We all love a nice soak when on vacation. Many hotels and vacation spots have a myriad of water activities, including pools and hot tubs. Hot tubs are excellent for letting loose, the jets can help with sore muscles and encourage relaxation, and there may be excellent medicinal benefits to engaging in hydrotherapy. Thanks to advances in technology, you can now have a hot tub on your deck or patio!
Self-contained hot tubs require no additional plumbing, so they are relatively simple to install and use. You may need assistance setting-up some of these tubs, but you should be able to plug them in and fill them up with minor assembly. If you’re interested in bringing a hot tub’s luxury and benefits to your home, this list is for you.
The Best Hot Tub
Essential Hot Tubs 30-Jet 2020 Adelaide Hot Tub (BEST CHOICE)
At the top of our list is this Essential Hot tubs Adelaide tub. An impressive blend of features, performance, and affordability make this hot tub our number one choice. It’s excellent for families, entertaining friends, or those seeking hydrotherapy.
Installation is a breeze with the plug-and-play system. The three-prong cord can be plugged into any outlet, then fill the tub with water and it’s ready to rock and roll. Want to kick it up a notch? A certified professional can convert it to a 240-volt electrical unit, allowing the heater to perform to its maximum ability.
It comfortably seats six people, includes a lounger and two captain’s chairs, a built-in ice bucket, and an integrated tray for easy serving and storage. Two LED water columns provide soothing nature sounds for the whole group.
A backlit display makes the 30 adjustable jets easy to control. With the 2-horsepower pump, each jet receives about 7% horsepower, making this a solid hydrotherapy choice.
This hot tub also comes with a focus on energy efficiency. The locking cover insulates the tub keeping daily energy costs down. The pump’s design maximizes its energy use so that you don’t run your electricity bills up in those colder months when you’re in your hot tub regularly.
At an MSRP of $8,900, it’s a bit of an investment, but its energy efficiency will keep electricity costs competitively low overall. Considering its capacity and features, this hot tub an excellent value and a wonderful addition to any deck or outdoor space.
For some affordable options, be sure to check out our selection of the best inflatable hot tubs.
LIFE SMART 4 Person Plug & Play Square Hot Tub Spa
While the design may leave you wanting, this hot tub’s features make it a standout. Just plug it in, fill it up, and this thing is ready for use.
It comes equipped with a 1.5-horsepower motor, which keeps each of the 13 jets running at just over 10% horsepower. The jet strength makes this tub an excellent choice if your focus is on hydrotherapy and soothing sore muscles.
With a four-person capacity, you can have your family over or small groups to enjoy your outdoor space. A waterfall feature and digital controls make this an excellent choice for relaxation and entertainment.
At an MSRP of $4,750, this is one of the more affordable options on this list. Additionally, the full-foam insulation and energy-saving cover magnifies these savings and makes this hot tub worth the investment.
American Spas Hot Tub AM-628TS
If you’re looking for a hot tub with a space-saving design loaded with features, this is the choice for you. And it requires minimal installation; all you need to do is plug it in, fill it up, and turn it on.
It seats two and nestles perfectly in the corner of your outdoor space. This tub also comes with a cover, reusable filters, and a durable fiberglass cabinet, making this an environmentally-friendly option.
28 stainless-steel, adjustable jets deliver great hydrotherapy. There are even individual jet controls for each seat. The jets are powered by a 6-horsepower motor, supplying each jet with 21% horsepower.
If easy installation and powerful jets aren’t enough, this tub also comes with two-stream cascading waterfalls and multi-color LED lights that rotate between seven hues.
At an MSRP of $4,675, it’s value-priced but still jam-packed with features. This tub is an excellent choice for an individual or couple who wants the most out of their space and hot tub.
Balboa Luxury Hot Tub Large
Hot tub parties seem to be a common theme in a lot of summer movies. With this substantial hot tub, you can have the most happening yard in town! This tub seats 12 people, and it is genuinely party-sized, making this a top choice for entertaining large groups or lots of family. Like most tubs on this list, the package comes with everything you need to prepare and install it, but any repairs and maintenance should be handled by a trained professional.
