There's nothing like relaxing in your hot tub after a long day at work. It's a great way to unwind, and hydrotherapy is beneficial in more ways than helping tight muscles relax.
It can aid the healing of injuries, provide mental relaxation, and improve your body's circulation.
Are you in the market for a new hot tub or want to upgrade your current model to enjoy some fancy features? Then, it's best to explore all the options available.
You'll find various types of hot tubs in various sizes and shapes with some fabulous features.
This guide highlights the many different types of hot tubs available, including some you might never have realised existed.
What is the Official Definition of a Hot Tub?
According to the most popular dictionaries, a hot tub is an artificial container of water with a capacity generally greater than 100 gallons. Regular hot tubs can be used for relaxation, hydrotherapy, or pleasure.
They typically include a mechanical air injection system and/or recirculating device. Some have powerful air jets for massage purposes. A hot tub, spa or jacuzzi tub can seat up to seven people can use a hot tub at one time, depending on the size.
What are the Different Types of Hot Tubs?
Before you purchase your hot tub, there are numerous things to check. A good starting point is to understand the most common types of hot tubs/spas available because this will help you decide which one is best for you.
Let's take a look at some of the best types of hot tubs currently available in the UK.
Portable Hot Tubs
Portable hot tubs are in great demand because they're easy to move around and affordable. You'll find an extensive range of colours and shapes, and each portable hot tub includes numerous features.
These features might include specially constructed air jets and various seating options, making them perfect for people of all sizes.
Portable hot tubs are. generally, more energy-efficient and installing one is easy.
Pros
A portable tub is easy to move
Cheaper option than many alternative types of hot tubs/spas
Includes features such as jets, flexible/contoured seating
Flexible installation, for example, on or into the ground, indoors and outdoors
Efficient drainage and filtration systems
Very durable
Cons
Portable but are heavy and require effort to move them
Needs special pad to support the weight
Low resale value
Price range
Between £300 and £1,500
In-Ground Hot Tub
In-ground hot tubs are usually built next to or as part of an outside swimming pool. They are typically custom-made and may need a building permit. Unless you're a very experienced builder, you'll need to hire a professional to get an in-ground tub installed.
You generally have the option of buying a shell that's inserted into a hole dug in the desired location next to a swimming pool or getting a concrete tub installed.
Pros
Highly customisable
Often connected to a hot water supply for ease of filling
A variety of different features are available
An in-ground hot tub can add value to your home
Cons
One of the most expensive options
Performance is generally low
Heating and operating costs are high
Often installed far away from the house, making them less convenient to use than an above-ground tub
Price range
Between £16,000 and £28,000 on average
Swim-Spa Combo
This type of tub is usually larger than other types because it is meant to have enough space for swimming and exercising. You'll need to build it into a deck or a specialised room in your home. A swim/exercise spa is bulky; it needs solid foundations constructed on which to stand.
You can expect to pay more for this type of hot tub and need a larger dedicated space to put it.
Pros
Swim spas have plenty of space for swimming and exercising
Great for getting into shape and working out
Can be installed indoors or outdoors
Less expensive than an in-ground pool
Cons
Swim spas cost more than many other tubs
Very large and require dedicated space
Operating costs are high because of the electricity needed to keep the warm water at the optimum temperature
Price range
Between £10,000 and £35,000 on average
Rotationally Moulded Hot Tubs
Do you plan on mainly using your hot tub for hydrotherapy? Then rotationally moulded hot tubs are better than expensive swim spa variants. Rotationally moulded hot tubs are durable, relatively lightweight, and affordable. They have contoured seats which makes them easy to get comfortable in, and because they don't weight much, it's easy to move.
Pros
Affordable
Lightweight and easy to move around
Durable
Less prone to damage
Contoured seats
Cons
Less efficient than other hot tub types
Plastic appearance is less attractive
Limited upgrade hot tub options
Price range
Between £2,000 and £23,000 on average
Wooden Hot Tub
This type of hot tub has been around the longest. It started life as a personal tub that people used for soaking in. It wasn't long before wooden hot tubs became the hot tubs we know and love today.
A wooden hot tub will have various heating options, from a wood fire heater to an electric heater or gas heater.
The heat source you choose will determine the location of your hot tub and how long it takes to get hot water.
Pros
Wooden hot tubs are aesthetically pleasing
Can be installed off-grid
Redwood and cedar hot tubs have an added element of aromatherapy to enhance your soak
Various heating sources, including wood, electricity, gas, or a combination
Cons
Quite expensive
Very bulky
Require assembly
Minimal features
Price range
Between £3,000 and £10,000 on average
Acrylic Hot Tubs
Acrylic is one of the most popular materials for making moulded tubs. It is long-lasting and can be used indoors and outdoors. You can purchase acrylic hot tubs in various customised shapes, sizes, and seating options. This type is usually permanent so professional moving, installation, and electrical outlet options are required.
Pros
Available in custom shapes and sizes
Various seating options are available
It can be used indoors and outdoors
Cons
Permanent installation requires the services of a professional
Price range
Around £3,795 to £20,000 and more
Inflatable Hot Tubs
This is possibly the best bargain on the market today. Most inflatable hot tubs are a great starting point for those who want to dip their toes into this kind of lifestyle. Most have jets, although when it comes to other features, you'll find this type of hot tub lacking.
You can use this type of hot tub outside, but not if the temperature drops below a certain level. An inflatable hot tub doesn't need a 220/240-volt outlet.
