To find out what to look for when shopping for the best hot tub for home use, we spoke to Eddie Karr, the CEO at Bellareed Luxury Pools, and Karen Larson, the Co-Founder of Soake Pools. “When choosing a hot tub, one should consider the experience they prefer,” says Larson. “Some hot tubs have lots of jets and bubbles and offer a ‘sit down’ experience.” According to Karr, the size of the hot tub is one of the main factors to consider, as well as the number and type of jets and their placement. “Do you want powerful jets or massage jets?” he says. “Would you like them at the center of your back or more towards the lower or upper sections?” For safety, you shouldn’t spend more than 10 to 15 minutes in a hot tub, and anyone with diabetes, lung issues, high or low blood pressure, or heart problems should receive the all-clear from their medical practitioner before using one. Hot tubs shouldn’t be used during pregnancy, and, according to the CDC, children under 5 should not be allowed in a hot tub either. With Karr and Larson’s advice in mind, we researched the top options, considering their size, water capacity, occupancy, and features. Our top pick for the best hot tub is the Lifesmart Spa with 14-Jet Nozzle Turbo Blaster, thanks to its roomy size, powerful jets, ozone water care technology, and intuitive digital display. To help you narrow down your choices, here are the best hot tubs currently on the market. Keep in Mind: The hot tub has a capacity of seven people, but it might feel a bit crowded at full capacity. Made from durable molded polyethylene designed with foam insulation, this hot tub is built to last. The ozone water care technology keeps the water clean and keeps the addition of chemicals to a minimum. This hot tub is roomy and has a capacity of up to seven people, though, for ultimate comfort, we recommend sticking to five people or fewer. A thermal locking cover is also included, which, together with the thick-walled construction, helps the water stay at optimal temperature without you having to keep adjusting the settings. There’s a user-friendly digital control panel to operate the tub and customize it to your liking, and multicolor LED lights add a relaxing ambiance. Spa steps are available for this model, but you’ll need to purchase them separately. Price at time of publish: $5,999 Product Details: Dimensions (L x W x H): 81 x 81 x 34 inches | Water Capacity: 285 gallons | Occupancy: Seven people | Included Accessories/Features: Waterfall, ozonator Keep in Mind: There’s only a 1-year warranty on the pump and a 6-month warranty on the spa liner. With 110 bubble jets all around and a maximum temperature of 140°F, this hot tub provides a soothing and relaxing hydromassage experience. It also comfortably fits up to three people. The kit comes with a pump featuring the control panel, a hot tub cover, a filter cartridge, and a chemical dispenser that evenly disperses the correct level of chlorine to keep the water at optimal cleanliness. Though it’s made from a durable, UV-, stretch-, and puncture-resistant material, there’s also a Freeze Shield that automatically heats the tub when the weather gets chilly to protect the machine from any damage. The warranty could be better, but the hot tub is designed to keep its shape, inflation after inflation, so it should last you a good while. Price at time of publish: $520 Product Details: Dimensions: 67 x 67 x 26 inches | Water Capacity: 160 gallons | Occupancy: Three people | Included Accessories/Features: Cover Keep in Mind: It’s pricey, and the final cost depends on the extras you opt for. This hot tub includes innovative pillow jets, wave massage therapy, jet configurations, a wrap-around corner seat, and seating for up to eight people (though it’s a six-seater, you may be able to squeeze in eight). The hot tub features a touchscreen panel to operate the machine, smart features to monitor and control it via your smartphone or tablet, up to 125 jets to soothe and relax, and a handrail to help you enter and exit the water. These made-to-order hot tubs are available in an array of prices, starting from around $10,000 for a basic model and potentially going up to $22,000 if you decide to purchase all the fancy bells and whistles, which, admittedly, are very worth it and make for a wonderful spa experience. You’ll need a professional to install it, however, and since it’s custom-made, there might be a bit of a wait to receive it. Price at time of publish: Approx. $20,000 Product Details: Dimensions: 93 x 93 x 38.75 inches | Water Capacity: 430 gallons | Occupancy: Six people | Included Accessories/Features: Pillow jets, reversible panels, cover, wave massage Keep in Mind: It doesn’t include foot jets or footrests. This waterfall hot tub has an Ozonator to keep the water fresh and kill bacteria and