The best hot tubs offer a pleasurable experience and an excellent way to escape the cold seasons. Earlier, the only way you could enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating hot bath was to visit spa salons.
Today, hot tubs are more crucial than before. But why is this so? A critical piece of advice doctors treating the covid-19 pandemic give is to avoid cold. Doubtlessly cold shower can worsen not only covid-19 but also other respiratory conditions.
Furthermore, hot tubs are invaluable if you live in areas that experience cold weather most of the year. What does this mean? It’s almost as though these outdoor leisure accessories are becoming basic needs. However, it hasn’t gotten there yet.
That said, not all hot tubs can deliver the level of performance, befitting a spa-like experience. They also differ in design, size, type, durability, and a host of other critical features. Thus it can be challenging but rest easy; we are here to help.
10 Best Hot Tubs for Cold Climate
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Imagine enjoying the spa-like experience right in the comfort of your home? Well, all that is possible if you choose to buy the best cold weather hot tubs today. What are your options?
Since you may not know where to start, especially as a beginner, we take the liberty to present you with our top 10 picks. If you fail to find what you seek, you can use our in-depth and comprehensive buying guide to make a more personalized choice.
1. Coleman 54131E SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
With an outdoor design and a capacity of four to six users at a time, the Coleman 54131E SaluSpa hot tub is what you need to enjoy a relaxing, revitalizing, and soothing bathing experience with friends and family.
The tub has an inner diameter of 57 inches and a depth of 28 inches. The amount of water it can hold at a time is 242 gallons when it is 80 percent full. Since it is an outdoor hot tub, it comes with a cover to keep it safe when not used.
SaluSpa is inflatable via an included air pump which has connectors on the one side of the tub. The pump is multi-functional. Besides inflating the spa, it also heats the water and controls the regulation system that keeps the water pure, clear, and fresh at all times.
The soothing experience comes from a combination of air and heat massage. The air arriving in the form of bubbles and the heat arising from the spa creates a relaxing oasis right in your backyard. What could be so refreshing than this?
Another remarkable feature is the ChemoConnect chemical dispenser that evenly disperses a stable level of water purifier all through the spa to ensure water remains clean and healthy.
The inflatable walls of the spa are made from sturdy, puncture-proof material called Tritech. The material consists of a 3x fortified formula that boosts longevity and strength. Tritech is UV-light resistant and retains its shape regardless of the number of times it inflated.
Other great features and specs include a digital control panel and a power-saving timer which allow you to heat the water to 114 degrees Fahrenheit and control the temperatures for up to 72 hours in advance. You will love this spa. Consider trying it out.
Pros
- Large capacity for 4-6 users
- Decent performance
- High-quality multi-functional pump
- Keeps water clean and healthy
- Durable construction material
Cons
- Poor instruction manual
- It shuts down every three days, which is inconveniencing during winter
2. Intex 77in PureSpa Portable Bubble Massage Spa Set
The Intex 77in PureSpa Massage Set introduces a new technology in its construction called Fiber-Tech. The technology offers superior structural stability while at the same time maintaining an ergonomic and comfortable for a refreshing, soothing, and luxurious spa experience.
The interior of the spa is enhanced with high-strength, lightweight fibers that are resistant to water pressure and load. Unlike conventional inflatable sauna materials, Fiber-Tech won’t comfort if a burden was placed on it.
Portable and large capacity, the Intex PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa set allows you to pamper yourself and your friends with heated water and bubble jets. Four adults of average size can use the spa at a time.
It comes with an easy-to-use control panel that activates 120 high-powered bubble jets around the interior perimeter of the garden spa for a soothing massage. Furthermore, a built-in water softening system makes the water gentler on your skin.
A heating system is designed to adjust to your desired temperature so you can enjoy a heightened spa experience. An insulated cover and lock come with the hot tub to reduce heat loss and add more safety features. These features provide optimal comfort, durability, and comfort.
Maintaining the PureSpa Bubble Massage Spa set is straightforward. It comes with two easily replaceable filter cartridges for a lasting spa experience. A carry bag is also included for effortless transport and storage.
