Hot Tubs Reviews

Best Hot Tubs Reviews: (out of 9)
SpaSearch.org, Pool & Spa Living magazine, Poolandspa.com

Best Hot Tubs: (out of 30)
Above-ground acrylic hot tubs, Inflatable and portable hot tubs, Wooden hot tubs

Fast Answers - Best Hot Tubs

Top Rated	What the Research Says
• Above-ground acrylic hot tubs (*est. $3,000 to $10,000 for most) >> Where to buy	Most popular. The most recognized and popular type of spas are made of an acrylic or OAS (olefin acrylonitrile-styrene) shell with a fiberglass or foam understructure and a wood or synthetic cabinet. Although considered portable, they are difficult to move and require a firm surface, such as a concrete pad, for proper installation. Some models also require a special electrical outlet. With over 100 manufacturers and countless options and add-ons, these spas are the best all-around choice for most families.
• Inflatable and portable hot tubs (*est. $800 to $2,000 for most) >> Where to buy	Least expensive, most portable. Inflatable and portable hot tubs are the least expensive type of spa. Although much more portable than standard above-ground spas, they are considerably less durable, making them an unsuitable long-term investment. Manufactured from various combinations of vinyl, nylon and plastic, these budget spas can be set up nearly anywhere and packed away when not in use. Many use a blower system that circulates air in the water, although a few models use traditional jets. The major drawback in reviews is that because the cheapest models blow air instead of hot water to create bubbles, the water temperature drops quickly. That makes these hot tubs best for short soaks of 15 to 30 minutes.
• Wooden hot tubs (*est. $1,500 to $7,000 for most) >> Where to buy	Rustic-looking soaking tubs. Generally constructed of teak, redwood or cedar, wooden hot tubs still closely resemble the very first models, but with some upgrades. Priced similarly to standard above-ground spas, wooden hot tubs boast natural aromatherapy from the fragrant woods used in construction. Like other above-ground spas, wooden hot tubs require a firm surface for proper installation, but their heat source may be electrical, gas or wood. These hot tubs require extensive maintenance and are simple in style, lacking many of the options found in other spa types. They are available from specialty retailers and in do-it-yourself kits.
• In-ground spas (*est. $5,000 and up) >> Where to buy	Priciest hot tubs -- can improve property value. This is the most expensive type of spa, as installation requires excavation, as well as both plumbing and electrical work. They are made of gunite (pneumatically applied concrete) or standard concrete, sometimes with a decorative tile overlay. Most in-ground hot tubs have basic seating arrangements, generally consisting of step-type or bench seats. These hot tubs are also the most expensive type to operate and maintain, but they heat faster, hold their heat better, and are considered more aesthetically pleasing than other spas. They are also the only type of spa practically guaranteed to raise the value of a home.
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Updated March 2008

According to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, more then five million American households count themselves as hot-tub owners. Therefore, it may surprise you (as it did us) that there are no credible comparison reviews of these big-ticket items. Consumer Reports, for example, has some information on whirlpool bathtubs, but no guidance for hot tubs or spas. As a result, the best sources of information on hot tubs are found in consumer reviews and general information sites, such as the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), Pool & Spa Living magazine and HotTubLiving.com.

Because of the lack of reviews on specific manufacturers and/or hot tub models, this article examines the major types of hot tubs and identifies the features, elements, pros and cons of each type, as well as some basic information on what to look for when selecting a hot tub or spa. Specific models will be mentioned as appropriate, but in our findings none of these models have been tested against any others, so their comparative value is undetermined.

The terms "hot tub" and "spa" are used interchangeably by most retailers and consumers. Technically speaking, a hot tub is a wooden soaking tub with bench seating, with minimal or no jets. Spas, on the other hand, are made from various synthetic materials and incorporate blowers, jets, lighting, various seating configurations and other optional technologies. In reality, however, the terms are used interchangeably. "Jacuzzi" has become another general-use term, though Jacuzzi is actually a trademarked brand name.

Hot tubs were first popularized in the 1960s in California's wine country. These hot tubs were really no more than modified wine barrels used for soaking. To this day, California and the West Coast in general remain the strongholds for hot tub ownership, but hot tubs have come a long way since those first soaking barrels. In 1968, Roy Jacuzzi invented the Jacuzzi tub with jets that propelled water to produce a hydrotherapeutic sensation. From Roy Jacuzzi's invention were born what we know as modern hot tubs.

There are four basic types of hot tubs: inflatable/plastic spas, standard above-ground acrylic spas, wooden hot tubs and in-ground spas. Each option has different features and benefits. Above-ground acrylic hot tubs are the big sellers, but wooden tubs are making a comeback, and inflatable/portable hot tubs might be an option if you're on a budget and have modest expectations. ... Continued

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