Wednesday, June 7th
2023 Hot Tub Reviews
Catalina Spas
- Hand-manufactured in the US
- Includes more luxury features than other brands
- UV sanitation included
Catalina Spas has been around since 1977 with a focus on health and relaxation. They are located near Knoxville, Tennessee, and they manufacture and test all their spas by hand. They make sure the spas are made to the personalization of each customer. You choose the spa to best meet your needs and then accessorize it to meet your personality and desires for full relaxation. They recently changed their two-tiered offerings (the Classic series and the Luxury series) to just the one Luxury series. One series keeps it simple and Catalina offers eight models.
Upgraded mechanical features are included
All models include an auto-fill water system. This automation continuously maintains the water level to avoid temperature fluctuations. Their mist system cools your skin on contact with fresh water.
High-end luxury at no extra charge
Many other companies will offer the nicer amenities in their high-end series exclusively, or only offer them as separate upgrades. Catalina has several luxurious features that are included, and others are add-ons. These relaxing... and sometimes unique... features include a number of LED items: backlit magnetic pillows, backlit jets, backlit spillover waterfalls, floating crystal balls, and backlit water fountains. Catalina even offers an optional self-extinguishing fire feature! Also included with all of their tubs is a touchscreen control pad with pre-programmed settings as well as a smart system so you can control and monitor your tub from anywhere. They also include a tough cover, which can withstand over 1,000 pounds on top.
High-level sanitation included at all levels
Catalina Spas includes a UV sanitation system. The UV light deactivates E. coli and other organisms, destroys harmful viruses and bacteria, reduces the use of chemicals and doesn't add smelly chemicals, and has low power consumption. Catalina also includes an ozone sanitation system which breaks down the contaminants in the water, making it easier to maintain the quality of the water.
Prices not listed on the site
Prices are not available on the website, so you'll contact the number on the web page which puts you directly with their factory, and you don't have to go through a dealer. If you prefer a dealer so you can see the tub in person, they do have retailers that may be local for you. Keep in mind that pricing can vary, depending on the dealer, and that your costs for installation are probably not included.
Hot tub costs
- From $8,000 and up
For luxury, Catalina is phenomenal
With so many luxurious features that are normally on the most expensive spas or offered as add-ons, Catalina makes it easy for you, and includes some extravagant items with any tub you may purchase. Even a self-extinguishing fire pot, which we haven't seen in any model from any other company, is offered here at Catalina. We love that Catalina is made in the US, is hand-manufactured, and that the company has been around since 1977.
What happened to their Classic line?
As recently as April 2021, Catalina offered a Classic line of tubs in addition to their Luxury line. The Classic tubs were also luxurious, included extravagant features, and carried a lower price point. We love Catalina for what they do offer, but wish they had kept the more affordable Classic line as an added, more budget-friendly series to choose from. If Catalina weren't all Luxury at the luxury price, we would have rated them higher. Be sure to check out the hot tub companies in our review that still have entry-level spas, if that's what you're looking for.
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The 10 Best Hot Tubs
Where Can You Find the Best Hot Tubs?
Do the mere words hot tub give you the dreamy feeling of sinking down in a pool of warm water, relaxing, closing your eyes, feeling the healing massage of the hydro jets on your back and neck, and letting the world slip by? Or perhaps you associate hot tubs with friends or family relaxing together, enjoying a little social time in the warm, bubbly spa.
If you've dreamed of enjoying the relaxation and muscle relief that a spa can offer, and having it in your own yard, we have information for you on the best hot tubs out there. Just sit back and relax. Hot tubs can come in a variety of colors and styles. You can choose the standard model, or you can go up in levels where they add waterfalls, colored lights, and perhaps smart capabilities.
Hot Tub FAQ
Continued from above...
Even still, you can customize by choosing a level that best suits your needs and then add on features to make your spa into your own style. Prices often start around $3,000 and with more luxury and more add-ons, you can reach a price tag of over $20,000. Remember that the price may not include delivery and probably does not include installation. In fact, some spa companies don't offer installation, which may mean you'll have to hire out.
As you shop around for a hot tub, there are so many things to consider! It can be overwhelming trying to understand all of the options and which spa design is going to be the ideal fit for what you've pictured in your mind for fun and relaxation. You can focus your search more effectively by knowing what you prefer in these areas:
- Size. Hot tubs can vary in size from three to ten seats, so think about how many people you'll want to have in your spa at once. If you're looking for small and intimate, and perhaps have limited space, consider a tub that seats 3-4 people. Larger tubs can seat 7-10 people; these will have a larger footprint in your space and take longer to heat, which means more stress on your utility bill. There may also be an option for lounge seating in your tub. You would sit more reclined, and there would be more jets along the length of your body. It's a great feature, but each lounger can take the spot of two regular seats, so plan accordingly.
- Type of hydromassage. Some brands offer a gentle, low pressure, all-water massage and others have a powerful half-water/half-air jet stream for a deep massage. There are other jet options to choose from for your comfort, such as leg, feet, and neck jets, or a wrap-around-the-side body stream for more of an all-over effect.
- Location and environment. Plan where you will like your spa. Is there room enough for the size you are considering? Most tubs are about 7' x 7', but yours will be bigger if you want to seat more people. The factors to consider for weather are the cover and insulation. The full-foam insulated covers help keep the interior from the elements and extreme temperatures, as most of the heat is lost through the top of the tub. The insulation helps keep the heat inside and prevents the heater from overworking itself.
- Local availability. Can you visit a dealer in person to see the hot tubs on the showroom floor, or even get a "wet test" where you can try it out with water in it? You can see how strong the jets are and how it feels when you adjust them to your body.
- Reputation. It's always a good idea to see what other customers have to say about the hot tub company. Keep in mind that the installation and servicing may be done by a third-party business, so you'll want to look into their track record as well.
TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the most popular brands of hot tubs on the market today. We're confident that this information will help you find the spa that will deliver the ultimate in relaxation and fun for many years to come!
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