Pros
- Built-in hard-water softener
- Durable, comfortable, and lightweight Fiber-Tech material
- Easy to use control panel
- Adjustable heating system for personalized enjoyment
- Insulated cover minimizes heat loss
- Convenient storage and transportation
Cons
- Leaks with time if poorly maintained
- It takes pretty long (24 hours) to heal up but insulated to prevent heat loss
3. Coleman 15442-BW SaluSpa
The Coleman 15442-BW SaluSpa is another top-quality four-person inflatable outdoor hot tub you can trust to give you the spa experience you have been craving. It heats up pretty quickly to a soothing temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Surrounding 114 air jets enhance the massaging experience.
Like the other Coleman SaluSpa models, the 15442-BW is equipped with a versatile pump that inflates the garden spa through side connectors. Other than that, the pump rapidly heats the water and regulates its quality by maintaining it clean and fresh at all times.
An integrated filtration system removes sediments and germs from the water. Thus any contamination of the water is gotten rid of before it can reach your skin and cause harm. Its floor is cushioned and features a drain valve to allow for water replacement.
Bubbling and heating work in unison to massage all parts of your body. The hot temperatures are great in soothing tender or painful muscles and offer a perfect way to unwind and lounge after a long day of work. An easy-to-use digital control panel enables you to adjust the temperature without being forced to get out of the tub.
Coleman products are known for their durability, and the 15442-BW SaluSpa is not an exception. It features Tri-tech material made in the form of I-beams. Even when you sit on the edges, it will hold and not conform. This proves the high structural stability of the tub. Two built-in side handles improve portability.
Pros
- Versatile pump for easy inflation
- It has a decent temperature range
- Durable Tri-Tech material
- Built-in handles offer easy transportation
- User-friendly control panel
Cons
- The spa cannot be used in temperatures below 39 degrees Fahrenheit
- Be ready for a relatively high cost of operation
4. Essential Hot Tubs 30-Jet Adelaide Hot Tub
If you haven’t found the best outdoor hot tub for cold climate yet, then you can check out the Essential 30-Jet Adelaide Hot Tub. It is one of the largest outdoor cold weather spas with the ability to contain 5-6 average size adults.
The hot tubs we have reviewed are circular in design, but the Adelaide Hot tub is somewhat square. Such design allows five to six loungers to fit comfortably and ergonomically. Furthermore, it can accommodate two Captain’s chairs.
What does all that space mean to you? It means you can get a whole-body massage in the tub or choose the Captain’s chairs for a refreshing and invigorating massage. The spa experience is the function of 30 stainless steel adjustable jets which operate passively. Alternatively, you can take charge with the push of a button.
The Essential Adelaide Hot tub has several additional features meant to improve the massaging experience and lounging luxury. We believe you will fall in love with the headrests and LED-lit water columns. You can even enjoy a cold beverage on a hot summer day, thanks to the convenient built-in ice tray and bucket.
Once you set the hot tub up, you simply plug into any standard 120v/15 Am outlet through an included GFCI cord. It will heat in minutes then you will be well on your way to maximum enjoyment of a healing massage.
Pros
- Passive and active massage
- Ergonomic seating of up to 5-6 loungers
- Two Captain’s chair is awesome
- Headrest and built-in ice tray and bucket
- Durable stainless steel construction
Cons
- Draining the tub is cumbersome
- The GFCI cord is excellent but not durable
5. Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub
The Bestway SaluSpa Miami is an affordable yet decent-quality inflatable hot tub you can use outdoors during cold weather. With it, you can enjoy the ultimate relaxation by slipping into this soothing portable hot spa after a long and exhausting day of work.
Featuring a circular design measuring 52 inches in diameter and 26 inches in height, the spa can hold 177 gallons of water. Such capacity can ergonomically contain two to four loungers at a time. Sixty bubble jets soothe and relax your body and mind with the touch of a button.
The air jets release continuous bubbles into the water, encompassing you with a calming massage. A multi-functional pump inflates the spa, heats, and regulates the filtration system to enhance the cleanliness and freshness of the lounge water. Two filter cartridges are responsible for filtration.
Another technology called ChemConnect dispenser uniformly disperses a constant chlorine level throughout the spa to keep the water healthy and clean. A digital control panel lets you heat the water to a maximum of 104oF and regulate the flow of massaging bubbles.
