The 10 Best Hot Tubs 2020 Reviews & Consumer Reports

UPDATED: Jan 05, 2020.

Hot tubs are amongst the best ways to relax and feel rejuvenated without having to leave the comfort of home. Having said this one might ask what are the best hot tubs to buy for home? This is a great question and the answer to it requires a bit of research and insight which we are here to provide.

A hot tub for your home can be a substantial investment. Thus, it is important that whatever product one selects fulfills their core needs and requirements in order to get the best value from the purchase.

This comprehensive guide reviews the 10 best hot tubs for homes that are sure to wow your friends and neighbors while providing years of reliable service and enjoyable refreshing experiences.

At a Glance: Our Recommendations for Best Hot Tubs:

• Essential Hot Tubs SS115220400 (Top Pick)
• Essential Hot Tubs SS2540307403 (Top Rated)
• Essential Hot Tubs 100-Jet Calypso (Editor Choice)
• Home and Garden Spas Hudson Bay Spas
• Essential Hot Tubs SS215377403

Here Are The Best-Selling Hot Tubs in 2020 | UPDATED

Several factors were considered when selecting this list of the 10 best hot tubs to buy. These factors included; features, benefits, price, service, warranty and customer feedback.

Each of the 10 hot tubs on this list is the best in one regard or another. The pros and cons of each product is listed to make it easy for potential buyers to understand and conclude what hot tubs best meet their requirements and budget.

Having various types of hot tubs ranging in price and quality helps cater to a wider demographic and such factors have also been taken into consideration when coming up with this ultimate 10 Best Hot Tubs list.

1. Essential Hot Tubs SS115220400

The Essential Arbor also makes it on this list of the 10 best hot tubs to buy. Just like the other Essential models this one doesn’t disappoint. The Arbor with its contour style seating and highly durable low maintenance impact resistant exterior makes it the ideal hot tub for parties.

The granite resin material construction adds to the uniqueness of this product making it stand out from the rest of the spas available on the market. High quality internal components such as the pump and electrical components make this a sensible and long-lasting purchase for any home.

Pros

• 20 stainless steel jets
• 2-speed energy efficient pump
• Contour style 5 person capacity
• All-season stainless steel Balboa heater
• Digital backlit control panel
• Easy to use plug and play set up
• Excellent heat retention thanks to a fully insulated interior

Cons:

• Does not come with a lounger
• Specific non-generic filters

2. Essential Hot Tubs SS2540307403

Essential is a well-renowned manufacturer of hot tubs and it is little surprise that they have so far dominated this list. The Essential Adelaide is another highly affordable premium quality hot tub that comes with all the features and benefits you would normally associate with much more expensive brands and models.

The Adelaide has an aesthetically pleasing yet extremely functional design that sets it apart from the rest of the competition. Small touches such as the drink trays provide that added touch of luxury that makes this hot tub truly look more expensive than it is.

Pros

• 30 fully adjustable stainless steel jets
• Balboa stainless steel all-season heater
• 5 person capacity including lounger
• Luxurious and comfortable seating
• Modern and aesthetically pleasing design
• Easy to use plug and play set up
• Excellent customer service
• Ice box area and drink trays come with

Cons:

• Difficult to access panel containing drain hose
• A tad on the expensive side

3. Essential Hot Tubs 100-Jet Calypso Hot Tub

As the name suggests, Essential Hot Tubs 100-Jet Calypso Hot Tub offers up to 100 stainless steel two-tone adjustable jets. I find them to be useful since they can help you to relax with the therapy setting or opt for the invigorating massage.

And it is easy to switch between the two thanks to the simple button located on the hot tub. Another thing I find interesting about this product is the ability to hold up to seven people when seated.

You only need to sink into the tub and get a one-of-a-kind experience with the 12 neck and shoulder jets as well as 20 foot and leg jets. 

