What are the best hot tub brands?
Bullfrog Spas®
Bullfrog Spas is known for its innovative engineering and design. Their goal is to create an experience that provides a peaceful body, mind, and home for every customer.
Bullfrog Spas offers 4 hot tub lines: the premium luxury A Series, the modern STIL spas, the quality R Series, and the value focused X Series.
Caldera Spas®
At Caldera Spas, they focus on comfort, design, and performance. Every element, from the seats to the jets, is optimized for a soothing, therapeutic experience.
Caldera offers 3 hot tub lines: the Utopia® Series, the Paradise® Series, and the Vacanza® Series.
Hot Spring®
Hot Spring is the largest hot tub manufacturer in the industry and has over 900 dealer locations worldwide. These dealers pride themselves on great customer care.
Hot Spring offers 3 hot tub lines: the Highlife® collection, the Limelight® collection, and Hot Spot® spas.
Jacuzzi®
Jacuzzi is the original and best-known hot tub brand. The Jacuzzi brothers invented the first hydrotherapy pump in the 1950s and popularized the use of outdoor hot tubs by the 1980s.
Jacuzzi offers 5 hot tub lines: the J-500™ Collection, the J-400™ Collection, the J-300™ Collection, the J-LX® Collection, and the J-200™ Collection.
Sundance®
Sundance has been in business for nearly 40 years producing hot tubs designed to meet the consumer’s needs. They take pride in their reputation as a community-oriented company.
Sundance offers 4 hot tub lines: the 980™ Series, the 880™ Series, the 780™ Series, and the 680™ Series.
Hot Tub Brands to Avoid
When looking for the best hot tub brands, a lot of people ask which spa brands they should avoid. Here are a few things to look out for when comparing hot tub brands.
Bad Reviews
A brand with less than 4 stars out of 5 probably isn’t the best choice. In addition to looking at the overall rating, you’ll want to read a handful of hot tub reviews to see what the main complaints have been.
Bad Warranty
Double check the warranty on your hot tub before purchasing to make sure any unexpected troubles will be taken care of. Spa frames and bases should be covered for at least 5 years if not more.
No Dealers
If your hot tub is only sold online or at a big box store, be cautious before buying. A local authorized hot tub dealer is the best way to ensure you get great service before and after buying your spa. Otherwise, you may be on your own if a part needs replacing.
Hot tub Brand Comparison
In a recent survey, hot tub owners were asked which hot tub features had the biggest influence on their purchase decision when comparing hot tubs.
The results of the survey showed that these are the top 6 features that influenced hot tub purchases:
1. Jets/Therapy
2. Quality Construction
3. Energy Efficiency
4. Style
5. Comfort
6. Water Care
Because these are the most important features, it’s important to know what each hot tub company provides. Here’s a comparison of these 6 features for each hot tub brand.
1. Jets & Therapy
Because hot tubs are best known for their amazing therapeutic jets, it’s no surprise that the number one feature hot tub shoppers are looking for are quality jet massages. There is nothing more relaxing than soaking in warm water while receiving a soothing massage.
To help you find the hot tub with the best jets for you, here’s a breakdown of the jets and therapy features of each of the best hot tub brands.
Bullfrog Spas
Bullfrog Spas features the JetPak Therapy System® which allows you to select between 17 interchangeable jet massages called JetPaks, place the JetPak in the seat that fits your height, and adjust the massage power to your preferred intensity. This allows each person to completely personalize their hydrotherapy experience and target the exact muscles that need relief.
Caldera Spas
Using a holistic approach to hydrotherapy, each seat in a Caldera spa focuses on a different muscle group in the body. Known as hot tub circuit therapy, the user moves from seat to seat to massage different regions in the body.
Hot Spring
The Moto-Massage® DX jet is the latest hydrotherapy addition to the Hot Spring® spa collections. The unique massaging jet produces two streams which move up and down your back. Hot Spring also offers 10 different jet types, including rotary, directional and precision jets to create a unique spa experience for all users.
Jacuzzi
When it comes to Jacuzzi’s hydrotherapy systems, better jets are more important than more jets. Their PowerPro® jets feature Aqualibrium® technology, which provides the perfect balance of air and water, resulting in a high-flow, low-pressure massaging jet.
Sundance
The Fluidix® jet system provides deep tissue relief and relaxation, working on the same pressure points targeted in reflexology. The jets simulate real massage sensations, from Shiatsu to Swedish, providing deep relaxation and tension relief.
2. Quality & Reliability
Other than finding a hot tub with the perfect jet massages, the next most important thing to hot tub owners is finding a spa they can rely on.
The best hot tubs should last 10 or more years and should require minimal maintenance and servicing.
Here’s a comparison of the quality and reliability of each of the best hot tub brands.
Bullfrog Spas
Every Bullfrog spa is constructed with the patented, wood-free EnduraFrame™ structure. Designed for durability and longevity, this ABS spa frame doesn’t deteriorate or corrode with use. All components are injection-molded, ensuring a tight, leak-free connection between the frame, plumbing and cabinet. All parts are manufactured and assembled in the U.S., guaranteed to meet the highest quality standards.
Caldera Spas
Caldera Spas uses high-quality heaters, pumps and components. Their hot tub shells are made of durable, reinforced acrylic and last for years.
Hot Spring
Hot Spring spa models also incorporate an ABS acrylic shell for improved durability and have high quality parts and components.