The inflatable walls of Bestway SaluSpa Miami hot tub feature Tri-Tech material which is durable and structurally stable. Between the inner and outer walls are vertical beams which improve structural stability further while still maintaining an ergonomic and comfortable surface.
Pros
- The decent capacity of 2-4 adults
- High maximum temperatures of 104OF
- Easy to install, no tools needed
- Features a power-saving timer
- High-strength inner-beam construction
Cons
- The heater does not stay on as long as bubbles are active
- Set-up may prove challenging to some users
6. Intex 28431E PureSpa Plus
Intex is synonymous with high-quality manufacturing pools and hot tubs. The Intex 28431E PureSpa offers an exceptional performance comparable to that of high-end models seen in spa salons. With a whopping 170 water jets, you can be sure of the level of enjoyment you will experience.
Those high-powered jets and top temperatures of up to 104oF are ideal in soothing and relaxing your sore muscles after exercise or following a long day of work. With a capacity of up to 6 people, you can enjoy your best moments with loved ones and friends.
Set up is pretty fast and straightforward. It fully inflates in just 20 minutes. The hot water tub has a water capacity of 290 gallons and fills at a flow rate of 460 gallons per hour. Once set up, you can begin your relaxation at the touch of a button with a user-friendly, tilt-adjustable control panel.
The Intex 28431E PureSpa Plus is constructed of durable Fiber-Tech material that can stand the weight of water and the insult from the environmental elements all season. It comes with an insulated cover, heating and filtration system, multi-colored LED light, two headrests, two filter cartridges, an inflation hose, and thermal ground cloth. Other accessories include a floating chlorine dispenser and carry bag and test strip.
Pros
- Spa-level relaxation with 170 bubble jets
- It fits as many as six people
- It comes with everything you need
- A built-in hard water treatment system
- Fast-set up
Cons
- Cartridges have a high turnover which can be expensive
- Loses heat pretty quickly after removing the cover
7. Essential Hot Tubs 67-Jets 2021 Syracuse Hot Tub
Life cannot get any better if you have the Essential Syracuse Hot Tub in your backyard. This well-built outdoor hot tub has 67 bubble jets to massage your body with a refreshing and soothing experience. Such jets come in two types – 51 stainless steel 2-tone adjustable ones and 16 single-tone stainless steel ones.
You do not have to enjoy the bathtub alone or with your partner. Extend an olive branch to your other friends because the tub can ergonomically carry 5 to 6 people at a time. As if that’s not enough, there are two Captain’s chairs and a lounger.
Just sink into the therapy seat and experience intense leg massage in the lounger. Alternatively, you can plunge into an invigorating massage in the Captain’s chairs while enjoying the calming sound of the artificial waterfall. What could be more soothing, healing, relaxing, and refreshing than this?
An LED waterfall not only looks fantastic but also gives you the feeling of true luxury and leisure. The peaceful and tranquil environment creating by this feature sets the 2021 Syracuse apart. A digital backlit display allows you to control power jets, lighting, and power jets with the touch of a button.
Included in the package is the hot tub cover. It is heavy-duty, insulated, tapered, and features a locking mechanism to close your outdoor spa and secure it when not in use. Interestingly, the Essential Syracuse is Bluetooth enabled.
Pros
- Significant with a capacity of 5-6 users
- Effortless to use digital backlit display
- LED waterfall offers a tranquil and peaceful experience
- Captain’s chairs and a lounger
- Bluetooth enabled hot tub
Cons
- The design makes some parts difficult to access for maintenance
- Speakers are fine only when dry
8. Intex 28481E Simple Spa
We are on our eighth product, our best cold water hot tub review. The question is, have you found the tub that fits your needs? If your answer is no, then you may like to check the Intex 28481E Simple Spa. It has a majority of the features and specifications associated with other Intex outdoor hot tubs.
This tub allows you and three other users to enjoy total relaxation with 100 water jets. These high-powered, soothing jets will enable you to pamper yourself and enjoy the ultimate spa experience. The optimal temperature ranges from 68 to 104oF (20-40oC), giving you the chance to enjoy the heat level that excites your body.
