How to Choose the Best Hot Tub for Your Home

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What is the best hot tub?” or “How do I choose the right one?” then let’s talk.  

Here’s a quick answer: The only real way to answer this question is to ask: “What do you want to use the hot tub for?” Because the “best” will vary depending on your priority.  

The best hot tub for you depends on: 

• how many people will use it
• what features matter most (like massage, energy efficiency, or easy maintenance)
• where you plan to install it
• how much you want to spend/how you want it to look and work 

At Hydropool, we have been in business for 45 years and we know that picking a hot tub is a big decision. You want to make sure you’re getting value for your money, you want to make sure you’re not getting ripped off and you want quality. Entirely fair asks.  

In this blog, we’ll cover: 

• What size hot tub is right for you?
• What are the most important hot tub features?
• What are top hot tub brands?
• How do build quality and energy efficiency affect your choice?
• Should you get a plug-and-play or hardwired spa?
• What’s the best value for your budget?
• Where can you buy a high-quality hot tub?

By the end, we hope you’ll know what to look for. 

What Size Hot Tub Do You Need? 

The first decision you will want to make is about size. Here’s our tip on deciding the best size of your hot tub: Add up how many people are going to use the hot tub generally and then add at least two. That will give you enough space to fit everyone and at the same time give you a feeling of extra space when you use it most of the time.  

Here’s a quick guide: 

Hot Tub Size	Capacity	Typical Dimensions
Small	2–3 people	~183 x 152 cm / 72 x 60 in
Medium	4–6 people	~213 x 213 cm / 84 x 84 in
Large	7+ people	~229 x 279 cm / 90 x 110 in or larger

Some points to ponder:  

• How many people will use it regularly? This is a core question. 
• Will you entertain guests or is it more for your family?
• Is it for therapy, relaxation or family time? Do you want to cram in or want space to stretch out? 

A local retailer will let you climb in the hot tub and see for yourself how much space you have and what it feels like. We highly recommend this! If your whole family will use it, bring as many of them as possible and all climb in. We have found it makes a big difference in perspective.  

What Hot Tub Features Matter Most? 

Not all hot tubs are built the same. Look for differences here: 

• Jets & Massage: Every company does this slightly differently. Hydropool’s Zone Therapy system features full body massage, while others can offer specific spine, neck or foot massage.
• Insulation: A well-insulated hot tub retains heat better and saves energy.
• Maintenance: Hydropool’s patented Self-Cleaning system filters 100% of the water in just 15 minutes.
• Lighting & Waterfalls: For ambiance and a soothing experience.
• Controls: Digital panels make it easy to adjust temperature, lights, and cycles.

What Are the Top Hot Tub Brands?  

Good brands include Jacuzzi, Master Spa, Bullfrog, Sundance, Hot Spring, Beachcomber, Viking – but they are all different. Bullfrog has a modern, classy aesthetic and allows you to swap your entire seat. Sundance has unique jets. Jacuzzi has infrared. And so on. Good brands have been around for a long time and have developed a unique speciality or two, usually in the hope of standing out in the market.  

Hydropool has been made in Canada for 45 years. Here’s our look at the top brands in the hot tub world.  

There’s a big catch here and it’s where you live and who is selling each brand.  

• Your local retailer matters a great deal when purchasing a hot tub. If you buy from one dealer and then ship your hot tub away, they may not service your hot tub for you. So when you buy you want to ensure you have support.
• All brands may not exist where you live or you may have many. If you have choice, then you may want to pick one that focuses on what matters to you most (Hydropool has an emphasis on low maintenance and full body massage). If you don’t have choice, you are best choosing the best hot tub brand you can. One tip is to consider the one built closest to where you live – for example, we’ve been selling in Canada for 45 years. If our tubs couldn’t last a winter, we’d be long out of business by now.

What Build Quality Should You Look For? 

Long-term durability comes from thoughtful engineering and quality components: 

• Acrylic shell construction for strength and appearance
• Energy-efficient covers to trap heat and reduce costs
• Rust-proof frames that can handle harsh climates
• Warranty coverage that reflects confidence in the build

 

What’s the Difference Between Plug-and-Play and Hardwired Spas? 

You’ll often hear about two setup types: 

• Plug-and-play spas: Plug into a standard 110V outlet. Easier setup but lower heating and jet performance: you can only run one or the other at a time. If you’re in a cold weather area, we don’t recommend it.
• Hardwired spas: Installed by an electrician on a 220V connection. Better for performance, energy efficiency, and long-term use.

If you want powerful massage, quick heating, and a premium experience, hardwired is the way to go. They remain most of the market (Hydropool doesn’t sell a plug and play, but if you’re looking for one, we recommend DreamMaker).  

What Should You Spend on a Hot Tub?

Prices vary widely. The “best” tub price will depend on all the other features you’re considering. Here’s a closer look at pricing, in How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost? In general, we find that it’s around $20,000 Cdn, if you count everything – what it sits on, the electrical, the hot tub and the landscaping.  

Factors that affect price: 

• Number of seats
• Type of jets and pumps
• Energy efficiency
• Warranty and service options

Where Can You Buy a Quality Hot Tub?

You want a spa you can rely on, with dealer support and service when you need it. Hydropool only sells through a local retail network. We do that to ensure people have support once they purchase the hot tub. If you don’t, then finding help can be a chore (and like anything with moving parts, a hot tub will require service). But a dealer is always there for you.  

Benefits include: 

• Delivery and installation guidance
• Personalized product walkthroughs
• Trusted aftercare and maintenance support

Find your local Hydropool retailer here. 

How Do You Choose the Best Hot Tub for Your Home?

Choosing the best hot tub isn’t about finding the most expensive model — it’s about finding the right one for you. Consider how many people will use it, which features are most important and what you what it’s for. If you can answer those questions, you’ll be well on your way to narrowing down which models to look at and which are in your area.  

Still have questions? Reach out to your local Hydropool retailer here: Find a Retailer