Introduction to the Best Hot Tubs
The guide we have for the most effective hot tubs will review the top products that are available across the UK. We will examine a variety of inflatable and hard shell hot tubs in depth and outline the advantages and disadvantages of each.
This article will also cover some other subjects, including the cost of installing a hot spa and the amount of chlorine granules you should put in your hot tub.
This guide can be useful if you’re contemplating buying a new hot tub or are contemplating making the move in the near future.
What is a Hot Tub?
Let’s look at what a hot spa is. Hot tubs are one that is heated. It has heating, filtration and water jets. It is typically located outdoors, such as in the backyard, but can also be used inside.
They are mostly employed for leisure purposes, however when they’re large enough they could be utilized to train swimmers too.
Popularity of spas and hot tubs are growing in the UK because of their ability to be used in all seasons.
In colder seasons they provide the person with warm water that provides the pleasure of being outside during the coldest part of winter. They are quiet and the ease with which they are repaired is also a factor in the increasing popularity in hot tubs.
One of the main advantages that hot tubs offer is its capacity to provide a cozy outdoor experience, regardless of outdoor temperatures. Furthermore, hot tubs permit multiple guests to use the spa, for instance during a celebration or barbecue.
They also offer numerous health benefits, including permitting nutrient-rich blood to flow through your body because of blood vessels becoming larger as well as reducing swelling. They also take the strain off of joint pain due to buoyancy. Hot tubs may also provide psychological health benefits as well.
Types of Hot Tub
There are many different types of hot tubs. In the next section we will look at each one in depth and then list the pros and cons of each.
Before you purchase an outdoor hot tub, you’ll have to look through different hot tub designs to figure out what kind you’d like, and then you’d like to buy.
Inflatable Hot Tub
The type can be used as a portable hot tub and may be filled with air once it is brought to an appropriate spot, like an outdoor garden.
They usually are smaller than the hot tubs that are built-in, but they retain many of the advantages of the other types.
The water supply must be made by filling the tub using a hose, similar to inflatable hot tubs. However, the water supply does not come from a water mains supply.
These tubs are already made with all the necessary components like waterways and jets that can be connected to a unit with a heater and pump.
Pros:
- It is easily portable.
- They tend to be very sturdy.
Cons:
- Do not bring seats.
- The loss of heat is due to the composition of the material of an inflatable hot spa.
- Although moving it is effortless, you’ll need to drain it of any water before refilling it during the process.
- A majority of inflatable hot tubs are not equipped with other features.
A hot tub inflatable will cost about £400.
Hard Shell Hot Tub (Acrylic)
Acrylic or hard shell hot tubs are built-in permanent tubs that have an extremely solid base plate.
They are placed in a specific location, where they’ll remain. Hot tubs made of hard shells generally have a variety of advantages unlike inflatable hot tubs.
They also have side panels with pumps, as well as an internal heater that is used to heat the water.
There are a variety of things to take into consideration. Not only do you have to locate a base that can support the tub’s materials and weight the hot tub that is made of a hard shell and, more importantly, be constructed close to an area that has a sufficient energy source to run the tub.
Certain, more expensive hot tubs made of hard shell will provide a premium selection of jets, lights and additional features to select from.
Pros:
- Installation is simple and speedily.
- Feature permanent seating.
- Most often, they come with sophisticated features.
Cons:
- Not suitable for indoor use unless the interior of the space turns out to be suitable or could be modified so as to be suitable to accommodate a built-in hot tub.
- You’ll probably need to buy steps to access the hot tub’s hard shell.
A hot tub with a hard shell is priced between £600 and £1500.
Sunken Hot Tub
The majority of hot tubs are installed above the ground, but a sunken hot tub is a different option to consider.
If you’re thinking of having a pool spa installed in your backyard or you already have one with a sunken hot tub, it could be paired with the pool to make the perfect spa and pool combination If you’d like.
