How to buy the best hot tub

Whether you're seeking a serene oasis or a fun outdoor hub for entertaining friends and family, our hot tub buying guide covers all you need to know.

We'll help you to consider the options in your budget range, where you can install it and which features are important to you. Or, if you only want one temporarily, we explain how you can hire a hot tub instead.

Plus, find out how to properly maintain a hot tub to keep it running for years to come.

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Buying a hot tub: 5 key considerations

The main things to consider when buying a hot tub are:

• Costs – both upfront and running costs need to be accounted for, including water, electricity and maintenance. Depending on the size of your hot tub and how often you use it, these can certainly add up. Jump to our section on where to buy a hot tub to see the retailers available.
• Size – your hot tub needs to fit safely and comfortably in your space. It also needs to be large enough for the number of people you want to accommodate. You can find more information on the standard hot tub sizes available, further down the page.
• Space – you need to think carefully about where your hot tub will live. The ground needs to be firm, flat and level, with adequate drainage and safe access to a power supply. You'll also need to leave space around the edge of the hot tub to allow access for repairs and maintenance, and to get in and out. 
• Maintenance – poor hot tub maintenance can lead to some nasty developments, such as bacteria growing in the water and filter, or more serious damage to the pipes and internal system. Make sure you are aware of how to properly clean your hot tub before buying it. 
• Delivery and installation – most manufacturers of hard-shell and wood-fired hot tubs will offer kerbside delivery. Some, such as Jacuzzi, will also provide free installation and a consultation with the engineer to run through how to use your new tub. For more information, see our advice on installing a hot tub below.

Types of hot tubs

Hard shell hot tubs

Typical spend: £3,000 - £10,000

Pros

• More durable
• A wider variety of features
• Insulated, so it can be used all year round

Cons

• More expensive
• Cannot be stowed away
• Higher maintenance

These permanent hot tubs sit on a hard base and have hard side panels. They will also have an internal heating system and a variety of jets, lights and pumps.

Hard-shell tubs can also come with fancy features such as wi-fi, in-built sound systems and full foam insulation that seals the heat in your tub, making it more energy efficient.

These types of tubs come in a variety of materials, including plastic, acrylic, wood and even recycled materials such as metal.  

Costs vary widely and will typically depend on the size and any additional features you want. And it’s important to remember these tubs are permanent fixtures in your garden and will need to be set up on solid, level ground.  

Inflatable hot tubs

Typical spend: £200 - £1,000

Pros

• Budget friendly
• Portable
• Easier to maintain

Cons

• Less durable
• Fewer features
• Most are not suitable for year-round use
• Smaller – fewer seats

These, as the name suggests, are hot tubs that you inflate with air – they're also referred to as blow-up hot tubs. An external heater warms the water and an air blower will inflate the walls and power the jets.

They are normally round and, rather than seats, you will have a padded base to sit on. The features are a little less fancy but you can still get lights, head rests and drinks holders on some of the more premium inflatable hot tubs.

Even though blow-up hot tubs can be moved around relatively easily, you’ll still need to make sure they're set up on a solid, level base.

Wood-fired hot tubs

Typical spend: £2,500 - £7,500

Pros

• Energy efficient
• Usually no electricity required
• Cheap to run

Cons

• Creates fumes
  
• Fire can be dangerous
• Hard to control temperature

This is essentially a permanent wooden tub that warms the water through a log-fired stove rather than with electricity.

Depending on the size of the tub, it shouldn’t take longer than four hours to heat up. The nature of the heating method means the water cannot be kept at a precise temperature. Hotter water will rise to the top while cooler water sinks to the bottom, so you’ll need to stir the water occasionally.

Most won’t have jets, but those that do will be powered with electricity.

Like other types of hot tubs, it will need to be positioned on solid, level ground. But you’ll also need to consider where you’ll store wood for the stove.

In-ground or custom hot tubs

Typical spend: £6,000+

Pros

• Can be easily integrated into existing styles
• Bespoke look
• Can be built to suit your needs (for example, hydrotherapy spas)

Cons

• More expensive
• Not portable
• Might require planning permission

In-ground or custom hot tubs are typically known as spas. Although they’re essentially a tub of warm water with jets, just like your typical hot tub, they will have a more bespoke, built-in element. Most are either set into the ground, attached to a swimming pool, set within a complex or custom built in some way.

