2 Best Hot Tub Brands Reviewed by Buyers in 2024

We compared 11 companies and chose the top hot tubs

CONTENTS

Top Picks

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The hot tub industry is a competitive market with several major players — but we’re here to help you find the best model. Our research team vetted 12 hot tub companies that are rated by thousands of ConsumerAffairs reviewers. Read on for tips on how to choose the best hot tub by comparing prices, spa features, warranties and customer experiences.

Our top picks for hot tub brands:

We started with a list of the 12 hot tub brands above. To narrow it down, we excluded companies with fewer than 100 total verified reviews on our site. We then ranked the remaining companies by overall satisfaction rating. Once we determined our picks for the top five brands, the ConsumerAffairs research team compared models and picked one favorite for each.

Our pick for ThermoSpasPark Avenue

The Park Avenue comes with all the standard features you expect from top hot tubs brands, and there’s plenty of options for upgrades. The ozone filtration package is a great add-on for those who plan to use the tub every day because it cuts back on the amount of chemicals needed. You can also find deluxe LED lighting packages and personal jet controls.

The tub is made with a continuous-cast acrylic shell and includes a full insulation system, high-output filtration and a 2-pound density cover. The spa comes in five shell colors, with four choices for cabinets.

Our pick for Cal SpasPatio Series

Cal Spas reviews over the last year suggest that customers are happy with the quality of their tubs and their value and style. We like that the Patio Series is made with a patented seven-layer laminate system, reinforced with steel and wood for a strong shell.

Patio Round hot tubs come with a plug-and-play cord, which makes them easy to set up. The shell comes in white or silver, with more options available through the deluxe color upgrade package. The cover comes in gray or brown.

Our pick for Master SpasTwilight Series 8.25

Some of the happiest Master Spas customers praise the Twilight Series for its water therapy benefits. The TS 8.25 comes with the Master Force biomagnetic therapy system and stress relief neck and shoulder seat. It features LED lighting, with options for Wi-Fi controls, a sound system and quiet flow pumps.

You can choose from three shell colors and five skirt colors. Positive reviews also note that Master Spas installers are courteous and professional.

Our pick for Marquis SpasRendezvous Discovery

Marquis is one of the most recommended hot tub brands on our site. We like that the Rendezvous Discovery’s corner design makes it easy to install in small spaces, like a deck or patio. It comes with a waterfall fountain and Bluetooth-enabled speakers. The jets are positioned to target your lower, middle and upper back, plus feet and neck.

This model is available in four different shell colors and features an upgraded, durable cabinet material. It is the only one in the Celebrity series available with ash and espresso choices for the cabinet. However, due to this model’s high demand, availability may be limited in your area.

Our pick for Hot Spring SpasTriumph

The Triumph comes with 27 jets total, including 18 directional hydromassage jets. Hydrostream jets provide a constant powerful flow, and directional massage jets are easy to adjust for targeted relief. The cabinet comes in six colors, and there are five color options for the shell.

Hot Spring includes a wireless control panel and cover. Optional features include sound systems, cover lifters and steps.

Offers hydromassage therapy features, exclusive jet technology and a variety of seating options. Provides shell or full-cabinet foam insulation. Includes lifetime warranty on select components. Prices start around $3,000.

Sells spas, portable hot tubs and swim spas. Features biomagnetic therapy, filtration, water management systems and energy-efficient insulation. Includes 10-year warranty on shell. Prices start at around $6,000.

Design your hot tub or select by model and seating capacity. Customizes colors, jets and accessories. Thermoinsulation system locks in heat. 20-year limited warranty. Offers financing. Prices start around $4,000.

Features high-flow therapy, water management systems, Microsilk and standard full-cabinet foam insulation. Provides customizable lighting, audio and waterfall options. Includes owner’s protection plan. Prices start around $3,895.

Manufactures luxury hot tubs. Features control panels, accent jets and therapy pillows. Offers some nonchlorine sanitation systems. Includes a five-year warranty on equipment, plumbing and cabinet. Prices start around $4,000.

