Best Hot Tub Brands

It’s a cool fall night, or maybe there’s snow falling on a winter evening, and you’re staring at your backyard, wishing you could find a reason to be outdoors without freezing. Unfortunately, you’re stuck inside if you want the luxury of heat and hot water. What if you could have the best of both worlds with a hot tub in your yard? Surrounding yourself in the steaming water while the cool wind whips around you can be a perfect combination for a delightful evening with friends, your significant other, or even alone. Of course, you have plenty of options when you start shopping around for the best hot tub to meet your needs. Take a look below to learn more about some of the best hot tub brands to seek out in your shopping endeavors.

BEST OVERALL | Essential Hot Tubs

4kw Balboa

Essential has a very large line of hot tubs, varying in size and design, but all are equipped with more than enough jets, massage functions, stainless steel heaters, and other amazing luxuries that really appeal to hot tub users. They are also incredibly attractive in design. For example, the 4kw Balboa has a sterling silver shell with an espresso cabinet that looks as high class as it feels. This model has 80 stainless steel jets that are adjustable and include a massage function, so you and up to 6 other people can relax and enjoy the treatment. The 4kw Balboa all season stainless steel heater is rated for year-round use and is of the highest quality. The spa includes four captain’s chairs, complete with headrests, for the ultimate comfort and relaxation. You’ll also get a heavy-duty tapered and insulated cover with locking clips so that dirt and grime are kept out and heat is kept in when the hot tub isn’t in use. Because the cabinet is faux wood, it requires no maintenance, and you can easily reach the components by removing the cabinet fasteners. Getting in and out is a breeze with an interior step and a cool down seat. There are also LED features, as well as a Bluetooth sound system with a subwoofer and two speakers for your entertainment. MSRP for the Essential Sanctity Hot Tub is $5,699.00, but be sure to check the current 4kw Balboa – Amazon price here.

MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT| Home and Garden Spas

HG51T Outdoor Spa

If you’re looking for something that is going to take less power and save a little money throughout the year, you should consider the Home and Gardens Spa line. For example, the HG51T Outdoor Spa has tons of great features that make it just as luxurious as any other hot tub but includes an Energy Rite pump that is high performance but consumes very low amounts of energy, so it’s great for those who are eco-conscious. With this hot tub, you get digital Balboa controls for ease of use and a 7-color underwater LED light. There are also two LED-lit fountains for further relaxation and enjoyment. The hot tub is big enough for up to 6 people to enjoy, at 82” x 82”, and the design is aesthetically pleasing as well. The hot tub includes a 6hp pump as well as a cover. The synthetic cabinetry and pressure treated base frame, complete with an ABS bottom, assures long-lasting durability as well. MSRP on the Home and Gardens HG51T 6 Person Tuscan Sun Outdoor Spa is $4099.00, but be sure to check the current HG51T Outdoor Spa – Amazon price here.

MOST CONVENIENT | Hudson Bay Spas

4 Person 14 Jet spa

A lot of hot tubs require dedicated 220-volt electrical lines, which aren’t always readily available and have to be installed. Hudson Bay spas offer a much more convenient solution, with models that plug directly into a 110/120V 20Amp outlet, just like you have already in your house and probably outside. For example, the 4 Person 14 Jet spa has a 10-foot cord, giving you some freedom in locating the hot tub a short distance from the house while still providing an easy power source. It also has digital controls for convenience, as well as a low energy consuming pump so you save on energy costs. The interior of the hot tub is durable and slip resistant acrylic with multiple layers of fiberglass for reinforcement, and it comes with high-density spray foam insulation. It doesn’t come with built-in speakers like other models, but you can always grab a portable Bluetooth speaker! It has a great look with a white shell and a mocha colored cabinet, and it has a convenient safety cover that is lockable. Another convenient factor is that it’s large enough to fit four people comfortably but still small enough to install in even a small backyard without seeming too bulky or taking up too much space, at 5-1/2’ by 6’4”. Jets are stainless steel to last longer, and you have a 7-color LED mood light for underwater appeal and light therapy. MSRP for the Hudson Bay 4 Person 14 Jet Spa is $2,399.00, but be sure to check the current 4 Person 14 Jet spa – Amazon price here.

