11 minute read //
Are you shopping around for a hot tub and wondering what brand you should buy from? Have you been browsing online or making a list to visit showrooms, only to feel overwhelmed by many claims that the brand you’re looking at is the best?
I’m Anthony Shneikert, Managing Director of Spa Solutions which distributes hot tubs and swim spas to the UK and Europe.
With more than 20 years in the hot tub industry, including selling, manufacturing and distribution, I’ve worked with multiple brands and retailers. With this experience I can confidently identify which hot tub brands I believe make the top 5 list for the UK in 2024.
By including – a brief history of each brand, pricing, pros and cons and my personal thoughts on why I believe each brand makes the Top 5, you should reach the end of this article with a clearer understanding about which hot tub brand could tick the boxes for you.
This article may include brands that are distributed by Spa Solutions, that I will disclose. The hot tub brands mentioned in this article are also listed in no particular order.
The hot tub brands I’ll be reviewing in this article are
Disclaimer – This article mentions brands not associated with Spa Solutions. You can view the list of brand owners at the end of this article. The price ranges mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of writing (May 27, 2024) and may change without notice.
Best hot tub brands UK
Hot Spring®
Hot Spring® hot tubs were founded in 1977 by Jeff and Jon Watkins in San Diego.
Since the creation of their first portable spa more than 45 years ago, the brand now offers three acrylic shell hot tub collections, and is manufactured by Watkins Wellness (part of the Masco Corporation) in Vista, California as well as in Mexico.
Hot Spring® is the largest supplier and manufacturer in the world.
Watkins Wellness also produces other hot tub brands including Caldera Spas®, and rotomolded hot tubs – FreeFlow®, FreeFlow® Premier and Fantasy Spas®.
Hot Spring® offers a quality product across its collections – the mid-market acrylic hot tubs Hot Spot® and Limelight®, and top of the range collection – Highlife®.
While the Highlife® collection does come equipped with cost-saving features, they’re expensive to buy. However, if you are in search of a quality product, they do offer a high level of luxury, hydrotherapy and comfort.
Hot Spring® spas are offered through a combination of Hot Spring® and independent retailers in the UK.
Hot Spring® key features
Some Hot Spring® models are equipped with the Moto Massage® DX jet. It produces two streams of water that create a sweeping motion up and down your back. The Moto Massage® is defined on their website as the world’s first moving hydrotherapy jet.
The Freshwater® Salt System generates chlorine from salt to sanitise hot tub water. It’s important to note that this is not a pure salt water hot tub as the salt is turned into chlorine, and the use of chemicals may still be required.
Pros
- Quality product
- Quality hydrotherapy
- Low running costs
- Pricing displayed on website
Cons
- Higher prices, particularly Highlife®, may not suit all budgets
- Freshwater® Salt System may still require use of chemicals
Hot Spring® Pricing
According to the Hot Spring® website, prices for acrylic shell models range in price from £13,995.00 to £23,995.00.
Hot Spring® Hot Tub models
Highlife® Collection
Hot Spring® Grandee® – from £23,995.00
Hot Spring® Envoy® – from £23,995.00
Hot Spring® Vanguard® – from £21,495.00
Hot Spring® Aria® – from £21,495.00
Hot Spring® Sovereign® – from £18,495.00
Hot Spring® Prodigy® – from £16,795.00
Hot Spring® Jetsetter® LX – from £15,495.00
Hot Spring® Jetsetter® – from £14,995.00
Limelight® Collection
Hot Spring® Prism® – from £23,295.00
Hot Spring® Pulse® – from £16,295.00
Hot Spring® Flash® – from £14,495.00
Hot Spring® Flair® – from £14,495.00
Hot Spring® Strobe® – from £12,295.00
Hot Spring® Beam® – from £11,295.00
HotSpot® Collection
HotSpring® Rhythm – from £9,995.00
HotSpring® Relay – from £9,795.00
HotSpring® Propel – from £8,595.00
HotSpring® Stride – from £7,995.00
HotSpring® SX – from £7,395.00
HotSpring® TX – from £6,995.00
Why is Hot Spring® considered a top 5 hot tub brand?
“Hot Spring® genuinely creates high standard hot tubs. They source quality materials, offer great hydrotherapy, and their collections cater to different budgets.