What you choose will depend on what you want from your spa. For example, swim spas allow you to exercise in the tub by swimming against a counter-current jet, while a hydrotherapy tub will incorporate jets that target specific medical issues.

If you opt for an in-ground tub or one built within a structure, make sure you don’t need planning permission. Unless you’re in a conservation area, it’s more than likely you won’t, but it’s worth double checking before you begin.

Hot tub sizes

There are three standard industry hard-shell hot tub shapes and sizes:

• Small: 2-4 people 163cm - 213cm L x 165cm - 207cm W x 74cm - 89cm H
• Medium: 5-6 people 201cm – 241cm L x 195cm – 241cm W x 84cm – 98cm H
• Large: 7+ people 213cm – 274cm L x 213cm – 280cm W x 91cm – 97cm H

It’s important to note that these aren’t set in stone and many tub dimensions may vary a few inches either way, so always ask the manufacturer for the exact measurements before purchasing.

Some brands offer less common sizes and shapes, including round and corner tubs, and extra-large models that can fit up to nine people.

Inflatable and wood-fired hot tubs don’t have a standard set of sizes. Instead, they typically categorise them into seat capacity. This can range from 1-2 people up to 6-8 people.

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Where to buy a hot tub

Below, you'll find a selection of retailers that stock hot tubs – we've selected these based on search popularity.

• Amazon stocks a variety of Intex and Lay-Z Spa hot tubs, plus accessories and cleaning equipment.
• Argos advertises 12 different hot tubs online at the time of writing, from brands including Lay-Z Spa and Canadian Spa. As well as cheaper inflatable options under £400, it also stocks hard-shell hot tubs – though prices for these can be in the thousands. 
• B&Q sells over 100 different hot tubs online from well-known brands. You can also find useful additions and accessories including filter cartridges, chlorine cleaning granules, canopies, covers, and repair and maintenance kits. 
• Canadian Spa Company allows you to filter its online range based on the number of people your hot tub needs to accommodate. It's online stock includes portable and hard-shell spas, as well as therapy pools. Prices range from around £300 to over £20,000 for the largest hot tubs.
• Currys stocks around 50 hot tubs and accessories online, including pool lights, cleaning chemicals and filters. You'll find hot tubs here from Intex and Lay-Z Spa.
• Happy Hot Tubs has showrooms around the UK and offers a one-stop shop for high-end hard-shell hot tubs, swim spas, accessories and maintenance parts. You also have the option to trade in an old, broken or damaged hot tub, which the company will recycle for you.
• Intex is a US-based company that sells pools, airbeds, floats and a selection of inflatable hot tubs. You can buy directly from the retailer, or find this brand at Currys, B&Q and Amazon. Prices tend to be around £450 for an inflatable tub, and you'll get a two-year warranty included when you buy direct from Intex.
  
• Jacuzzi is a well-known, premium brand offering a wide variety of domestic, commercial and custom-built 2-9 person hot tubs, as well as swim spas, whirlpool baths and saunas. You can only access pricing information for these hot tubs by getting in touch with a dealer, which can be done through the Jacuzzi website.
• Lay-Z Spa is a leading inflatable hot tub brand, and you can buy a range of different tubs directly from Lay-Z Spa or through other retailers. Prices directly from the brand start at around £370 and go up to £1,700.
• Skargards Swedish Hot Tubs produces a small range of authentically Swedish wood-fired hot tubs. There are two types that come in two to three different sizes, and prices range from £3,000-£5,000.
• Wave stocks both inflatable and 'eco foam' spas, with a strong focus on aesthetics – you can even get a marble-effect tub. Wave says that its eco foam hot tubs are rigid shells with a foam core, claiming up to 50% more thermal efficiency. Expect to spend between £300 and £1,500.

Installing a hot tub

Inflatable or 'plug-and-go' hot tubs can usually be installed yourself, whereas larger or more complex spas may need professional installation. Consult the manufacturer of your hot tub if you are unsure.

Before you install a hot tub

Preparing the place where you plan to put your hot tub is essential. This will help the installation process go as smoothly as possible, and ensure ongoing maintenance won’t become a nightmare.

1. Access – make sure your hot tub can be manoeuvred to your desired space with minimal obstacles in the way. You may have to remove fence panels or use a suitable trolley to move it, which can be tricky if you're tight on space.   
   
