Hot tub spas: Buyer’s guide & best models 2026

Buying a hot tub or a spa is an incredible investment in your health, wellness, and general happiness. After all, it’s hard to be unhappy when soaking in a soothing hot tub surrounded by hot bubbly water and massage jets.

There is a wide variety of options and things to look for when purchasing a hot tub spa. This article will serve as a buyer’s guide to help you understand the key factors that make up a high-quality, long-lasting hot tub. It will also offer a brief review of some of the best models on the current market, including Sundance® Spas, Jacuzzi® hot tubs, Hydropool® hot tubs, and MasterSpas®.

What is a hot tub spa?

Spa hot tubs are one way of referring to a spa, hot tub, or hydrotherapy tub. These all refer to a unit that offers hydromassage through warm, bubbly water and massage jets.

Buyer’s guide: What to look for in a spa or hot tub

Here are some things you should keep in mind when searching for the best spa for your needs:

Build, materials, and design—Look for quality craftsmanship, durable materials, and a look that is as stylish as it is functional.

Seats—This is a big part of your hydrotherapy experience. There are several types of hot tub seats, such as open, bench-style, loungers, and cool-down seats. Hot tubs may focus on one specific kind or feature a mixed seating configuration.

Hydrotherapy jets—Another vital part of your hot tub experience comes from the jets. Many brands have their own proprietary jets that are placed throughout the spa and work to target various muscle groups and body parts.

Energy efficiency—Important for the environment as well as the protection and longevity of your hot tub. A well-insulated, energy efficient spa is also key to lower utility bills.

Smart technology—Smart features can make managing, monitoring, and caring for your hot tub a breeze. Some brands offer systems that operate through an app.

Excellent water care—You’ll never regret purchasing a hot tub with the best quality water care systems and filtration.

Innovative features—Luxury models from premium brands often feature one-of-a-kind or exclusive features that cannot be found anywhere else. This is where the difference in your hot tub experience is made.

Warranties and financing options—It’s essential to purchase a hot tub with solid warranties. Ask about these as well as financing options when you visit your spa dealer.

Size is a key factor when it comes to choosing your hot tub. It’s important to accurately measure the space you have to accommodate your spa. In addition to the hot tub’s dimensions, you should account for three feet around the entire hot tub for a clear, safe path and easy accessibility.

A proper foundation is also important when preparing to buy a hot tub. A smooth flat concrete pad, pavers, patio, or structurally sound deck that can support the weight of the hot tub when filled with both water and maximum bathers are all good options when it comes to the foundation.

Before making your final decision on the hot tub of your dreams, be sure to do a wet test of your favorite models at the spa showroom. A wet test means that you get into the hot tub when it is filled with water and operating. You can test out the seats, see how you like the feel of the loungers, experience how the jets work, and operate the controls and settings to adjust your soak. Doing so in a few different models can give you a true feel for the hot tub that is best for your needs.

What to avoid when shopping for a hot tub

In addition to what you should look for in a hot tub, there are some things you should avoid. For example, while there are many brands on the market and a wide range of prices, getting a cheaper hot tub from a subpar brand may end up costing you more in operating costs, supplies, maintenance, and repairs over the course of the hot tub’s lifespan.

When possible, buy direct from the brand or through its trusted dealer network. Be wary of purchasing your spa from an unknown brand at a traveling outdoor expo or from an individual who cannot provide a record of the hot tub’s service history, such as repairs, maintenance, or parts replacements.

Best spa models in 2026

There are many spas on the market, and each year, some brands release new models or updated versions of their most popular models. When you are searching for the best spa models, here are a few to keep your eye out for:

Sundance® Spas

For more than four decades, Sundance® Spas has built a stellar reputation for innovation and a history of industry firsts. Sundance® Spas is committed to delivering a phenomenal experience through innovative features, progressive technologies, iconic designs, and renowned craftsmanship. Sundance® Spas offers an array of models across four distinct series: the 980™ series, the 880™ series, the 780™ series, and the 680™ series. Each one offers its own set of features with sizes, amenities, and price ranges to suit a variety of needs.

One of Sundance® Spas’ most impressive models is the Sundance® Kingston® spa. This model, in the top-tier 980™ series, is ideal for large families and entertainers. It offers ample room for 7 to 8 bathers, a soothing waterfall, 8 massage varieties among 57 massage jets, 12 air injectors, and soft-tissue air massage for blissful hydrotherapy. The Sundance® Kingston® spa is loaded with an array of features for your complete and utter relaxation.