Pros: 

• Connects to 240v electric source 
• Comes with a stainless steel balboa heater
• Able to pair with Bluetooth 
• Made in the USA
• Insulated tapered cover
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Requires a professional to install 
• Uses a lot of power

4. Home and Garden Spas Hudson Bay Spas 19-Jet 

One of the most amazing hot tubs that I have ever come across is the Home and Garden Spas Hudson Bay Spa. The model has up to 19 jets, which can make your evening more relaxing as you take your evening rest.

It also comes with a 10-foot long GFCI cord that lets you plug it into a standard 110v power source. Another feature I like of this model is the ability to conserve electricity no matter how often you use it.

It is also a durable model thanks to the multi-layer construction that has reinforced fiberglass. The hot tub also provides value for the money and was made to last for years.

Pros:

• Needs a 110v power source 
• Digital control feature 
• Comes with fiberglass for reinforcement 
• Can be placed 10 feet from a power source 
• Consumes low energy 

Cons

• Has only 19 jets 
• Can’t switch from massage to therapy

5. Essential Hot Tubs SS215377403

The Essential Polara is a more premium hot tub model that is built for comfort and relaxation. It is quite spacious and can easily seat up to 5-6 people. A lounger and 50 full adjustable hydro jets provide an unparalleled hydrotherapy experience all in the comfort of your home.

A long-lasting and energy efficient hot tub that is quite easy to install and use. The Polara is ideal for spending relaxing time with close friends and family or even by yourself thanks to its lounger. For its size, comfort and price this Essential Polara is a bargain for anyone looking for a medium to large sized hot tub.

Polara’s comfortable and spacious design combined with powerful hydro jets and a Balboa heater makes this an exquisite addition to any home.

Pros:

• Seats 5-6 people including lounger
• All season stainless steel balboa heater
• 50 fully-adjustable powerful jets for relaxing hydrotherapy sessions
• Heavy-duty insulated cover for better heat retention
• Energy efficient motor
• Luxurious and spacious design

Cons:

• A bit on the expensive side
• Needs a better instruction manual

6. Essential Hot Tubs SS125210300

The Essential Newport is a basic yet sturdy hot tub that is great for year round use. Equipped with 14 powerful jets and a high quality heater this hot tub offers a relaxing and comfortable hydrotherapy experience at a fraction of the cost when compared to other premium models.

The Essential Newport is the ideal hot tub for small families and couples or for someone who is working with limited space. It’s extremely easy to set up and its space-saving design allows it to fit in even in the tightest of spaces.

Fast shipping and long-lasting durable construction make this hot tub a great addition to any home.

Pros:

• Balboa stainless steel heater for year round use
• Great value for money
• Equipped with 14 hydrotherapy jets
• Powerful water pump
• Easy to use and install plug and play hot tub
• Durable construction
• LED lighting and digital control panel
• No electrical connection or wiring required

Cons:

• Smaller than it looks (has room for 2-3 adults at best)

7. Home and Garden Spas 6 Person

A beautifully designed hot tub that is ideal for a group of 5-6 people to relax and enjoy. The Home & Garden HG51T comes equipped with a powerful energy efficient pump that results in a relaxing massage thanks to its well-placed stainless steel jets to provide you with a high quality hydrotherapy experience.

The HG51T has a luxurious and spacious design with comfortable seating and a lounger that allows one to truly relax and enjoy some quality time with friends and family. If you are looking for a hot tub that is affordable yet highly durable and aesthetically pleasing the HG51T might be your best bet.

Pros

• Energy efficient high performance pump
• Powerful stainless steel jets
• LED lighting and LED lit fountains
• Built-in ozonator
• Digital Balboa control panel
• Durable heavy-duty construction
• Comfortable and spacious sitting

Cons

• Not the most informative instruction manual
• Recommend professional installation

8. Essential Hot Tubs 11-Jet Integrity Hot Tub

One great feature of the Essential Hot Tubs 11-Jet model is the said stainless steel jets that ensure you get invigorating massage and therapy. It is a great feature that I find to bring value to the use and the unit can handle up to five people. 