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Features hot tubs with traditional, hydromassage and directional water jets. Insulated with multidensity closed-cell foam. Offers saltwater systems. Includes seven-year structural warranty. Prices start around $3,000.

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Create a customized ambiance with LED illumination, waterfalls and entertainment systems. Insulated with full-cabinet foam. Offers FreshWater Salt Systems. Includes a 10-year structural warranty. Prices start around $3,000.

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In-ground hot tubs are generally referred to as spas, though many in the hot tub industry use the terms interchangeably. Some of the most common types of residential hot tubs and spas include:

Some consumers are surprised to learn that filling a hot tub doesn’t require any plumbing — all hot tubs can simply be filled with an outdoor water hose. Once a hot tub is filled with water, electrical resistance heaters warm the water to between 100 and 104 degrees. A pump forces water through an intake hose to circulate. A valve diverter then directs the heated water through the jets.

Water pumps power the hot tub jets. Like car motors, spa pump motors have horsepower, which describes how much power the motor can provide. Hot tub spa pump motors range from 110 to 240 volts. The type and number of pumps you need depend on the jet power, the speed you want and the energy you expect to consume.

Some hot tubs have more than one pump to deliver various functions, such as controlling jet power to particular seats. Circulation pumps continuously circulate water to clean and heat the hot tub. No-bypass filtration with circulation pumps sucks unfiltered water back through the pump and then redistributes it through the jets.

Start by figuring out your budget so you know where to start looking. Next, think about what you want out of your hot tub experience — how you intend to use the tub will determine the features you want to look for.

Upfront costs to purchase and install a hard-shell hot tub range anywhere from $2,000 to $18,000. If your budget is under $2,000, start by looking online for hard-shell portable or inflatable tubs, sometimes referred to as soft tubs. (You don’t need to hire an installer for either of these types of hot tubs.)

Bargain hot tubs have a cheaper price tag, but energy-efficient models are a better investment because they are 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.

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.

Choose the size of your hot tub based on the number of people who will use it. Large hot tubs are better for entertaining, but smaller tubs are better for relaxing or intimate experiences.

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, holding 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.

A brand might say a hot tub is made for five or six people, but pay attention to the dimensions. In general, an 83-inch by 83-inch model can comfortably fit about four adults — three if someone is using the “lounger.”

As with most big purchases, it’s smart to make a list of three or four brands that appeal to you. Make notes of options that stand out, such as particular cabinet designs, styles of jets or seating arrangements.

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, 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. Usually you will find the best pricing in fall and winter.

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.

» RELATED: Saltwater hot tub pros and cons

Most hot tubs are fairly easy to get up and running with professional installation. Above-ground hot tubs are commonly placed on a concrete slab or reinforced deck. The location just needs to have enough structural strength to support the tub when full of water and people.

Decide where you want the tub to go before the delivery day. When picking a spot, consider your comfort and convenience. For instance, if you live in an area with cold, snowy winters, 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 bit easier:

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.

» LEARN MORE: How to move a hot tub

Picking the right hot tub is only half the game — the other half includes outfitting the tub with the right accessories and safety measures for guests. Accessories like covers, spa pillows and steps improve the functionality and appearance of your hot tub. Accessories can be purchased at any time, so you don’t have to get everything all at once.

» LEARN MORE: Do home warranties cover hot tubs and spas?

Local hot tub companies can help you find the right match for your city's climate and your needs. We compared hot tub stores across the U.S. to help you find trusted companies in your city.

Depending on what type of tub you get and whether you opt for any add-ons, your hot tub cost can range from as little as $300 (for inflatable models) up to around $25,000 for the tub itself. If the tub requires installation, budget a few hundred to a few thousand for this labor.

And then there’s the ongoing cost of hot tub ownership. Though these costs can vary, you can expect to spend anywhere from $700 to $1,600 a year on required maintenance and repairs.