Jacuzzi® hot tubs

Some people might refer to hot tubs as Jacuzzis or Jacuzzi spas, but the Jacuzzi name is actually its own brand. There are many brands on the market, and since the Jacuzzi® brand is a pioneer in the hot tub industry, many people use the terms interchangeably. Jacuzzi® hot tubs are backed by a 70-year legacy of dedication to providing people with comfort, relief, and wellness through the power of water.

The best new models from the Jacuzzi® hot tubs line are within the all-new Jacuzzi® J5™ collection. This line features three unique models, each with a large offering of standard features and optional upgrades. This immersive line of hot tubs features incredible innovations such as Infrared + Red Light therapy and the Jacuzzi® True Water® system, which uses nanotechnology, a process that occurs in nature, to ensure your hot tub water is crystal clear, fresh, and ready to go when you are—all while being 99.999% chlorine-free and requiring just 15 minutes of maintenance time per month.

In addition, these models offer hydromassage customization like never before with five immersive experience modes, including Post-Workout, Sleep Well, Infrared Therapy, Everyday Rejuvenation, and Celebration.

Hydropool® hot tubs—This brand features a variety of luxury hot tubs among its two collections, the Signature Self-Cleaning collection and the Serenity collection. The former provides the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and massage, along with the brand’s patented self-cleaning. The latter is a value-packed series with sleek lines and stunning cabinets.

The Serenity 6900 model, for example, offers spacious seating for six with a lounger. This model has 59 jets and four-star energy efficiency. Deep seats and full-body massage give you a variety of ways to enjoy this luxury spa experience. While roomy inside, this model has a small footprint, so it is ideal for many spaces.

MasterSpas®—This brand has been around since 1996 and is committed to helping people experience the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of hydrotherapy in the comfort of their own homes. The brand’s spas are built in the USA using domestic and imported components.

One of this brand’s most stunning models is the special edition LSX 30 in the Michael Phelps Legend® series. It offers seating for five with a full-size lounge, 63 jets and two Master Blasters®, with the whirlpool-style therapy seat and the ability to personalize your massage experience from gentle relaxation to deep-tissue relief.

Buyer’s guide checklist:

• Make a “wish list” before doing your research. This should include all the features and amenities that you want. This list should also include preferred size, how many bathers you want your hot tub to accommodate, and seating configuration preference (such as open seating, lounge seating, or both).

• Shop from a reputable hot tub dealer, even if you decide to buy a used model.

• Avoid buying from little-known brands or from an individual who cannot provide a maintenance and repair history.

• Choose quality first for a hot tub that can stand the test of time and requires little maintenance.

• Always do a wet test.

• Ask your spa dealer about warranties and financing.

Now that you are equipped with this buyer’s guide, some dos and don’ts, and some examples of the best models of 2026, it’s time to explore them for yourself. Stop into a Sundance® Spas dealer in your area to see models firsthand and discover all the incredible options when it comes to today’s best spas.

Don’t forget to arrange a wet test in the model you like best. The hard part is deciding on one, but the easy part will soon follow. Once you’ve purchased your new spa, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy tranquility and peace of mind for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Hot tub spas: Buyer’s guide & best models 2026

Q: What is the best hot tub brand?

A: There are many reputable hot tub brands on the market. It is important to buy a quality hot tub from a well-known brand that has a great reputation for stellar products.

Q: Why should I do a wet test?

A: Yes. A wet test at a spa showroom is where you get into the spa you like when it is filled and operating. This way, you can experience everything about the spa so you can decide if it’s the right one for you.

Q: Can I buy a used hot tub?

A: Yes. Used hot tubs can be a great purchase, if you find the right one. It is advised to purchase a certified pre-owned hot tub from a reputable spa dealer. These are often in excellent condition, may even come with warranties and can help you save.

The details in this article specific to hot tub models from Hydropool® and MasterSpas® were obtained from the brands’ websites and are accurate according to that information at the time of publication.

Disclaimer: Sundance® Spas is a registered trademark of its respective owner. Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved. Hydropool®, MasterSpas®, and additional trademarked companies, brands, and products listed in this article are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Medical Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions regarding any medical condition.

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