A hot tub is a welcome addition to your garden space, especially in those colder months when you want to be outdoors but it's not warm enough. Even though hot tubs have become an accessible luxury, with more brands and variety than ever before, they are still a huge investment and commitment. So knowing which hot tub brands are worth looking at is essential before deciding to invest.
Each year brings the promise of exciting new garden trends that will help transform your outdoor space and each year that goes by sees the return of the hot tub. Creating your own spa in your garden is still as popular as ever, who needs to go abroad or to a fancy spa when you can create the ultimate relaxation area in your very own garden with some of the best hot tub deals?
The best hot tub brands at a glance:
• Best overall hot tub brand: Lay-Z-Spa
• Best affordable hot tub brand: Intex
• Best premium hot tub brand: Canadian Spa Company
Thankfully, we've researched the best hot tub brands, so you don't need to. With that, Modern Gardens has hand-picked the best hot tub brands that deserve your attention this year.
Best hot tub brands
Lay-Z-Spa
Well-known and reliable
If you've been shopping around for a hot tub or already own a hot tub, you'll probably be well acquainted with Lay-Z-Spa. According to verified reviews from Trustpilot and Amazon, Lay‑Z‑Spa is the UK’s most 5‑star reviewed hot tub brand and has an ever‑growing community of over one million customers. Despite the names of the hot tubs being from around the globe, it is a UK-based company and is proudly known for variety, versatility, convenience, and energy efficiency.
Lay-Z-Spa is also incredibly committed to self-care. An independent study recently found using a Lay‑Z‑Spa for 30 minutes has positive benefits including reducing anxiety, elevating heart rate, increasing blood flow, reducing stress hormones, and reducing blood pressure.
For more options, check out our selection of the best Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs.
Best value Lay-Z-Spa hot tub
www.robertdyas.co.uk
For a fab price, you can experience ultimate relaxation with the Lay-Z-Spa Miami Airjet, perfect for couples and families, accommodating up to four people. Even though is great value, you can still immerse yourself in the 120 all-surrounding AirJet massage system, while the rapid heating technology ensures water temperatures of up to 40 degrees.
The tub also features a digital control pump with handy cup holders, and an energy-efficient timer. This tub also offer's Lay-Z-Spa's Freeze Shield tech for year-round enjoyment and peace of mind when the temperature drops.
Pros
- A great value choice with simple functionality
- Easy setup for hassle-free construction
- Offers an energy-efficient timer
Cons
- Some reviewers suggest it might be a little cramped for four
| Dimensions: | 180 x 66 x 180 cm (WxHxD) |
- Quick and easy to set up - takes less than 5 minutes
- Low running costs - Approx. £10.00 per week
- Experience the benefits of hydrotherapy with 120 airjet massage system
- Built-in power-saving timer to regulate your heat settings and save you money
- Free weatherproof cover to increase insulation and reduce energy costs (worth £49.99GBP)
- Freeze Shield technology protects your hot tub during cold weather
- A full manufacturer's warranty included for peace of mind
Intex
Affordable and convenient
Intex is an American brand that is well respected here in the UK and all over the world. The brand is well known for producing airbeds, above-ground pools, hot tubs, toys, furniture, boats, and so much more. It is also committed to decreasing our carbon footprint. For over 10 years, Intex have worked with suppliers to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used.
Often found in Aldi's Specialbuy aisle, Intex hot tubs combine hot tub knowledge with great value, providing a unique spa experience and providing ultimate comfort and relaxation at the touch of a button.
Best for hard water areas
Many areas of the UK have to deal with hard water, which can be harsh on skin and clothes. As well as having heated bubble jets, the Intex PureSpa tub is its built-in hard water treatment system, designed to ensure the water is gentler on the skin and clothes, as well as on the hot tub itself.
This makes this hot tub a great option for those living in areas of the UK with harder water, such as in the South. We love the natural beige colour of this hot tub - great for blending into a natural environment.