Hot tubs can be very pricey, but many reviews on our site say shelling out the money for a hot tub was worth it — like Juan from Washington, who wanted a hot tub because it “really helps decompress some of the muscles that tightened up and contribute to nerve compression.” He said having a hot tub at home was “very convenient” for him — and that it saved him trips to the gym just to use the hot tub there.

Bargain and inflatable hot tubs have a shorter life span of five to 15 years. A quality hot tub lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years if properly maintained. Overall, how long your hot tub lasts depends on the quality of its materials, the construction and how well it is taken care of.

A good water filtration system helps keep your hot tub water clean, healthy and safe. Still, all hot tubs require water care, filter replacements and regular cleaning. Traditional hot tub water care requires you to manually add sanitizers to the tub about once a week.

No matter which approach to hot tub water care you choose, it’s essential to keep your spa covered when not in use. Following a maintenance schedule ensures your hot tub lasts as long as possible:

A hot tub is a portable container of water used for relaxation or hydrotherapy. Unlike a bathtub, hot tubs are usually placed outdoors and can accommodate up to eight people at a time. The first hot tubs were cauldron-like chambers heated with hot stones. These days, hot tubs are warmed with electrical resistance heaters and have built-in jets that create a massage-like effect. The basic components of a modern hot tub are the body, pump and filter.

A hot tub is any tub with massaging jets. Jacuzzi is a brand of hot tub. Jacuzzi manufactures hot tubs and other spa products, including bathtubs and showers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that owners use chlorine and bromine as primary sanitizers. Some mineral sanitizers can be combined with an oxidizer (ozone with silver ions and MPS, a nonchlorine compound) to help reduce microorganisms.

Two-person hot tubs start between $2,000 and $5,000. Many people consider two-person hot tubs the perfect entry point because they're small, cheap and easy to maintain.

Sometimes. Depending on your insurance provider and policy, health insurance might cover the purchase of a new hot tub if your doctor has prescribed hydrotherapy to treat a medical condition like arthritis, joint injuries or poor circulation.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water for health benefits. Water-based spa treatments use high-pressure jets to massage muscles and stimulate circulation. Sometimes, hydrotherapy is referred to as “hydropathy” or “water therapy.” Generally, these therapies combine heat, buoyancy and jet massage to relieve back, neck and joint pain as well as sore muscles, arthritis and other health conditions.

Many people feel relief from anxiety, stress and insomnia after soaking in warm water. Other than hot tubs, hydrotherapy methods include sitz baths, steam baths, Watsu, saunas and contrast therapy. According to the principles of hydrotherapy, hot water helps remove waste from the body by activating sweat glands, while cold water helps blood flow.

Both the manufacturing and operation of hot tubs affect the environment. Modern hot tubs are more environmentally friendly than those made as recently as 10 years ago. Still, all hot tubs require water and energy to work.

We think it’s always smart to get the most eco-friendly hot tub for your budget. You save on energy costs over time and minimize adverse effects on the environment. A secure cover also helps reduce heat loss. The top energy-efficient hot tubs utilize full foam insulation.

The return you get on investing in a quality hot tub is worth it if you enjoy it and use it enough. However, hot tubs aren’t a good investment in the traditional sense — a hot tub’s value doesn’t increase over time, and it’s unlikely you’ll earn income with a residential hot tub.

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Customizable hot tubs and spas. Energy-efficient systems and JetPak therapy. Discount programs and financing options available. Warranties included. Showrooms across the United States.

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Sells a variety of hot tubs and hot tub accessories. Jets provide full neck and back coverage. Maximizes the benefit of hydromassage with ergonomic seats and headrest. Tub warranties vary by model. Prices start around $4,000.

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Offers a variety of spas and spa accessories. Features patented jet technology and energy-efficient full foam insulation. Smartphone app lets you control temperature. Warranties vary by model. Prices start around $5,000.

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Sells saunas, hot tubs and accessories. Carries hot tub supplies and custom hot tub covers. Shop inventory by brand or by need. Detailed care and maintenance resources on the website. Free shipping on all orders.

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Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.