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Hot Tubs: Ratings of Sources

Total of 9 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. SpaSearch.org
As of Mar. 2008
Buying a Hot Tub
by Editors of SpaSearch.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis website, which also publishes a print magazine, has dozens of articles related to hot-tub buying decisions, including sections on construction, features, maintenance, safety and installation. A photo gallery includes lots of inspiration and gives you an idea of the various types of hot tubs available. This publication also has an endorsement program for manufacturers, based on customer survey cards from owners. Most major brands are included. However, editors don't tell us if any brands didn't make the cut, so we're not sure how critical these ratings really are.
2. Pool & Spa Living magazine
As of Mar. 2008
Hot Tubs & Spas Articles Archive
by Contributing editors to Pool & Spa Living
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis website is the online arm of Pool & Spa Living, a lifestyle magazine for enthusiasts. While there are no reviews here, you will find some good articles on choosing a spa, as well as on installation and maintenance issues. There are also lots of photographs of fancy and not-so-fancy spas, so you can get a good idea about what's out there.
3. Poolandspa.com
Not Dated
Planning to Buy a Hot Tub Spa
by Editors of PoolandSpa.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis retailer sells parts, chemicals and accessories for hot tubs, but doesn't sell the tubs themselves. Most of the site is very commercial (with links, for example, on how to win a free hot tub), but this article on buying considerations is helpful. The short guide covers material types, installation considerations and a short shopping checklist.
4. HotTub SpaRatings.com
As of Mar. 2008
Hot Tub and Spa Reviews
by Contributors to HotTub SpaRatings.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAn extension of Robert's Hot Tubs, a California-based manufacturer of wooden hot tubs, this site has a section of user reviews at a huge number of spas of all types. Very few owners post comments for the same spa, but there's a large enough number of comments here that you're more likely to find something on the spa you're considering. Additionally, there's a helpful buyer's guide that covers spa materials, jet types, maintenance and installation considerations. Although the website isn't very easy to navigate, there's a better collection of glossary terms and advice here than at any other website we found.
5. What'sTheBest.com
As of Mar. 2008
Owner Reviews and Forum
by Contributors to What's The Best Hot Tub
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThere's some good buyer's guide advice here, though most is short and very general. A section for reviews allows owners to rate their own spas, but only a handful of models are listed, and most receive only a single review. A forum section includes discussion on repair issues, special needs (a hot tub for tall people, for instance) and maintenance advice.
6. Amazon.com
As of Mar. 2008
Hot Tubs
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhile Amazon.com sells (or sells through third parties) a few models of home spas and hot tubs, very few receive any owner-written ratings or feedback. One exception is the Comfort Line Spa-in-a-Box, which gets about 15 reviews. This model is mainly inflatable, and it requires no special plumbing. Once you fill it up, a heater warms the water. A generator produces the bubbles. While most owners say the Spa-in-a-Box is good for the price, they also tend to add that the set-up instructions are unclear. The hot tub also loses heat quickly since the jets blow only air instead of hot water. One user reports that his electric bill tripled. Most owners say this is a good choice if you will use the hot tub for short dips of 15 minutes or so, as opposed to long soaks (since the heat loss is perceptible).
7. Hot Tub Superstore
Not Dated
Editor's Choice Hot Tubs
by Editors of Hot Tub Superstore
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhile this retail site offers some product reviews and an "Editor's Choice" section, the selection of the choices is mainly confined to one or two main brands and seems to be more of a sales promotion than anything else. There are some user reviews available through this site, but we found better information elsewhere.
8. Hot Tub Living
Not Dated
"Hot Tub Brands"
by No Author
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHotTubLiving.com is sponsored by the Hot Tub Council of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. The site says its focus is hot tub safety. However, you have to provide your e-mail address to receive the publication's safety brochure. The home page does include a list of spa manufacturers. Otherwise, we didn't find much information of value here.
9. Hot Tubs Directory
As of Mar. 2008
Hot Tub Ratings
by Contributors to Hot Tubs Directory
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis is another site with some user reviews sorted by brand/manufacturer. The ratings are sparse at best, however, and they lack detail. Users can view the number of votes for any given manufacturer and read individual comments, but this information is not sorted out by spa model, only by brand/manufacturer.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
Installation, Maintenance
 
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