9 Hottest Options in Modern Hot Tubs

Hot tubs might seem like an outdated feature from an era of nylon and disco balls, but they’re still a great way to add some decadence and luxury to the porch or patio. Hot tubs today have become high-tech computerized gizmos that are much more sophisticated than the jacuzzis of years past. Plus, hot tubs have many uses beyond just being a cool place to hang out on a Friday night. Hydrotherapy is a real thing and for some it can even be a lifesaver, reducing joint pain and stiff muscles. Soaking in a hot tub is great for relieving stress after a hard day at work.

While some hot tubs can crest $10,000 when all is said and done, there are plenty of more affordable options as well. The hot tub market is quite diverse, and there are plenty of units to choose from that fit almost any requirements you may have.

5-Person Jacuzzi

Call Your Friends Over to Chill in a Hot Tub

A cookout won’t be much fun if you don’t have some friends to party with. If you’re pining for some good times in the summer months, this is the Jacuzzi for you. A 5-person hot tub has plenty of space for five full-grown adults, complete with armrests, cup holders, and plenty of water jets for you and your guests. Top this off with some built-in LED lighting and some trendy tunes and you’ve got the ultimate patio party machine.

This jacuzzi model typically comes with an Ozonator which is essential for keeping the water sanitized, especially with so many people hoping out and jumping in. Ozonators don’t need much maintenance, and having one means you don’t have to worry about balancing chemicals. You’ll need an electrician’s help to get everything set up, but once that’s done these hot tubs are quite easy to use thanks to an easy-to-understand digital interface. Plus, the fun doesn’t have to come to an end when the colder months set in because most hot tubs of this type stay toasty in cold weather.    

Classic Hot Tub

Sticking to the Classics Is Never Wrong

Sometimes, it’s best to go with what’s tried and true. Modern hot tubs may have better features than older models, but you might still prefer the rustic simplicity of the old-school. If so, you’ll be happy to know that you can choose from a range of classic hot tub design options without having to give up on the modern conveniences of newer models. Even the latest acrylic hard-frame hot tubs can be built to order with old-school touches such as wood paneling.

This can be done with either real wood or a more durable vinyl plank. This can be completed with metal hoops that wrap around the hot tub and make it look like a large barrel. Alternatively, you can take your design in a different direction with an aluminum-colored metallic tub. This gleaming hot tub screams 1980s glamour and will be quite eye-catching for homeowners and guests alike.

Maxed Out Jets

Water Jets Offer Optimal Comfort

For something with maximum comfort, you’ll want to go for a hot tub with plenty of water jets. Modern hydrotherapy hot tubs come equipped with nearly seventy jets. These hot tubs can hold five or more people, but they work best with around two. Hot tubs with many jets are perfect for soothing sore backs, aching calves, and other painful joints.

These “comfort” hot tubs tend to be the most energy-efficient options as well thanks to their intelligent design. These smart hot tubs are well insulated so you don’t have to turn down the heat when they're not in use.  

Inflatable Hot Tub

Inflatable Hot Tubs Offer Mobility Perks

For something that’s both comfortable and practical, you can’t get much better than an inflatable hot tub. Inflatable hot tubs are easy to set up and have come a long way from the basic “kiddie pool” models from back in the day. They can be inflated in just twenty minutes, and deflated in around the same time. Plus, inflatable hot tubs tend to be completely automatic, so setting one up is just a simple matter of picking a spot, turning on the air blower, filling the tub with water, and dipping right in.

You may think that an inflatable hot tub will be pretty short on features, but you’d be surprised. To be sure, an inflatable model is never going to come with all the high-tech features that a full-sized hard-shell model comes with, but it will still include lots of goodies. Inflatable hot tubs usually have comparable numbers of jets as their full-size counterparts and also come with nifty LED lighting and computerized controls. It also doesn’t hurt that inflatable hot tubs are quite a bit more affordable than other options.

A top-of-the-line inflatable hot tub will come in at about $700, which is several times less than a basic hard-frame model.  

Hot Tub For Two 

Maximize Romance With a Hot Tub for Two

There’s nothing quite as romantic as a hot tub for two. It's close, comfortable, intimate, and soothing all at the same time. And if lounging in steamy water while getting a massage doesn’t sound romantic enough, there are plenty of ways to spice things up. Models built for two can be equipped with miniature waterfalls, entrancing mood lighting, and even scented candles. Put simply, there’s no shortage of ways to make your hot tub date serene and relaxing.

Wood-Fired Hot Tub 

Combine Rustic and Comfort With a Wood-Fired Hot Tub, Scandi-Style

People can’t get enough of Scandi style these days, so why not hop on the bandwagon with something simple yet sophisticated? A wood-fired hot tub is the right combination of rustic style rooted in nature, old-school features, and modern minimalism. The beauty of this wooden hot tub is that it reintroduces you to a slow-paced side of life that is quickly disappearing in our modern world. Hot tubs that use wood take time to heat up, and so require more planning and patience to use properly. It takes time, after all, to get wood, make it burn, and wait for the water to heat up. Wood-fired jacuzzis need at least four hours to get warm.

That might be a minus for some, but this whole ritual can help a lot to destress and learn to take things slow. Wood-fired tubs don’t come with water jets by default, but you can add them to yours if you want. This will take away from the rustic simplicity though since it requires connecting your tub to electricity.     

Custom Hot Tub 

Go the Extra Mile With a Custom-Designed Hot Tub

To get everything just right, the custom is the way to go. While it can cost extra, a custom hot tub design allows you to pick almost any aesthetic, any capacity, and any design you can think of.  Instead of having a simple hot tub, you can have a spa with a built-in jacuzzi tub and some beautiful mosaic tiling. Pair this with some neat lighting, comfy seats, and perhaps an inground pool, and you’ll have the ultimate hydrotherapy center right in your backyard. You’ll need a contractor to take care of important details such as landscape lighting, but once that’s done soaking in your tub will be a blast. 

Outdoor Tub 

The Outdoors Are Always a Good Idea

On the opposite end of the spectrum is something a bit more basic. Many bathtubs come with a range of water jets and lighting which are incorporated into a smaller and more affordable package. Rather than installing this in your refurbished bathroom, have this tub set up outside for a truly unique look and feel.

Cool Extras 

There are also plenty of awesome accessories you can add to your hot tub that will further elevate your spa experience. 

Bar Tray

This is a compact little tray that can be attached to some hot tubs and can hold a generous complement of refreshing beverages that do not contain alcohol. It’s the perfect addition to keep the party going without having to jump out of the hot tub and tip-toe to your kitchen refrigerator. 

Inflatable Cup Holder

Complement this mini-bar with some floating cup holders perfect for the carbonated soda beverage of your choice. Just make sure they don’t capsize!

Keep Your Drinks in Your Cup Holders

Waterproof Playing Cards

This might not be for everyone, but it's a novel way to kill time as the sunsets. These cards won’t get damaged by water and can float, so they’re perfect for some aquatic card games. Talk like a pirate accent while playing to make things even more fun. 

Floating Speaker

Normally, igadgets and water don’t mix, but you can change that with a waterproof floating speaker. These speakers connect via Bluetooth to your idevices and allow you to play your tunes while keeping your music player away from the wet stuff.

Waterproof Speakers Make Your Hot Tub Chillout Sessions Perfect