pollutants, which means you won’t need to spend so much on chemicals. It also has a patented Easy Kleen 100% water filtration system that should cut down on maintenance time. Additionally, the freeze-resistant technology protects the tub in harsh weather, and the sturdy roto-molded construction is designed to resist all the elements. Also included are colorful lights, two cup holders, and helpful air controls that allow you to control the airflow on each side individually. Shoppers in California can rejoice as this tub is good to go according to the California energy efficiency code. The only key elements missing are foot jets and footrests for extra relaxation. Price at time of publish: $4,000 Product Details: Dimensions: 80 x 68 x 31 inches | Water Capacity: 158 gallons | Occupancy: Two people | Included Accessories/Features: Waterfall, freeze resistant, cover, cupholder Keep in Mind: You’ll need to use a pump to empty it as there’s no outside drainage valve. There’s a special “corner cuddler” seat that you’ll all be fighting over, offering all-encompassing jet therapy and a spa footwell that massages the lower legs and feet. The hot tub heats to a maximum temperature of 104°F and is freeze-resistant. It has a waterfall feature and also an Ozonator to keep the water clean and germ-free. The wooden cabinet, which gives the hot tub an elevated look, requires no maintenance. The filter and the hot tub cover are included in the price. Unfortunately, steps don’t come with this hot tub, but you can purchase them separately, which we recommend doing. Beyond being a safer way to enter and exit the tub, steps also serve as a good cool-down spot when you need a break. Keep in mind that you’ll also need an electrician for hot tub installation and set-up. Price at time of publish: $8,625 Product Details: Dimensions: 82 x 82 x 35 inches | Water Capacity: 425 gallons | Occupancy: Eight people | Included Accessories/Features: Waterfall, cupholders, cover Keep in Mind: Orders shipped to California must also be accompanied by a 28523E energy-efficient cover (the order may be canceled otherwise). There’s also an insulated ground cloth to maintain the warmth in the hot tub. Color-changing LED lights create a relaxing atmosphere, and the hot tub comes with an insulated cover that doesn’t let any heat escape. If you live in California, keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a 28523E energy-efficient cover with the hot tub (like this PureSpa Deluxe Cover). Otherwise, according to retailers, your order could be canceled. If you add the cover to your order and still run into difficulties, contact Intex directly to ask about shipping requirements to your location. Price at time of publish: $1,140 Product Details: Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches | Water Capacity: 210 gallons | Occupancy: Four people | Included Accessories/Features: Cover, color-changing light, thermal ground cloth, carry bag, test strip Keep in Mind: Prices may vary based on your location. The Jacuzzi J-365 is one of the tubs in the brand’s SmartTub line which can be operated and monitored from an app on your phone or tablet. The app also allows you to adjust the temperature, lighting, jets, and filtration remotely, making it perfect for vacation rentals. This model sports 44 powerful massage jets, comfortable open seating for up to seven people, a Clearray water management system, and a waterfall feature. It has two massage selectors, no-splash jetted massage pillows, interior and exterior lights, and an advanced filtration system that you can upgrade. You can even opt to add a spa stereo system. Customize your hot tub from a selection of five funky shell colors and three exterior shades, including modern hardwood and brushed gray, to elevate your outdoor space. Price at time of publish: $17,800 Product Details: Dimensions: 91 x 84 x 38 inches | Water Capacity: 395 gallons | Occupancy: Seven people | Included Accessories/Features: SmartTub System compatible Keep in Mind: The total cost may be as high as $19,000 depending on extras added, warranty, ongoing service, and customer location. It has a FreshWater Salt System that keeps the water fresh and clean for up to a year without you having to lift a finger, and there’s an intuitive control display that gives you all the necessary details, including helpful instructions. The foot ridge system provides superior foot and calf massage, and there’s loads of room to stretch your legs, too. There are plenty of add-ons you can opt for to further enhance the experience; they’ll cost you extra, but you’ll have the best hot tub on the block. Price at time of publish: from $13,000 Product Details: Dimensions: 89 x 76 x 34 inches | Water Capacity: 285 gallons | Occupancy: Five people | Included Accessories/Features: Variety of massage zones

