What is the best hot tub for cold climates?

Soaking in a hot tub is a wonderful way to relax in warm water regardless of the weather outside. In the summertime, it can be a nice transition in and out of a swimming pool. In the winter, there is nothing like the exhilarating feeling of soaking in warm water on a cold night.

If you live in a cold climate or want to use your hot tub specifically in cold seasons, you may have asked yourself or searched the internet for the answer to the question: “What is the best hot tub for cold climates?”

That is an important question to have answered before you purchase a hot tub. This article will provide the answer to that question, suggest features that hot tubs for cold climates should include and offer a list of some of the best hot tubs for cold climates.

Are hot tubs specifically designed for cold climates?

Superior hot tub models from premium brands are designed to perform in any weather. However, extreme weather, cold or hot, can provide a challenge for a hot tub. Extreme weather can make a hot tub’s functions from heating elements to pumps and filters work harder. There are some aspects of a hot tub that make it better suited for cold climates, however.

Features of the best hot tubs for cold climates

The best hot tubs for cold climates are the ones that are built to withstand any climate and the ones that have features to protect it from the elements. That includes high-quality and durable materials such as frames and parts, as well as equipment such as pumps, heaters, water management systems, and filtration systems. Two other key features of the best hot tubs for cold climates are excellent insulation and a well-fitted, durable hot tub cover.

Durable Materials — The best hot tub for cold climates is made with the finest materials from the shell and cabinet to the interior of your hot tub. Think of wearing a coat in the winter that is made with thinner, less quality materials versus spending a little more on a superior winter coat made with materials that are designed to keep your body warm while protecting you from elements such as rain and snow.

Some examples are a durable acrylic shell that is stain- and scratch-resistant and long-lasting cabinetry made from synthetic wood or other UV-resistant materials that are made to withstand weather and stay beautiful longer.

Jacuzzi® hot tubs feature a ProFusion™ Shell. This is made with the highest quality acrylic, a bonded vapor barrier and a resin composite which are layered together for ultimate durability, creating an inseparable bond that stands up to both cold and heat.

The hot tub cabinet can provide an added layer of protection and heat retention while making your hot tub look aesthetically pleasing as part of your backyard sanctuary.

Jacuzzi® hot tubs feature ProFinish® and ProEndure™ tool-free cabinetry. These synthetic spa cabinets are made with durable, UV-resistant thermal plastic that looks like natural wood. They are fade resistant, color fast, virtually maintenance free and made to withstand heat and cold.

Durable materials should be backed by the assurance of top-notch construction. For example, all Jacuzzi® hot tubs undergo thorough quality checks to ensure they live up to our brand’s reputation for dependability, backed by a solid warranty.

Excellent Insulation — Another one of the most important elements of a hot tub built for cold climates is insulation. You will want to look for a hot tub that has high-quality multi-layers of insulation. This is essential for protecting your hot tub against the elements and for maintaining energy efficiency regardless of the weather.

All Jacuzzi® hot tubs are equipped with high-performance, energy-saving insulation. They exceed the California Energy Commission standards for spa energy consumption. Our insulation completely surrounds the shell and fills the cabinet of every one of our hot tub models. This helps to lower operating costs, ensures quieter operation and provides you with reliability and peace of mind in the coldest of climates.

In addition, many Jacuzzi® hot tub models have an add-on feature for extreme cold weather. The Extreme Cold Weather package includes an additional factory-installed layer of insulation between the frame and the siding of your Jacuzzi® hot tub, to conserve heat in the coldest climates. Plus, it includes an upgraded hot tub cover designed for cold, harsh climates.

Excellent Water Management Systems and Filtration Systems — Just as with the materials, the equipment within your hot tub should be the best it can be if you’re looking for the best spa for cold climates. This includes water management systems and filtration systems which are engineered and constructed to work properly and efficiently in any climate or weather.

A Solid Foundation — In any climate, you’ll want to ensure your hot tub is placed on a proper foundation. This is important so that your hot tub is installed on a solid, level surface. The foundation can also help to protect your hot tub from the ground up. Options can include prefabricated pads, generally made of high-density plastic; concrete, paving stones and decks, so long as they are built to support the weight of your hot tub when filled with both water and bathers.

The best hot tubs for cold climates will also be equipped with protective barriers to insulate the spa from this foundation. For example, Jacuzzi® hot tubs feature a ProPolymer base. This durable ABS-formed foundation protects your hot tub’s components from moisture and the elements while also adding structural strength. If you have a hot tub where it snows, this feature will be well worth it.

Tight-Fitting Hot Tub Cover — Hot tub covers can sometimes be overlooked or underestimated. However, they are an essential accessory that can help you protect your hot tub in cold climates and other extreme weather. Is it advised to purchase the best quality hot tub cover available. Consider this an investment in your hot tub that will pay off over time.

A quality hot tub cover can help protect your hot tub water from debris, dust, dirt and even rain that can disrupt its chemical balance. It can also help you maintain your hot tub water temperature for longer, resulting in lower running costs.

Jacuzzi® ProLast™ covers lock in heat via a durable UV-stable, woven polyester outer fabric and heat-locking EPS foam core. A Jacuzzi® ProLast™ cover creates a vacuum seal with the sculpted shell to retain heat and maintain water temperature longer — at lower operating costs. A Jacuzzi® ProLast™ Extreme cover takes this protection to the next level.

Smart Technology — You might wonder how exactly technology can impact your hot tub in cold climates. Today’s advanced hot tub models use technology in a variety of ways to help make your hot tub experience easy and nearly hassle free. Many luxury hot tub brands, Jacuzzi® included, also incorporate the use of technology to help you monitor and manage your hot tub in any climate.

The Jacuzzi® SmartTub® remote monitoring system and app, for example, allow you to control many aspects of your hot tub from your smart device anywhere in the world. Some features include monitoring, scheduling and adjusting energy usage and customizing temperature and lighting.

Furthermore, the Jacuzzi® SmartTub® remote monitoring system can alert you of power outages, offers overheat and freeze protection and can automatically alert you and your local hot tub retailer if your hot tub needs attention. These features can provide peace of mind for hot tub use in cold climates.

Best hot tub brands for cold climates — If you live in a cold climate or any location with extreme weather, quality is key when it comes to your hot tub purchase. You will want to purchase a premium hot tub from a luxury brand to ensure your model can withstand the elements for many years to come.

In no particular order, some examples of premium hot tub brands for cold climates include:

Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs and Spas

Sundance Spas

Arctic Spas

Bullfrog® Spas

Master Spas®

Is it a good idea to place a hot tub inside?

If you live in an extremely cold climate, you may wonder if placing a hot tub indoors is a better idea. There are some pros and cons to this decision. While indoor hot tubs can offer protection from the elements and more privacy, there are some factors you should consider before placing a hot tub indoors. These can include installation, electrical hook-up or wiring, drainage and ventilation.

When it comes to the best hot tub for cold climates, it is ultimately the one that is designed and crafted with the best materials and features. The durability of the hot tub itself combined with advanced and high-tech amenities can help protect your hot tub in any extreme climate, hot or cold. When shopping for hot tubs for cold climates, it’s advised to visit your local certified hot tub dealer. A professional can guide you through the various options of cold-climate hot tubs that could be right for you.

Brand disclaimer: This article features brand names not affiliated with Jacuzzi Group including Arctic Spas, Bullfrog® Spas and Master Spas®. All information included was accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.