The 5 Best Hot Tubs for Your Backyard in 2022
Updated: Feb. 15, 2023We rounded up the best hot tubs for every style, size and budget.
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Hot Tub Buying Considerations
A hot tub is a big investment. There are several things to consider before buying hot tubs as well as some important safety precautions. Among them are what type of hot tub to buy (your options include in-ground, above-ground and inflatable), what size to go with and how much to spend. As you consider those factors, we rounded up the best hot tubs by category.
How we chose the best hot tubs
We looked at ease of setup, overall comfort and user ratings to determine the best hot tubs in 2022. We also looked at the mechanical components of each, highlighting energy-efficient models. Finally, we looked at design features and overall value. Models vary greatly, but the cost of a hot tub doesn’t have to break the bank—especially with more affordable hot tubs coming to the market.
Best all around: Lifesmart Curacao DLX Hot Tub
If you’re looking for an all-around winning hot tub with ample seating, amenities and excellent construction, the Lifesmart Curacao DLX is one to check out. This five-seater has 65 therapeutic jets designed to hit your pressure points and a popular lounger seat. It’s one of the top-rated hot tubs thanks to a robust mechanical system and easy maintenance.
Four cup holders, LED lights, waterfall, digital controls and an energy-efficient design make it one of the most exciting outdoor hot tubs. All you need now is an outdoor pizza oven and a few good friends.
Pros:
- Seats five
- 65 therapeutic jets
- LED lights
- Digital controls
Cons:
- Larger footprint requires a fair amount of deck or patio space
Best affordable hot tub: AquaRest Spas Select 400
A well-rated model that won’t break the bank is the AquaRest Spas Select 400 Plug-and-Play Hot Tub. It has upgraded features like hydrotherapy jets, multicolored LED lights and a waterfall you’d expect from a pricier model. But don’t worry, it’s one of the best affordable hot tubs and one of the easiest four-person hot tubs to set up on your own.
While many plug-and-plays aren’t known for their construction, this four-person model features an energy-efficient pump, full foam insulation and a durable polyethylene shell. It also comes in three versatile colors. The easy-to-clean frame that cuts down on the need for hot tub cleaning supplies.
Pros:
- Top-rated hot tub costs about half as much as competing models
- Hydrotherapy jets
- Plug-and-play setup makes hot tub setup a breeze
- Four-person seating
- Durable polyethylene shell
- Three color options
- Energy efficient pump
Cons:
- Robust footprint requires lots of deck space, but only seats four people
Best large hot tub: Ohana Spas Soothe
If you’re looking to entertain a crowd, consider the Ohana Spas Soothe. It’s big enough for seven people. Programmable underwater LED lights give it a festive feel that can also become a relaxing oasis when it’s a smaller, quieter crowd using it. There’s even in built-in ice bucket to hold your beverages. The surprisingly modest price point for this large-format piece makes it one of the best hot tub deals of all.
The 70 hydro jets, with 30 fully adjustable stainless steel jets, melt away everyone’s tension. And while it holds up to seven, it’s still small enough to fit under your pergola. This hot tub may even increase your home’s value. The insulation and thermal locking cover will help keep your utility bill down when it’s not in use too.
Pros:
- Large enough to fit up to seven people
- Small enough to fit under typical pergolas and on average-size decks
- Built-in ice bucket for entertaining
- Fully adjustable jets
- Underwater LED lighting
Cons:
- Only one configuration available
- Only one color
Best two-person hot tub: AquaRest Spas Select 300
The AquaRest Spas Select 300 Hot Tub is a great option if you’re looking for a cozy tub for two. Reviewers rave about its 20 stainless steel jets set into a therapeutic lumbar support design, convenient cup holders and LED-backlit waterfall that lets you choose among nine colors.
It’s super easy to set up — just plug it into any standard outlet and fill with water. The smaller size also makes it one of the best cheap hot tubs for those working with tight budgets. Ideal for patio corners, this is also one of the best hot tubs to position opposite from one of the best outdoor TVs.
Pros:
- Cozy two-person configuration
- Takes up only a modest amount of outdoor space
- LED-backlit waterfall
- Works with any standard electrical outlet
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for corners
Cons:
- Smaller size means it’s better suited for small households
Best Inflatable Hot Tub
A blow-up hot tub is an affordable, easy-to-install option, and the Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa is one of the best inflatable hot tubs on the market. It seats up to six and will help you relax via a bubbly massage system, making it one of our favorite affordable hot tubs.
The construction is solid thanks to a fortified exterior material that resists punctures and UV rays. If you’re not ready to invest time and money into a traditional above-ground hot tub, this is a great way to get your feet wet. It also makes it easy to get rid of your hot tub should you decide to move or revamp your space.
Pros:
- Inflatable, portable design
- One of the best affordable hot tubs on the market
- Seats up to six adults conformably
- Fortified exterior material resists punctures and UV rays
Cons:
- Not ideal for extreme climates
- Inflatable format is at risk for damage from the environment and rough use
How often should you clean a hot tub?
Top rated hot tubs and cheap hot tubs alike all need regular cleaning. Draining, flushing and full hot tub cleanings should be performed at least four times a year. Sanitizing and hot tub chemical balancing should be performed every five to seven days, though. This is an important step in keeping a healthy hot tub environment and prolonging the life of your new favorite patio accessory.
How hot should a hot tub be?
Most hot tub users prefer water temperatures in the range of 100 to 202 degrees Fahrenheit. The maximum temperature for most popular hot tubs is 104 degrees. Many therapeutic hot tub users, especially in warm climates, prefer to set their hot tub temperatures between 96 and 99 degrees.
How long do hot tubs last?
The best hot tubs should last at least five years, with some extra durable and well-cared for models lasting decades. It’s important to remember that the materials your hot tub is made of impact overall longevity as well as your commitment to regular maintenance and cleaning.
Are hot tubs good for you?
It depends on who you ask, but many people swear by the health benefits of hot tubs thanks to the therapeutic effects of warmth and soaking. Hot tub users report muscle relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief and meditative effects.
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