“Hot Spring® is also a trusted brand around the world, backed by decades in the industry. They also have many dealerships around the world.” – Anthony Schneikert, Spa Solutions Managing Director
Marquis®
Marquis® was founded in 1980 in the City of Independence, Oregon and hot tub manufacturing takes place at the same location to this day.
Marquis® produces four hot tub collections – Celebrity, Marquis Elite, Vector 21 and their top of the range, the Crown Collection.
Marquis® defines their hot tubs by – relaxation, therapy and healing, as well as quality time.
You will also find their collections cater for hot tub gatherings of all sizes, with models ranging from 3 seaters, to hot tubs with more than 10 seats.
On the downside, you may find running costs can be higher than premium models by Hot Spring® or Jacuzzi®.
Marquis® Key Features
Marquis® defines its top 3 features as
- High Flow Therapy – A jet massage using high volume of water at low pressure
- ConstantClean water filtration system
- MicroSilk® – This creates what Marquis® describes as microbubbles and an oxygen cloud in the water for benefits to the skin
Pros
- Range of hot tub sizes
- US made
- Great quality
Cons
- High price point
- Pricing not displayed on brand website. Need to visit dealership websites.
Marquis® Hot Tub Pricing
Hot tub pricing is not available on the Marquis® site in the UK. You will need to fill out an online form.
Pricing is available on dealer sites such as Welsh Hot Tubs, where Marquis® Spas range in price from £7,995.00 to £21,995.00.
Marquis® Hot Tub Models
Marquis® Crown Series
Marquis Spas Crown Summit – from £21,995.00
Marquis Spas Crown Euphoria – from £7,495.00
Marquis Spas Crown – from £12,495.00
Marquis Spas Crown – from £15,995.00
Marquis Spas Crown – from £19,995.00
Marquis® Vector 21 Series
Marquis Spas V65L – from £8,995.00
Marquis Spas – from £11,995.00
Marquis Spas – from £13,995.00
Marquis® Elite Series
Marquis Spas Hollywood Elite – from £10,995.00
Marquis Spas Nashville Elite – from £8,995.00
Marquis® Celebrity Series
Marquis Spas Broadway – from £7,995.00
Marquis Spas – from £8,495.00
Why is Marquis® considered a top 5 brand?
“In my opinion, Marquis® crafts one of the most beautifully designed hot tubs on the UK market.
“Specifically, their top of the range Crown Collection which is equipped with a more advanced hydrotherapy system that brings together different jet types for varied massage, control valves and seat design.” – Anthony Schneikert, Spa Solutions Managing Director
Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs
Jacuzzi Brand® is known around the world as the brand that founded the hot tub industry more than 65 years ago.
It began with the creation of the J-300 pump to place in a bath, in order to relieve the discomfort of a young family member with rheumatoid arthritis.
The invention by the Jacuzzi brothers has led to the manufacturing of quality hot tubs out of North America and Europe.
Jacuzzi® hot tubs are now distributed to more than 100 countries, and 5 continents. There are four Jacuzzi® hot tub collections offered in the UK – J-200™ Classic, J-300™ Comfort, J-400™ Designer and the J-LX® Collection.
They are sold through Jacuzzi stores, and independent dealerships in the UK.
Jacuzzi Group has acquired a number of hot tub brands. Alongside Jacuzzi® Brand there is Sundance® Spas, Hydropool, Vortex® Spas, Fisher Spas™ and Sun & Soul®.
Jacuzzi® hot tub key features
With the foundation of the brand based around hydrotherapy (J-300 pump), it’s no surprise Jacuzzi® hot tubs are known for their high level of hydromassage.
The SmartTub® system is also worth mentioning as it allows you to control your hot tub remotely, including on a cellular connection, which is exclusive to Jacuzzi® Brand.
The brand has also recently introduced patent-pending infrared and red lighting to its J-LX® collection.
Pros
- More than 65 years in industry
- Patented SmartTub® system for remote hot tub control
- High quality
- Hydrotherapy – One of the best on the market
Cons
- High price point may not suit all budgets
- Limited customising options on entry-level collections?
- Average running costs may be slightly higher than other brands
Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs Price
Jacuzzi® hot tub prices are not displayed on their website in the UK.