Sunken hot tubs offer an attractive aesthetic, and are less eye-catching than having a large and powerful above-ground hot tub.
Additionally, getting into and out of this kind or hot tub is likely to be much easier than an above-ground tub. They’re also incredibly robust and will improve the value of your property in the event that you decide to sell in the future.
Of course among the major negatives of the sunken hot tub is the cost of installation, which can be very expensive.
The construction and excavation tasks required to get an above ground hot tub built can take from a fortnight up to up to three months.
In addition, if you do not have a lift for your cover and you have to take the cover off, it is more challenging.
Pros:
- Beautifully aesthetic.
- Could increase the value of your home.
- You can easily get out of the sunken hot tub without difficulty.
Cons:
- The installation is lengthy and costly.
- It is common for them to have fewer jets for hydrotherapy.
Sunken hot tubs are usually priced between £1500-£3000.
Swim Spa
A swimming spa is a combination of a Jacuzzi and a swimming pool. If they are large enough, spas can permit you to swim longer and increase your fitness levels as well as allow you to enjoy it as a place to relax.
The majority of swimming pools have a length of 4 to 6 metres.
There is a possibility of having a pool spa that is built-in or on your patio. The price for the built-in model is higher. Swimming pools come with a counterflow system that allows users to swim against currents.
You are also able to modify the power of the flow should you want to and let you control how intense your training sessions are. Some spas also offer a wellness area which is separated from the pool area where you can swim.
Pros:
- Most likely won’t take up too much space.
- Lets you exercise or use a fitness space.
- Installing it is simple.
- The ideal choice for athletes, professional, casual or amateur.
Cons:
- Costs for heating and power are higher.
- It lacks the look of the typical swimming pool.
- The risk of high turbulence.
A hot tub or swim spa typically costs between £12,000 and £45,000.
Best Inflatable Hot Tub
Hot tubs that are inflatable can be great for those who don’t wish to completely commit to building an entire hot tub.
They are affordable. They can be moved around and are a breeze to put up. Here are a few of top models available:
Lay-Z-Spa Vegas Hot Tub
One of the most popular inflatable hot tubs The Vegas is ideal to use outdoors or in an appropriate indoor setting. It’s an instance of the Lay-Z spa tub, which is one of many available from the brand’s line.
The hot tub is round and is able to warm water to up to 40°C and has the Lay-Z-Massage Jet System which comes with an air jet system with 87.
It is able to accommodate between four and six people. It it holds 935 litres, and has two filter cartridges. Similar to other inflatable hot tubs, it is easy to set up. It is backed by a two-year warranty.
This product can cost you around £400 – £500.
Pros:
- It is easy to set up.
- It offers plenty of space.
- It’s an example of an inflatable hot tub.
Cons:
- Filter isn’t as effective as other hot tubs that are inflatable.
- It could take up to 10 hours to fully heat up.
- Needs to be cleaned and maintained often.
Lay-Z-Spa Miami Hot Tub
Similar to the Vegas Lay-Z-Spa, the Miami is a hot tub that has a maximum temperature of 40°C. It also has an air-jet massage feature. The hot tub that blows up can hold up to four persons and can hold 800 litres.
It comes with a tough liner with a 220 to 240 voltage heater, a floater with filter, and an inflatable cover.
The product comes with a two-year warranty. It is also covered by a two-year warranty. Miami is available for purchase at £400.
Pros:
- It’s not as expensive as inflatable tubs, like the ones in Vegas.
- It comes with a tough liner.
- It’s not expensive to operate.
Cons:
- Not as big as Vegas.
LIVIVO Inflatable Outdoor Hot Tub
Although many of the most well-known inflatable hot tubs available on the market are made by the Lay-Z, this highly rated hot tub for four people comes from the LIVIVO brand.
It is able to heat water to 42°C and has filters and 120 air jets.
It also includes the digital control console as well as an RCD plug. PTC heating element, and pump unit.
