5 Best Hot Tubs Consumer Reports of 2022 – Reviews By An Expert!

The greatest hot tubs for backyards are the key to unwinding after a long day. A home hot tub is a wonderful way to treat yourself, whether you’re in need of bubble treatment to help ease sore muscles or just want a place to unwind on a Friday night with your loved ones. You’ll be ready to let go of stress and completely unwind thanks to amenities like jets and low-pressure systems for various massage therapies.

Although high-end hot tubs have a reputation for being a costly investment, this is not always the case. While more expensive models can cost up to $16,000, there are plenty of low-cost alternatives that are simple to operate and have good energy efficiency to keep costs down. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, finest inflatable hot tubs(opens in new tab) are a fantastic choice.

Cost savings from purchasing a smaller model are proportional to the number of persons who will be using the bubbles simultaneously. Depending on how many people you expect to have over, hot tubs can seat anywhere from two to eight people.

Many of today’s top-tier hot tubs feature built-in stereos, drink holders, and LED mood lighting, making them ideal as the focal point of a cocktail party or nighttime get-together. The hot tubs we’ve highlighted are not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing, as they come in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Top 10 Hot Tubs Consumer Reports: Editor Recommended

The 5 Best Hot Tubs Consumer Reports Review:

1. Coleman 90455 Ponderosa SaluSpa 71″ x 26″ 2-4 Person Portable Inflatable Round Hot Tub Spa

Want the therapeutic benefits of a hot tub without the price tag and installation commitment? The Coleman SaluSpa Miami model is our best pick for the price when it comes to inflatable hot tubs. If you are flexible with the color of the plastic shell, you may save even more money, which is fantastic for your budget. It comes with a cover to keep everything ready for use at a moment’s notice, includes jets, and has room for four people. Simply plug it in and start enjoying.

Because the outside is composed of sturdy plastic, you should exercise particular caution to prevent punctures, especially when storing it. It should only be used when the outside temperature is above 39 degrees Fahrenheit because it has a restricted utility in chilly climates. But this is the ideal low-cost alternative when taking into account the price and characteristics.

Pros:

• Pro installation not required
• Budget-friendly
• Includes plenty of jets and seating

Cons:

• Not good for cold temps
• More fragile exterior

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2. Tier1 Pool & Spa Filter Cartridge

If you want the ultimate personalized experience, ThermoSpas Manhattan II is the best you can find. Customizable options include five different shell colors, five different cabinet colors, different jet configurations, a touch screen panel, and Smart features. No matter which custom additions you choose, you’ll get a huge hot tub that is roomy for six adults but can sit up to eight comfortably—it even has an extra-wide lounger, pillow headrests, and a wrap-around corner seat. The jets work to target the lumbar area and it even comes with a mobility railing to ensure that no one slips.

Because it is a bespoke order, it can take longer to deliver and will require professional installation. If you’re ready to spend top bucks and wait for the hot tub of your dreams to be assembled, transported, and installed, you won’t be disappointed.

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3. Intex 28429E PureSpa Plus 6.4 Foot Diameter 4 Person Portable Inflatable Hot Tub Spa

The PureSpa Plus from Intex is a huge inflatable hot tub with tons of wonderful features. It has a 6.4-foot diameter and 140 jets. It fits with most budgets and is a terrific alternative for individuals who aren’t ready to commit the money or space in a permanently installed hot tub. It also includes two integrated headrests and a built-in treatment system for hard water so you don’t need to worry about anything beyond plugging it in, filling it up, and getting ready to relax.

Like other inflatable hot tubs, it is more brittle than its cabinet-based rivals. You should be careful with sharp or metal things to keep from puncturing the plastic casing. It also has temperature constraints and should only be used in temperatures over 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros:

• Included headrests
• Hard water treatment system
• Large diameter

Cons:

• Limited temperature options
• Shell can puncture

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4. AquaRest Spas AR-300 2 Person 14 SS Jets

The AquaRest Spas Premium 300 is great for one-on-one relaxing. This two-person hot tub has a remarkably unbreakable polyethylene shell that housing 20 hydrotherapy jets. While the jets massage specific muscle groups, the lumbar arch support ensures your back stays in proper alignment.

The color-changing LED waterfall makes it simple to set a soothing, romantic mood. Additionally, this spa weighs only 232 pounds when empty, so you can move the hot tub around your room with no effort.

Pros:

• Uni-body shell for durability
• Stainless steel jets
• Space-saving design

Cons:

• Expensive
• Jets aren’t adjustable
• Control panel hard to see in dark

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5. Caldera Spas Martinique Spa Cover 5″ Taper Hot Tub Cover

The CalderaSpas Martinique is the best saltwater hot tub for a family of five. The included FreshWater Salt System maintains the water’s purity for a year without the need for any extra purification methods. A screen displays information and instructions as the device checks the temperature and chemistry of the water in your hot tub.

Although there aren’t as many of them as in some other hot tubs, the jets in this one are fantastic as well. A prominent feature of the foot ridge is the jets located there, which can relieve pressure on the calves and feet. Each hot tub has a cover that is tailored to it and secured with a child safety lock.

Pros:

• Salt water system
• Foot ridge has great design
• Cover included

Cons:

• Not very many jets
• Salt water system adds to cost

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Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Hot Tub

a) Type

The finest type of hot tub for you will depend on your budget and available space. In-ground hot tubs are normally the most expensive but will last the longest and have the most customisation options. These are often built in conjunction with an in-ground pool.

Portable hot tubs are well-made and sturdy, with a molded shell interior and exterior cabinetry-style enclosure. If you have space for a hot tub but don’t want to dig into your yard, this is a terrific choice. Prices can vary, based on the size and extra features that you choose.

