Whether you're after a spot of mid-week relaxation or a venue for your Saturday night party, a hot tub is the multi-tasking garden furniture investment that can do both. Competitively priced and designed with both comfort and convenience in mind, the best designs come with relaxing jets, headrests and ambient lighting to make you feel like you’re holidaying at home.
In the GQ edit of the best hot tubs, we’ve focused on inflatable hot tubs from our favourite retailers, most of which are priced at less than £1,000. They can be housed on your patio or lawn and come in a range of sizes for up to eight people. If you’re looking for something more permanent and are willing to spend a little more – from a price point of £1,500 you can also consider a hard-shell or wood-burning hot tub, both of which we’ve also included an option for below to provide a much more premium hot tub experience.
What’s the best hot tub in 2022?
Lay-Z-Spa Barbados Airjet
£740
John Lewis & Partners
With WiFi controls that let you turn it on and off, change the temperature and activate the 120 AirJet massage system remotely, we rate the Lay-Z-Spa Barbados Airjet inflatable hot tub as the best overall inflatable option. It can comfortably fit four people, be used all year round and is up to 40 per cent more energy-efficient than the industry standard.
CleverSpa Cornwall Dropstitch
The CleverSpa Cornwall Dropstitch is a seven-person hot tub, which makes it ideal for larger households and regular entertainers. It comes with 147 air jets and a Halo LED light accessory allows you to add some mood lighting when the sun goes down.
Jacuzzi J-335 Comfort
Prices from £6,099
The ideal set-up for anyone with some cash to splash, the Jacuzzi J-335 Comfort comes with 42 jets, two massage selectors and two ‘hydrosoothe’ massage pillows for the ultimate in self-care.
What to consider when buying a hot tub
Space: You need to have an outdoor power supply to plug in your inflatable hot tub. It needs to be away from any water splashes too. “Inflatable hot tubs are easy to set up, with no need for an electrician as you can simply plug in and use the mechanical pump to inflate within a few minutes,” says Nadia McCowan Hill, style advisor at Wayfair.
A flat, level surface: Level grass or patio is the best option. “You need a flat surface as if you position the hot tub on a slope all the water will be putting pressure on one side of the hot tub,” explains Tom Drackett, marketing manager at Lay-Z-Spa. “You should also place your hot tub in a covered or sheltered area such as a pergola, gazebo or summer house. Not only will it protect you from the elements, but it also offers privacy if your garden is overlooked.”
Keeping it clean: You’ll need to treat the water and check your hot tub pump and filters regularly to keep it in tip-top condition. A chemical starter kit is a great way to maintain your hot tub as it has everything you need in small amounts. Once you’ve got used to the process of maintaining your hot tub, you can then stock up on the products you need in larger amounts.
Hot tubs are one of the best ways to wind down after a long day. They have several health benefits, including stress relief, pain relief and improved sleep. Owning one is like having your own personal spa.
Hot tub costs vary widely, ranging from about $2,000 to $16,000 or more. Costs ultimately depend on the appliance’s size and type as well as which
accessories you opt for. Find the right hot tub for you by comparing different types, materials and features to determine which ones work best for your lifestyle and budget.
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What Is a Hot Tub?
A hot tub is a tub that’s big enough to fit at least two people that’s filled with heated water. Unlike typical bathtubs, hot tubs are designed to be used by multiple people at once. They can be used for hydrotherapy, relaxation or just for fun.
Hot tubs consist of an outer cabinet, which holds the shell in place. The shell is the inner piece of the hot tub that holds the water. Hot tubs also have pumps to circulate water in and out of the tub, jets to massage sore muscles and filters to keep the water clean.
Because hot tubs are big and tend to slosh water around, most hot tub owners place them outdoors on their deck or patio. They can be either above-ground or in-ground, with above-ground tubs being the less expensive option. Keep in mind that hot tubs need routine maintenance, so accessibility is important.
Hot Tub Shell Materials
Hot tub shells are typically made from acrylic, vinyl or rotomolded plastic. The type of shell you choose will influence the cost of the appliance, so choose the best one for your budget.
Acrylic
Hot tub shells made from acrylic are considered some of the most durable on the market. Manufacturers make them by heating a single sheet of acrylic until it starts to melt, and then placing it over a formed mold. Vacuums suck away air that gets trapped between the mold and the acrylic sheet to create a smooth, seamless finish.
