Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

HotSpring Spas Review

Tuesday, March 21st

2023 Hot Tub Reviews

HotSpring Spas Review 3.5 Star Rating

HotSpring Spas

3.5 Star Rating
  • Ease of shopping with only 20 model choices
  • Made in the US
  • Energy efficient
  • Salt-water sanitation system

HotSpring Spas has been around since 1977 and is located in Vista, California. They are so proud of their spas and manufacturing that they offer factory tours. Their spa capacities range from two to seven people. If you are looking for a smaller tub, for fewer people, HotSprings has several to choose from, which isn't the case with most hot tub manufacturers. They use salt water sanitation, so their hot tubs require fewer chemicals.

Jets for the ultimate massage

HotSpring hot tubs boast innovation with jets that spray up and down your back for a relaxing, full-back massage. They have various different jets that are manually adjustable, and placed exactly where the body needs them.

Easy to choose the right model

With three collections and 20 models to choose from within those collections, HotSpring keeps spa-shopping simple so you can get right to deciding which hot tub is best for you.

  • The Hot Spot Collection has six models, up to 17 jets, and seats from two to seven people. It has a Frog Ease sanitizing system which releases sanitizer and minerals to keep the water soft, clear and clean; has FiberCor insulation; a no-fault heater, insulated cover, multi-color LED lighting; and an LCD control panel.
  • The Limelight Collection has five models to choose from and seats from four to seven people. It is Freshwater Salt System ready, has dual-action filtration, has Fibercor insulation in the cabinet, a SmartJet System, SilentFlo 5000 circulation pump,a titanium no-fault heater, and has color LCD controls and exterior lighting.
  • The Highlife Collection has nine models to choose from and can seat from three to seven people. This collection is Freshwater Salt System ready, has Moto-Massage DX jets which are moving jets that fan up and down your back, manually-controlled jet faces, a system to filter the water to keep it crystal clear, a wireless remote control, full-foam insulation, a durable tub and base pan, wireless touchscreen control, customizable LED zone lighting, and exterior lighting.

Ample options to customize your hot tub

Options for the HotSpring Spas include cover lifters, a Covercradle to glide the cover off the tub, upgraded cover options, steps to better enter the tub, an umbrella, towel tree, handrail, a water cooling system for hotter weather, and a Bluetooth music system or monitor for listening or viewing pleasure. For your visual pleasure and soothing experience, some tubs include (while others have as optional) zone lighting, interior and exterior lighting, fountains, and waterfalls.

Salt water system for sanitation and clear water

The salt water system that HotSpring uses is a simple way to keep spa water clean, clear, and sanitized for up to a full year. The little bit of salt that's added generates chlorine automatically so you spend more time enjoying your spa rather than monitoring the system and adding chemicals. Their ozone system comes with an oxidizer for protection against impurities. Their Frog Ease system, with their entry-level spas, creates a softer-feeling water that is virtually chemical-odor-free since it uses very little chlorine.

Energy efficient

Some of the tubs use 1/2-pound density urethane foam that fully insulates the space between the tub shell and its cabinet. Higher-model tubs have FiberCor insulation, which insulates between the tub and shell at a 2-pound density. Even better are the tubs with multiple layers of varying-density foam to minimize gaps and maximize efficiency. The tubs have a dedicated pump to continuously circulate the water, using less energy for your utility bill. The most energy-efficient spas can cost as little as $10-$20 per month to run, according to HotSpring.

Best Hot Tub Stores

Getting a brochure can be tedious

If you'd like detailed information about the spas, collections, and models, you'll need to download a brochure. It surprises us as to why the brochure isn't just a click away, but instead you have to give your name, mailing address and email address, or you cannot download the brochure. They also want to know which one spa model you are interested in - and that's tough to do if you don't already have a specific hot tub in mind.

Hot tub costs

  • Hot Spot Collection: $6,800 - $8,600
  • Limelight Collection: $10,600 - $19,500
  • Highlife Collection: $12,700 - $18,400

Pricing via the website is vague

Neither the website nor the brochure include prices or price ranges. The website uses a vague $$$$ system, but without a dollar-value per dollar-sign, it's not a buyer-friendly method. For pricing information, you'll have to contact a dealer. The dealer we contacted gave us the prices listed in this review. Pricing in your area may vary a bit. We were also informed that there could be a nice cash discount, so be sure to inquire if you're able to pay in cash.