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi portable spas feature high-grade, scratch-resistant acrylic shells to improve heat retention and durability. Exterior cabinets are manufactured using UV-resistant synthetic wood that doesn’t warp or degrade due to sun and weather exposure.
Sundance
Sundance spas are built with a synthetic base to keep out rain and other elements. Their SunStrong® Skirt cabinets are also UV-resistant.
3. Energy Efficiency
Just as it requires energy each month to keep your refrigerator cold, you use energy to keep your hot tub warm.
However, keeping your hot tub hot shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Great hot tubs are well insulated and have innovative plumbing to keep energy costs down.
Here’s a comparison of the energy efficiency of each of the best hot tub brands.
Bullfrog Spas
Bullfrog Spas are ranked the most energy-efficient hot tubs in their class based on data collected by the California Energy Commission. Since Bullfrog Spas uses 90% less plumbing than traditional spas, they limit energy consumption and retain heat more efficiently. Plus, their full foam design minimizes heat loss and lowers energy costs.
Caldera Spas
Caldera Spas makes energy efficiency a priority in all its hot tub designs. From the latest insulation to the most efficient pumps, Caldera Spas® uses materials that reduce environmental impact while lowering operating costs for users. Their EnergyPro® pump operates continually at low wattage, reducing stress on the heater and lowering overall energy use.
Hot Spring
Each Hot Spring hot tub uses their Energy Smart® system to ensure maximum energy efficiency in all aspects of construction. In particular, all spas use the SilentFlo 5000® circulation pump, which continuously circulates warm water throughout the tub, consuming less energy than a 40-watt light bulb.
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi’s high-end model, the J-LX, uses materials and components that maximize heat retention and lower energy consumption. This model exceeds energy-use standards in the industry without sacrificing the power and performance you expect from your hot tub.
Sundance
Sundance Spas uses high-density insulation to prevent heat loss and minimize energy consumption. They also offer SunStrong® foam covers to increase efficiency.
4. Style & Design
When choosing a hot tub for your backyard living space, it’s important that your spa matches your style and home.
Here’s a breakdown of the styles and designs of each of the best hot tub brands.
Bullfrog Spas
The Bullfrog Spas STIL Spa is the only portable hot tub to have won the prestigious iF Design Award. Bullfrog Spas offers beautiful, updated cabinet and shell colors to go with any landscape and home design.
Caldera Spas
Caldera’s Utopia series offers various design styles such as Cottage, Contemporary, Tuscan, and Mid-Century Modern.
Hot Spring
Hot Spring’s Highlife collection was designed in partnership with Designworks®, a BMW Group Company. Hot Spring offers 6 cabinet finishes on their spas.
Jacuzzi
The Jacuzzi J-500 has a curved design, unique exterior lighting, and 9 shell colors to choose from. In addition, the J-LX Collection features a flat top rail minimalist design.
Sundance
Sundance offers classic hot tub designs with up to 10 different shell colors, as well as several cabinet and cover color options.
5. Comfort
Have you ever sat in a public hot tub and felt really uncomfortable in the hard, scratchy seats?
Luckily, the best portable hot tub brands have smooth, comfortable seats and surfaces to maximize your spa enjoyment.
Here’s a comparison of the comfort features of each of the best hot tub brands.
Bullfrog Spas
Bullfrog Spas features various seat heights and angles so everyone can enjoy their spa experience. The new A9L model has ample space and has 8 seats. The popular A8D model comes with 2 premium lounge seats to maximize your relaxation.
Caldera Spas
Caldera Spas are designed for comfort with sculpted seats and soothing jet massages. Some hot tub models also feature the UltraMassage® lounge.
Hot Spring
The HotSpring Grandee is HotSpring’s most spacious hot tub with lots of legroom and seats up to 7.
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi’s J-300 collection is focused on comfort with adjustable headrests and ergonomic seating.
Sundance
Sundance spa models offer both open and lounge seating options. They also feature several large hot tubs that can comfortably fit the whole family.
6. Water Care
Although only 6th on hot tub customers’ list of most important features, easy water care is quickly becoming a higher priority for hot tub owners. Hot tub brands are coming up with simpler, more automated systems to keep your spa water clean and clear.
Here’s a comparison of the water care systems offered by each of the best hot tub brands.
Bullfrog Spas
Bullfrog Spas provides 3 easy-to-use and highly effective water care systems. The Enhanced Ozone System (EOS O3™), FROG® @ease®, and the WellSpring Circulation Pump. Your spa water will require up to 75% less chlorine than ever before—saving you time and money.
Caldera Spas
Caldera Spas now offers the FreshWater™ salt system that automatically generates chlorine, making it easier to take care of your hot tub and keeps your spa water fresh for longer.
Hot Spring
HotSpring also offers the FreshWater™ salt system on their Highlife and Limelight collections.
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi offers CLEARRAY® UV-C technology to sanitize their spas. UV light kills bacteria and is quick and easy to use.
Sundance
Sundance also offers CLEARRAY® UV-C technology for their spas.
What next?
Now that you’ve seen a comparison of the best hot tub brands, it’s time to design your own hot tub.
Choose the spa model that fits your family, the jets that target your aches and pains, the colors that match your style and landscape, and all your other favorite features and accessories.
You’ll even get an instant price quote when you’re done.