Pros
The purchase cost of an inflatable model is low
Simple to set up using standard outlets
It is easy to move and store it
Cons
Not recommended for use in low temperatures
Don't expect the water temperature to get too high
Limited extras
Price range
Between £300 and £1,500
Conventional/Hard Shell Hot Tubs
You must make sure there is a stable foundation before getting a hard-shell hot tub installed. The hard shell will be a permanent fixture. Hard-shell hot tubs have many extras, including massaging jets, internal heating, built-in speakers, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Pros
Includes a wide variety of extras
Cons
Requires a solid foundation
A more permanent type of hot tub
Price range
Between £3,000 and £10,000 on average
Wood-fired (Ofuro)
TubsInspired by traditional Japanese soaking baths, they are usually deep and shaped like a bathtub. The spa is encased in a high-quality shell made from timber.
Usually, the water is warmed by a wood-fired heater. But modern designs include some electrical components, and there will often be a few massaging jets.
Pros
A wood-fired hot tub is attractive to look at
Roomy
Includes massaging jets
Cons
Many versions are wood-fired
Price range
Between £1,500 and £5,000 on average
Commercial Hot Tubs
A commercial hot tub is what you find in a hotel, health club, or some other public facility. They are larger than a hot tub you might use at home. They will meet the rules and regulations required for commercial use and often have additional safety features such as automatic heat and chemical sensors.
Pros
Larger than a standard home hot tub
Very safe to use
Cons
Expensive
Certain features might not be necessary for a home hot tub
It may be too large for a home setting
Price range
Prices tend to start at around £5,000
Soft Sided
Soft-sided hot tubs are similar to inflatable hot tubs but different. Most are sold online. No major electrical work is required when installing them as they plug into a 230v outlet.
Pros
No big electrical installation required
Cons
Not comfortable for extended periods
Not very energy-efficient
Lacking the performance offered by a traditional hot tub
Price range
Between £2,500 and £5,000 on average
Waterfall Hot Tub
As you've probably guessed, a waterfall hot tub features a waterfall, so you can experience the sound and feel of running water. The water usually cascades over your shoulders and into the hot tub.
Pros
The relaxing sound and feel of the waterfall
Cons
Not everyone enjoys the waterfall experience
Price range
Between £2,500 and £5,000 on average
Rotomoulded Hot Tub
The name of this type of hot tub comes from the manufacturing process. Polyethylene resin is poured into a mould which is then rotated to create the solid body of a hot tub. The material is high-density thermoplastic which is more energy-efficient than an acrylic hot tub and more eco-friendly.
Pros
More eco-friendly
Better energy efficiency
Cons
Fewer jets
Small capacity
Price range
Between £2,500 and £5,000 on average
Custom Made (Bespoke) Hot Tubs
This type of hot tub can be custom-built to your needs and preferences, whatever they might be. You get to choose the size, shape, and variety of features the hot tub has.
Pros
Customisable design and functionality
Cons
Very expensive
Price range
Starting from £10,000
What are the Most Popular Hot Tub Shapes?
Hot tubs come in various shapes, but some are more popular than others.
Circular hot tubs
A square hot tub was the traditional shape, but more people are switching from these traditional hot tubs to circular ones nowadays. They are more portable than other shapes and comparatively cheap and space-saving.
They have a small footprint, so you can fit one almost anywhere. They are built for one to two people.
Triangular hot tubs
This is not one of the most common shapes, but if you're short on space or want a hot tub that looks a little more unique, it's a good option. It has good visual appeal, but the shape is very limiting.
Square hot tubs
Square hot tubs are the most traditional shape. One of the advantages of a square shape is the space delineation, which is a plus when there are lots of people in the tub. They also fit neatly against a deck, porch, or side of the house. When installed, they also look more natural than other shapes.
Rectangular hot tubs
With a rectangular hot tub, you've got more room to stretch out, which is especially useful if you're a tall person who wants to relax. Much like a square tub, it can be positioned almost anywhere without getting in the way.
How to Choose the Best Hot Tub Type for Your Needs?
There are many factors to consider if you want to buy the right hot tub. Knowing about the different hot tub types is a good place to start, but you also need to consider why you're buying a hot tub.
What features you want it to have, your budget, and where you plan to put it are also worth thinking about.
You'll find more information about the types of hot tubs and other essential things to know in our hot tub buying guide.
If you’re looking for one of the best suppliers of hot tubs in the UK, you won’t go wrong if you check out our website or visit our Chelmsford hot tub warehouse. Aqua Warehouse started in 2003 and has gained an excellent reputation for providing high standards of customer service and top-quality products.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of hot tubs and spas to choose from. They range from the cheap and cheerful inflatable types right up to custom-designed hot tubs where the price is no limit.
Whatever your hot tub needs, whether it's somewhere to unwind after a stressful day or something to enjoy with friends, there's a spa out there that will tick all your boxes.
FAQs
What type of hot tub is best?
The answer to this question depends on your needs. If your budget is limited, an inflatable model might be the perfect tub for you. If you want to use your hot tub daily, you want something that's durable. Before deciding what type is best for you, consider how you plan to use your hot tub.
What type of hot tub is the cheapest?
The cheapest hot tubs are inflatable ones.
What type of hot tub is easiest to maintain?
Most hot tubs require daily maintenance; however, tubs in an outdoor space need to be cleaned more than indoor tubs. Hot tubs must also be drained regularly and deep cleaned every few months. This prevents the water from becoming unsanitary and allows you to clean the hot tub components thoroughly.
Which type of hot tub has the longest lifespan?
A well-maintained and well-built hot tub will last between 15 and 25 years. Cheaper hot tubs, such as portable and inflatable types tend to last just a few years.