Simple shopping makes decision-making quicker

We like that there are only three collections of spas to choose from. Some manufacturers have several collections, and several models within each collection, making your head spin. There are at most nine models within a collection, and they can vary in the number of seats possible, eliminating a few right away if you know how many people you want to seat. The salt-water system helps keep the water clean and clear while also helping you to spend more time in the spa rather than monitoring chemical levels.

We are a fan of HotSpring - for smaller hot tubs

Although HotSprings loses us in the tedium of having to give out your personal information before being allowed to download a brochure and the dollar-sign hint at pricing rather than giving price ranges outright, we still think there's a lot to love here. If you are interested in a smaller tub, HotSprings is great, as they have five choices. However, if you're looking for a party tub for eight or more, that's not possible with HotSpring, so check out our other spa reviews for tubs that can meet your needs.

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.

The Best Hot Tubs Compare Hot Tubs Compare Hot Tub Reviews What are the best Hot Tubs Best Hot Tub Reviews

Hot Tub FAQ

When people think of hot tubs, they generally think of relaxing in them for pleasure. Although this is their main purpose, they are also great for hydrotherapy, pain relief, muscle relaxation, calorie burning, and more. There are a surprising amount of health benefits that come from lounging in a warm body of water.
When deciding what size of hot tub to buy, measure the area where you plan to put the hot tub. Leave a few extra feet on at least one side for getting in and out and doing maintenance. Other factors to consider are how many people you want to be able to fit in the hot tub together. You'll usually find ones that fit anywhere from 2-7 people, which will be a big factor in determining the overall cost.
Hot tubs will range from $3,000 to over $16,000 based on the performance, size, accessories, and design. For people getting a hot tub for their first time, they'll likely be happy with something in the $3,000 to $7,000 range that will meet all their needs. Some people choose to finance their hot tubs and make monthly payments on them since they are a considerably big purchase to make. That way they don't have to pay for it all upfront.
Luckily, hot tubs aren't very high maintenance. If you stick to the 3 C's of circulation, cleaning, and chemistry, you're set! It helps to set a schedule to check the hot tub filter to make sure nothing is getting in the way of water circulating freely. Also schedule times to clean out debris, scum, or stray critters that can dirty your hot tub. Last but not least, make sure you maintain a healthy pH and alkaline level in your hot tub by checking your chemicals and adjusting them as needed. Carefully read the instruction manual that comes with your particular model to be aware of all the parts that may need replacing after a certain period of time.
You'll probably find yourself making more choices than you first thought once you start your hot tub shopping journey. For starters, do you want a square hot tub? A circular hot tub? Or a hexagon-shaped hot tub? Not only are there multiple options for the shape, but also the exterior color and material, interior materials, color, light features, seating arrangements, where you want the jets, and much more. You'll be able to choose a hot tub to match the aesthetic of your home and patio.
Hot tubs and saunas can serve similar purposes for people, but in completely different ways. A sauna is a room where infrared heat or steam is emitted to produce a feeling of relaxation, increase blood flow, loosen muscles, and sweat for weight loss. Hot tubs allow people to be immersed completely in warm or hot water to loosen joints, relax muscles, improve mood, and increase blood flow. Many people opt for hot tubs over saunas because they are more versatile and tend to work easier in the existing spaces people have outside their home.
Hot tubs are usually in the backyard on a flat surface like a cement pad, deck, under a gazebo, or on the patio. Consider how close to the house you want your hot tub for getting in and out during cold weather, having to go to the bathroom, or drying off and changing. Do you want it in a secluded area where you can't be seen by neighbors? Consider the aesthetic appeal of a hot tub and where it might look pretty and be enhanced by landscaping and lights.
If you're worried about having a hot tub dropped on your doorstep with no way to move it, fear no more! Most hot tub deliveries come with a crew that will place your hot tub in the exact location you want it and get it set up for you. Since hot tubs are big and heavy, you're not expected to hoist it around on your own. This is a good time to take advantage of the crew's expertise and learn your way around your new hot tub and all the neat features it comes with!
Compare the Best Reviews

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!

The Best Reviews of Hot Tubs