Pros
- Multiple heated bubble jets
- Built-in water treatment system for hard water
- Offers an easy-to-replace filter system
Cons
- Some suggest cleaning the filters is harder than expected
| Dimensions: | 196L x 196W x 71H cm |
- 6 person Hot Tub
- Built-in hard water treatment system
- Suitable for ages 6+
- An improved control panel that adjusts the heating system
Canadian Spa Company
Trusted and Premium
Built to withstand the harsh Canadian winters, Canadian Spa Company hot tubs stock both hard-shell and inflatable hot tubs that can accommodate between two to seven people. It is well known for hard-shell tubs and can cost up to more than £20,000 for high-end models. You can order direct from the website, but the products are also available to buy from B&Q and Argos.
Best hot tub for additional features
www.diy.com
This Canadian Spa Company Calgary Plug & Play spa fits in almost any location. It is roomy but compact and packed with all the features of a full-sized spa (including 24 adjustable hydrotherapy jets and mood lighting) and easily accommodates four adults.
This is easy to install and more energy efficient than some on the market - just plug in and go. Also includes a hard shell top safety cover and Ozone generation system to react and kill bacteria and reduce the chemicals needed for maintenance. We love that this has LED lighting and an aromatherapy cannister - extras you won't find on rival models.
Pros
- Energy efficient to save money
- Loads of features despite being compact
- Simple and relatively quick to set up
Cons
- Have to remember to change filters every 4 to 6 months
| Dimensions: | Depth 213, Width 160, Height 79 cm |
- Aromatherapy system including a canister that mixes scented beads (purchased separately) with warm air to release the smells when in the spa
- 4 hydro-massage jetted seats that direct flows of water to provide a massage
- 24 hydro-massage jets use water mixed with air to give an invigorating massage in a number of different styles
- Requires 13A socket
- Made with microban acrylic to help inhibit the growth of microbes
- Waterfall feature of cascading, back-lit stream of water that flows into the spa
MSpa
Versatile and innovative
Asian brand MSpa has been innovating in the hot tub marketplace since 2006. Today it offers five different hot tub ranges to suit different needs and budgets including traditional, rigid-sided spas and more affordable inflatable models. The brand's tubs are sold by major home and garden retailers across the UK, both in stores and online.
MSpa's higher end hot tubs offer variable speed bubble settings, hydro jets, and even control via the MSpa companion app. All models give you a built-in UVC sanitiser and antibacterial system that kills disease-causing pathogens, antibacterial fabric lining, anti-icing tech for frost protection, and an energy-saving timer.
Best for high-tech spec
MSpaWith a smart, modern design, the Oslo is one of MSpa's top models, but reviewers suggest it's well worth the investment if you're planning to spend a lot of time in your outdoor spa. Part of the brand's Frame range, this offers space for six people, but four can enjoy the integrated headrests and seat pads positioned at either end of the tub.
You can control this fully specced tub in two ways; via the sleek OLED touchscreen you can reach from within the spa, or via the comprehensive MSpa companion app. Other high tech features include an LED light strip at the base of the tub. Not only does this provide illumination when night falls, but thanks to translucent fabric elements the light shines into the water to up the ambience.
Pros
- Multiple powerful hydromassage jets
- Integrated, remote-controlled LED lighting
- Durable, rigid construction for longevity
Cons
- Not as portable as inflatable options
RotoSpa
UK-based and eco-friendly
RotoSpa is a UK-based family business started in 2003 that's grown into a well-respected British brand supplying residential and commercial hot tubs across the country. The company's solid residential range is relatively small, but is comprised of multi award-winning products, all of which are 100% recyclable.
Popular products include its compact DuoSpa models - hot tubs especially designed for couples that offer a full-body massage and fully-reclined seating positions. Other models in the range can fit up to six people. All models offer plug-and-play operation, with no need for professional installation. They feature highly durable, weatherproof side panels which come in a two finishes; sophisticated grey and traditional teak.
Best family-friendly hot tub
Rotospawww.robertdyas.co.uk
One of RotoSpa's larger models, the QuatroSpa is a family-friendly choice that can seat five to six people. This boasts 26 luxury hydrojets, offering a full-body massage for ultimate relaxation. There are also LED lights and a waterfall feature.