Acrylic hot tubs are heavy, which means you can’t easily reposition them. Installing one is a commitment, but their durability and temperature retention abilities make them a worthy one. Acrylic hot tub shells are more expensive than vinyl and rotomolded plastic shells—they cost between $4,000 and $16,000 on average.
Vinyl
Vinyl liners are common in hot tubs attached to in-ground swimming pools. Manufacturers make vinyl hot tub liners by placing the vinyl over a frame made from cement or another sturdy material to give the liner its shape.
Inexpensive to produce vinyl liners cost between $4,000 to $12,000. While they are less expensive than acrylic hot tubs, vinyl tubs do have a few disadvantages. They don’t retain heat well, which causes the motor in your hot tub to work harder and could cause your electricity bill to skyrocket. Vinyl is also less durable than other hot tub shell materials.
Rotomolded Plastic
Made from polyethylene, rotomolded plastic hot tub molds are lightweight and portable. They’re made from plastic powder that is added to a mold and melted and typically range in cost from $2,500 to $6,000.
Rotomolded plastic hot tubs are better than vinyl tubs in terms of performance, but they still aren’t great at retaining heat. That said, rotomolded plastic tubs are a great option if an acrylic one is not in your price range.
Hot Tub Costs By Size
The bigger the hot tub, the more it will cost. Hot tubs are sized in terms of occupancy. Models range from a standard two-person tub to a party-sized tub that fits 10 people. Consider the size of your family when deciding how big of a hot tub to get.
Hot Tub Costs By Type
Above-Ground
Above-ground hot tubs cost between $2,000 and $12,000, including installation. These are the most common types of hot tubs because they generally cost less in labor to install since they don’t require excavation.
Hot tubs located above ground are also accessible, which means they’re relatively easy to maintain. But if you have mobility issues, getting in and out could be a hassle.
In-Ground
In-ground hot tubs are more expensive than above-ground ones because they require professional installation. Labor could include things like excavation, electrical work, gas hookups and plumbing.
While expensive, they’re easy to get in and out of and look stunning when
built into a deck or patio. They also add value to your home.
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Hot Tub Installation Costs
If you purchase a prefabricated above-ground hot tub, installation costs will be minimal. You’ll likely have to pay between $200 and $400 for delivery and transport. You can do a majority of the setup yourself, but a professional will set the hot tub up for an extra $200 to $800.
You may need to lay the foundation for your hot tub if you don’t have an existing patio or deck to place it on. Laying a foundation can cost up to $2,000 in labor and materials.
Custom hot tubs are more expensive than prefabricated versions, but customizing can make your hot tub fit your home and preferences perfectly. Custom above-ground and in-ground hot tubs are more difficult to install since they need to fit your space perfectly. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a custom hot tub install. In-ground custom hot tub installations can cost more than $2,000.
DIYing your hot tub installation can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. However, you should only attempt this if you’re experienced. A DIY hot tub installation often involves electrical and plumbing work, which can be dangerous and costly to repair if you make mistakes. DIYing your installation can also void the appliance’s warranty.
Hot Tub Maintenance Costs
Maintaining your hot tub means checking water chemical levels, cleaning the filter and cleaning the inside of the tub. Check water chemical levels at least once a week, more if you use your tub every day. Clean the filter every two or three weeks and fully clean the inside of the hot tub every two months. Between interior cleanings, use a skimmer to remove dirt and debris that makes its way inside the tub.
Maintaining your tub yourself means you won’t need to pay for labor, just materials. Cleaning materials will cost you about $20 per month. Pool companies offer professional hot tub maintenance services, which range from $50 to $200 per month, depending on what needs to be done.
A properly maintained hot tub can last up to 25 years.
Hot Tub Extras
You can increase the enjoyment you get out of your hot tub by customizing it. Not only can you customize the seating and layout of the tub, but you can also add accessories to make the soaking experience more fun.
How To Choose The Right Hot Tub For You
First, assess the space where you will install your hot tub. If you don’t have a foundation for it, factor that into the cost. Consider how often you’ll use the hot tub and how many people you need it to accommodate—if you have a big family or like to entertain guests, choose a large hot tub.
Those factors will allow you to set a budget for your hot tub. You can then choose which material you would like it to be and consider adding accessories. Make sure to factor in monthly (or annual) maintenance costs, too. The right hot tub for you will incorporate all of the materials and accessories that meet your needs while falling within your budget.
(Note: All details and prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)
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