One hundred eleven jets will relax every person in this tub, but the jets aren’t as strong as some of the other tubs on this list. What it lacks in jet strength, this tub makes up for in features. For those wild nighttime parties, you have color-changing LED lights and a lighted water fountain. You can offer your guests one of the four included spa pillows or cool off their drinks with the included ice bucket. No more having to get out of the hot tub for a drink run.
At an MSRP of $15,900, this is the most oversized and most expensive tub on our list. A large tub can cost quite a bit of money to run each month, make sure to consider the long-term costs in your buying decision. However, if you want to entertain large groups and throw the best hot tub parties around, this is the choice for you.
American Spas Hot Tub AM-420B
An elegantly designed hot tub loaded with features and is guaranteed to impress. For a smaller family, this two-person tub is a real beauty.
Just plug it into a wall outlet, fill it with water, and you’re ready to relax. The 20 jets may be customized by each user to provide relaxation for every muscle. With a six-horsepower motor, each jet gets a whopping 30% horsepower, the strongest on this list.
To liven up your space, you also get a waterfall water feature, LED lights, and Bluetooth speakers with this already striking hot tub. You’ll feel the bass with the included subwoofer. For easy monitoring, this tub comes with an LCD screen that displays the water temperature, time of day, filter status, modes, etc. This display makes caring for and using your hot tub a breeze. And, to keep things eco-friendly, it also comes with reusable filters and a marine-grade vinyl cover.
At an MSRP of $5,788, this tub is an excellent investment.
4 Seat, 28 Stainless Jets, 2 Cascading Water Spouts, Ozone, LED Lights, Cover, Silver Marble Acrylic, Smoke Gray Cabinet
With a slew of features and room for the family, this hot tub is a great value. This tub comes in a rectangular, space-saving design, fitting easily in the corner of the deck or patio. It’s available in two exterior cabinet colors and four interior acrylic colors.
Installation of this tub may require a trained professional’s assistance as it requires a specialized circuit-breaker hookup. This tub seats four, offers two contoured bucket seats, a reversible lounger, four waterproof pillows, and 28 stainless-steel jets. As you relax, you can enjoy the sounds of nature with its two waterfall features. This tub also comes with color-changing LED lights to liven up any party.
Lastly, controlling this tub is a breeze. With the digital control center, you can quickly flip the pump on and off. When you aren’t using your tub, cover it with the included locking, thermal cover to protect your tub from unwanted debris and trespassers.
An MSRP of $5,885 makes this a cost-effective option and an excellent choice for any home.
SDI Factory Direct Indoor 2 Person Whirlpool Hydrotherapy Massage Spa Bathtub Corner Bath Tub
This hot tub is perfect for a single person or couple looking to add a hot tub loaded with features to their home with its compact size. This tub fits easily into a corner and only needs 6 x 6 feet of space.
Conveniently, all wiring and plumbing are pre-installed and tested. The package includes everything you need to prepare for and set up your new tub, but a trained professional should handle any repairs and maintenance. For confidence in your purchase, it comes with a one-year electrical and five-year structural warranty.
This tub’s design and materials make it durable. It has a stainless-steel frame, adjustable legs, and the rest of the body is a durable acrylic. It is also deeper than most of its competitors, includes color-changing LED lights, two waterproof headrests, powerful speakers, a Bluetooth head unit, and remote control.
The only drawback seems to be in the power of the jets. With just 1-horsepower and 23 jets, each jet receives around 4% horsepower, but their pressure is adjustable via a knob so you can customize it a bit.
At an MSRP of $3,500, it’s the most cost-effective hot tub and great for those who need to stick to a budget. If you need a tub that fits in a small space, comes loaded with features, and will last you for years, this tub is a great choice.