I also find it to be easy to assemble as you only need to plug it into a standard 120v power source. And it comes with a GFCI cord that ensures you remain safe when relaxing in your hot tub. 

There is also a quality, insulated tapered cover that you can easily lock to keep pets and kids out of your facility.

Pros 

• Made in the USA
• Able to hold up to five people 
• Jets made of stainless steel
• Has a cover that you can use to cover it 
• Connects to standard 120v power sources 

Cons

• Has only 11 jets 
• Uses a lot of electricity 

9. American Spas AM-511RM 11-Jet Round Spa

I like the American Spas Am-511RM 11-Jet Round Spa as it comes with an exclusive 110v/240v pump that connects to a 110v power source easily. It is also a plug-and-play model that won’t take much of your time when assembling it.

The model also features up to 11 stainless steel massage therapy jets that offer the hydrotherapy experience you have always wanted. Besides, I find it to be a convenience to use model thanks to the individual on/off flow control that lets you target a specific part of your body.

There is also a 5.5kW high-quality heater made of titanium material that ensures you get warm want 365 days.

Pros:

• Hydoclear Ozonator for purifying water 
• Reusable filters for filtering the water
• Whisper-quiet operation 
• Provides warm water due to the titanium heater
• Easy to control individual jets

Cons:

• Only 11 jets 
• Can’t hold many users 

10. Hudson Bay Spas 4 Person

This Hudson Bay Spa from Home & Garden Spas offers an affordable high-end spa solution for the masses. The beautifully constructed hot tub comes equipped with 14 powerful jets and an energy efficient motor to provide you with a high quality therapeutic massage without consuming immense amounts of energy.

Even though this tub is advertised as being big enough for 4 people it is more aptly suited for couples or small families at best. What it lacks in size it more than makes up in quality, performance and price making this hot tub a top contender on this list.

Pros

• Energy efficient high performance pump
• 14 stainless steel jets
• LED lighting
• Cost-effective
• Digital control panel
• Durable and lightweight construction
• Easy to set up and install

Cons

• Not the most informative instruction manual
• Ideally seats only 2 people

11. Hudson Bay Spa XP34 6 Person

The Hudson Bay Spa XP34 offers the perfect balance between features and price. If you are the type of person looking for a hot tub that provides an excellent hydrotherapy experience but lacks some of the bells and whistles of more premium models this is the right hot tubs for your needs.

This spa has a classic square shape design and an efficient yet powerful pump that is more than enough to power the 34 stainless steel jets. Made of heavy-duty high quality materials it is designed to be spacious and comfortable.

The Hudson Spa XP34 is the perfect hot tub for your family and friends to relax and spend some quality time with each other; all in luxurious comfort.

Pros:

• Comfortable and spacious – fits up to 6 people
• High quality luxury finish
• Digital control panel
• LED lighting
• Great value for money
• Powerful yet energy efficient pump
• Easy to install and maintain

Cons:

• Unable to heat water when jets are on high power
• It is quite heavy and difficult to move around

12. Lifesmart 4 Person Hot Tub Spa With 13 Jets

The Lifesmart Rock Solid as the name suggests has a heavy-duty sandstone eco thermal plastic construction. This solid construction makes it not only durable but allows it to be a truly plug and play set up and install.

This hot tub is ideal for couples and has an energy efficient motor coupled with 13 powerful jets that produce relaxing massages that are sure to relax and soothe sore muscles.

Great value for the price this Lifesmart is a smart choice if you are looking for a hot tub that is basic, sturdy and affordable.

Pros

• Heavy-duty outer shell
• Digitally controlled
• 13 jets for relaxing and refreshing massages
• LED lighting and waterfall feature
• Energy efficient 1.5 BHP motor
• Easy plug and play setup

Cons

• A little less roomy only really fits 2-3 adults
• Limited water heating capacity

13. Essential Hot Tubs SS1540240300

The Essential Rainier is a mid-ranged hot tub model that offers spacious comfort and luxury at an extremely attractive price. The 24 hydro jets offer a compelling hydrotherapy session that is sure to take away the stress and tiredness leaving you relaxed and comfortable.

