Monday, July 7th
2025 Hot Tub Reviews
Caldera Spas
- Prices from $7,999 to $25,999
- 18 tubs in stock
- 2-8-person capacities
- Up to 5-10-year shell warranty
- Custom colors
- 30-day returns for some items
Caldera Spas is a manufacturer that places a strong emphasis on ergonomic design, ensuring that their tubs conform to the natural curves and contours of the body, providing a truly personalized experience.
Not many advanced features
From inside the tub you can control hot tub functions like water flow for a customized massage experience. While Caldera supports budgets at the entry-level, mid-level, and luxury, its offerings in the mid-level and luxury areas may not match those of competitors. If you're seeking extensive customization and advanced features, other brands rated more highly may be worth exploring.
Energy efficiency is a key feature
One of Caldera's strengths is its commitment to energy efficiency. The company prides itself on offering some of the most energy-efficient hot tubs on the market, meeting stringent energy standards set by regulatory bodies such as the California Energy Commission. Through a combination of superior insulation, high-quality covers, efficient heaters, and pumps, Caldera strives to keep utility bills manageable for you.
Equipment Overview:
- Price range: $7,999 to $25,999
- Different models: 18
- Capacity: 2-8 adults
- Customizable: Exterior and interior color
- Energy efficient: Yes
- Return policy: 30 days for some items
- Warranty: 5-10 year shell, 2-7 year surface, 2-5 year heater
- Shipping: No listed shipping costs, but some shipping is free
Basic models: The Vacanza Series
The most basic hot tub at Caldera is the Vacanza Aventine. This tub costs $7,999 and the series features three entry-level tubs equipped with 14 jets and seating for 2 people. These tubs offer customizable options such as 3 cabinets and 2 interior colors, along with features like foot-wall massage, an Ultramassage Seat, a Fibercore body, and 115V electrical.
Top-tier models: The Utopia Series
The top model of hot tub at Caldera is the Utopia Cantabria from the Utopia Series. This tub represents Caldera's luxury line with space for up to 8 people. These top-tier tubs feature up to 74 jets, along with premium amenities such as hip, wrist, and neck jets, exterior lighting, and touchscreen control panels. This model costs $25,999 and comes in 3 cabinet colors and 4 interior colors. You'll need 220V of electricity for your outlet to be compatible with this hot tub.
See if free shipping is available
The pricing for shipping isn't included on the site directly (since you need to purchase from a local provider). However, it's clear from some of the company statements that they occasionally offer free shipping. So, when you find a retailer that offers Caldera, you should check the shipping options at that time.
Setup may take some outside help
For setup, each hot tub comes with a PDF pack of instructions for pre-delivery to help you make the delivery process as smooth as possible. To give you an idea of what that process looks like, we checked out the pre-delivery documents for the Utopia Series tubs for a deck installation. Here's what it said: before placing your hot tub on an elevated deck or indoors, make sure that the deck can support its weight. Caldera recommends consulting a qualified building contractor or structural engineer. Also, keep your tub inside its wrapping during delivery and installation to keep any accidental scratches or nicks from marring the design. There is a somewhat complex wiring diagram included in the instructions, and you will be expected to do this setup yourself. The pack even has suggestions for contacting an electrician, a masonry expert, and a contractor if you need extra help to set up your hot tub.
Limited 30-day returns
Most unused and unopened items can be returned within 30 days of delivery, but you won't be able to return any items that have been opened. Specifically, electrical items (such as tubs) and special orders cannot be returned. There will be a 20% restocking fee plus shipping costs if you receive free shipping initially.
Mixed reviews leave some concerts about warranties
At the time of our review, Caldera had an "NR” rating from the Better Business Bureau, and the company had no reviews on the BBB site. On third-party websites, Caldera has a mid-tier reputation with an average score of 3.4 out of 5. The mixed reviews show complaints about the tub leaking as soon as the warranty expired, or other customers complaining that despite their tub being "in warranty” the retailer they purchased from refused to send out a technician to repair the tub. Others loved their Caldera tubs, saying that they've had minimal problems for over a decade or more.
May require extra research to buy
Ultimately, while Caldera offers simplicity and ease of decision-making, its limited features may deter some buyers. Many rival companies offer more amenities such as waterfalls, cup holders, and smart technology for remote monitoring and control, which may be lacking in Caldera's lineup. Plus, mixed reviews and the fact that you have to buy Caldera from outside retailers makes it harder to know exactly what you're getting in terms of warranties or repairs.
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Hot tubs are synonymous with relaxation and luxury, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Imagine soaking in warm, bubbling water under the stars, feeling your worries melt away as you sip a refreshing drink and enjoy some peace and the company of friends or loved ones. Whether you're unwinding after a long day at work, hosting a backyard party, or simply indulging in some much-needed self-care, a hot tub can turn any ordinary evening into a private spa experience.
When most people think of hot tubs, they think of expensive resort clubs or luxury home design. And while that might have been true in the past, times have changed. Gone are the days when hot tubs were limited to expensive day spas. With advances in technology and manufacturing, hot tubs have become more affordable and accessible than ever before.
Hot Tub FAQ
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Today, you can find a wide variety of hot tubs to suit every budget, space, and lifestyle, from compact models designed for small patios to spacious, feature-rich tubs with built-in LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and adjustable jets. No matter what spa features you have in mind, there's a perfect hot tub out there for your home.
The allure of hot tubs goes far beyond their relaxation benefits. Choosing to enjoy some time in a hot tub can offer you a multitude of health benefits as well. From soothing sore muscles and relieving joint pain to improving circulation and promoting better sleep, regular hot tub use can improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
Whether you're a pro athlete, a stressed-out parent, or you're just looking for a way to relax after work, a hot tub can be a perfect solution. Plus, features like hydrotherapy jets provide therapeutic relief for a wide range of ailments, making hot tubs a popular choice for athletes, seniors, and anyone seeking natural pain relief and relaxation.
Since hot tubs are a hot commodity (pun intended), there are plenty of sites and manufacturers to choose from. Shopping for a hot tub is an exciting adventure, but with so many options available, it can also be overwhelming. Whether you're browsing online or visiting a showroom in person, there are several factors to consider so that you can find the perfect hot tub for your needs:
- Size. Consider how many people you plan to host in your hot tub and choose a model with the appropriate seating capacity. From intimate two-person tubs to large family-sized options, there's a size and configuration to suit every household and social gathering.
- Features. Determine which features are most important to you, whether that's powerful massage jets, customizable lighting options, integrated sound systems, or energy-efficient design. Make a list of must-have features and prioritize them based on your preferences and budget.
- Warranties. Invest in a high-quality hot tub from a reputable manufacturer for years of reliable performance and enjoyment. Look for models with durable construction, premium materials, and longer warranties to protect your investment and provide peace of mind.
- Price. When you're adding a major feature to your home, price is always going to be a factor. Make sure that you balance things like features and quality with the cost to decide if the overall value is worth it. You'll find prices in the low thousands or tens of thousands, so there's a lot of wiggle room depending on your budget and ideal features.
- Reputation. Finally, make sure you know the reputation of particular manufacturers by checking out their scores with sites like the Better Business Bureau or third-party review sites. Knowing how other hot tub fans feel about a particular brand or product can help you make a more informed decision.
To help you find the perfect hot tub for your home and lifestyle, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best hot tub retailers and brands on the market. We hope our research will guide you toward the relaxation, rejuvenation, and endless enjoyment you deserve. Whether you're planning a spring break getaway, creating your own backyard oasis, or simply seeking a sanctuary from the stresses of everyday life, we're here to help you make the most of your hot tub experience.
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