You will need to fill out a form to find out pricing for each hot tub model. Pricing is displayed on dealer websites, including Outdoor Living, where they range from £6,099.00 to £19,999.00
Jacuzzi® Hot Tub models
Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection
Jacuzzi® J-495™ – £19,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-485™ – £18,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-475™ – £17,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-445™ – £13,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-435™ – £13,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-300™ Collection
Jacuzzi® J-385™ – £14,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-375™ – £14,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-365™ – £13,499.00
Jacuzzi® J-355™ – £13,499.00
Jacuzzi® J-345™ – £11,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-335™ – £11,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-325™ – £9,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-315™ – £8,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-200™ Collection
Jacuzzi® J-245™ / 245IP™ £6,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-235™ £6,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-225™ £6,999.00
Jacuzzi® J-215™ £6,099.00
Jacuzzi® J-210™ £5,799.00
Why is Jacuzzi® Brand considered a top 5 brand?
“Jacuzzi® is world renowned as an innovative industry leader in hot tub design, technology and manufacturing. The high quality remains consistent across all collections.
“Like other brands mentioned in this article, the higher priced collections will offer more features and hydrotherapy options than the J-200™ Classic Collection.” – Anthony Schneikert, Spa Solutions Managing Director
Sundance® Spas
For nearly 45 years, Sundance® Spas has built a reputation in the industry as producers of quality hot tubs that cater to people of all ages, and fitted with great innovative features.
Sundance® Spas was founded in 1979 in Costa Mesa, California and is now owned by Jacuzzi Brands, LLC.
You will find that Sundance® Spas adopt features you will find on Jacuzzi® hot tubs, such as SmartTub® and the CLEARRAY® water purification system.
Sundance® Spas produces 4 collections – 680™ series, 780™ series, 880™ series, and the top of the range 980™ series. The models are available through a number of independent hot tub dealerships in the UK.
Sundance® Features
Sundance® Spas are equipped with a number of features including their own patented Fluidix® jets for a deep tissue penetrating massage. Some models also come with a quality MicroClean® Ultra Filtration System.
A notable spa within the collection is the Optima® in the 880™ Series, which according to their website, is equipped with massage jets within the reflexology foot dome. It also has Silent Air injector jets that produce bubbles of aromatherapy when fragrance beads are added.
Some Sundance® Spas models are also equipped with cabinetry that can act as a cool down seat.
Pros
- Nearly 45 years industry
- Quality features also found on Jacuzzi® hot tubs
- Energy efficiency
Cons
- Filter house may take up more space in some hot tub. Horizontal fitting means water may go over it, rather than through it
- Replacement filters on some models may be pricey to replace
- One of the more expensive hot tub brands on the market
Sundance® Spas Price
Sundance® Spas range in price on their website from £7,749.00 to £21,999.00.
Sundance® Spas Models
Sundance® Spas 980™ Series
The Kingston™ – £21,999.00
The Claremont™ £21,999.00
Sundance® Spas 880™ Series
The Optima™ – £18,499.00
The Aspen™ – £20,999.00
The Marin™ – £15,999.00
The Capri™ – £13,499.00
The Vistamar™ – £16,999.00
The Cameo™ – £18,499.00
The Altamar™ – £16,999.00
Sundance® Spas 780™ Series
The Chelsee™ – £13,999.00
The Bristol™ – £12,999.00
The Dover™ – £10,999.00
The Montclair™ – £12,999.00
The Hamilton™ – £13,999.00
Sundance® Spas 680™ Series
The McKinley™ – £9,999.00
The Ramona™ – £9,999.00
The Edison™ – £8,999.00
The Peyton™ – £8,999.00
The Prado™ – £7,749.00
The Alicia™ – £7,999.00
Why is Sundance® Spas a Top 5 brand?
“Sundance® Spas creates great quality products and are value for money. They are not the cheapest priced options on the market, but combine design and innovation at a lower price point, in comparison to Jacuzzi® hot tubs that share the same parent owner Jacuzzi Brands LLC.” – Anthony Schneikert, Spa Solutions Managing Director
Vortex® Spas
Vortex® Spas are a quality brand of hot tubs designed in Australia and New Zealand. Spa Solutions is also the exclusive distributor of Vortex® Spas in the UK.
The hot tubs are manufactured in China and sold in more than 20 countries around the world.
Vortex® Spas also manufactures other hot tub brands including Fisher Spas™, Sun & Soul® and Arcadia Spas®. Vortex Spas is a brand owned by Vortex Leisure Pty Limited, which is owned by US based Jacuzzi Group.