2. Solid ground – the ground must be solid and level (and heat-proof, if you have a wood-fired hot tub). Decking is a popular choice, but you'll need to check with a professional to ensure yours can take the weight of the tub.
3. Drainage – locate your hot tub near an existing drain if possible, or build a new drain. Also, consider the overflow from the hot tub and make sure your flooring won't be damaged.
4. Safe power outlet – check how your hot tub is powered before buying – this will be either via wall outlet or your home's central circuit-breaker box. Hire an electrician to either connect your tub to the mains or install a waterproof, outdoor plug socket on to the side of your house, if you haven’t already got one. The socket needs to be protected by a circuit breaker or residual current device (RCD).
5. Easy access for use and maintenance – leave around 1-2 feet around the hot tub to get in and out, and so that maintenance works can be carried out easily. Close proximity to an outdoor tap and hose will make it much easier to fill the tub after each clean.
6. Privacy, noise and aesthetics – your hot tub's location should be an enjoyable place to sit – ideally you'd have a spot with a nice view. Try to pick a private spot to avoid being overlooked by your neighbours or disturbing them when the hot tub is in use.

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Hot tub delivery and installation

Kerbside delivery will usually be available for hard-shell and wood-fired hot tubs, while you'll typically only be offered standard delivery for inflatable options. You may or may not get charged for an installation service, so it's important to check beforehand.

Installation times for hard-shell tubs can take around 4-5 hours, but it’s likely you’ll need to wait at least 10 hours to actually use it. This gives you time to fill it up and heat the water. The same applies for wood-fired tubs.

Installing a hot tub yourself

The ease of installing your own hot tub will depend on the type you get.

An inflatable hot tub usually involves connecting the inflation tube to the inflation valve, then letting the pump do all the work. Once it’s inflated, fill it with water, add chemicals and heat it up. Instructions may differ slightly from tub to tub, so always check the manual beforehand.

A hard-shell hot tub may require slightly more work. It should come assembled, so you’ll just need to ensure you have the means to fill it up. Then it’s a case of adding the chemicals according to the instructions and heating it up. If the tub needs to be connected to the mains, however, you'll need to get an electrician to finish the job.

Most wood-fired hot tubs will come fully assembled, bar the flue. The manufacturer should provide instructions on how to attach this.

How to reduce hot tub running costs

The key to reducing running costs mainly lies in insulation. Choose a pool that's well-insulated (full foam and multi-density are two popular types).

You should also invest in an insulated cover – around 60% of a hot tub's heat will be lost through the surface, so a suitable cover is key for keeping heat in.

You may find keeping your hot tub enclosed (such as in a pool house, or surrounded by shrubs and bushes) will help insulate it more. The warmer the outside air temperature, the less energy your hot tub will use to heat up.

Keeping the hot tub – and especially the filter – clean will also reduce running costs, and you're much less likely to experience any issues that lead to expensive damages.

Hot tub chemicals

The most important chemicals that all hard-shell and inflatable hot tubs need are pH levellers and a sanitiser, such as chlorine. But there are also plenty of other products that can help to keep the tub running smoothly.

Sanitiser

A chlorine or bromine level of 3-5 parts per million (ppm) must be maintained in a hard-shell or inflatable hot tub at all times (wood-fired hot tubs typically don't need this). Sanitisers come as granules or tablets. You'll need to add the granules manually, while tablets go in a floating dispenser.

Add sanitiser and test every 1-3 days that your hot tub is in use, using a test strip. Every time you add sanitiser, you’ll need to wait an hour and test the levels before you get in. 

You should also give the water a quarterly boost of sanitiser to keep it hygienic. Add 60g of chlorine granules per 1,500 litres of water, then wait for the levels to drop.

Total alkalinity and pH levels 

When you add and test your sanitiser, you should also test the total alkalinity of the water in your hot tub and balance the pH levels.

The total alkalinity should be 80-120ppm, with a pH between 7.2 and 7.8. A low pH can lead to itchy, dry skin, and can also damage the hot tub shell; while high levels can cause scale build-up and cloudy or foamy water. Unbalanced levels either way can also reduce the effectiveness of the sanitiser.

To raise the alkalinity in your hot tub, you should add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or any other type of alkalinity increaser. To lower acidity levels, use a reducer.

