Known for selling "a zillion things home", Wayfair's selection of hot tubs and spas goes well beyond other retailers we considered with over 100 from which to choose. Pricing is also the most competitive, and shipping is free. Wayfair is our top pick for hot tubs and spas.

Overstock pleasantly surprised us with their extremely broad selection of hot tubs (54 in all), free shipping, and other customer-friendly perks. Although you may not get the same level of expertise you would get from a retailer that specializes in hot tubs and spas, you'll definitely get good prices and multiple options. Overstock is one of our favorite stores for your hot tub purchase.

Spa Sauna Direct is a reputable seller of hot tubs and spas, with an A+ rating given by the Better Business Bureau. Their selection of hot tubs is also better than many of their competitors, with almost 50 different options, and prices range from $2,880 to $12,205. This Iowa-based hot tub specialty store should be on your list to consider.

Hot Tub Works primarily sells supplies for hot tubs and spas, such as chemicals, covers, filters and parts. At the time of our review, their selection of spas only included 11 options, ranging in price from $399.99 to $6,999. However, their friendly approach to sales and service bumps them up in our rankings, despite their somewhat limited inventory of spas.

Integrity Spas specializes in custom-built, luxury spas that focus on hydrotherapy, relaxation, and even sports training. Based in Kansas, their products ship directly to customers from their factory. Their selection is wider - and priced higher - than many retailers in our review, but a B- rating with the Better Business Bureau gives us pause.

Buy Hot Tubs Direct is based in Pennsylvania and offers 16 different hot tubs from the Synergi brand. Shipping is free on all hot tub deliveries, and an exceptional 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee provides a great deal of reassurance to nervous buyers. We'd like to see evidence of customer satisfaction, such as customer testimonials or a rating with the Better Business Bureau. This would offer customers more confidence in Buy Hot Tubs Direct's reputation as a retailer of hot tubs, especially given the discrepancies and errors we found while using the site.

If you'd like a custom-made spa rather than a mass-produced unit that has been collecting dust in a warehouse somewhere, you may want to consider Discount Spas Direct. They offer 30 different models ranging in price from $2.200 to $17,000. On the other hand, with no return policy and limited customer reviews, it may be a more risky purchase than with other retailers in our review.

Hot Tubs

Hot tubs and spas are a popular way to relax after a hard day at work, entertain guests, and soothe aching post-workout muscles. While many gyms and fitness centers have hot tubs for their members, these facilities often have issues with cleanliness and availability. And, who wants to crowd in with a group of strangers when you can have your own hot tub right at home?

You may be wondering, "What's the difference between a hot tub and a spa?" Although the terms are now used interchangeably in most cases, a hot tub traditionally referred to a basic tub enclosed in a wood cabinet, without contoured seating, while spas did have seating that allowed users to recline comfortably with support.

Buying a hot tub or spa from a local brick-and-mortar store can be time-consuming, driving from one store to another hoping to find exactly what you want at a good price. You also have to contend with pushy salespeople who want to convince you that today's deal is a limited offer, rather than giving you the time you need to consider all of your options.

Shopping online for a hot tub puts the same manufacturers and models at your fingertips, often at prices that are much more affordable than those "special deals" you can get at a retailer in your area.

What should you look for when shopping for a hot tub or spa? The options may be overwhelming at first, so begin by considering the following:

• How many people do you want your hot tub to accommodate at a time? If you plan on having large parties or you have a lot of people in your family, naturally you'll want to consider a model that seats more than two people at once.
• How easy is it to install and maintain your hot tub? The more features you add, the more you'll need to know how to set up the hot tub and keep it running properly.
• Where will you install the hot tub? If you're planning on putting it indoors, you'll need a room that is well-ventilated; on the other hand, outdoor hot tubs need to be well-insulated, preferably with full-foam insulation to slow heat loss. And, of course, whether you're using it indoors our outside, you need to make sure that the hot tub you choose will fit in the available space!
• What features are your top priority? This is where you're likely to be tempted to spend the most money. What do you really want your hot tub to have, and what would just be a nice add-on? Some features to consider are jets (how many? How strong? Placement?), digital control panels, lighting and/or stereo speakers, adjustable-flow waterfalls, and body-contoured seating.

Once you have a clear idea of your ideal hot tub set-up, you'll be ready to take a look at the various online retailers who can make your vision a reality. Hot tub stores vary widely, so you'll want to keep an eye on several factors:

• Price. Does the store offer competitive prices and/or a price-match guarantee?
• Warranty. Will your hot tub be covered for labor, replacement of parts, or service if something breaks down? How long is the warranty coverage?
• Shipping. Hot tubs are usually very large. Are shipping costs reasonable, or will you have to pay an arm and a leg to get it to your home?
• Customer Service. If you need help with set-up after delivery, will you be able to get in touch with a representative? Does the business have a good reputation for making customers happy?

TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best hot tub stores available today. We hope these reviews help you find the hot tub you've always wanted for fun and relaxation!