The ideal choice for customers looking for something that can easily accommodate a party of 4-6 people in relative comfort while being affordable and attainable. The Essential Rainier makes this possible by finding the right balance between luxury and practicality.

For the price you will be hard pressed to find something of higher quality and capacity.

Pros

• Lightweight construction
• 1 KW all-season Balboa stainless steel heater
• 24 stainless steel jets for a relaxing hydrotherapy experience
• Spacious and comfortable design
• Seats 6 including the lounger
• Competitively priced
• Fast shipping
• Easy plug and play setup

Cons

• Doesn’t have any foot jets for the lounger
• Difficult to remove and put on side panels

14. Home and Garden Spas 6-Person

A high-end spacious 6 person hot tub that comes with all the top of the line features associated with some of the more premium model hot tubs. This Home & Garden Spa has a fiberglass construction for added durability and a powerful 6.0 BHP pump to keep those 40 jets at full power.

This hot tub with its many high-end features such as mp3 input, built-in speakers and subwoofer, LED lighting and ozonator making it a great purchase for the price. A hot tub with this much space and these many features can easily cost between $7000-$10000 making this hot tub quite the bargain.

If you have the money to invest in something that is truly luxurious and durable the Home & Garden Spa might just be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Spacious 6 seater design
• Easy to use digital controls
• Extremely powerful jet pump 6.0 BHP
• 40 hydro jets offer an amazing hydrotherapy experience
• Built-in mp3 input and speakers
• Modern fiberglass construction
• LED lighting & built-in ozonator

Cons

• Requires professional installation
• Difficult to access control panel underneath the spa

12 Things to Consider Before Purchase

Having reviewed the 10 best hot tubs we now look at some of the most important factors to consider before making a purchase decision. These internal and external factors can greatly impact the selection process of choosing the most suitable hot tub for your individual needs.

The Space or Area Available

Selecting the right sized hot tub for your needs can make life a lot simpler when it comes to set up and installation. A hot tub too big would not only be challenging to install but would also consume more energy and be harder to maintain eating up both time and money.

A hot tub too small would not be able to provide the level of comfort or relaxation desired. Thus, knowing the exact size of the hot tub you want can help narrow down the options and make selection a lot easier.

The Number of People

Knowing the number of people that would be using the hot tub on a general basis can further narrow down the options. Depending on the seating, size and space available different hot tubs have different capacities in terms of the amount of people it can hold.

A smaller 2 seater hot tub with a lounger might be more ideal for someone looking to share a hot tub with their significant other. On the other hand a contour style hot tub would hold more people and thus be better for parties and friends.

The Material

Ensuring that both the exterior and interior components are built from high quality durable material is essential to having a long-lasting durable hot tub. Hot tubs can be made from a variety of materials like fiberglass, resin and various grades of plastic.

Components such as the hydro jets and heating system are generally made from stainless steel in more premium models for added durability and reliability.

Features

Each hot tub reviewed has its own set of features and benefits. It all depends upon the customer and their budget. The more features in-built the greater the cost is likely to be. More premium models include features such as a music player, speakers, ozonators, insulator covers, LED lighting and much more.

Durability

Hot tubs are an expensive investment in most cases thus durability plays an essential role in determining the right one that is likely to last the longest period of time based on use. Certain hot tubs are more basic as they are built to last rather than offer a whole array of features.

The Price

Price often plays a major part in any buying decision. With so many choices available selecting hot tubs  that have all the right elements can then make the selection process easier as it would all come down to which one is offering the best deal.

The Brand

Opting for a well-renowned brand like the ones mentioned in this review can be quite advantageous for several reasons. A reputable brand name or manufacturer is likely to have much better customer service and technical support along with more favorable warranty terms than a non-reputable or newer brand.