Heating element powered by an 1.5 Kilowatt lead. It is also equipped with a repair kit, a protective ground sheet, and an enclosure for the pool. You can purchase this hot tub from Amazon for around £700.
Pros:
- Water can be heated up to 42 degC.
- Includes a repair kit.
Cons:
- A hot tub that is relatively inexpensive.
Lay-Z-Spa Monaco 8 Person Hot Tub
The Monaco is the largest hot tub from Lay-Z with a capacity that is 1540 litres. It can hold between six and eight persons.
In addition, it comes with several features that are comparable to other Lay-Z tubs mentioned earlier in this post, like an upper temperature of 40 degrees and the addition of a 220-240 voltage heater.
This Monaco’s massage air device has nineteen air jets. You can purchase this item for about £800.
Pros:
- The largest of Lay-Z hot tubs.
- It can accommodate up to eight persons.
- Monaco is a great option for a vacation. Monaco is a great option all year.
Cons:
- There is no cleaning kit.
- The directions are a bit complex.
Lay-Z-Spa Hawaii Hot Tub
This four to six-person hot tub is a popular choice of the Lay-Z Collection. Its Hydro Jet professional massage system has 120 air jets as well as 8 hydro jets.
It comes with a cushioned flooring with a durable Y-beam structure, an insulated and inflatable cover, and an alarm system that is designed to detect problems with the ground to increase the comfort and safety equally.
Again, it’s a Lay-Z hot tub that comes with two-year warranty and an upper temperature of 40degC. It is constructed of durable TriTech material.
Because the hot tub is heavy, with a mass of 20kg, it needs to be constructed or installed on a firm ground. The product has the price of £450 up to £700.
Pros:
- Includes 120 air jets.
- Made from TriTech material, which is durable.
- Large and spacious.
Cons:
- It must be built or fitted on a solid foundation.
Best Hard Shell Hot Tub
A hot tub with a hard shell is perfect for people looking for a solid, durable hot tub with an unassailable location, however with the least amount of installation.
Although they cost more than their inflatable equivalents, they are less expensive and are more mobile as heated sunken tubs.
Here are a few of the top hard-shell hot tubs:
Canadian Spa Halifax Plug & Play
This large hot tub comes with 22 jets of spa, multiple-coloured LED lighting, a volume of 700 cubic litres with dimensions of 79 x 21 cm, and a four person capacity. It’s rectangular and is made out of microban acrylic.
It also comes with an anti-tampering safety feature. Ozone water purification aids to ensure crystal pure and clean water along with hundred square feet of Microban glacier filtering.
The sealed cell foam insulation that protects the shell will help keep the spa hot longer, as does the insulation of the cabinet.
The hot tub is also equipped with “Digital Balboa controls, which allow users to change the temperature and economy settings.
This hot tub should be connected to a standard 13A socket. As long as it can be installed, it is simple. You can buy this product at a cost of around £5000.
Pros:
- This is a great way to relax.
- Quite spacious.
- The house is well-insulated.
- This hot tub is equipped with an anti-entrapment safety feature.
Cons:
- A bit expensive for a four person hot tub.
Barracuda Whirlpool Spa Corner Bath
The Barracuda is a perfect hard shell hot tub that is ideal for couples. It has an area of 150cm by 150cm. There are 12 jets four of them are small, and eight of them large as well as a pump sanitation and sterilization device, 2 loudspeakers as well as the control panel.
This hot tub is also equipped with an electronic circuit breaker that can ensure that there is no possibility of electrical leakage.
It’s got a black, chrome-plated look.
The hot tub that can accommodate two people is ideal for people with little space or are trying to find the most affordable hot tub. It is possible to purchase the Barracuda for around £1650.
Pros:
- Cheaper than the majority of hard shell hot tubs.
- The perfect choice for small gardens or an interior space with a limited area.
- It has an automated circuit breaker.