Vortex® Spas are renowned as an innovative, design-led company with a number of industry-first features. The brand fits into the mid-market price range in the UK. They’re also equipped with notable cost saving features. These include the sealed base and arctic insulation, which makes the models more energy efficient than most quality hot tub brands on the market.
Vortex® Spas key features
Vortex® Spas developed the industry-first feature UV sterilisation in hot tubs and swim spas – the Purezone™ UV-C automatic water purifier system.
The system purifies the water and reduces water maintenance and need for sanitiser chemicals such as chlorine or bromine.
The brand is also renowned for the ultra modern designed Vortex Ikon™. This model includes many features you will find on other Vortex® Spa models, as well as the exclusive landscape seating to make it easy to relax in multiple positions in the same seat, Flexiteek deck (similar to fittings on a super yacht) and elegant architectural cabinetry.
Pros
- Design-led, innovate brand
- High quality
- Range of seating, shapes and dimensions
- Great features (Even on lower priced models)
- Equipped with energy efficient features
Cons
- Limited options if you prefer single lounger
- May cost more to buy than other mid-market spas in the UK
Price
Vortex® Spas range in price from £4,895.00 to £21,995.00
Vortex® Spas models
Vortex Ikon™ – £21,995.00
Vortex Gemini™ – £4,895.00
Vortex Neon™ – £7,795.00
Vortex Eon™ (Hydroplus) – £7,395.00
Vortex Azure™ – £7,495.00
Vortex Mercury™ – £8,295.00
Vortex Cerium™ (Hydroplus) – £9,595.00
Vortex Cobalt™ (Hydroplus) – £10,995.00
Vortex Xenon™ – £8,795.00
Vortex Nitro™ (Hydroplus) – £11,995.00
Vortex Spectrum™ (Hydroplus) – £12,995.00
Vortex Titanium™ (Hydroplus) – £14,495.00
Vortex Palladium™ (Hydroplus) – £19,995.00
Why is Vortex® Spas a Top 5 brand?
“Vortex® Spas are a reputable brand in the hot tub industry. It is one of the brands I distribute, and Spa Solutions holds exclusive distribution rights to the brand in the UK.
“Alongside the range of attractive designs, key features that regularly come up in conversation include that Vortex® Spas are made with quality sourced materials. (There is a quality assurance team on site, to check each hot tub meets the mark) Longevity – the hot tubs have great warranties which proves the manufacturers confidence in the product.
“They are equipped with plenty of energy efficient features, including the floor, cabinet and shell insulation.” – Anthony Schneikert, Spa Solutions Managing Director
What hot tub brand is best for me?
When it comes to buying a hot tub, deciding which hot tub brand is best for you is a personal decision. There could be a number of factors swaying your decision, from running costs, energy efficiency, number of seats, design, dimensions, low maintenance and more.
However, if you are looking for a hot tub that ticks the boxes for design, innovation, hydromassage, quality features and water care management, you may like to take a look at Vortex® Spas and Sundance® Spas, if you’re in the mid-market.
If you are looking for luxury hot tubs, you may like to check out Hot Spring® and Marquis®. If a well established brand, built around hydromassage is important to you, take a look at Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs.
If you still have some questions, click the contact us button get in touch with myself and the team at Spa Solutions. We’ll be more than happy to help you answer your queries.
Disclaimer – Hot Spring®, FreeFlow®, FreeFlow® Premier, Highlife®, Hot Spot®, Limelight®, Caldera Spas®, Fantasy Spas®, Moto-Massage®, FreshWater Salt System® are trademarks owned by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation. Marquis® and MicroSilk® are trademarks owned by Marquis Corp. Sundance® Spas, 680™, 780™, 880™, 980™, Fluidix®, MicroClean®, Optima® are trademarks owned by Sundance Spas Inc. Vortex® Spas, Purezone™, Vortex Ikon™ are trademarks owned by Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd. Jacuzzi®, J-200™, J-300™, J-400™, J-LX®, SmartTub® are trademarks owned by Jacuzzi Inc. Hydropool is a trademark owned by Hydropool Inc.
Fisher Spas™ is a trademark owned by Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd and Sun & Soul® is a trademark owned by Jacuzzi Inc