Backyards continue to be a popular place for the entire family to relax and unwind, double-duty as pool clubs, spas, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, restaurants, and bars. You can’t go wrong with a hot tubs as a wonderful addition to your home that you can enjoy all year.
Top 9 Best Hot Tubs for Your Outdoor Space in 2021
While an inflatable model is always an option, installing something permanent will withstand the weather and include features that take soaking to the next level. Whether you want a simple, low-cost model or want to spend on something more luxurious, here are our top recommendations for the best hot tubs or jacuzzi to buy right now, along with buying guidance and suggestions.
Hot Tubs That Are the Best
- AquaRest Spas DayDream is our Editor’s Choice.
- AquaRest Spas Elite 6-Person Hot Tubs is the most affordable 6-person hot tub.
- The Splurge: Essential Spas Endeavor 6-Person Hot Tubs
- AquaRest Spas 6-Person Hot Tubs for Four People
- AquaRest Spas Graystone Elite is the best hot tub for five people.
- Sol 72 Abramson has a six-person hot tubs.
- Seven-Person Hot Tub: American Health Spas
- Futura Spas Hot Tub is the best large hot tub on the market.
- AquaRest Spas Premium 8-Person Hot Tubs is the best little hot tub on the market. Hot Tub for Two
What to Think About
The initial option is whether you want a plug-and-play hot tub or a conventional hot tub. The former is often easier to put up and less expensive, as they are constructed of high-impact polyethylene and are more commonly accessible online. Standard hot tubs are more expensive, constructed of acrylic, and generally include UV-resistant side paneling. They are also more difficult to build, necessitating careful preparation. It is also possible that you may need to upgrade to 220 volts, which should be done by a qualified electrician. Depending on your circumstances, a plug-and-play hot tub may be your only alternative.
Next, evaluate how many people will use the hot tub for sale on a regular basis and if it will be for adults alone or a family affair. Consider scaling up if you have the room. Hot baths for six and four people are popular. If your children will be utilizing the hot tubs in stock, read these child safety precautions. Take into account seat depth and the overall layout of conventional seats, lounge seats, or both. The number of jets might be misleading, and more isn’t always better.
Keep the number of jets in mind, but also consider the size and positioning of the jets. Water filtration and ozone purification systems (also known as ozonators) are required. The majority of them have both, as well as insulated locking covers that have been approved by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM). Hot tub stairs are typically sold separately, however hot tub coverings are occasionally included. Beyond that, selecting unique features and extras dependent on your budgets, such as colorful LED lighting, waterfalls, cushioned headrests, and even built-in Bluetooth speakers, is essential. Hot tub stairs are often supplied separately.
How We Decided
Our extensive research and selection process included consulting professional sources such as Wirecutter to influence our decisions, as well as sifting through user comments for positive feedback and frequent issues. All of the hot tubs we cover have four-star ratings or above, and because maximum capacity is one of the first and most essential factors, we provide models ranging in size from two to eight people. Hot tubs offer a large list of must-have and nice-to-have features, which we considered and evaluated against pricing, as well as highlighting the most prominent for each hot tub we write about.
- Product Type: Plug-and-Play
- Dimensions: 2.8 x 6.8 x 6.8 feet
- Water Capacity: 318
- gallons Jet Count: 45
We picked this plug-and-play solution as our top selection since it provides an outstanding value for money. The six-person hot tub is made of durable, 100 percent recycled polyethylene, has a large water-gallon capacity for its size, 45 stainless steel hydrotherapy jets, a two-speed pump, water filtration, and ozone purification systems, and is equipped with water filtration and ozone purification systems.
There are dual side air controls, five open chairs, and one lounge seat, as well as external LED lights and a multicolor LED backlit waterfall with nine different light settings. It has an insulated ASTM-certified cover and comes in two tone-on-tone colors: beige with espresso or onyx paneling.
Pros
- Excellent value for money.
- Lounge seat with a high jet count given its size
- Product Type: Plug-and-play
- Exterior Dimensions: 2.6 x 6.5 x 6.5 feet
- Water Capacity: 240 gallons
- Number of Jets: 29
At the time of writing, a six-person plug-and-play hot tub with a nice range of amenities was available for slightly over $3,000 USD. The inflatable hot tubs is constructed of impact-resistant polyethylene and has water filtration and ozone purification systems, dual-side air controls, and a multicolor LED backlit waterfall with nine light choices.
There’s also an insulated ASTM-certified cover in gray, dark brown, or light brown, with sleek, geometric features on the outside. It may not have as many jets as comparable six-person hot tubs, but it is still an excellent bargain.
Pros
- Excellent deal on a six-person hot tub.
- Solid features seen in more expensive models
Cons
- There aren’t as many jets as there are in other alternatives.
- There is no place to sit in the lounge.
- Product Type: Standard
- Dimensions: 3 x 7 x 7 feet
- Capacity: 400 gallons
- Number of Jets: 50
This premium standard six-person hot tub is definitely worth the extra money, with 50 adjustable stainless steel jets and a total water stream of 100 jets, a 400-gallon capacity, two energy-efficient pumps, a lounge seat, and padded headrests. There is also a wide range of jet settings in the chairs to focus hydrotherapy massage in various places.