On the technical side of things, the QuatroSpa has a digital control system, smart filtration to keep the water clear, power smart tech to keep running costs down, and a sleep timer that stops the water from being heated when the tub is not in use. This comes complete with a lockable thermal cover and a handy chemical starter kit.
Pros
- Simple, plug-and-play set-up with no installation
- Comes complete with a cover and a chemical kit
- Offers 26 luxury hydrojets around the tub
Cons
- No companion app control
Wave
Space saving and energy efficient
Wave's rigid eco foam options are well worth considering thanks to innovative design that sees the heater integrated into the body of the spa, rather than in an external unit that protrudes from the side. As well as offering a more sleek design, this offers several advantages; Wave boasts this, and the eco foam construction, makes the tubs 50% more thermally efficient than competitors, and that the operation is comparably quieter.
The company also offers a range of more affordable inflatable hot tubs. Overall, there are a range of Wave models available in varying sizes and shapes. You can opt for round, square, or octagon-shaped spas with space for four or six people. Finishes range from rattan to marble effect in shades of grey, white, navy, and sage green.
Best for stylish looks
Wave wavespas.com
With the promise of a tool-free set up in a matter of minutes, the Wave Garda hot tub is a hassle-free choice that offers room for up to six people. While the square shaped won't suit every space, it would look stunning on an angular patio or decking area.
This comes complete with an easy-to-use wired controller, but the settings can also be managed via the Wave companion app which gives you hands-free control. This comes complete with an inflatable, weatherproof cover that safely clips into place for childproof peace of mind. This is available in four finishes which are actually skins, so you could change the design up if you wanted a change.
Pros
- Built-in integrated heating system
- 50% more thermal efficiency than competitors
- 20 to 30 minute tool-free set up
Cons
- No chemical starter kit included
VERDICT: What is the best make of hot tub?
Modern Gardens Magazine recommends all of the above as reputable hot tub brands. But, overall, the best brand to buy a hot tub from is Lay-Z-Spa. Buying a hot tub is an investment, and though Lay-Z-Spa isn’t a budget brand, there are many models to choose from, and the reviews speak for themselves.
What kind of hot tub should I buy?
If this is your first hot tub purchase, then we advise you to consider a budget option to test out how much use you will get out of it. If you are unsure about such a large purchase, then opt for an inflatable hot tub, this way you can test how often you use it, the enjoyment you get from it, and then after six months to a year, decide whether you want something a little more fixed and permanent.
Hot tubs can cost from anything as low as £200 right up to £6,000+, and then you have to factor in the cost of using extra electricity on top of that and in the current climate with climbing energy prices, that is quite the bump on your bills.
After a year of using an inflatable hot tub, you figure out that you want to invest a few extra thousand pounds, then you can sell your inflatable hot tub, go for a hard shell hot tub or installation, or even build a hot tub gazebo to make it a feature in your garden.
Can inflatable hot tubs be used in winter?
While the British climate may not be the best for the hot tub season year-round, most contemporary inflatable hot tubs are made with a heat maintenance system that will keep the water warm even during the winter months. Therefore, unless it’s raining – you can go into the hot tub for most of the year.
Inflatable hot tub maintenance: A quick guide
After selecting an inflatable hot tub, read through the manufacturer's instructions so you know how to best take care of it so it will last a long time.
Draining and flushing your hot tub should be done three to four times a year - or every quarter to make it easy to remember. However, despite some hot tubs coming with cleaning kits, they should be cleaned weekly and routinely treated with chemicals. Always refer to the manual when it comes to chemicals, depending on the brand of your hot tub, the hot tub filters should also be cleaned every month. You will need first to clean the tub itself and the filter, plus test the pH and alkalinity of the water.
pH and alkalinity: If your inflatable hot tub doesn't come with a test kit, you'll need to purchase one to test the pH and alkalinity of the hot tub water at least once a week. The recommended amount of pH levels should be around 7.4 to 7.6 pH. If it is too acidic or has too much alkaline, you could damage the material of the inflatable hot tub and irritate your skin.
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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, A Modern Kitchen, Yours and Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands, including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.