Cons:
- It’s a tiny hot tub.
- Its design isn’t for everyone.
Norfolk Theatre Hot Tub
Although it is expensive it is a hot tub with the capacity of ten people with great features and offers extraordinary relaxation.
On top of the ten seats are four 3-hp pumps that are able to power a total of 126 jets. The jets comprise the hydrotherapy water jets of 118.
The most striking feature that this tub has is the 41″ pop-up LCD television. It also has the circulation pump as well as hundreds of light fixtures made up of LEDs. It’s made from continuous-cast acrylic. However, it is sold with a price tag of £17,000.
Pros:
- Other features include the pop-up LCD TV.
- It can accommodate up to ten persons.
- Hot tubs of the highest quality.
Cons:
- Very expensive.
Canadian Spa Toronto 6 person Hot Tub
Toronto is among the most well-known fixed hot tubs available on the market.
It includes five hydro-massage seats. There is also one lounge that does not float.
It also has an audio system that includes an iPod along with MP3 connections, as well as LED lighting. This hot hub features an automatic water sanitation system that cleans the water with 100 square feet of filtering.
The shells of the spa are made of microban, which helps to limit the growth of bacteria on the surface of the spa. Like Halifax Halifax It also comes with an anti-entrapment safety feature.
This hot tub requires the use of a 230-volt/32 Amp RCD breaker as well as an installed cable prior to the tub being installed. It will also require a level patio or a three-to-four inches concrete base prior to its arrival.
It is equipped with a volume in the range of 980 cubic litres. Toronto at a cost of £6000.
Pros:
- Features a powerful jet system.
- It comes with an iPod and MP3-enabled music player.
- Includes an auto-cleaning of the water system.
- Toronto features an anti-entrapment safety feature.
Cons:
- Beyond the budget of many consumers.
RotoSpa DuoSpa S080 Compact Hot Tub
The popular, white hot tub can accommodate two to three persons and is able to hold 500-550 Liters. It comes with a dual-speed pump and a hydro jet massage system with eight components total.
It also comes with multi-colored LED lighting.
The control system is digital and lets you monitor maintenance cycles and monitor the heating.
It also lets you modify the temperature. The package includes an enclosure for transport, a chemical starter pack, and thermal cover.
This hot tub compact is available for about £3500 or £4000.
Pros:
- It has two reclined seats.
- The most sought-after product.
Cons:
- A bit expensive for a hot tub for two people.
Cost to Install a Hot Tub
Then, we’ll begin to look at the cost of installation for the new hot tub.
It’ll cost you between £200 to £260 for an installer to put in hot tubs within your backyard or home. This is not including the costs for supply and the cost of installing the spa.
A few simple installations could cost you as low as £75 up to £80 while more intricate fittings can cost upwards of £600 or more.
Hot Tub Maintenance
There are a variety of maintenance that could be done on a hot tub in order to prolong its life.
Maintenance on your spa is likely to cost you around £15 each month.
Each week, use chlorine or oxidisers to kill any harmful bacteria or contaminants.
Give it a day to rest before taking a test of its pH. Don’t enter the hot tub this time. In the event that chlorine levels are higher than 5 ppm, then dilute the tub with clean water.
The most essential way to maintain your hot tub is routine cleaning. To achieve this, you must first empty the water out of your spa.
Interior Surface Cleaning
Clean the interior exterior that surrounds the hot tub by using moist cloths and a suitable surface cleaner. When you are pleased with the appearance, you can refill the hot tub.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure that the water is properly filled prior to the hot tub being able to be used again.
To do this, first switch on the filtration system as well as each pump. After that, using test strips, determine the alkalinity and sanitiser levels of the water.
If required the use of an alkalinity enhancer must be added to bring alkaline levels to the right quantity prior to adding the appropriate amount of sanitiser as needed. Also take a test of the water, taking note of its pH and ensure it is within between 7.2 to 7.6 if needed, using either pH+or ph-.