Choosing a reputable and popular brand is also beneficial as spare parts are much easier to find in case things to go south. Also, if you ever decide that you don’t want a hot tub anymore for whatever reason having a known brand will help get a better resale value.

Warranty

What type of warranty is being offered by the manufacturer and on what terms?

Maintenance

No matter what hot tub you purchase without proper maintenance and upkeep you are not likely to get long lasting results. Replacing and cleaning out the filters and using chemicals as prescribed by the manufacturer is essential in keeping water clear and fresh all season round.

Water Pump

One of the most important components in any spa or hot tub is the water pump. The water pump must have enough power to provide the necessary pressure needed by the water jets but it can’t be too powerful otherwise it can easily crank up your home’s power bill.

Ensuring that you select a hot tub with energy efficient yet powerful pump will lead to better efficiency and greater savings in the long-run.

Hydrotherapy Experience

The fully adjustable water jets found in hot tubs or spas are what provide that relaxing experience. The greater the number of water jets the more vigorous and thorough is the massage experience.

If hydrotherapy is your main reason for purchasing a hot tub than it is highly recommended that you purchase one with as many adjustable hydro jets as possible to get the best messaging experience to help soothe your muscles and relieve stress.

Filtration & Sanitation

The better the in-built filtration system the easier it would be to maintain water clarity and hygiene. It is extremely important to carefully research what types of chemicals would work best on what type of hot tubs and such information is often available in the instruction manual.

Certain hot tubs also come with in-built ozonators that help with the sanitation of water but require cartridges to be changed periodically for continued performance.

Most hot tubs come with reusable filters that need to be cleaned out in the recommended time to get the most use out of the pump and jets. Not changing the filters can clog up the system running water hygiene and damaging internal and external components.

Types of Hot Tubs

Technological advancement has led to various different types of hot tubs that have been able to attract a much more diverse target market. There are broadly three types of hot tubs one can choose from and they range immensely in terms of price, durability and functionality.

Portable Hot Tubs

All the hot tubs reviewed in this guide are portable hot tubs that are generally constructed for easy set up and install. Portable hot tubs are self-contained and can easily be moved from one place to another as they often come with a simple plug and play setup.

Because they are mass manufactured and relatively easy to install portable hot tubs have become extremely popular. They cost a fraction of the cost as compared to permanent hot tub solutions while offering the same type of features and benefits.

Due to competition in this space portable hot tubs can be found in all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, jets and other features so researching prior is always highly recommended.

Soft Hot Tubs

Also referred to as inflatable hot tubs, soft tubs are growing in popularity thanks to their unbeatable affordability and ease of setup. In recent time the concept of an inflatable spa has become a norm with more and more people opting for this simple and affordable solution.

Inflatable hot tubs are lightweight and easy to move around and are ideal if you are looking for a spa that you are able to take with you wherever you go. The ideal solution for people who like to travel or just want something inexpensive and easy to maintain to ease those aching muscles.

Soft hot tubs have not been featured on the list of the 10 best hot tubs simply because they are not as durable or as long-lasting as the ones mentioned on this list. Although inexpensive there are still several advancements that need to be made before a soft hot tub is able to make it on this list.

Permanent Hot Tubs

The most durable and most effective hot tubs to buy are permanent hot tubs but they can be extremely expensive and out of budget for many households. Permanent hot tubs require professional installation and it is almost the same as having a swimming pool in your home.

Permanent hot tubs require their own filtration system, chemicals and heating to maintain water clarity and hygiene. Once the unit is installed it cannot be moved and this is what makes this type of hot tub less popular in today’s market.

Households today like the ease and convenience of portable hot tubs as compared to permanent ones simply because they offer essentially the same features at a lower cost and with added convenience.

Health Benefits of Using A Hot Tub

They are various benefits of using a hot tub apart from the obvious relaxation and comfort. Medical studies have found that hot tubs provide a variety of health benefits. These are as follows:

Improves Blood Circulation

Heat from the water helps open up blood vessels that allows for better more efficient blood flow through the body. Highly recommended for people suffering from arthritis as the improved blood circulation helps ease pain from stiff joints.

