Best hot tubs 2025: Create the ultimate spa in your garden

Hard-shell hot tubs
Also known as acrylic hot tubs, hard-shell hot tubs sit on a hard shell base and have hard side panels. They have an internal heating system and an array of jets and lights to make your hot tub experience extra special.
Hard-shell tubs can also come with fancy features such as Wi-Fi, in-built sound systems and full foam insulation that seals the heat in your tub, making it more energy efficient.
They're an investment as they are permanent fixtures in your garden and will need to be set up on solid, level ground.
Inflatable hot tubs
Cheaper and more convenient for smaller gardens, inflatable hot tubs can be put anywhere, they just need to be set up on a solid, level base. As you fill them up with air, they are also called blow-up hot tubs and are heated by an external heater that warms the water, and an air blower will inflate the walls and power the jets.
Inflatable hot tubs now come in all shapes and sizes, so there is bound to be one that suits you. They are less fancy than hard shell tubs, but you can still get seats, lights, and even drink holders on some models.
Plug in and go hot tubs
'Plug-in and play' hot tubs are similar to hard shell hot tubs, but they can simply be powered by a standard 3-pin UK Plug Socket. Most hot tubs run on 240v power, which means you'll need to hire an electrician to set up the appropriate electrical source (a dedicated 240v 50 circuit) and wire your hot tub before it can be used. This makes installation easy as no dedicated power supply or feed is needed to be fitted. They still come with lots of lovely luxuries, but they are just not as powerful.
Integrated hot tubs
Integrated or in-ground are typically more known as spas. They are either set into the ground, attached to a swimming pool, or custom-built in some way. They do come under the same family as hot tubs (they are filled with warm water and have jets) but have a more bespoke, built-in element.
Woodfired hot tubs
Woodfired hot tubs are a different option from ones that require electricity and are much more traditional and environmentally friendly. A lower-running-cost option, a woodfired hot tub will really stand out in your garden and is powered by logs and features Thermowood cladding to keep the heat in. Woodfired hot tubs generally take less time to heat up but require a little more maintenance.

This all depends on how much you intend to use your hot tub and which model you choose. Overall, hot tubs can be quite expensive to run; however, some models have high-tech energy-saving systems which can maintain the temperature. The running price of a hot tub is also dependent on how high your temperature is set and how warm it is outside.
If you're looking to save money on your hot tub, we'd recommend keeping an eye out for hot tub deals. You'll often find that some retailers like Aldi have affordable options, and sale events such as Prime Day and Black Friday have fab hot tub deals available.

The majority of hot tub users like their water temperature to range between 36°C and 38°C. However, the ideal temperature will depend on a variety of factors, including body temperature, weather conditions, and a number of health and safety risks.
Some hot tubs can be set at a temperature of 26°C, but this would only be appropriate if it's a hot summer's day and you want to use your tub to cool off. It is important to remember that a hot tub is meant to warm you up, not cool you down, so may not be appropriate in extremely warm temperatures.

Draining and flushing your hot tub should be done around three to four times a year. However, despite some hot tubs coming with cleaning kits, they should be cleaned weekly and routinely treated with chemicals. You should always refer to the manual when it comes to chemicals. Depending on the brand of hot tub, the hot tub filters should also be cleaned on a monthly basis. Here are a few steps to follow:
Flush out the pipes. You can cleanse your hot tub of any internal build-up of grime or dirt by flushing the pipelines. You can buy cleaning solutions, like this Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Pipe Cleaner, but make sure to follow the instructions.
Drain the hot tub. After flushing out the pipes, you will need to drain your tub. Make sure you have turned off all the power to the hot tub, and don't turn it on again until the hot tub has been refilled.
Clean surfaces. Whether you have a hard shell or an inflatable hot tub, you can use a hot tub surface cleaner to keep it sparkling.
Clean the filters. The filters on your hot tub are meant to catch dirt, so they require extra cleaning and attention. If you start to notice that your water is not looking as clear and clean as usual, it is a huge sign that the filters need a good clean.

There's no wrong time of year to buy a hot tub as they can be used all year round thanks to clever technology that stops them from freezing over.

We'd recommend a sheltered location so you can use your hot tub come rain or shine. You may also want to consider leaving enough space around the outside of the tub for easy access.