Hot Tub Buying Guide & FAQ
Features to Look for in Hot Tubs
Size – When selecting your hot tub, it is essential to consider the size. If you have a large family or plan to invite friends over to use your hot tub, you may want to consider a larger tub to accommodate your guests. If it is just you or you plan to keep your hot tub parties small, a smaller hot tub will serve you well and keep costs down. Most hot tubs sit anywhere from two to seven people; some giant tubs can accommodate even more for larger groups and parties.
Jest – Contrary to popular belief, more jets aren’t necessarily better. More jets will require additional pump power and electricity, which will be more expensive to run. It would be best if you also considered why you want the hot tub. Is it to entertain, relax after a long day, or to soothe tired muscles? Different jet orientations serve other purposes and offer varying levels of pressure. Make sure your choice of tubs fits your needs.
Water Features – Additional water features can serve a few different purposes and can liven up your hot tub but aren’t entirely necessary if you’re trying to save money. Features like waterfalls and arches can add soothing sounds that help with relaxation as you enjoy your hot tub. Most of these features attempt to mimic nature sounds for the utmost relaxation for you and your guests. Water features may make your hot tub appear to be more luxurious.
Lights – If the space near your hot tub is already well-lit, you may not need additional lights in your hot tub. Some hot tubs offer colored lights or lighting patterns that can liven up your outdoor space. If your hot tub is in a dimly lit area, you’ll want to consider some additional lighting. These lights also make it easy to get in and out of the hot tub in the dark. Additional lighting will also assist those with poor eyesight when using the tub at night.
Pumps – Your pumps determine the pressure for your jets. You’ll often see this listed in horsepower; you will need more horsepower to run additional jets. An excellent baseline to look for is 10.5% horsepower per jet. The higher that percentage, the stronger and more hydrotherapeutic the jets.
Hot Tub FAQ
How does a hot tub work?
Most manufacturers of self-contained hot tubs recommend installation via an electrical GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) hookup. Others utilize a plug-and-play installation. An electrician often does this installation, but you may be able to do this yourself. Once plugged in, you fill your hot tub with water, and you’re ready to go! Self-contained hot tubs require no additional plumbing but may need additional servicing. Any servicing or repairs should be handled by a trained professional. Components of a hot tub include a shell that contains the water and houses the jet mounting points and the seats. The last element is the cabinet, which houses the spa pack and pump. The cabinet keeps all the unsightly bits of your hot tub tucked away, ensuring there’s not an eyesore on your porch or in your outdoor space.
What is the difference between a hot tub and a Jacuzzi?
Jacuzzi is the brand name for a particular brand of spa and hot tubs. Like Band-Aid, Jacuzzi is now the name a lot of folks use to refer to an entire category of products despite it being a brand name. A hot tub or spa tub would be the name used to refer to a large container of heated water with jets. Hot tubs or spa tubs are excellent for hydrotherapy, entertaining, pleasure, and relaxation.
How long do hot tubs last?
The longevity of a hot tub is generally dependent on two things, the quality of the tub and the maintenance. You can usually expect your hot tub to last as little as five years or as long as 20 years. If you purchase a low-quality tub or don’t regularly care for the hot tub, you can expect a shorter lifespan and quick replacement. A well-cared-for tub can last you a long time and makes your investment last that much longer.
What’s the best time of year to buy a hot tub?
The best time of the year to buy a hot tub can vary. However, if you’re looking for the lowest price, the buying season begins in September and goes through the winter. Starting in September, hot tubs will begin going on sale to make room for the newer models. These savings continue through the winter as inventory dwindles. Don’t wait too long as your favorite models may sell out quickly as prices drop.
How much does a hot tub cost to run?
Your monthly and yearly costs of running a hot tub depending on your tub’s energy efficiency and how often you use it. Most hot tubs cost around $1 a day to run in terms of electricity. There are also additional costs to consider, such as chemicals and water usage. The chemicals to maintain your hot tub, chlorine, and bromine, cost $10 to $20 per month. Your hot tub will need to be drained and cleaned every three to four months. When this happens, you’ll see a slight spike increase in your water bill for that month. Lastly, occasional maintenance, repairs, and filter changes can begin to add up over time, but if you care for your tub well, you can minimize these costs.