Helps in Weight Loss

Just sitting in a hot tub for an hour can burn on average about 140 calories. This is the same as walking for 30 minutes. Although not intended for weight loss hot tubs do help in burning calories and lowering blood sugar levels.

Detox

Hot tubs are also an ideal way to get rid of toxins in your body through the process of sweating. High water temperature gets rid of sodium and other unwanted substances in your body and lowers stress on liver and kidneys.

Relieves Stress and Muscle Ache

One of the best feelings after a tiring stressful day is to climb into a hot tub and get a relaxing and thorough hydrotherapy experience. The hydro jets allow for a soothing massage that helps relieve pain in muscles and also alleviate stress.

Hot tubs are also highly recommended for individuals suffering from back pain as hydrotherapy truly helps in easing the pain when it comes to back problems or injuries.

Consult with a doctor for further information regarding the health benefits of hot tubs and whether one would be beneficial for you as certain medical conditions may be irritated by soaking in a spa for a period of time.

What Are The Best Hot Tubs To Buy For Homes?

After reviewing ten of the best hot tubs available for purchase online and looking at all the factors associated to making the right purchase decision the question “What are the best hot tubs to buy for home?” can still be confusing.

To avoid any further confusion it is best to narrow down the list to only those hot tubs that best suit your needs. Once this is done the answer becomes a lot clearer. The best hot tub for your home is the one that best suits your budget and the type of hydrotherapy experience you are looking for.

The ten best hot tubs on this list have varied greatly in terms of price, size, features and design. However, each hot tub has its own unique set of pros and cons that sets it apart from the other. Knowing what you want is the first step towards making an informed and sensible purchase decision.

All the hot tubs presented in this list are luxurious and affordable. They all have the capability of offering a professional like hydrotherapy experience for a fraction of the cost. The best tip we can provide is that the best hot tubs are not built just for performance and features but rather for durability and reliability.

A hot tub is an investment for your home and more importantly an investment in your lifestyle. Thus, the best hot tub is the one that offers the best warranty, durability, benefits and price.

FAQS:

Q: Are Hot Tubs Safe?

A: Yes. Soaking in your hot tub could be want you need to relax after a long time and you can always be sure you are safe. However, you need to take the necessary measures to guarantee safety by ensuring that everything is in order.

Q: How Hot Tubs Work?

A: A hot tub works in a simple way. The water gets pumped from the filter through a pipework system connected to a motor and pump.

It then gets into a heating heater and driven into your hot tub. There is also a drainage system that removes the water from the tub once you are done or when closing it down.

Q: Are Hot Tubs Safe During Pregnancy?

A: No. Studies have shown that the baby can be affected if you get into a hot tub during the first trimester. With that said, there are measures you can take to reduce this risk, like re-programming your tubs temperature.

Also, limit the duration you stay in the tub to about 10 minutes.

Q: Are Hot Tubs Good for Colds?

A: Yes. They can increase your body temperature to help you fight with the cold virus. 

You should soak in your hot tub for a couple of minutes to boost your immune system – that can kill the virus.  

Q: Are Hot Tubs Bad for Your Skin?

A: Long hot shower can dry your skin, and you should consider rising thoroughly after being in your hot tub. You should also apply lotion on your skin to help soak up the heat moisture.

Conclusion

Hot tubs allow access to unparalleled comfort, relaxation and convenience. Hot tubs can prove to be intimate, relaxing and enjoyable experiences for couples or fun and entertaining time with friends and family.

Many consider hot tubs to be far more unattainable that they really are. The amazing prices, payment terms and easy set up and install options offered by the best hot tub manufacturers make owning and maintaining a hot tub much easier than you think and definitely a lot lighter on your pockets.

Technological advancements and mass manufacturing have made it possible for hot tubs to be attainable by almost any household. Hot tubs come in all shapes, sizes and prices and range from the most luxurious designs and features to basic and practical simplicity.