Made from high-strength PVC and polyester mesh, you can be sure your outdoor spa will stand the test of time in the external environment. Internally, the tub features horizontal beams, which add to the structural stability and resistance to load. The polyester mesh protects the exterior of the spa and resists pressure.
Installation and inflation are extremely easy with a pump. An included ground cloth provides bottom protection and reduces heat loss. To keep the water clean and healthy, the package comes with easily replaceable filter cartridges. There is also a floating chemical dispenser for extra cleanliness. The remote control enables you to control everything from a single point.
Pros
- Large seating capacity
- 100 high-power soothing water jets
- Strong PVC and polythene mesh construction
- Easy to install and inflate
- The remote control is convenient
Cons
- It may not be hot enough to use in winter
- It has issues retaining temperatures when the bubbles are active
9. Bestway SaluSpa Helsinki AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
The Helsinki, a great quality inflatable hot tub from Lazy-Z-Spa, is undoubtedly a choice for anyone in need of an outdoor spa. It is so big, with the capability to contain as many any as seven adults per session. Its built-in clear softening system minimizes the effects of hard water. This reduces negative effects like irritation and spa-staining.
After a long day of work and stress, you get the opportunity to unwind and relax the muscles and thanks to the warm, soothing water. A digital control panel allows you to set the water temperature up to 104oF and the flow of air jets without you having to exit the tub. Besides, a power-saving timer automates the spa’s temperature for up to 3 days (72 hours).
The Helsinki SaluSpa features superior strength and durability. These features are the responsibility of the puncture-resistant tri-tech material and interior construction. I-beams in the interior give the spa structural integrity so that it can resist any buckling when you sit on the edges.
Another strong point worth mentioning is the simple setup and maintenance. You do not need any extra tools for set-up. Since it is a portable spa, you simply inflate and deflate with an included pump. An insulated cover provides safety, keeps water clean, and maintains the water’s warm temperature.
Pros
- The spa is compact, stylish, and portable
- Gentle on the skin
- You can operate it from inside the hot tab
- Strong and durable material and construction
- Straight forward to set up and maintain
Cons
- It takes pretty long to heat up
- Bubbles cool the water quite fast
10. COSYSPA Inflatable Hot Tub Spa
The CosySpa inflatable comes with various performance-oriented features and high-end accessories, including the so-called comfort set. The latter comprises a drink-holder and two headrests for ultimate comfort. There is also an optimal inflatable cover and filters to improve the cleanliness and freshness of the water.
Up to 6 people can use the hot tub at a time comfortably and ergonomically. However, you can also opt for a smaller medal that can carry 2 to 4 people. The larger model has a water-carrying capacity of 264 gallons (1000 liters), while the smaller one can hold up to 211 gallons (800 liters) of water.
The CosySpa Inflatable hot tub is made from a combination of hard-wearing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabric and durable aluminum foil. Such a mix of material, insulated lid, and rapid water heating system ensure maximum water retention.
If you settle on this hot tub, the package you will receive includes a 600-watt air pump, a 3.5-meter long power cord, 110 x 3mm air jets for the 2-4 tub, and 130 x 3mm air jets for the 4-6-person tub. In addition, you will get a ground cloth, a cap, and a filter. The daily filter cleaning while in use, and it’s recommended you replace it monthly.
Pros
- It comes with premium-quality accessories
- Simple and easy to set-up
- Available in two versions (smaller and larger)
- It is CE certified
- High-end materials and composition
Cons
- The Interior floor is slippery
- The interior height is about 2 inches shorter
How to Choose The Best Cold Weather Hot Tub
As we mentioned in the introduction, hot tubs are quickly becoming necessities. These outdoor accessories provide a convenient and easy way to escape the cold weather associated with seasonal changes.
Besides, outdoor spas provide a nice way to refresh and unwind after a long exhausting day. So, if you can afford one, then why not go ahead? The models we have reviewed are some of the best according to use. However, that doesn’t mean they are the only decent hot tubs available for cold climates.
