don’t seat more than four people. Take into consideration family size and/or intended use, as well as the seat configuration. A six-person hot tub may only seat four adults comfortably.

Hot tubs and spas come equipped with various features including jets, LED lighting and more. Below is a list of common features to look for.

• Jets: Project a combination of water and air into a hot tub to provide hydrotherapy. Typically, the more jets a hot tub has, the higher it is in cost.
• Lighting: Add extra ambiance to a hot tub experience. Hot tubs can come equipped with a variety of LED light options, including multi-colored systems.
• Speakers: Some hot tubs come equipped with built-in speakers that are Wi-Fi compatible.
• Built-in cup holders: Make it easy to keep beverages nearby while soaking.
• Spa trays: Allow you to keep items, like phones and snacks, nearby.
• Headrests: Offer extra comfort to fully relax the neck and head.
• Built-in hard water treatment systems: Makes water gentler on skin and clothing.

Covers are essential for keeping debris out of hot tubs and keeping the water temperature stable. Most hot tubs come with a cover but if not, you can purchase one separately.

If you want to make the hot tub more accessible, consider a set of durable, slip-resistant steps. Made from durable materials like resin or teak wood, steps provide a safer, easier solution for getting in and out of a hot tub.