Shock treatment

Alongside your sanitiser, you should also use a shock treatment once a week, which will break down waste that can't be filtered. If you have a wood-fired hot tub, you can use non-chlorine shock oxidisers.

No scale product

The total hardness refers to the levels of calcium in your tub. Test for this every 1-3 days – if it’s too high, you’ll find scale around the shell and cloudy water, and it can start to damage the internal parts of the hot tub.

The calcium level should be around 100-250ppm. If it’s higher than this, you need to use a no-scale treatment. This won’t reduce the hardness, but it will stop the damage.

You should only use specialised chemicals for cleaning hot tubs, but for the best sprays to keep the rest of your house sparkling, head to the best all-purpose cleaning sprays

Maintaining a hot tub

A hot tub is a pricey purchase, and without proper cleaning and maintenance, these costs can soar even more.

Once you know the cleaning chemicals you need, see below for how to properly maintain an inflatable, hard-shell or wood-fired hot tub.

How to clean a hot tub

You should wipe around the tide lines of your hot tub after every use, and do a more thorough clean and water change every three months.

The filter should be cleaned weekly, though hard-shell tub filters can be also cleaned monthly with a filter-cleaning solution. Filters for inflatable tubs need to be replaced monthly, but hard-shell hot tub filters won’t need replacing for more than a year, if you take care of them.

Wood-fired hot tubs don’t typically come with a filter, but you can buy and install a filter separately if you’d prefer one.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your hard-shell or inflatable hot tub:

1. Flush out the pipes using a pipe cleaner. Follow the instructions, but this will need to be added around an hour before draining the tub.
2. Drain the hot tub. Turn the tub off completely and open the drain valve. You can either let it drain where it is, or attach a hose to lead the water to lower ground.
3. Remove any debris or dirt.
4. Wipe down the cabinet, shell, jets and cover. You'll need products designed for hot tubs and a soft cloth. Regular household cleaning products can affect the pH levels and damage the shell.
5. Clean the filter. Remove the filter from its casing, spray off dirt and debris with a hose, dry the filter and then put it back in.
6. Refill the hot tub. Make sure the drain valve is closed and everything is in place, then position your hose in the filter area and begin to refill. Filling from this position will ensure the pump fills with water first, preventing air locks when you turn it back on.
7. Turn the power on. Only do this once it's filled up.
8. Heat and re-balance. Let it heat to around 20°C, then balance your pH and add your sanitiser.

Wood-fired hot tubs are used a little differently – most people will empty and refill their tub after every 2-3 uses.

Each time you do, you should drain it completely, wash the inside and outside with a hose and soft cloth, and empty the ash from the stove using a shovel.

You also need to treat the wood once a year to keep it good condition. The treatment will differ depending on the wood your tub is made from, so check your manual for details.

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Hot tub safety

General guidance from manufacturers says healthy adults who are not pregnant can stay in a hot tub heated to 37.8ºC for around 15-30 minutes at a time. Any longer or hotter, and you risk overheating and experiencing symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness or nausea.

You should avoid using a hot tub if:

• You are pregnant – as advised by the NHS, hot tubs can risk overheating, dehydration or fainting in those who are pregnant.
• You have a heart condition, pacemaker or high blood pressure – the British Heart Foundation says that baths, saunas and steam rooms can put extra strain on those who have heart conditions.
• You've been drinking alcohol – alcohol is a dehydrating substance and, when your body temperature is already higher than usual, this can lead to serious dehydration. You may also find you feel the effects of alcohol quicker while in a hot tub, leading to dizziness and drowsiness, which increases the risk of falling asleep.
• You are taking medications which make you drowsy – similar to the effects of alcohol, taking medication that can induce drowsiness means you run the risk of falling asleep in the tub.

If you have any medical conditions you're worried about, always consult with a healthcare professional before using a hot tub.

Hiring a hot tub

If you’re having a party, want to try out a tub or just fancy a weekend relaxing but don’t want to commit to a long-term investment, you can always get a rental hot tub.

There are hundreds of hot tub hire companies that offer rentals for between 3-14 days. You can get inflatable, hard-shell and even wood-fired rental hot tubs. Prices vary depending on the type of tub and how long you want it for, but typically start at around £200 for a long weekend.

Costs should cover delivery, installation, cleaning on pick-up and any chemicals needed for the duration of the rental. Ensuring you keep the chemicals topped up is vital if you want a hygienic soak.

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