Add a sanitiser-based shock treatment because it kills the remaining bacteria. This kind of cleaning should occur at least every 3 to 4 months on average.
After applying the sanitiser shock treatment ensure that you wait for at least 15 minutes before you enter your hot tub.
Filter Cleaning
Another vital aspect of maintenance is the cleaning of filters.
There are three basic ways to clean a water filter. In each scenario, the first two steps are to locate the isolator switch, and then turn off the hot tub prior to removing the filter.
For a quick wash then you’ll need to run the filter’s hose upwards and downwards and also within the pleats.
It is best to allow the filter to dry before putting it back into the correct position. Another option is the use of instant sprays of cleaner for the filter.
As you follow the previous two steps, you must start by rinsing off the filter prior to spraying it with a fast-acting filter cleaner.
Set your filter in the upright position and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes prior to gently brushing it with a soft bristle or a hot tub blaster rid of any other pollutants.
If your filter is extremely filthy, it may be necessary to use another or soak treatment. Cleanse the filter well and let it dry prior to returning it to its correct position.
It’s essential to ensure that the rinse is thorough otherwise foaming could appear in your hot tub.
Another alternative is to soak up the filter.
Following steps two and one, wash your filter with water before putting it in a solution of soak and in a bucket that has the proper dosage, as suggested by
the manufacturer of the product.
Let the filter soak for a minimum of eight hours. Clean it thoroughly then let it dry, then place it back into the hot tub.
If it isn’t cleaned properly foaming could occur. It is recommended to clean the filter of your hot tub every two weeks.
How Much Chlorine Granules to Add to a Hot Tub?
We’ll now talk about the inclusion of chlorine granules in your hot tub.
Chlorine granules consist of chloride powders that can be added to a hot tub to add chlorination to the water. Chlorination kills germs, ensuring an environment that is safe and healthy.
For every 1500 litres worth of warm water from your hot tub, include 60g of chlorine granules.
This will begin the process of sanitization. It is important to allow chlorine levels to fall to 5 mg/l or lower prior to returning to your hot tub.
Before adding the granules you must take the filter off and let it soak for a few hours in a large vessel with filter cleaner in it.
In the morning it is recommended to wash the filter using an outdoor hose, then let it air dry. Then, you should measure how pH is affecting the filter. It should fall somewhere between 7.2 to 7.6.
You can use pH papers to measure this level. If the pH is lower than 7.2 then add pH+, or for levels higher than 7.6 Apply pH+. Both are chemicals specifically designed to alter acidity of the water. After this process is completed then you can begin the process of chlorination.
Naturally, the amount of granules that you need to use will be determined by the size of your hot tub as well as the quantity of water it has.
Another option to granules you might consider is hot bathtub chlorine tablets.
Hot tub granules are priced between £20-£70.
FAQs
Q. How much does it cost to run a hot tub?
A: While a range of factors can influence hot tub running costs such as its size and the outside temperature, generally, these expenses will add up to around £260 per year.
Q: Can you go in a hot tub when pregnant?
A: While research in this area is limited, the NHS recommends that you avoid hot tubs when pregnant due to the risks of dehydration, fainting and overheating..
Q: What is the average size of a hot tub?
A: A small tub with room for 2-4 people will likely have a length of around 1.6 metres and a height of 0.7 to 0.9 metres.
A medium hot tub with a capacity of 5-6 people tends to have a length of around 2 to 2.5 metres and a height of just less than one metre.
While a large 7+ person hot tub will usually have a length of 2 to 2.7 metres and a height of around a metre.
Q: How long should you sit in a hot tub?
A: It is ideal to spend around 15 to 30 minutes in a hot tub. Do not spend any more than an hour in a hot tub. Even 45 to 60 minutes is not preferable.
Q: How long does it take to heat a hot tub?
A: It will likely take between 8 and 15 hours.