What to Know About Hot Tubs Before Shopping

Size and Water Capacity

Hot tubs are available in sizes from 60 to 90 inches in length and are usually square-shaped, although round, rectangle, triangle, and irregular-shaped hot tubs are also available. Most hot tubs are typically around 28 to 40 inches in height. An average hot tub can hold anywhere from 150 to 450 gallons of water, depending on size.

Occupancy

The larger the hot tub, the more people it can fit. Hot tubs can hold anywhere from two to eight people, depending on size, with much larger, professionally-installed models able to hold 10 or even 12 people. While you might be able to squeeze in more people than a hot tub’s stated capacity, this will likely make it rather cramped. For the best hot tub experience, it’s best to stick to specific tub’s the stated occupancy.

Accessories/Features

Since a hot tub is a great place to gather family and friends for much-needed R&R, you might want to include a few convenient accessories to make it even better. Popular hot tub accessories include cup holders, lighting, and side tables. “You may want to consider a table in the hot tub so you can set your drinks on it or even light snacks,” says Karr. “You could add rails in and out of the tub if the people using it may need mobility assistance. Lighting is another huge factor, especially since you will use the tub quite often at nighttime.” If it’s not already included, an insulated cover is a helpful accessory to add on when purchasing your hot tub.

Your Questions, Answered

How much should I spend on a hot tub?

Karr tells us that the amount one should spend on the best hot tub for them is a matter of budget and needs versus wants or even “must-haves.” Professionally-installed hot tubs can be priced at $20,000 and up based on size, features, accessories, and finishes. A smaller, more basic model, an inflatable hot tub, or one you can install yourself, can be a fraction of that cost (anywhere from $500 to $10,000) and still provide relaxation and enjoyment.

What is the best time of year to buy a hot tub?

Since hot tubs are made to be enjoyed all year round, there is no ideal time to buy a hot tub. The price doesn’t fluctuate based on the time of year, so, as Karr tells us, “there is no better time than the present.”

Are hot tubs good for you?

“The benefits of hydrotherapy are many,” says Larson, with Karr adding that “they are a great way to relax and soak. They have many therapeutic elements that can prevent ongoing muscle and back pains.” Benefits include reduced stress levels, pain relief, increased cardiovascular health, and improved sleep. Hot tubs are not for everyone. Check with your medical practitioner for guidance. Those with certain health conditions or are pregnant are advised not to use hot tubs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also says that children under the age of 5 should not be using hot tubs. To stay safe when using a hot tub, remain well hydrated, and don’t stay in more than a maximum of 20 minutes (for beginners, limit this to 10 minutes at a time). You should step out immediately if you start to feel woozy, short of breath, nauseous, or if your skin has turned bright red. Additionally, the water in your hot tub should also not exceed a temperature of 104°F.

What’s the difference between a plunge pool and a hot tub?

A plunge pool is smaller than a regular pool, but larger than a hot tub. Because of their larger size, plunge pools require a larger footprint and are more costly than hot tubs. Plunge pools can provide a two-in-one pool/hot tub experience with hydromassage properties when they include added jets.

Who We Are

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed multiple hot tubs, researching factors such as each hot tub’s size, capacity, occupancy, and features. She also spoke to Eddie Karr, the CEO of Bellareed Luxury Pools, and Karen Larson, the Co-Founder of Soake Pools.