An ozone and water filtration system, a programmable backlit digital control panel on top, underwater color-changing LED lights, and a waterfall is all included. The acrylic hot tub includes UV-resistant faux-wood paneling on the exterior, as well as an insulated locking lid.
Pros
- Padded headrests and a lounge seat
- A wide range of jet configurations is available.
- Programmable control panel with a large water capacity
- Product Type: Plug-and-play
- Exterior Dimensions: 2.5 x 6.2 x 5.6 feet
- Water Capacity: 190 gallons
- Number of Jets: 20
This four-person plug-and-play hot tub is another consumer favorite, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 530 reviews. It has 20 stainless steel multilevel hydrotherapy jets, a 190-gallon capacity, water filtration, and ozone purification systems, deep chairs with lumbar support, dual side air controls, and a backlit LED waterfall with nine color selections. The hot tub is constructed of tough polyethylene and has an eye-catching diamond design on the outside. It also has an ASTM-certified insulated locking lid. Greystone is also an option.
Pros
- Priced reasonably
- Features that are strong
- Seats that are deep and have lumbar support
Cons
- There is no place to sit in the lounge.
- Product Type: Plug-and-Play
- Dimensions: 2.6 x 6.7 x 6.7 feet
- Water Capacity: 215 gallons
- Jet Count: 29
If you want more elbow room than a four-person hot tub, a five-person model is a way to go—and this model is particularly well-priced for its size, plus a lounge seat. In addition to the light greystone pictured, this 215-gallon hot tub is constructed of high-impact polyethylene and is available in two colors of brown.
There are 29 stainless steel multilevel jets that may run constantly or automatically shut off after 15 minutes, as well as lumbar seating with arch support and a colorful LED waterfall that is illuminated. Additionally, there are dual-side air controls, ozone purification and water filtration systems, and an ASTM-certified insulated locking lid.
Pros
- Auto jet shutdown option
- reasonably priced lounge seat
Cons
- Two of the chairs are on the tiny side.
- Standard Product Type
- Dimensions: 3 x 6.5 x 6.5 feet
- Capacity: 272 gallons
- Number of Jets: 54
This basic hot tub can accommodate six persons and has a lounge seat, 54 adjustable jets, LED lighting choices for water that shines in a variety of neon colors, a waterfall, and padded headrests. Other notable features include three pumps (the most of any hot tub in our survey) and an air blower.
Customers claim the jets are “strong and provide a lot of adjustabilities,” as well as “larger and finer than I imagined.” The hot tub has a capacity of 272 gallons and comes with an insulated cover and water filter, but there is no Ozonator, which is a disadvantage at this price. In addition, while the seatbacks are broad, the seat bottoms are narrow.
Pros
- Padded headrests and a lounge seat
- Powerful jets in an air blower
Cons
- There is no Ozonator provided.
- Seat bottoms are somewhat small.
- Standard Product Type
- Dimensions: 2.9 x 7 x 7 feet
- Capacity: 425 gallons
- Number of Jets: 56
This seven-person plug and play hot tubs has plenty of area for soaking as well as a music and light display. It has a Bluetooth speaker built-in, LED lighting for neon-lit water, and a waterfall. The water capacity is a huge 425 gallons, and the jets are large and well-placed on the backs of the deep bucket seats, some with cushioned headrests, however, there is no lounge seat.
The acrylic hot tub has UV-resistant faux-wood side paneling in espresso, as well as an insulated locking lid, water filter, and Ozonator. According to one satisfied client, “the jets are wonderful, as are the lights and the audio.”
Pros
- Large capacity for water
- Seats with deep buckets and well-padded headrests
- Bluetooth stereo speaker
Cons
- There is no place to sit in the lounge.
- Standard Product Type
- Dimensions: 2.9 x 6.8 x 6.8 feet
- Capacity: 425 gallons
- Number of Jets: 88
With 88 jets and seating for eight, this basic hot tub is ideal for large groups. There is multicolor LED lighting and a waterfall, as well as a water filter, Ozonator, and an insulated locking lid, as with the majority of the hot tubs we cover. It is constructed of acrylic, features UV-resistant faux-wood paneling, and a large water capacity of 425 gallons. There is also a lower minimum temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit than most other hot tubs, which may be more pleasant for elderly people, however, most of the seats lack cushioned headrests and there is no lounge seating.
Pros
- a large number of jets and a large amount of water
- The basal temperature of the lounge seat is lower than that of most hot tubs.
Cons
- There are just three chairs with cushioned headrests.
- There is no place to sit in the lounge.
- Product Type: Plug-and-play
- Exterior Dimensions: 2.5 x 6.6 x 5.6 feet
- Water Capacity: 160 gallons
- Number of Jets: 20
This is your best choice if you want a cozy two-person hot tub with double lounge seats. It has received positive feedback from over 270 consumers, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. It has 20 multilevel stainless steel jets with dual-side air controls, chairs with lumbar support, and water filtration and ozone purification systems. While sipping wine or Champagne, have fun lighting up the night with its colorful illuminated waterfall.
Because of its size and eye-catching form, the hot tub is simple to maintain and comes with a locking lid. In addition to the dark brown pictured, it is also available in light brown and gray. This little hot tub lacks a waterfall, but that is unlikely to be a deal-breaker.
Pros
- Seats for two in the lounge
- For a tiny size, there are a lot of jets.
Cons
- There is no waterfall.
- For the size, it’s a touch expensive.