Inflatable hot tubs are the most economical type of hot tub but are also prone to the most wear and tear. These hot tubs require a 110V electrical outlet and you can start using them practically immediately. They do have certain temperature limitations, though, so make sure to read the specs before purchasing if you reside in a really cold region.

b) Size

All hot tubs include the assembled dimensions of the item itself so that you can be confident it will fit in your space. You should also consider any extra space needed to lay up lines or hook up to electricity for your hot tub. Generally, hot tubs with smaller seating capacity (2- or 4-person hot tubs) are smaller than hot tubs with a big seating capacity (6 or more people), however this is not always the case. Lounge seating may make the dimensions of even a small capacity hot tub seem big.

c) Material

Fiberglass is one of the most used materials for hot tubs due of its robustness. Other materials used can include acrylic, cement (for in-ground hot tubs), or polyethylene. Inflatable hot tubs are frequently made of a thick plastic. Hot tub enclosures can be made of plastic or wood, which can be treated to function well with the high levels of moisture.

d) Extra features

To make the most of your relaxing hot tub experience, consider spending some more money on a model that offers the amenities you want. This can feature jets, multi-colored lights, or even built-in speakers. Lounge seating is another common option, however it does generally make the hot tub larger. Some companies even provide personalized hot tubs that you may design yourself.

When looking into extra features, some are included to extend the lifespan of your hot tub. Balancing chemicals, a hot tub cover, or periodic maintenance might all come as part of a hot tub package or purchase. While an extra cost up front, buying these features may save you money in the long term.

FAQs

i) How do you set up a hot tub?

The first time you set up your hot tub, it’s not as difficult as it may sound. The procedure is as easy as having the tub delivered to your yard, releasing it from the delivery crate, and filling it with water, provided you have the required electrical outlet available (either 110V or 240V) and a level surface (preferably concrete or a specially designed hot tub pad).

Take extra precautions to make sure that there are no items on the ground that could pierce the lining of an inflatable hot tub. Before filling the hot tub, clear it of any rocks, sticks, or other obstructions. Although an inflatable hot tub frequently comes with a ground cover that adds another layer of insulation and protection, it cannot take the place of a thorough site assessment before installation.

Turn off the power to the circuit in your breaker box before bringing out the hose. Use a gentle, nonabrasive cleaner to clean the hot tub. Verify that every knob and jet is in its proper location. Install the skimmer and filter after opening the gate valves and closing the drain valves. The tub should then be filled with water using a garden hose. Reconnect the breaker’s power. Turn on the hot tub’s power and prime the pump (the hot tub’s control panel will typically have an option for this). Before adding chemicals to the water for proper hygiene and water maintenance, set the hot tub to the temperature you desire and start heating the water inside.

ii) How often should you clean a hot tub?

Depending on how frequently you use it, it is typically advised to drain and clean your hot tub every three to four months. Flushing the lines, draining the water, and scrubbing the hot tub’s shell with hot tub cleanser, white vinegar, diluted bleach solution, or all-purpose non-abrasive household cleaner are the steps in a deep clean (consult manufacturer guidelines for specific cleaning product recommendations). To get rid of any dirt or bacteria, wipe the shell, seats, and jets thoroughly. To prevent chemical contamination, make sure to rinse the tub thoroughly and dry it with a towel. Add more water to the bathtub.

Additionally, you want to remove the filters from time to time and give them a hot tub cleanser or garden hose spray. Reinstall after a thorough rinse. For regular hot tub users, this should be performed up to once every week.

iii) What chemicals do you need for a hot tub?

Hot tubs require routine cleaning to maintain safe, clean water and effective system operation. Keep an eye on your water quality and have these chemicals on hand for your hot tub:

PH adjusters: To lower pH, muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate are used. Alkalinity can also be reduced by using muriatic acid (or an alternative product). Be aware that sodium bisulfate has the ability to increase alkalinity.

Alkalinity enhancer: Since alkalinity and pH are closely related, changing the hot tub’s pH can also affect alkalinity levels. Use an alkalinity increaser to increase the alkalinity of your hot tub if necessary.

Use chlorine or a non-chlorine treatment that degrades organic compounds in the water and transforms chloramines back into the active form of chlorine as the shocking agent.

The most widely used choices for sanitizer are chlorine and bromine. Sometimes those with more sensitive skin should use bromine. Other sanitizing alternatives for your hot tub include a salt system, an ozone generator, and biguanide, a chemical sanitizer that is neither chlorinated nor brominated.

Depending on your water’s hardness, you might require an additive to either enhance or decrease the calcium content of the water in your hot tub. You’ll get clearer water as a result, and the mechanical parts’ lifespan will be extended.

Enzymes: Although not a chemical that is strictly necessary for your hot tub, enzymes aid to delay the formation of hot tub scum.

Filter cleaner: This specialized cleaning formula aids in removing buildup and debris from the filter, hence increasing its lifespan. Use it every three to four months when you deep clean your hot tub.

iv) How long do hot tubs typically last?

A hot tub should typically endure between 10 and 15 years. The lifespan of a hot tub can be influenced by the build quality, frequency of maintenance, and environmental factors. If a component breaks down or becomes worn out, it can sometimes be fixed or replaced. It could be time to replace the entire hot tub if the expense of repair is greater than the worth of the tub itself.

The anticipated lifespan for inflatable hot tubs is substantially less time. If you treat the tub and its parts well, you may expect one of these types to last for around five years, but it might need to be replaced after only a few seasons of use. Although an inflatable hot tub often costs less to acquire than a hard-side hot tub, this justifies the shorter lifespan.