The 6 Best Types of Hot Tubs to Choose From

Hot tubs, also known as spas, are relaxation facilities that can be installed either indoors or outdoors. They’re large tubs of water like typical bathtubs but they serve different purposes.

They can retain hot water and can be used as a form of pleasure or for hydrotherapy.

Some hot tubs have jets for massage and other features that can aid a complete relaxation process. They can be used singly or by multiple people at the same time.

 

Types of Hot Tubs

Before you purchase a hot tub, there are several considerations to put in check. Some are designed according to the owner’s specification, the number of users, purpose (commercial or private), or weather condition (indoors or outdoors).

Understanding the common types of hot tubs available will help you to decide the one that’s best for you. Listed below are the best types of hot tubs to choose from.

 

1. Wooden Hot Tub

This is the earliest type made from discarded barrels and vats but has continued to evolve into modern types. They were mainly for personal use.

Some users still find these hot tubs appealing despite being made from wood and should be considered old-fashioned.

This is because the woods used to make them these days now pass through some processing to give them a fine touch and make them more comforting. This is unlike the crude ones used in the early days that barely provided enough comfort.

Wooden hot tubs come with different heating sources such as an electric heater, gas heater, and wood fire heater. These heat sources affect the rate at which the water in them gets hot and determine the places to install them.

The wooden hot tubs are heavy to transport and require you to assemble their parts after purchase. They are also relatively expensive and usually don’t come with interesting features that you can find in other types of hot tubs.

 

2. In-Ground Hot Tub

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This is often customized according to the owner’s specifications. It is built directly on-site using concrete in the same manner a swimming pool is built. The shape, configuration, steps, elevation, size, and tiles are determined by the owner.

It is usually built beside an in-ground pool where water from the hot tub may flow into. You may also choose to construct an in-ground pool alongside an in-ground hot tub and enjoy the aesthetics it brings to your home.

Various features come with an in-ground hot tub. They include a variety of hydrotherapy jets, decorative materials like tile and exterior stones, and additional features like fountains and colorful lights.

The cost of construction of an in-ground hot tub varies from place to place and is majorly dependent on the cost of building materials in a locality. If the hot tub is to be built together with a pool, it will share some construction costs with the pool. This may not be expensive when compared with building the hot tub alone.

 

3. Portable Hot Tub

 

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The portable hot tub is a technological advancement in the wooden hot tub. It is less expensive and easier to transport.

The tub comes in wide varieties of styles, colors, and features that will give you the maximum satisfaction you desire. It has specially-made jets and sitting options designed to accommodate people of different heights. With these features, portable hot tubs can be used as hydrotherapy for everyone.

Portable hot tubs are more energy-efficient than other types. They are designed to fit into both indoor and outdoor areas of your home and can be sunk into the ground or installed on the ground.

The tubs often come with efficient filtration and drainage mechanisms that make it easy to keep the water in them clean. They also come with covers that help to preserve the temperature of the water in them and prevent dirt from polluting the water.

 

4. Rotationally Molded Hot Tub

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Rotationally molded hot tubs are made from high-density thermoplastic. The name is derived from the manufacturing process, which is the coating of the inside of a mold with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin.

They are usually gray or brown and have almost the same kind of texture. However, manufacturers now make rotationally molded hot tubs that have smooth finishes.

In terms of costs, they’re relatively cheaper since they’re made with fewer materials and an automated manufacturing process. They’re also good options to consider if you travel a lot and may need to take a hot tub with you.

The rotationally molded hot tubs come with some fancy features and generally require less power. This will prevent inflation of your electricity bill.

Most problems common with the traditional hot tubs such as cracks, peelings, and rots (for wooden hot tubs) are not experienced with rotationally hot tubs. And because of their ability to be a little bit flexible and withstand undue stress, they are good options for kids.

These hot tubs are unibody constructions. This means that they are sealed around a solid base that makes it impossible for rodents such as rats and mice to hide inside them just as they do in some traditional hot tubs.

Although rotationally molded hot tubs are more portable than conventional hot tubs, their small size and lightweight are a major disadvantage.

Maintaining this type of hot tub is easy. It can be cleaned by simply draining the water and cleaning all over its body with a damp cloth and some basic cleaning materials. No special cleaning agents are required.

 

5. Inflatable Hot Tubs

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These are made of laminated PVC or polyester. They are cheaper than the traditional hot tubs and are easy to install; this makes them widely sought-after. Their affordability allows both high and average-income earners the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a hot tub.

Setting up an inflatable hot tub requires using an air pump to blow up its deflated material. This makes it possible to set it up in different locations in your home. It can be deflated and wrapped up after usage. This convenience is one that other types of hot tubs may not offer.

The possibility of taking it wherever you desire and setting it up within minutes makes it a good option to consider. It incurs no cost for installations or buying of extra parts. The sizes of inflatable hot tubs vary but they’re always portable and can fit into small areas indoors or outdoors. Their size makes them ideal for picnics and hangouts with family and friends.

Inflatable hot tubs give a great level of comfort. Instead of rigid fiber, they are made of air-filled PVC, which is softer. They may also come with interesting features such as timers that can make the water heat up at a particular time.

They are energy-efficient tubs that use a single blower and pump, which saves up to 50% of electricity. Also, maintenance isn't expensive. They require basic cleaning and handling of household items. Leaks are minimal as a result of the PVC materials used in making them.

 

6. Swim Hot Tubs

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Swim hot tubs are bigger-sized tubs built with a solid foundation and may be partially sunk into the ground. They may be quite expensive to install and maintain but their value is worth your money. They’re a good choice if you have a large space in your home to give up in place of a hot tub.

Swim hot tubs are great for family relaxations. Their big size allows for multiple persons to relax in them. They’re also great for swimming exercises; instead of a pool, you’ll enjoy swimming in your hot tub.

The tubs are sturdy and can last long. They don't require the type of cleaning done on a typical swimming pool. They have state-of-the-art systems that filter dirt and sanitize water. These systems include a pressurized and water-fed filter system and drainage system.

They also have a cover that covers the water to retain its warmth and prevent foreign objects from entering inside. The insulating materials used in the body of these tubs help to prevent heat loss, which will lessen the need to use a heater to heat the water. This means less energy consumption in the long run.