MOST VERSATILE | Intex PureSpa Portable Spas

77-inch Bubble Massage Spa Set

If you’re looking for a solution that might be a little less permanent and maybe more versatile, you should consider Intex PureSpa portable, inflatable spas. For example, the 77-inch Bubble Massage Spa Set offers a great solution that gives you the comfort of a spa without the continuous maintenance or the permanence of installation. Constructed consists of Fiber-Tech and three-ply laminated material that is both comfortable and reliably durable. Maintenance is easy, with two easily replaceable filter cartridges included and an insulated cover and lock to protect the interior, as well as to minimize the loss of heat when not in use. Setup is simple, with an inflation hose included, and operation is easier with simple controls for the heating system, rated for up to 104 degrees and for the 120 high powered bubble jets. There is even a built-in hard water system to help soften the effects on your skin. You get an insulated ground cover cloth that helps retain heat that would otherwise sink into the earth and plenty of room to accommodate four people. Best of all, the inflatable hot tub comes with a carrying case, so you can take it to a friend’s house for a part or to your mountain cabin rental in the winter. MSRP for the Intex PureSpa 77-Inc Bubble Massage Portable Spa is $389.00, but be sure to check the current 77-inch Bubble Massage Spa Set – Amazon price here.

BARGAIN BUY | Coleman SaluSpa Portable Spas

Coleman SaluSpa 4 Person Inflatable Portable Outdoor Spa and Hot Tub

In the same tradition of versatile hot tub installation that also offers an incredible bargain without compromising quality, you have the Coleman SaluSpa 4 Person Inflatable Portable Outdoor Spa and Hot Tub. The Coleman SaluSpa 4 Person Portable Inflatable Outdoor Spa and Hot Tub has outer walls made of fabric coated material for a softer look and feel. For ease of use, there is a soft-touch digital control panel for the pump and 2 easy-lift handles that help you move the hot tub when it’s empty. Maintenance is a breeze with 2 easily replaceable filter cartridges that keep the water clean and refreshing. The floor is cushioned for comfort, and setup takes no time at all, with rapid inflation and a rapid heating system that can crank the water up to sweltering 104 degrees for complete relaxation. There are 60 air jets, and the walls are made from 3 ply PVC with I-Beam construction for durability, even allowing you to sit on the inflated sides of the spa, trusting its stability. The hot tub has a chemical floater for the filtration cartridges and comes with an inflatable cover that insulates the hot tub when not in use, so you don’t waste excess energy heating it and don’t end up with tons of dust and dirt in the water. The hot tub is also large enough to accommodate four people, so you can relax on your own, with your partner, or with some friends. MSRP for the Coleman SaluSpa 4 Person Inflatable Portable Outdoor Spa and Hot Tub is $499.99, with discounted prices available online, but be sure to check the current Coleman SaluSpa 4 Person Inflatable Portable Outdoor Spa and Hot Tub – Amazon price here.

BOTTOM LINE

Which hot tub you choose truly depends on your situation and needs, including your budget and the ability to permanently install a hot tub in your yard versus the need to take it down when not in use. If you’re looking to save some money and present a solution that isn’t going to become a permanent fixture, the Coleman SaluSpa line of portables is definitely a great option for you, considering the low cost and the ease of setup and takedown. Of course, there are other factors as well, including overall design and power usage. One brand stands out above the rest, however, in almost every way, and that makes Essential hot tubs the best all around buy for anyone looking for a great solution that will allow you to spend time outdoors year-round without subjecting yourself to the cold. And check out our Best Inflatable Pools here if a hot tub isn’t what you’re looking for!