Using this comprehensive buying guide, you can make your own choice. We shall discuss a few important factors you must consider if you must arrive at the right decision. Take all of them into account to minimize mistakes. Here are the most critical factors:
Carriage capacity
Before settling on the right hot tub to bring home, you must consider the number of people using it. These accessories come in different sizes depending on the number of people who can use them.
Smaller models can accommodate two to four adults, while larger models can manage up to seven users. The most important thing is that these users feel comfortable while enjoying the goodness that a hot spa brings. You must also make sure they fit ergonomically to prevent unnecessary strain.
Insulation
Insulation is vital because hot tubs must not lose heat very quickly. Garden spas for cold climates usually feature two forms of insulation systems full foam or perimeter. Although some companies may claim a lack of difference between the two, this may not be factual.
A few studies comparing the two insulation systems reveal that full foam systems perform better than perimeter systems. However, the former is not so popular because of its price. They tend to be more expensive than their counterparts. Choose according to your budget.
Cover or lid
Ensure the hot tub you buy has a high-strength and insulated cover. This factor is vital during winter when snowfalls. The force and impact from the snowfall can destroy weak, poor-quality lids and reduce the hot tub’s performance. It should also be able to withstand strong winds.
The cover should be insulated to prevent heat loss. This can be a challenge to many manufactures, but many are currently trying their best to achieve full insulation, including that of the cover. Unless you want to spend a fortune on electricity bills, then forget about the quality of the cover.
The number and quality of air jets
What’s your reason for buying a hot tub? I bet you wish to enjoy all the spa-like experiences you can get from it. Air jets provide air bubbles directed on your body to massage and soothe your muscles. The more the jets, the more relaxing and enjoyable the feeling will be.
The design of the jets also matter. They must be able to direct the bubbles to the right spot and with the right force. You may not know much about this feature before you experience it firsthand. However, you can infer from those who’ve had a chance to use it. Read reviews from verified purchasers.
Plumbing
Traditionally, hot tubs featured long pipes to deliver water to each jet. Today, manufacturers are trying as much as possible to cut on piping. Fewer tubes mean you will need less energy to provide the water to the individual jets.
Such pupils should also be built into the interior of the spa and not into the outer wall. This will prevent loss of heat to the cold surrounding. This is a technical design feature that you may not know unless you do thorough research.
Construction
The best hot tubs for a cold climate can be expensive. It would not make economic sense if you were to buy something that will break and become useless within a couple of months. That’s why you must consider the construction quality of your hot tub of interest.
Many brands have invented innovative materials to give their products structural stability and longevity. Discussing each of these is beyond our scope. However, you can infer durability from review forums. You will find reliable information from users to know whether or not the materials used are durable.
Cold Weather Hot Tub FAQs
What temperature is considered too cold for a cold climate hot tub?
The average upper limit for most hot tubs is 104oF. Most people like keeping it that high because many things can lower that temperature. The lower limit can be as low as 68oF, but experts recommend that you don’t allow it to reduce below 90oF.
Can I use a hot tub for winter?
Yes, you can. In fact, hot tubs are made for cold climates, including cold seasons such as winter. But will the pipes will freeze? Well, that’s a real danger, but you can prevent it by keeping water levels normal and the equipment working properly. Just remember not to raise the water temperatures beyond 104oF.
Is it safe to leave my hot tub outdoors during winter?
If you intend to use your outdoor spa during winter, you won’t need to remove it. However, if you won’t, you must drain all the water out before the temperatures plummet. The damage to hot tubs during winter comes from the undrained water that freezes inside the tub.
Can children use hot tubs?
Children can use hot tubs as long as they are tall enough. Even then, they should not stay for more than five minutes at a time when the temperatures are optimal. Furthermore, young children must avoid full-body immersion. Alternatively, they can use jump seats on the sides of the spa that allow only waist-height immersion.
Final Verdict
Having the best hot tub for a cold climate in your backyard or garden is a good way to enjoy a spa-like experience conveniently. It can be therapeutic, especially during the cold weather, calming your sore muscles and rejuvenating. However, you must make the right choice to enjoy the fullness of those benefits.
It’s our sincere hope that you have found this resource helpful, and you now have the confidence to make a bold choice. If you take all the factors into account, you could make a better choice than we did. However, we are confident we made the right choices. Check them out.